DVD Burner requirements

jtm2003 · July 5th, 2003, 10:33 PM

I'm new to DVD burners and am about to purchase one. The only thing I cannot seem to find is what other hardware, if any is required. I currently have a Soundblaster Live 5.1 card and a Gainward Geforce 4 Ultra 650XP video card. Do I only need software now? Even looked at DVDRHelp.com but could not find what equipment is required. Also, I am looking at a Pioneer DVR-A06 drive.

Thanks.

MDS · July 5th, 2003, 10:55 PM

you will need an open IDE plug and also if you plan on converting video onto DVD the more ram and faster processor the better. BTW welcome and it should come with burning software.

VHockey86 · July 5th, 2003, 11:09 PM

What are your processor specs?
I've only got an amd 2000+ (1.67ghz) and its pretty slow at encoding video, so count on alot of patience if you dont have a fast comp.

There shouldnt be any hardware requrements other than an open IDE slot like MDS mentioned. Note that you can have 2 devices on one channel, but its normally not recommended for speed to have a second device along with your primary HDD.

Will definately come with burning software unles you buy an OEM version.

Darthgary · July 7th, 2003, 02:43 AM

The faster the better!, I personally would not get a DVD burner with a CPU less then a 1 Ghz P3.

I have a P4 2A GHz machine with 768 MB of DDR and its pretty fast at video encoding.

jtm2003 · July 7th, 2003, 12:08 PM

I have a 1.6ghz Pentium 4 processor and 128mb of ram. Will be upgrading to 256 when I purchase the burner. Btw thanks for all of the information and assistance.

Darthgary · July 8th, 2003, 02:37 AM

Yeah your system sound fine, if I was you I would buy another 512 of RAM!

Any time.

jtm2003 · July 10th, 2003, 02:09 PM

One more question if its ok...What software would you recommend to use to burn home video to DVD? I have looked at NERO 5.5 and others and am having trouble making up my mind. Since you have burners maybe you could recommend one that works best.
P.S. I am now running at 768 for memory and the DVD drive plays fine. Thanks in advance.

thegladiatorgy · July 10th, 2003, 03:02 PM

I use the Sony DRU-500AX on a Athlon 1333mhz with 512MB RAM. Works decently on this setup. I think Sonic has some great DVD software for home movies.

jtm2003 · July 11th, 2003, 12:04 AM

Well, I now have ULead DVD software (trial) that should do what I need just to test the DVD (probably will go with Sonic in the end) but I keep getting an error, "either no capture driver is installed or no device is connected". I have the camcorder video connected via the pigtail in the correct connector(no audio yet as I need to get an adapter) but it will not see the video. I have updated the drivers and it still won't work. I am at a loss.

MDS · July 11th, 2003, 12:25 AM

are you using svideo or composite? Do you have all the drivers for your card installed? If so go into the settings for the video card and check to see what capture settings you have to play with.