Upgrading to newer DVD/CD writer/reader, need expert advice

G

George

Would like to understand/ask-questions about the burning SOFTWARE for CD/DVD
write/read drives.

QUICK BACKGROUND

Am using a Dell 8250 Dimension PC, Windows XP-pro, and replacing the older
INTERNAL CD RW / DVD-player with a newer one. Most all these drives look
about the same, like this one at Micro Center, I'll likley buy this one,
called a "Super-WriteMaster Dual/Double Layer DVD±RW Burner E-IDE" viewable
at ...
http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0267319

QUESTIONS

My understanding is it MUST have software to burn the DVDs. So...

1) Is it true that the only reason it requires software (vs. just plug it
in) is to make the DVD-WRITING part work?

2) I already have Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 on the PC (and Sony Vegas /
Sony DVD, see question #3). A tech said something about had to UNINSTALL
the Roxio when I get the new drive? Why? Do I have to RE-INSTALL it AFTER
the hardware is installed, so EMC8 recognizes that the new drive has many
more capabilitles (dual layer, DVD-burning vs. just reading) than the old
drive)

3) I also got Sony Vegas Movie Studio 6 with Sony DVD Architect 3, about a
year old. If I have this, can I delete the Roxio AND the skip the Nero?
Does the fact that the Sony DVD architect can burn DVDs mean that it has
everything I need to burn? And burn CDs. Or is the burning thing a whole
separate function only (mostly) Roxio and Nero can do?

4) The new drive comes with basic Nero (I think it's call Nero 7 essentions,
its for sure scaled down version, requires $$$ to upgrade to full
capabilies). If I install this Nero, will it CONFLICT with the Roxio EMC8?
What won't work right?

Thanks
George
 
J

John Inzer

George said:
Would like to understand/ask-questions about the burning SOFTWARE for
CD/DVD write/read drives.

QUICK BACKGROUND

Am using a Dell 8250 Dimension PC, Windows XP-pro, and replacing the
older INTERNAL CD RW / DVD-player with a newer one. Most all these
drives look about the same, like this one at Micro Center, I'll
likley buy this one, called a "Super-WriteMaster Dual/Double Layer
DVD±RW Burner E-IDE" viewable at ...
http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0267319

QUESTIONS

My understanding is it MUST have software to burn the DVDs. So...

1) Is it true that the only reason it requires software (vs. just
plug it in) is to make the DVD-WRITING part work?
========================================
Yes, you need software to burn DVDs...and if
you plan to burn Video DVDs that will play on
free standiing DVD players you need DVD
Authoring software. (the programs you mention
later in your message should cover that)

You may need to install a driver.

Maybe the following article would be worth a look:

(314096) Advanced troubleshooting for issues
that occur when you are installing a new CD or
DVD drive on Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314096/en-us
========================================
2) I already have Roxio Easy Media Creator 8 on the PC (and Sony
Vegas / Sony DVD, see question #3). A tech said something about had
to UNINSTALL the Roxio when I get the new drive? Why? Do I have to
RE-INSTALL it AFTER the hardware is installed, so EMC8 recognizes
that the new drive has many more capabilitles (dual layer,
DVD-burning vs. just reading) than the old drive)
========================================
Personally...I would install the new burner and deal
with the software later if it's necessary. I don't have
Roxio but my son-in-law does and we installed a DVD
Burner on his system not long ago and did not have to
uninstall anything.
========================================
3) I also got Sony Vegas Movie Studio 6 with Sony DVD Architect 3,
about a year old. If I have this, can I delete the Roxio AND the
skip the Nero? Does the fact that the Sony DVD architect can burn
DVDs mean that it has everything I need to burn? And burn CDs. Or
is the burning thing a whole separate function only (mostly) Roxio
and Nero can do?
========================================
I would say try them all and decide which program
serves you best.

You know...you can burn Music CDs with Windows
Media Player and if you just want to create a quick
data disk to back up files...your OEM Nero 7 would
be good for that.

Sony Vegas Movie Studio is up to version 9 now...
you may want to upgrade.
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudio
========================================
4) The new drive comes with basic Nero (I think it's call Nero 7
essentions, its for sure scaled down version, requires $$$ to upgrade
to full capabilies). If I install this Nero, will it CONFLICT with
the Roxio EMC8? What won't work right?

Thanks
George
========================================
I doubt that it would conflict...I run the OEM version
of Nero along with other programs and have had no
issues.

--

John Inzer MS-MVP
Digital Media Experience

Notice
This is not tech support
I am a volunteer

Solutions that work for
me may not work for you

Proceed at your own risk
 

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