Architect 2.0 hates USB external drive

imagin8r wrote on 1/12/2008, 9:58 PM
finally got my copy of dvd architect 2.0 to install properly in a replacement computer. tried to add a newer dvd burner to the HP pavillion using a USB 2.0 external drive. first bought a pioneer dvr-x122. it worked fine with nero (already installed on the computer) but when i tried to create a dvd through DVD Architect, it would not even recognize a dvd-r disc and would only burn coasters with a dvd+r. model was supposed to work with nearly all blank media, including dual layer.

i took that drive back today for a refund and bought the LiteOn model listed above. using DVD Architect, i can now burn coasters with either style (dvd-r and dvd+r). the burning goes through to completion but the resulting disc will not play in any of my dvd players.

i have taken care to see that drivers are in place (in both attempts, pioneer and now LiteOn). adding to the frustration is that fact that DVD Architect does its work perfectly on the dvd recorder originally built-into the HP tower. however, it is an older drive and only accepts single-layer dvd+r.

the pioneer would work with the older onboard HP recorder as well, but only through nero. i have not tried nero with the LiteOn. obviously i do not want to use nero. i want to use DVD Architect.

can anyone there PLEASE tell me why this seems to be impossible? i have been trying to complete projects since before Christmas!!!!!

i've spent several hours searching this and other forums and have submitted to sony support via email, but so far have found no answers.

thank you.

Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 1/13/2008, 7:26 PM
Wow, if this is a problem with DVDA and external DVD drives, it needs to be looked at.
Both my internal drives (a Sony and a Samsung) burn without issues, but if USB drives have problems, it is certainly worth a look.

Both Lite-On (since 2003) and Pioneer are considered reliable.
bStro wrote on 1/14/2008, 7:47 AM
Wow, if this is a problem with DVDA and external DVD drives, it needs to be looked at.

Keep in mind that the original poster is using DVDA 2.0, which is around three years or so old; if it were a problem specifically with external drives, I suspect that it has been looked at and probably resolved by now. That said, I suspect it has more to do with the drives themselves than how they are connected. DVDA 1.0 and 2.0 had a pretty poor drive support record -- whether external or internal. Trying to use a drive that was developed since DVDA 2.0's release is even less likely to work well.

My first piece of advice would be to download and install the latest update of DVDA2. If that doesn't help, the other best options are to a) prepare the project in DVDA and burn with something else (Nero, CopyToDVD, etc) or b) upgrade to the current version of DVDA. BHPhoto.com and some other retailers are selling the upgrade to Vegas 8 and DVDA 4.5 for $99.

Rob
imagin8r wrote on 1/15/2008, 12:03 PM
thank you for the ideas.

this upgrade would be ideal. i went to B&H and there's no mention of any qualifiers. a previous deal from sony only applied to owners of vegas 6 or higher. mine is vegas 5. do you know if that makes a difference here?

it'd definitely be worth the extra (now) 99.00 if i could be sure the upgrade would be accepted by sony.

sounds like i may have to call and find out personally.
imagin8r wrote on 1/15/2008, 12:27 PM
checking another sony forum, i see posts from people who bought from B&H and Amazon, only to find out they hadn't been told the upgrade was for vegas 6 and 7 owners only.

the other idea floated...buying vegas 6 or 7 for 99.00 and then buying the upgrade for 99.00....is that a mistake as well? would sure beat the 500 to 600 price i've seen on the new vegas 8 bundle.

as before, any enlightenment gratefully appreciated.
bStro wrote on 1/15/2008, 3:05 PM
only to find out they hadn't been told the upgrade was for vegas 6 and 7 owners only.

Ouch. I hadn't known about that part. That's a bummer. The upgrades that Sony sells directly have always been good for just about any previous version; I didn't realize a 6/7 only upgrade existed.

buying vegas 6 or 7 for 99.00 and then buying the upgrade for 99.00....is that a mistake as well?

Probably not. ;-) You could go ahead and get them and make the retailer give you a refund if it doesn't work. Or, for extra security, buy the upgrade from Sony, which is definitely good for Vegas 5. It costs $234 for a download or $250 for a disc.

Rob