This is a complex question bordering on a mystery. My quick questions are what the DVD-RAM setting is for in CloneDVD2 and whether this setting with or without the Nec ND 3550A Booktypes a +R disc in an Nec drive? Here is the background:
I have two external burners (Sony 810UL & Plextor 750UF). I primarily use DVD43 and Nero Ultra (Nero Recode) and I am pleased with the results. I only use Verbatim +R media and I always Booktype when using the Sony or Plextor as I never know what stand-a-lone player I will be using in my school. Nero does the Booktyping for the Sony and I use Booktype Management 8.4 for the Plextor. I also needed to replace an internal burner and I settled on a 3550A (F/W 1.06) based on the positive reviews in Newegg. I didn’t do enough research or I would have realized this is a tough drive to Booktype.
I was very unhappy with a recent upgrade nightmare with Nero so I tried the trial versions of AnyDVD and CloneDVD2. Unlike Nero, I realized that ConeDVD2 does not have a Booktype option and the Nec doesn’t like to be Booktyped.
Here is what I did: I backed up a movie using AnyDVD and CloneDVD2. My setting was DVD-RAM and I burned to a +R disc. I placed the completed disc in my –R player and it played. It shouldn’t have but it played I used Nero Utilities to see if the Booktype was DVD-ROM but it was still +R. Yet, it played on my –R player and it shouldn’ have. Every disc I ever Booktyped on my Sony or Plextor showed as being changed to DVD-ROM. I selected the DVD-RAM option in CloneDVD2 thinking it was a typo and that the “A†was supposed to be an “Oâ€.
I’m impressed with AnyDVD and ConeDVD2 but would like to know whether this was a fluke or what is going on. If The Nec allows +R discs to be played on -R systems by selecting DVD-RAM, this is an undocumented bonus.
Thanks - Jeff