Best external DVD-RAM writer?

[steveparry]

Hi

I use a Panasonic DVD recorder to record films from Freeview. I'd like to be able to edit/back up these recordings by recording on DVD-RAM media then copying onto my G5 iMac and burning back to DVD-R. But I'm confused about which burner to get. I'd like dual-layer and maybe Lightscribe - or similar - to title the discs etc. So; are all DVD-RAM writers compatible with the Mac? I use Toast Titanium on OS 10.4 Tiger? What are the best models? Can you suggest reliable stores on high street or online to purchase froom?

PS I read this about LG products being incompatible : "Some users have experience trouble using the latest Panasonic DVD recorders (the 2004 Ex5 series and later), Panasonic 3x DVD-RAM discs and the LG Super Multi Format DVD burners. The problem is linked with the Panasonic recorder putting a CPRM label on the disc that the drive then corrupts. If your looking for a RAM compatible drive and you have a new Panasonic DVD recorder then it is recommended you avoid the LG DVDRW. or the Panasonic. " This was written a year ago here (see bottom):
www.btinternet.com/~james_lancaster/guide1.HTML Is this still the case? Thanks in advance,

Steve

[Hal_loe]

Originally Posted by steveparry

I read this about LG products being incompatible : "Some users have experience trouble using the latest Panasonic DVD recorders (the 2004 Ex5 series and later), Panasonic 3x DVD-RAM discs and the LG Super Multi Format DVD burners. The problem is linked with the Panasonic recorder putting a CPRM label on the disc that the drive then corrupts. If your looking for a RAM compatible drive and you have a new Panasonic DVD recorder then it is recommended you avoid the LG DVDRW. or the Panasonic. " This was written a year ago here (see bottom):
www.btinternet.com/~james_lancaster/guide1.HTML Is this still the case? Thanks in advance,

Steve

Hi Steve

This appears to still be the case but it might just be a Windows XP problem.

I access the vids from my Panasonic Recorder on DVD-RAM discs via LG Multi Format drives.

I have two systems.

1) WIN98SE LG GSA-4040B

2) WIN XP Pro LG GSA-4167B

No problems at all with the WIN98SE system which I setup originally.

However I had to install the DVD-RAM driver to access the data properly on the XP system then I met the CPRM flag problem. Which meant having read the discs I coiuldn't erase or format the disc in my Panny Recorder anymore.

I just keep using the WIN98SE drive mapped as a read only drive and access via WIN XP as this is my new video editing PC.

Hope that helps.

[375 driver]

Hi Steve.
I run an iMac G4 and an external Pioneer DVR-109 dvd burner (via firewire).
Toast Titanium 7.1 can read and copy DVD RAM discs no problem.
Click on the "VIDEO" tab and browse the disc using the "MEDIA" tab in the side bar.
The latest Pioneer is the DVR-111D.