Copying/editting RAM PVR recordings on PC

marmot · 21-11-2006, 1:35 PM

I'd be very grateful for some advice please.
I have some video recorded fom TV onto RAM discs using my Panasonic DMR-ES20D PVR and I can't get it recognised on my PC.
Basically, I can view the RAM recorded files in Windows Explorer but when I try to copy/covert/edit it using Nero 6, DVD Shrink or Windows Movie Maker there isn't anything showing inside the folder.
Do I need some extra software maybe? I have the full KLite codec pack installed by the way.
I'm using an LG GSA-4167B 16x DVD burner (Handles RAM), which, incidentally won't burn, using numerous software packages, at over 4x speed.
My OS is XP SP2 and my drives are PATA connected using newish round type cables, the master/slave arrangement seems to be set up correctly too.
Thanks very much.

redsox_mark · 21-11-2006, 2:10 PM

I've not done this, but this may help

http://www.btinternet.com/~james_lancaster/ramtor.HTML

The reason your software doesn't see the files is DVD-RAM files are .VRO files, which probably isn't a format your software is expecting.

marmot · 21-11-2006, 5:44 PM

Ok, thanks a lot, I'll look into it and post back with how I get on.

marmot · 21-11-2006, 7:27 PM

I tried the TMPG DVD author and that isn't recognising it either, or normal DVD files for that matter....?

Hal_loe · 21-11-2006, 8:12 PM

This thread Is There Much Advantage in Getting a Recorder that can Handle DVD-RAM Discs?

Has much info on DVD-RAM video editing.

I think you may run into a problem using the LG GSA-4167B though. I have this unit and it effects the CPRM flag so when you put the disc back in Panasonic DVD Recorder it plays up.

Also I had to install the DVD-RAM driver which came with my older LG drive to get it to work with XP properly.

Hope that helps.

marmot · 21-11-2006, 8:44 PM

Yes, thanks - some other software to try.

marmot · 21-11-2006, 8:52 PM

By the way, I've just tried copying the RAM disc's contents to the HDD and it ran for a while, then stopped with an error message: I/O device error...?

Hal_loe · 21-11-2006, 9:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marmot

By the way, I've just tried copying the RAM disc's contents to the HDD and it ran for a while, then stopped with an error message: I/O device error...?

I think that was the error I got, it definately failed to copy.

Thats when I installed the DVD-RAM driver onto XP I had, that I was using with my WIN98SE machine.

This fixed the copying problem.

The driver is simply called 'DVD-RAM Driver'.

XP shouldn't need it but it looks like it does.

SIP · 22-11-2006, 8:31 AM

Hi

I have the same burner as you, and it is fine for DVD-RAM.
You will not however get any joy with nero etc for editing your files.
Try Womble's Mpeg Video Wizard. This accepts .VRO files, and lets you frame edit, add effects etc. and then converts to an MPEG file.
I also use TMPG Enc DVD Author, as this also works with Ram files, and is fine for authoring. It also has very basic cutting feature, but as this is not frame accurate, I would stear clear of using it for that, although mine is the old version and the newer version has been improved.
When you have inserted the disc into the PC, click on the LG drive, highlight the folders within the drive, then click "Copy Files" to a location on the hard drive. Open Womble, and then import the files. You then drag the file onto the timeline, and off you go.

I use this all the time with discs created on my Panasonic DVD recorder, and it never fails.

SiP

marmot · 22-11-2006, 10:40 AM

Ok, thankyou.
I'll try the Womble program and see if I can find a RAM driver for the burner.
Any ideas why my TMPG Enc DVD Author isn't seeing my RAM files from disc or DVD files from either disc or HDD?
Thanks!

SIP · 22-11-2006, 11:03 AM

Hi

Not sure why your TMPg is not seeing the .VRO files...I shall look into it for you, if it will help.

In the meantime, look at this link from an expert member of the DVD Recorders forum. I followed this when I first started using DVD-Ram. It informs you how to use womble and TMPg and even has fool-proof illustrations.It also has a link to RAM drivers. Its all here:

PC GUIDE: DVD-RAM (inc DVD-RW VR-Mode) To DVD-R

Have fun

SiP

Hal_loe · 22-11-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIP

I have the same burner as you, and it is fine for DVD-RAM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by http://www.btinternet.com/~james_lancaster/guide1.HTML

5) 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. Instead opt for a drive that can read, but not write to, DVD-RAMs (i.e. Toshiba, Pioneer or a DVD-ROM drive).

This is the issue I mentioned and it depends on which Panasonic DVD recorder you have as to whether it will affect you.

Panasonic have been using CPRM for at least 2 years, I suspect the make of DVD-RAM disc being used may also play a part.

I have seen this problem. I got round it by using an older LG PC writer I already had.

marmot · 22-11-2006, 6:41 PM

Thanks a lot.
I've sussed the TMPG program - the problem was me. Sorry!
I am still struggling with the DVD RAM driver, I thought I'd found the right one but it failed to install saying I had the wrong OS, I'm using XP Pro SP2.
A pointer would be very much appreciated.

Hal_loe · 22-11-2006, 8:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marmot

I am still struggling with the DVD RAM driver, I thought I'd found the right one but it failed to install saying I had the wrong OS, I'm using XP Pro SP2.
A pointer would be very much appreciated.

Pointer sent.

marmot · 23-11-2006, 8:37 PM

Thanks very much Hal_loe.
The driver installed with no problems but I'm still getting the error message I'm affraid - I/O device error.
The file transfer got to around 80% and then I got the error (Using Windows Explorer), however when looking in the destination folder the file was the same size as the original - 3.98GB, on trying to play it in Power DVD I got error messages indicating something was wrong. When tranferring using TMPG it didn't get that far, gave the same error but there was nothing in the destination folder.
Thanks.

Hal_loe · 24-11-2006, 7:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marmot

Thanks very much Hal_loe.
The driver installed with no problems but I'm still getting the error message I'm affraid - I/O device error.
The file transfer got to around 80% and then I got the error (Using Windows Explorer), however when looking in the destination folder the file was the same size as the original - 3.98GB, on trying to play it in Power DVD I got error messages indicating something was wrong. When tranferring using TMPG it didn't get that far, gave the same error but there was nothing in the destination folder.
Thanks.

Hmm, that is strange.

I have mine set up via network to my old WIN98SE pc (with older LG drive to avoid the CPRM flag issue) as a read only network drive and I have no trouble at all copying the entire contents of a DVD-RAM disc to the hard drive.

I'll check my settings for you later today.

It was working fine using the LG GSA-4167B apart from the CPRM flag issue, which meant I had to reformat the DVD-RAM discs all the time.

marmot · 24-11-2006, 11:37 AM

There's nothing I have to do to the disc while it's in the PVR is there - as with finalising normal DVDs?

Hal_loe · 24-11-2006, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marmot

There's nothing I have to do to the disc while it's in the PVR is there - as with finalising normal DVDs?

Nope with DVD-RAM you simply dub / record and then insert in the pc drive and copy off the files.

Hal_loe · 24-11-2006, 1:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hal_loe

I'll check my settings for you later today.

Just checked my settings, nothing obvious.

You get more settings with 98SE than you do with XP.

In 98SE you have a removable drive under disk drives with the following settings.

Disconnect
Removable
Sync Data Transfer
Int 13 unit

I can't find these settings anywhere in XP.

marmot · 24-11-2006, 9:58 PM

Thanks a lot!
I tried recording TV to another make of RAM disc (Ridisc) and it works with that (Tranfers over that is).
I'm not sure which make the other is as it's a double sided one and therefore no label, I got it from someone on ebay who said it was made by Panasonic....?
So it looks like a dodgy disc...? Sorry, I maybe should've trried this earlier.
Anyway, thanks very much for all the help, I'll have to try to figure out TMPG now.

Hal_loe · 26-11-2006, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marmot

Thanks a lot!
I tried recording TV to another make of RAM disc (Ridisc) and it works with that (Tranfers over that is).
I'm not sure which make the other is as it's a double sided one and therefore no label, I got it from someone on ebay who said it was made by Panasonic....?
So it looks like a dodgy disc...? Sorry, I maybe should've trried this earlier.
Anyway, thanks very much for all the help, I'll have to try to figure out TMPG now.

Glad to hear it.

I've only tried Panasonic DVD-RAM discs so far, I had some I had to re-format but ok apart from that.

If it's a real Panasonic it will have Panasonic printed on the disc / case.

oldjohn · 26-11-2006, 11:42 AM

I had that error message a week ago when copying a RAM disc to my hard drive,I cleaned the disc and tried again,it copied OK.

I use Nero Vision Express to edit the RAM contents,when I first open the RAM folder it shows blank,I scroll the types of files window to show All Files,find the Movie file and it goes ahead and starts loading into Express.

Hope that helps.
John.

marmot · 27-11-2006, 2:12 PM

Ok, thanks.
The discs didn't have cases - I was told they were from a spindle. They don't have Panasonic written on them by the way.

Hal_loe · 28-11-2006, 8:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marmot

Ok, thanks.
The discs didn't have cases - I was told they were from a spindle. They don't have Panasonic written on them by the way.

I've never heard or seen of Panasonic selling Double sided DVD-RAM discs from a spindle.

Normally the double sided DVD-RAM discs are sold in either sealed or openable cartridges which the DVD recorder can take and also I believe many Panasonic DVD PC dvd recorder drives.

The important file on the DVD-RAM disc is the .VRO file which is the video file.

You should be able to use 'Open With' in Windows XP when you right click on the .VRO file and then select the appropriate software to edit with.

Hope that helps.

marmot · 30-11-2006, 7:15 PM

Great, thanks a lot!
I think the discs may have been sold as "made by Panasonic for ......"

marmot · 02-12-2006, 3:06 PM

I tried another one of the same double-sided discs and that was ok, seems I only had one dodgy disc.
I've successfully used TMPG to tranfer and copy RAM files to -Rs, just need to suss out the editing/clipping side of it now.
Thanks again!

Hal_loe · 03-12-2006, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marmot

I tried another one of the same double-sided discs and that was ok, seems I only had one dodgy disc.
I've successfully used TMPG to tranfer and copy RAM files to -Rs, just need to suss out the editing/clipping side of it now.
Thanks again!

Glad you've sorted it.

Just try out VideoRedo and the Womble products and find with one you like best for editing.

Searcher2 · 14-12-2006, 3:47 PM

Before starting a new thread I thought I would try on this one....

I have TMPGEnc DVD Author version 1.6 and have used it to copy/edit my DVD-RAMs to DVD-R. The first few copies were fine.... then I started to get errors. Now when I 'Add DVD Video' the copy from the DVD-RAM is full of green blocks/bars and stripes of video from other parts of the original copy.

I first wondered if it was because of the DVD-RAM itself - maybe having been used before. I've just been searching the web and there is mention of Codecs but I can't see how you can specify what codec is being used.

Anybody any idea why I am getting these green blocks? The original plays fine in my DVD recorder (ES20).

Even when the video looks okay in TMPGEnc when the resulting DVD-R is put in a DVD player it can just freeze up at the same point in the DVD. Redoing it produces the same result.

Hal_loe · 15-12-2006, 7:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searcher2

I have TMPGEnc DVD Author version 1.6 and have used it to copy/edit my DVD-RAMs to DVD-R. The first few copies were fine.... then I started to get errors. Now when I 'Add DVD Video' the copy from the DVD-RAM is full of green blocks/bars and stripes of video from other parts of the original copy.

Have you edited this video on the Panasonic Recorder before transfering to the PC?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searcher2

I first wondered if it was because of the DVD-RAM itself - maybe having been used before. I've just been searching the web and there is mention of Codecs but I can't see how you can specify what codec is being used.

I use DVD-RAM discs multiple times to transfer the videos from Panasonic's HDD via DVD-RAM to my PC and so far only problems have been when i've edited the video on the Panasonic.

The codec being used is MPEG2, codecs tend to be more important with AVI files. If you have any DVD-Video player software installed it will be using the MPEG2 codec from that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searcher2

Even when the video looks okay in TMPGEnc when the resulting DVD-R is put in a DVD player it can just freeze up at the same point in the DVD. Redoing it produces the same result.

It sounds as though the MPEG2 stream has an error in it. Is it just one recording on one disc or multiple recordings on different discs?

Does it play ok in your PC software DVD-Video player without error?

Hope that helps.

Let me know how you get on.

Searcher2 · 15-12-2006, 9:45 AM

Thanks for the reply.

I had not edited the video on the DVD-RAM...however, the DVD-RAM had been used before and was not in a newly formatted state. The DVD-RAM would not play cleanly in my DELL. To check if it was my PC I copied it to DVD-RW and put in my brand new laptop. The result was the same.

I am wondering if it is the RAM drive in the DELL or the quality/formatting of the DVD-RAM itself.... though it plays fine in the DVD recorder.