Double Layer DVDs won't play in my DVD players

[Shane76]

I got a new Toshiba Satellite C675-S7200 laptop a couple months ago. Imgburn makes regular DVDs just fine regardless of the media I use, and they work in all my DVD players. But for some reason Double Layer DVDs will only work on the laptop that have been burned with Imgburn. Never had this problem on the old Dell Latitude laptop I had. I even tried Verbatim and the same results as the Phillips DVDs I usually use, regardless of what write speed I am using. I also tried burning movies that I burned on the old computer that I know burned just fine and worked.

 

Both the old laptop and the new one use an Optiarc DVD burner, so I am kinda scratching my head here, because like I said DVD DLs always worked in my Sony DVD players when burned on the old computer using Imgburn version 2.5.5.0. I even tried using the old Imgburn on the new laptop but that didn't help at all. One of the Sony DVD players displays the message "C:13:70 - the disc is dirty" on the TV screen with all the DVD DLs I've burned. Imgburn log doesn't show anything fishy going on, all the discs burn and verify just fine. It's kinda making me mad because replacing the burner isn't an option since it's not removable as far as I can tell. I think the old laptop had an Optiarc 7100 or 7200 series burner, can't remember exactly. The new laptop has an Optiarc DVD RW AD-7710H, a fairly newer model so I dunno what's going on. You'd think newer means better at burning. Well anyway here's the log, dunno how much help it's gonna be though. It's almost 1 a.m. where I'm at so I'll check back here in the morning and see what is recommended. Thanks.

 

; //****************************************\\

; ImgBurn Version 2.5.6.0 - Log

; Saturday, 10 March 2012, 23:57:53

; \\****************************************//

;

;

I 22:54:47 ImgBurn Version 2.5.6.0 started!

I 22:54:47 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium x64 Edition (6.1, Build 7601 : Service Pack 1)

I 22:54:47 Total Physical Memory: 4,104,176 KB - Available: 2,920,208 KB

I 22:54:47 Initialising SPTI...

I 22:54:47 Searching for SCSI / ATAPI devices...

I 22:54:47 -> Drive 1 - Info: Optiarc DVD RW AD-7710H 1.T1 (D:) (ATAPI)

I 22:54:47 Found 1 DVD±RW/RAM!

I 22:55:27 Operation Started!

I 22:55:27 Building Image Tree...

I 22:55:27 Checking Directory Depth...

I 22:55:27 Calculating Totals...

I 22:55:27 Preparing Image...

I 22:55:33 Using Layer Break LBA: 2011777 -> 2011792 (VTS_01, PGC: 6, Chapter: 34, Cell: 34, Vob/Cell ID: 6/34, Time: 01:37:50, SPLIP: No)

I 22:55:33 Checking Path Length...

I 22:55:33 Contents: 14 Files, 2 Folders

I 22:55:33 Content Type: DVD Video

I 22:55:33 Data Type: MODE1/2048

I 22:55:33 File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 22:55:34 Volume Label: [Not Configured]

I 22:55:34 IFO/BUP 32K Padding: Enabled

I 22:55:34 Region Code: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I 22:55:34 TV System: NTSC

I 22:55:34 Size: 7,827,077,120 bytes

I 22:55:34 Sectors: 3,821,815

I 22:55:34 Image Size: 7,827,718,144 bytes

I 22:55:34 Image Sectors: 3,822,128

I 22:55:34 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:06

I 22:56:40 Operation Started!

I 22:56:41 Building Image Tree...

I 22:56:41 Checking Directory Depth...

I 22:56:41 Calculating Totals...

I 22:56:41 Preparing Image...

I 22:56:44 Using Layer Break LBA: 2011777 -> 2011792 (VTS_01, PGC: 6, Chapter: 34, Cell: 34, Vob/Cell ID: 6/34, Time: 01:37:50, SPLIP: No)

I 22:56:44 Checking Path Length...

I 22:56:44 Contents: 14 Files, 2 Folders

I 22:56:44 Content Type: DVD Video

I 22:56:44 Data Type: MODE1/2048

I 22:56:44 File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 22:56:44 Volume Label: TEST_MOVIE

I 22:56:44 IFO/BUP 32K Padding: Enabled

I 22:56:44 Region Code: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I 22:56:44 TV System: NTSC

I 22:56:44 Size: 7,827,077,120 bytes

I 22:56:44 Sectors: 3,821,815

I 22:56:44 Image Size: 7,827,718,144 bytes

I 22:56:44 Image Sectors: 3,822,128

I 22:56:48 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:07

I 22:56:48 Operation Started!

I 22:56:48 Source File: -==/\/[bUILD IMAGE]\/\==-

I 22:56:48 Source File Sectors: 3,822,128 (MODE1/2048)

I 22:56:48 Source File Size: 7,827,718,144 bytes

I 22:56:48 Source File Volume Identifier: TEST_MOVIE

I 22:56:48 Source File Volume Set Identifier: 406AB714003A5222

I 22:56:48 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.6.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!

I 22:56:48 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn

I 22:56:48 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 22:56:48 Destination Device: [0:1:0] Optiarc DVD RW AD-7710H 1.T1 (D:) (ATAPI)

I 22:56:48 Destination Media Type: DVD+R DL (Disc ID: MKM-001-00)

I 22:56:48 Destination Media Supported Write Speeds: 2.4x, 4x

I 22:56:48 Destination Media Sectors: 4,173,824

I 22:56:48 Write Mode: DVD

I 22:56:48 Write Type: DAO

I 22:56:48 Write Speed: 2.4x

I 22:56:48 Link Size: Auto

I 22:56:48 Lock Volume: Yes

I 22:56:48 Test Mode: No

I 22:56:48 OPC: No

I 22:56:48 BURN-Proof: Enabled

I 22:56:48 Write Speed Successfully Set! - Effective: 3,324 KB/s (2.4x)

I 22:56:48 Book Type Setting: N/A (Reason: Invalid Command Operation Code)

I 22:56:48 Optimal L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,011,792

I 22:56:48 Optimal L0 Data Zone Method: IFO Cell Boundary, 'SPLIP' Flag Not Set

I 22:56:58 Set L0 Data Zone Capacity Succeeded!

I 22:56:58 Filling Buffer... (40 MB)

I 22:56:59 Writing LeadIn...

I 22:57:03 Writing Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 3822127)

I 22:57:03 Writing Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 3822127)

I 22:57:03 Writing Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2011791)

I 23:18:10 Writing Layer 1... (LBA: 2011792 - 3822127)

I 23:37:23 Synchronising Cache...

I 23:37:24 Closing Track...

I 23:37:38 Finalising Disc...

I 23:40:54 Exporting Graph Data...

I 23:40:54 Graph Data File: C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\ImgBurn\Graph Data Files\Optiarc_DVD_RW_AD-7710H_1.T1_SATURDAY-MARCH-10-2012_10-56_PM_MKM-001-00_2.4x.ibg

I 23:40:54 Export Successfully Completed!

I 23:40:54 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:44:05

I 23:40:54 Average Write Rate: 3,160 KB/s (2.3x) - Maximum Write Rate: 3,428 KB/s (2.5x)

I 23:40:54 Cycling Tray before Verify...

W 23:41:06 Waiting for device to become ready...

I 23:41:16 Device Ready!

I 23:41:19 Operation Started!

I 23:41:19 Source Device: [0:1:0] Optiarc DVD RW AD-7710H 1.T1 (D:) (ATAPI)

I 23:41:19 Source Media Type: DVD+R DL (Book Type: DVD+R DL) (Disc ID: MKM-001-00)

I 23:41:19 Source Media Supported Write Speeds: 2.4x, 4x

I 23:41:19 Image File: -==/\/[bUILD IMAGE]\/\==-

I 23:41:19 Image File Sectors: 3,822,128 (MODE1/2048)

I 23:41:19 Image File Size: 7,827,718,144 bytes

I 23:41:19 Image File Volume Identifier: TEST_MOVIE

I 23:41:19 Image File Volume Set Identifier: 406AB714003A5222

I 23:41:19 Image File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.6.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!

I 23:41:19 Image File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn

I 23:41:19 Image File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 23:41:19 Read Speed (Data/Audio): MAX / MAX

I 23:41:20 Verifying Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 3822127)

I 23:41:20 Verifying Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 3822127)

I 23:41:20 Verifying Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2011791)

I 23:50:07 Verifying Layer 1... (LBA: 2011792 - 3822127)

I 23:57:32 Exporting Graph Data...

I 23:57:32 Graph Data File: C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\ImgBurn\Graph Data Files\Optiarc_DVD_RW_AD-7710H_1.T1_SATURDAY-MARCH-10-2012_10-56_PM_MKM-001-00_2.4x.ibg

I 23:57:32 Export Successfully Completed!

I 23:57:32 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:16:12

I 23:57:32 Average Verify Rate: 7,880 KB/s (5.7x) - Maximum Verify Rate: 11,100 KB/s (8.0x)

I 23:57:52 Close Request Acknowledged

I 23:57:52 Closing Down...

I 23:57:53 Shutting down SPTI...

I 23:57:53 ImgBurn closed!

;

;

[ianymaty]

The disc was burned and verified OK by the laptop burner so the disc is fine (at least in that drive).

 

That doesn't necesary a good disc in other drives. Players are more picky than computer drives.

 

A disc quality scan would show more info but that requires a capable drive (Lite ON).

 

See if you can get some firmware update for your player that may fix the reading problem for you.

[LIGHTNING UK!]

Have you tried burning at 4x instead of 2.4x? The drive might actually do a better job at that speed.

[Shane76]

The disc was burned and verified OK by the laptop burner so the disc is fine (at least in that drive).

 

That doesn't necesary a good disc in other drives. Players are more picky than computer drives.

 

A disc quality scan would show more info but that requires a capable drive (Lite ON).

 

See if you can get some firmware update for your player that may fix the reading problem for you.

Sorry there aren't any firmware updates for this particular burner, checked Sony's site and the listing says "No new firmware available !"

http://sony-optiarc.us/en/support-service/downloads/fw_dvd-writer-ad-series.html

 

Have you tried burning at 4x instead of 2.4x? The drive might actually do a better job at that speed.

These Verbatim discs say they can only be burned at 2.4x speed on the spindle, although I did notice Imgburn's log says they can be burned at 4x too, so that's a head scratcher as well. Why does the product say one thing and Imgburn says another? Also I've tried all speeds with the Phillips DVDs and same problem, spent all day a few days ago trying to get one to work in a regular DVD player, that's why I bought the Verbatim ones, although in the back of my mind something told me those wouldn't work either. I'll try another Verbatim at 4x but I'm not holding my breath, just wish it didn't take so long to burn.

 

EDIT: Tried at 4x still doesn't work in anything but the laptop which is pointless for me since I could just make an ISO and mount it. Basically feel like I'm beating my head against the wall at this point. Here's the last log:

 

; //****************************************\\

; ImgBurn Version 2.5.6.0 - Log

; Sunday, 11 March 2012, 13:28:08

; \\****************************************//

;

;

I 12:40:29 ImgBurn Version 2.5.6.0 started!

I 12:40:29 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium x64 Edition (6.1, Build 7601 : Service Pack 1)

I 12:40:29 Total Physical Memory: 4,104,176 KB - Available: 2,920,708 KB

I 12:40:29 Initialising SPTI...

I 12:40:29 Searching for SCSI / ATAPI devices...

I 12:40:29 -> Drive 1 - Info: Optiarc DVD RW AD-7710H 1.T1 (D:) (ATAPI)

I 12:40:29 Found 1 DVD±RW/RAM!

I 12:40:48 Operation Started!

I 12:40:48 Building Image Tree...

I 12:40:48 Checking Directory Depth...

I 12:40:48 Calculating Totals...

I 12:40:48 Preparing Image...

I 12:40:53 Using Layer Break LBA: 2011777 -> 2011792 (VTS_01, PGC: 6, Chapter: 34, Cell: 34, Vob/Cell ID: 6/34, Time: 01:37:50, SPLIP: No)

I 12:40:54 Checking Path Length...

I 12:40:54 Contents: 14 Files, 2 Folders

I 12:40:54 Content Type: DVD Video

I 12:40:54 Data Type: MODE1/2048

I 12:40:54 File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 12:40:54 Volume Label: [Not Configured]

I 12:40:54 IFO/BUP 32K Padding: Enabled

I 12:40:54 Region Code: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I 12:40:54 TV System: NTSC

I 12:40:54 Size: 7,827,077,120 bytes

I 12:40:54 Sectors: 3,821,815

I 12:40:54 Image Size: 7,827,718,144 bytes

I 12:40:54 Image Sectors: 3,822,128

I 12:40:54 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:05

I 12:41:30 Operation Started!

I 12:41:30 Building Image Tree...

I 12:41:30 Checking Directory Depth...

I 12:41:30 Calculating Totals...

I 12:41:30 Preparing Image...

I 12:41:37 Using Layer Break LBA: 2011777 -> 2011792 (VTS_01, PGC: 6, Chapter: 34, Cell: 34, Vob/Cell ID: 6/34, Time: 01:37:50, SPLIP: No)

I 12:41:37 Checking Path Length...

I 12:41:37 Contents: 14 Files, 2 Folders

I 12:41:37 Content Type: DVD Video

I 12:41:37 Data Type: MODE1/2048

I 12:41:37 File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 12:41:37 Volume Label: TEST_MOVIE_2

I 12:41:37 IFO/BUP 32K Padding: Enabled

I 12:41:37 Region Code: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I 12:41:37 TV System: NTSC

I 12:41:37 Size: 7,827,077,120 bytes

I 12:41:37 Sectors: 3,821,815

I 12:41:37 Image Size: 7,827,718,144 bytes

I 12:41:37 Image Sectors: 3,822,128

I 12:41:46 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:16

I 12:41:46 Operation Started!

I 12:41:46 Source File: -==/\/[bUILD IMAGE]\/\==-

I 12:41:46 Source File Sectors: 3,822,128 (MODE1/2048)

I 12:41:46 Source File Size: 7,827,718,144 bytes

I 12:41:46 Source File Volume Identifier: TEST_MOVIE_2

I 12:41:46 Source File Volume Set Identifier: 406B652F003A5222

I 12:41:46 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.6.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!

I 12:41:46 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn

I 12:41:46 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 12:41:46 Destination Device: [0:1:0] Optiarc DVD RW AD-7710H 1.T1 (D:) (ATAPI)

I 12:41:46 Destination Media Type: DVD+R DL (Disc ID: MKM-001-00)

I 12:41:46 Destination Media Supported Write Speeds: 2.4x, 4x

I 12:41:47 Destination Media Sectors: 4,173,824

I 12:41:47 Write Mode: DVD

I 12:41:47 Write Type: DAO

I 12:41:47 Write Speed: 4x

I 12:41:47 Link Size: Auto

I 12:41:47 Lock Volume: Yes

I 12:41:47 Test Mode: No

I 12:41:47 OPC: No

I 12:41:47 BURN-Proof: Enabled

I 12:41:47 Write Speed Successfully Set! - Effective: 5,540 KB/s (4x)

I 12:41:47 Book Type Setting: N/A (Reason: Invalid Command Operation Code)

I 12:41:47 Optimal L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,011,792

I 12:41:47 Optimal L0 Data Zone Method: IFO Cell Boundary, 'SPLIP' Flag Not Set

I 12:41:57 Set L0 Data Zone Capacity Succeeded!

I 12:41:57 Filling Buffer... (40 MB)

I 12:41:58 Writing LeadIn...

I 12:42:02 Writing Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 3822127)

I 12:42:02 Writing Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 3822127)

I 12:42:02 Writing Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2011791)

I 12:56:01 Writing Layer 1... (LBA: 2011792 - 3822127)

I 13:08:05 Synchronising Cache...

I 13:08:06 Closing Track...

I 13:08:20 Finalising Disc...

I 13:11:25 Exporting Graph Data...

I 13:11:25 Graph Data File: C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\ImgBurn\Graph Data Files\Optiarc_DVD_RW_AD-7710H_1.T1_SUNDAY-MARCH-11-2012_12-41_PM_MKM-001-00_4x.ibg

I 13:11:25 Export Successfully Completed!

I 13:11:25 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:29:38

I 13:11:25 Average Write Rate: 4,893 KB/s (3.5x) - Maximum Write Rate: 5,569 KB/s (4.0x)

I 13:11:25 Cycling Tray before Verify...

W 13:11:37 Waiting for device to become ready...

I 13:11:45 Device Ready!

I 13:11:48 Operation Started!

I 13:11:48 Source Device: [0:1:0] Optiarc DVD RW AD-7710H 1.T1 (D:) (ATAPI)

I 13:11:48 Source Media Type: DVD+R DL (Book Type: DVD+R DL) (Disc ID: MKM-001-00)

I 13:11:48 Source Media Supported Write Speeds: 2.4x, 4x

I 13:11:48 Image File: -==/\/[bUILD IMAGE]\/\==-

I 13:11:48 Image File Sectors: 3,822,128 (MODE1/2048)

I 13:11:48 Image File Size: 7,827,718,144 bytes

I 13:11:48 Image File Volume Identifier: TEST_MOVIE_2

I 13:11:48 Image File Volume Set Identifier: 406B652F003A5222

I 13:11:48 Image File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.6.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!

I 13:11:48 Image File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn

I 13:11:48 Image File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 13:11:48 Read Speed (Data/Audio): MAX / MAX

I 13:11:49 Verifying Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 3822127)

I 13:11:49 Verifying Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 3822127)

I 13:11:49 Verifying Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2011791)

I 13:20:36 Verifying Layer 1... (LBA: 2011792 - 3822127)

I 13:28:01 Exporting Graph Data...

I 13:28:01 Graph Data File: C:\Users\User\AppData\Roaming\ImgBurn\Graph Data Files\Optiarc_DVD_RW_AD-7710H_1.T1_SUNDAY-MARCH-11-2012_12-41_PM_MKM-001-00_4x.ibg

I 13:28:01 Export Successfully Completed!

I 13:28:01 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:16:12

I 13:28:01 Average Verify Rate: 7,880 KB/s (5.7x) - Maximum Verify Rate: 11,079 KB/s (8.0x)

I 13:28:08 Close Request Acknowledged

I 13:28:08 Closing Down...

I 13:28:08 Shutting down SPTI...

I 13:28:08 ImgBurn closed!

;

;

Edited March 11, 2012 by Shane76

[LIGHTNING UK!]

Ah well, it was worth a shot.

 

I guess the drive you have now just produces discs your player can't read. It's probably a firmware bug.

 

I see it doesn't support the usual booktype/bitsetting commands and it doesn't automatically change the booktype to DVD-ROM (which is a bit weird)... but I'm sure the Sony players can't be relying on that - or can they?!

 

Are you able to try some of the 8x Verbatim discs? MKM-003-00 rather than MKM-001-00

[Shane76]

Ah well, it was worth a shot.

 

I guess the drive you have now just produces discs your player can't read. It's probably a firmware bug.

 

I see it doesn't support the usual booktype/bitsetting commands and it doesn't automatically change the booktype to DVD-ROM (which is a bit weird)... but I'm sure the Sony players can't be relying on that - or can they?!

 

Are you able to try some of the 8x Verbatim discs? MKM-003-00 rather than MKM-001-00

Yeah I noticed it doesn't support the booktype settings when I was looking at the log, I browsed the forums and looked around the internet about that stuff the other day, saw a guide on here to change the booktype but it doesn't allow it under the NEC tab at all, even though technically NEC no longer is involved in the production of the Optiarc drives anymore. It is odd that a Sony Optiarc can't produce double layer DVDs that their own players can read.

 

The specs for this burner say that the maximum supported write speeds for DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL is 6x, so 8x discs probably won't work, I guess? Here's the link with the info for it:

http://www.sony-optiarc.us/en/products/slim-line-drives/ad-7710h3

 

So I can't change the booktype, and can't get any new firmware as there is none available, and the max write speed supported for DLs is 6x. Talk about running out of options. It's too bad because regular DVD5's all work just fine, no issues at all.

 

So I guess my options are to find some kind of DVD shrinking program other than the old outdated DVDShrink until I can get the funds to find an external burner, so, any suggestions on either of those? For a shrinking program I'd prefer something relatively easy to use like DVDShrink was, an all-in-one type of program that can output files that Imgburn can use rather than using Nero to spit out a nrg file.

[LIGHTNING UK!]

The 8x discs will work fine. It's a technical limitation that it can't handle DVD+R DL any faster than 6x (slimline drives are rubbish), that doesn't mean the firmware won't support 8x discs at speeds below that (i.e. 4x and 6x). Give them a try

[Shane76]

The 8x discs will work fine. It's a technical limitation that it can't handle DVD+R DL any faster than 6x (slimline drives are rubbish), that doesn't mean the firmware won't support 8x discs at speeds below that (i.e. 4x and 6x). Give them a try

I seriously doubt I will have any more luck with those 8x discs than the ones I already bought. I don't really have the time or money to keep buying more media that is just going to end up as useless coasters, bad enough I already have a bunch of brand new Verbatim Double Layer discs I can't even use now except for burning regular DVD5's. I already have 8x Phillips DVD+R DLs, and tried those at all speeds except the 8x speed which this burner can't do, my other Phillips DVDs for regular DVD5 movies all burn and work just fine. Personally I think it's just shotty firmware in the burner, and since it cannot be updated at all, I shall just concede, throw my arms up and curse the gods.

 

And you didn't give me any recommendations on a good DVD shrinking program or a decent external DVD burner like I asked in my previous post, since you all claim to be "experts" on everything, not really surprised though. The usual response I see on most of this site to problems is "oh just buy Verbatim because everything else sucks" or "slimline drives are rubbish". It's funny because I've burned DVDs for years with all sorts of media and burner combinations, with software other than Imgburn even, and never had problems with them working in any DVD players at all, until now. I never even bothered with Verbatim until a year ago, let alone even heard of them. For supposedly being the world's best media Verbatim sure is hard to find in the stores.

 

Oh well thanks for your help, or rather lack there of. Nothing got resolved, just "oh get some more Verbatim discs", well I already did that once before even posting to this site and they didn't work, I'm not wasting more money on them.

 

I'm surprised Verbatim hasn't already bought the rights to Imgburn from you and slapped adware all over it telling you to go buy their stuff every time you use it, with the slogan "Buy Verbatim, because your DVDs and burners suck!", since you seem to be their number one spokesperson. Don't take that the wrong way though, just calling it like I see it on this site, and I'm frustrated that nothing got done. See ya.

[LIGHTNING UK!]

Sorry, I missed the bit in your last post where you asked for suggestions for DVDShrink style software and an external drive.

 

Just because DVDShrink is old doesn't mean it's useless. It'll still shrink down 'valid' DVD Video content just fine. I'm sure you can Google for alternatives just as well as I can, but things like CloneDVD (by Elaborate Bytes) and DVD Rebuilder (by jdobbs) spring to mind. Don't rule out Nero (Nero Recode?), you could just tell it to output a VIDEO_TS folder and burn that - in fact, that's often better than having the software output an ISO.

 

Personally I wouldn't buy a proper external drive, I'd buy a normal internal one and put it in an enclosure. The external ones just never seem to match up with / be as 'current' as the internal offerings.

The latest models from most manufacturers are all pretty decent I think. If you've done some reading around here (which you must have if you're moaning about us recommending Verbatim media) then you'll no doubt have seen us recommending the Optiarc drives. I'd advise you to work out a shortlist and then visit the MyCE forums to see if anyone has posted a review/quality scans from said drives.

 

These are the 4 I have in my PC currently...

 

I 09:23:15 -> Drive 1 - Info: ATAPI iHAS624 B GL2A (M:) (ATAPI)

I 09:23:15 -> Drive 2 - Info: HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH12LS38 1.00-D2 (N:) (ATAPI)

I 09:23:15 -> Drive 3 - Info: Optiarc DVD RW AD-7280S 1.01 (P:) (ATAPI)

I 09:23:15 -> Drive 4 - Info: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-217F 1.07 (O:) (ATAPI)

 

The iHAS is my day to day drive for when I'm messing around and testing various things. The others serve their own purposes.