CMF Cutting Master Format - anyone know about this?

[sdsumike619]

You can use a CMF DVD-R as the final mastering source, eliminating the need for a tape source.

I read this on Kodak's website. Anyone know about this? Do we not need a DLT for DVD9 projects if we get this CMF-DVD? Can Adobe Encore DVD do it?

[drjtech]

CMF (Cutting Master Format) must be burned to a DVD-R Authoring disc, which requires a special burner.

This is from the Kodak FAQ:

10. What is the difference between DVD-R Authoring and DVD-R General (Purpose)?
DVD-R General drives record DVD-R media at 650 nm*, while DVD-R Authoring drives record DVD-R media at 635 nm*. Therefore, a DVD-R Authoring disc cannot be written on a drive that specifies DVD-R General media (650 nm), and vise versa.

*wavelength of the record laser

-drjtech

[sdsumike619]

I understand that, so what drive would I need to buy? Is it more than a DLT? Does anyone use this method?

[sdsumike619]

Nevermind, just found this:

The DVD-R Authoring format is a professional drive writing at either 1x or 2x (max) speeds. It is extremely expensive, costing several thousand dollars, and is geared towards professional use only, incorporating the allowance for CMF to replace DLT for replication. Pioneer S-101 and Panasonic makes some of the only DVD-R(A) drives, some for 3.95GB discs, others for the more modern 4.7GB discs. The DVD-Authoring drives use different media and the laser uses a different writing frequency than DVD-R(G).

from digitalfaq.com

So much for that idea!

[Cornucopia]

The only maker of the DVD-R Authoring drives is Pioneer. They made ~ 3 models (all SCSI-based IIRC), and all of which are no longer manufactured (IIRC). The discs go from US$5-10/each (when last I looked).

***Note: The DVD-R(A) discs are ONLY Single Layer, so if you are working on a DL project, you will HAVE to use a DLT drive (which is a bear to get also).

Yeah, the ante for getting to play with the big boys is both expensive, antiquated and ridiculous. Why don't more pressing plants take just an ISO image off a hard drive (or Blu-Ray/HDDVD?)? Should be just as good (if not better for error correction).

Good luck,
Scott

[BJ_M]

some now take uploads from a ftp site .... dlt is a good format -- though slow and expensive and a throwback to yesteryear ... but 1000's of dlt machines out there

[sdsumike619]

It'd take forever to upload a DVD via ftp.. I'll probably buy a DLT. Either that or do this DDP-DVD I heard about recently, of course that Gear Pro software isn't exactly cheap..ah well.