Excited Newbie...Proceed With Caution

[vectrex]

Hi All,

I'm new to the group, and have been reading as much as I can for the last 3 days. I just got a PS2 (kind of late) and I'm fascinated with the whole MODing scene.

I've got the gist of everything, but was wondering what I'm up against in making copies of my games. Specifically, how large of a rip are the DVD PS2 games generally? Say for instance, GTA3:VC? Also, about how long does it take to copy a game with...say, PrimoDVD and a 2X DVD+R burner? I know mileage may vary, but just give me a general idea if possible.

SCPH-39001 v7
I'm planning on getting and installing a Messiah2. Can anyone recommend a reliable cheap source? I read Charlie_PS2 is one.
The DMS3 sounds sweet, but I can't wait...and I wouldn't mind swapping the M2 for a DMS3 later, if I need to.

Does anyone have any leads on a DVD+R burner for $200 or less, such as the Cendyne...if I could still find one.

However, there is a new deal at OfficeMax on a Verbatim DVD+RW/R for ... $149.99 after rebates..
Check out the post that I found this in HERE.
However, the local flyer at my OfficeMax says $299.99 - $50 IR - $50 MR = $199.99. Still a good deal though.
Anyone have a opinions on this burner?

Thanks for listening....and posting all of the great info. I've been reading.

Vectrex

[ps374]

I heard that Verbatim burner wasn't supported by (primo)record now max, I would definetly not get it.

[charlie_ps2]

The Sony DRU 500A is emerging as a useful burner because it does both DVD-R and DVD-R. If you can still get Pioneer A04 that's the one along with its predecessor the A03 that is the DVD-R benchmark. The new Pioneer A05 has had some firmware problems and your should proceed with caution there. Burning time varies with speed but reckon on 30 mins at least. Traxdata media is excellent and I prefer it to Verbatim.

I can't give opinions on the other burner you mentioned for lack of knowledge. I always say take the tried and trusted stuff that members of the forum can attest to.

DVD-rips onto CD are a real waste of time (IMHO that is). You are trying to cram 4.3 GB onto 650MB. It's not really on if you want to preserve key mvoies that contain clues, etc. Plus it's very time consuming and stresses the laser unit unless you lay it out sequentially perfectly.

Anything else you want to know - just reply.

[baztheman]

You would be better off with a dvd-r writer,and if you want the best of both worlds go for a sony as mentioned earlier in this thread.

Myself i went for a pioneer 105 charlie_ps2 (hi m8) is right about the firmware ver 1.00 but there has been a release of firmware ver 1.21 which is supposed to help with cheeper media,my 105 is still on ver 1.00 and it works spot on with ritec dark purple dvd-r's.

(the 105 is a cheeper no software ver of the a05) and i use nero (latest ver) and i have managed to rip and backup vice city and gta3 no probs.

The only problem i have came across so far is the backup of vrally3 (the backup of the original works fine but the backup of the backup didnt) i think its down to the speed you rip your disks and and backups may need to be ripped at a slower speed...

like yourself i have the massiah2 and it works no problems... happy burning m8...baz

[vectrex]

Thanks for the info guys. I did a bit more research today and found that the Verbatim DVD+RW/R is no good. A lot of people are having problems with it, and I read it's a repackaged NEC or Cendyne, but most newer ones are NEC.

As for the Sony DRU 500A, I think it is a little out of my price range. If I don't come home with something $250 or less, I'm in trouble with the wife I do like what it offers though.

30 min. copy time doesn't seem so bad for PS2 DVD's. Thanks.

I agree that DVD rips are a waste of time as well. Plus many people seem to have speed issues with them, and I for one don't wish to increase loading times

Is there any issue with the DVD-R vs. DVD+R vs. ORIGINAL and game speed? If someone wouldn't mind briefly explaining why DVD-R's are better than DVD+R for PS2, I would appreciate it.

Looks like I need to track down a Cendyne A03/A04 somewhere. I'll stop at two OfficeMax's on the way home...but I won't get my hopes up. Maybe eBay...

Vectrex

[trumpetguyscw]

If you're not going to get the Sony DRU500A, get a DVD+RW drive, they seem to work better in the newer ps2 units. Not only that, but here in the Midwest DVD+R and DVD+RW is ruling over DVD-RW, the only ones who even stock a DVD-RW drive around here is Office Max. I dunno about other parts of the US and other parts of the world, though. I have a HP DVD Writer 200j and it works wonders.

[ThAD0oD]

Originally posted by vectrex
Is there any issue with the DVD-R vs. DVD+R vs. ORIGINAL and game speed? If someone wouldn't mind briefly explaining why DVD-R's are better than DVD+R for PS2, I would appreciate it.

dvd-r is the standard as of now, so dvd+r (which is "supposed" to be the standard) is more expensive, and it doesnt really offer that many improvments.

(i got this from charlies dvd faq) the diff between -r/+r media and originals is the reflectivity of the disc. recordables are 80% or less reflectivity of a normal dvd-r. more expensive ones are obviously used with better dye, resulting in higher reflectivity. traxdata, tdk, verbatim, apple, certain ritek disc are all really high-end products and are great for ps2 (i use verbatims, and i dont notice even the slighest laser struggle) Princos and other unbranded $0.50 crap are really bad for your laser, because of cheap dye, resulting in low reflectivity (50%-60% or less).

i forget 'bout dvd+, but basically it uses a different way to burn, which is "more efficient", (thats why it can burn at 2.4x rather than 2x) but its still more expensive, especially the burners, than dvd-r.

if you're gettin a v7, dvd+ may be better for you, but if you can find an Pioneer a04/104 for cheap money, go for it, because it kicks ass and makes dvd-rs damn well. Its worked for me

[vulcan4d]

The Sony is really good, I was going for it but I went for a Pioneer A05 at the last second. I got it for $250USD, after rebate of course . I hear some company named cendyne(or something like it) sells repacked Pioneer A04/A05's for a lot less then they usually go. If you are in the US, you might want to look for one of those.

I went for a Pioneer because I think DVD+ is useless., it's not worth paying the extra $$$. You get everything you need from DVD-R, and more DVD players support this format. There's no real advantage over DVD+ then -. Blue ray technology is right around the corner. These will be new type DVD's which will hold 30GB of info. These are going to be released because we'll need HD-DVD's once HDTV's become a standard. I'm sure PS3, XBOX2 etc will use something along those lines. So it doesn't make sense buying a super expensive DVD burner now, when it's going to be garbage in a few years. Both DVD+ and DVD- will be replaced by blue ray or something like it, there won't be any time for one of them to become a standard in the next few years, they'll both die at the same time .

[vectrex]

Cool, good stuff guys. Thanks for the info.

I stopped at that OfficeMax on the way home on Fri. and they had a Cendyne on the shelf. I quickly grabbed it, but it was a display box. Damn... So I asked if they had any. Two were in the system, but none in lock-up. Figures...no one can keep track of their inventory

So I guess it's off to http://www.ebay.com if I still want a DVD-R drive...

"if you're gettin a v7, dvd+ may be better for you..." - ThAD0oD

Why would this be? Since DVD+ is more reflective, that would suggest the v7's have weaker lasers.. I must be interpreting this wrong. ??

Since the Verbatim DVD+R is not getting good reviews, I'm stumped for now as to which one I should go looking for (assuming the Cendyne DVD-R is not worth getting if DVD+R would be better).

They had a tag for a Buslink DVD+R DVRW28RW for $299-$50 MR, but there was no product, and the rebate was expired. BestBuy is good for getting your hopes up, and then letting you down. A lot of times it seems like they get a shippment of 5 sale items, or something rediculous like that.


One a different note: BestBuy is giving away a free Ready 2 Rumble - Round 2 game for PS2 with a PS2 purchase. I was able to go back with my recipt and get it. It's not a game I would normally buy, so I'll probably use it as a credit to get one of the more exciting current titles. It's worth $30 at BB. Not sure if I'll be able to exchange it there though :P

Vectrex

[Bgnome]

i was able to take a sealed game that i got with my ps2 bundle to eb, and even though i didnt buy it there, they gave me same-day credit for it..

and v7 lasers are not the best..