subject: DVD-RAM to DVD-R Conversion [print this page] DVD-RAM is the most popular DVD recordable format used in set-top dvd recorders. Found in Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung, LG, Hitachi and JVC machines it offers a number of useful features: editing, simultaneous record/playback and non-linear editing. It's Achilles heel however is compatibility: DVD-RAM has very poor compatibility with existing DVD players/recorders.
Accordingly the following PC Guides were written to provide a complete solution to enable DVD-RAM recordings made on a set-top recorder or camcorder to be converted to the universally compatible DVD-R (Video mode) format. The process is split into four sections:
DVD-RAM Compatible Hardware
DVD-RAM has a significantly different physical structure to the other DVDR formats. This is one of the reasons why it is offers high reliability, durability and a large number of re-writes but also explains why the compatibility is so poor. This guide provides advice on how to ensure your PC or Laptop is 'DVD-RAM compatible'. This essential step will allow you to import your recordings onto your PC for 'authoring'.
Authoring
The process of creating menus, adding chapter points and converting into the dvd-Video file structure is known as 'authoring'. This guide explains how to achieve this using the popular and easy-to-use TMPG Encoder Author package. Once complete you will have the files on your PC's HDD ready to be burnt directly to DVD-R.
Burning Your Project To DVD-R
This final step in the process explains how to successfully burn your finished project onto DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-R DL or DVD+R DL discs so they playback in virtually all dvds players. The guide uses the DVD burner integral to TMPG Encoder Author thus avoiding addition expense/hassle of purchasing a third party burner. Troubleshooting This section, when complete, will provide solutions to the most common problems associated with following the guides. I intend to complete this section by July 2005. Until this time please seek assistance on AV Forums.
