DVD drives

[AAF]

Hello,

I think I need something to get my music files backed up (running out of HD space), as some of my songs in sonar get up to 1.5GB (can't fit them on regular CD, but one DVD disk can handle 4.7GB). So my question is DVD a good way to back-up my music?... or there are something cheaper than DVD's?

What are the prices for a good reliable DVD drives now days? I can’t go more than $250 for the drive...

If it's a no trouble, could someone shed some light on the difference between dvd-rw and dvd-ra (hope I’ve got them right)?

Thanks,
AAF

[Neil Wilkes]

DVD is a great way to back up, as the discs are supposed to retain integrity for up to 100 years. Not too sure how they work that one out, but what do I know.
I think you are referring to DVD-R/W and DVD-RAM. Avoid DVD-RAM, as it's primarily a japanese only thing, and will be obsolete very soon.
You can get very reliable drives for your budget, the only thing you have to worry about is which format to use the - or the + version.
the - version is the one approved by the DVD Forum, with the + format being a rival one from Sony/Phillips. It's supposed to be compatible with the - version, but I don't know for sure how reliable it is.
I'd stick with the spec version, and go for a Pioneer DVR 105/A05 (same drive, but one's a retail box the other is an OEM)
I've had no trouble with mine at all, just make sure you have the current firmware version as there was an issue with disc smashing at the higher speeds under the old firmware. This is now fixed.
Also, watch your file sizes. DVD 4.7 Gb is not the same as Computer 4.7 Gb. computers work in multiples of 1024, but DVD measures in multiples of 1000 so what you think is 4.7 Gb is actually only 4.38 Gb in the real world.
Hope this helps.

[+Erik.+]

if you are desperate to backup over cd rom i use winrar to compress my projects.

Due to the ampltiude of each individual wave and free space they usually compress very well when using maximum compression. You may find that compressing your project will take you down to 500-600mb.

Another trick is to use the splitter and make them cd size, so you get archives spanning over cd.

It takes a little longer to compress over maximum compression but it's worth it for those who can't afford a dvd backup unit.

Of course, if you have the money then by one but right now i am reluctant to do this because of the very same trap i fell into of purchasing cd writing units!

[AAF]

Thanks guys!

Neil,

Just exactly the info I was looking for. Also, thank you for heads-up on the difference in cluster sizes between DVD and HD, very informative. I'll look more into this "DVD world" with more knowledge now and don't have to feel like I'm "out of that world" still http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif.


Eric,

Now you got me really thinking about trying your method (I've got over 150 cd-r's for free… rebates from Thanksgiving sale http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif). I'll give it a try, but I'm afraid it will be more time consuming and I've got to get more organized! http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif

Thanks again!
AAF