DVD+R ---> DVD-R is it possible?

TP2K · 13-11-2003, 5:52 PM

A friend of mine sent me a couple of music compilations from the US today... unfortunately though, they are burned on +R discs.

My HS2 won't touch them, nor will my Pioneer A04, yet my Pioneer DV444 plays them FLAWLESSLY!

I didn't think the 444 was compatible with +R discs, though it does seem otherwise!

Anyhoo, is there any way to convert these discs from +R to -R?

...go on, someone tell me I need a dual format PC drive to do it!

Rasczak · 13-11-2003, 6:46 PM

DVD+R and DVD-R disks use exactly the same file structure as DVD-Video disks meaning transferring content from one to the other is as simple as copying the data to the HDD and then burning it on the new DVD+R/-R disk. However you will need hardware that can read the format you want to copy from and burn to the format you want to copy to (oviously). So you don't need a dual format burner - the cheapest option is to install a DVD-ROM drive, copy the files to your HDD and then burn on your Pioneer.

phelings · 13-11-2003, 11:49 PM

DVD+R should play fine on HS2-but +RW don't

Rasczak · 14-11-2003, 7:31 AM

Quote:

DVD+R should play fine on HS2-but +RW don't

HS2 models with the original firmware (i.e. ones brought before Feb 03) won't normally play them (although it depends on the drive unit installed).

bowler · 14-11-2003, 9:58 AM

Does the fact that it was an American disc have any bearing on whether it plays or not?

Rasczak · 14-11-2003, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Does the fact that it was an American disc have any bearing on whether it plays or not?

Not from a media point of view. A US recorded disk will work in the players/recordings (provided the correct settings are made).

phelings · 14-11-2003, 10:31 PM

Why not simply connect the player that plays them to the HS2 and either copy to HDD,or straight to DVD-R.Is the DV444 a PC unit

TP2K · 15-11-2003, 5:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bowler
Does the fact that it was an American disc have any bearing on whether it plays or not?

Clearly not, because the disc plays in my UK origin Pioneer DV444!

Quote:

Originally posted by phelings
Why not simply connect the player that plays them to the HS2 and either copy to HDD,or straight to DVD-R.Is the DV444 a PC unit

It's a music video compilation with nice menus, countdowns etc. and I would prefer to keep the original structure where possible.

alanrob · 16-11-2003, 11:27 AM

My Pioneer A04 reads +R discs with no problems.
Have you tried updating the firmware?
I'm running a cracked region free firmware, but if I remember I could read all DVD media in it before I upgraded the firmware.

TP2K · 16-11-2003, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by alanrob
My Pioneer A04 reads +R discs with no problems.
Have you tried updating the firmware?
I'm running a cracked region free firmware, but if I remember I could read all DVD media in it before I upgraded the firmware.

Interesting!

Actually I should probably point out, I refer to it as an A-04, but it's a Sony base unit and so really is a DVR-104... would it matter?

I tried a few firmware fiddles unsucessfully when I was trying make it region free, but DVD Decrypter then introduced brute force cracking so didn't feel the need to risk killing the drive!

Do you have a link to the firmware you're currently using?

alanrob · 16-11-2003, 1:13 PM

Have a look here - http://kickme.to/pioneerdvd

Had a quick look on the web for the DVR-104 and it only reads DVD-Rom and DVD-R/RW - nothing on reading DVD+R/RW.

Best thing I could suggest now is getting a cheap DVD-Rom drive.
Have a look at the drives at www.ebuyer.co.uk you can get a drive for under £30 now