DVD HD partition??

[BobFoster]

I have a Prestige, Prestige Plus and a Renomee Plus. All are using OS 6.2c, all are using the same version 3.2c of Araesk, but 2 have dedicated 13.2 gb of space for DVD sector indicated in the settings section of Arabesk, and 1 has dedicated only 11.7 gb indicated in the settings section of Arabesk. I use 2 - 320 gb HDs from the Reno+ in the Prestige+ to record 6 hrs of meeting time. (3 hours for each HD) The longest part of editing these programs is the rendering of the DVD file. (Adding Film -real time = 6 hr.) This means it takes 6 more ours to produce the 4 master DVDs. (4 X 1.5 hours Approximately) To reduce this time, I want to use both machines to load and burn the DVD masters. Theoretically reducing the actual time by half.

I do the editing in the studio in the Reno+ and then transfer the edited HD to the Prestige+ to load the film. While the first film is loading, I edit the video on the 2nd HD and load the film in the Reno+. Usually the first HD is finished loading the film before the second HD in the Reno+ is finished. When I try to burn a DVD in the Prestige+ which has the 11.7 sector of Arabesk, it just give me the ole' circle with a slash. (No Burn)

If I take the first HD with the film loaded to the Prestige (third unit) with the 13.2 Arabesk section, it will burn the DVD OK. The variance between the machine that will burn the DVD is the 13.2 gb sector v.s. the 11.7 gb sector. The other variation is the two units that will burn the DVD are both Pioneer Mod. 111D and the non burning DVD is Pioneer Mod. 112D. Another variation is the firmware of the burners. Two that will burn the add film are v.1.29 and v.1.23. The non-burning unit is using v.1.06. I'm of the opinion that the problem lies is the difference in Arabesk sector size. 13.2 v.s. 11.7 Why would there be the difference and how can i increase the 11.7gb sector to match the 13.2gb??? I know, this whole thread is about as clear as mud. Any help would be appreciated.

[MichaelD]

Hi Bob,

First thing I'd do is to use the Casablanca all Software disk to check and update the firmware on all your burners. These updates from Pioneer are normally created to cure such issues produced by new DVD's with faster burn speeds and media coatings etc.

The different partition sizes are probably due to the range of burners that you have and machines. As long as the partition is bigger that the disk you're burning it shouldn't cause any issue like you're describing.

[BobFoster]

I have inserted a recent "all software" disc and looked in the "Install product" window but do not see any firmware update options although software not purchased do show up in the list with the disc installed. Perhaps it's only available during a full OS install which sets aside hd space for the type of burner being used and the software available. This was checked with the hard drive with the licensed software for this unit installed. This is not a big issue at this time as all 3 Casablanca units are using the same software and the hard drives are swappable and 2 of the units will burn DVD films not recorded by them. I would like to get them all in sync though. Thanks for your suggestion.

[MichaelD]

OK, over here it's listed as DVD Firmware Update.

Chet - Does the US 'All' software CD have this on it or is it on another CD?

[BobFoster]

I found a later "all software" disc with 1.7 version and updated burner software. The Prestige with 11.7 partition will still not burn DVDs other than when the hd with software licensed for that unit is used. As long as I have 2 units that will burn DVDs from the Reno+ hds I will not worry about it. Strange??

[Martyn]

As previously mentioned, the partition size is dependent on the burner model. The ones you listed are all capable of producing Dual Layer disks and require a larger partition, usually around 13gb. Older burners such as DVR105 can only produce single layer and need only a 6gb partition. As an experiment I would swap the burners over to see how big a partition is produced in the 11gb partition machine (but you will need to carry out a full O/S installation to reformat the h/d).
The Firmware program is actually a library of firmware updates, each with its own version number for all the Pioneer burners ever used. When installed, it will check which burner you have fitted, check the version installed and inform you if it requires updating. This being the case the, version installed will vary between machines.

Martyn
Dalco uk