Quick question: Re: using USB 2.0 for external enclosure

**piedad** · 11-11-2004, 07:36 AM

Will be getting the Matrix external enclosure for my DVD burner (Pioneer 16x). Is there a disadvantage to just getting USB 2.0 interface? I tried to use the Firewire/USB version but the Firewire does not seem to work (drive does not appear on the desktop automatically unlike when I use USB 2.0). There is a P600 difference in price if I just get the USB version.

I would like to be able to burn DVD productions with the drive. Is this all possible with just USB connection? I successfully used Toast with the USB connection, but cannot find conclusive info on whether patchburn will work with USB link only.

Thanks!!!! I have to make the decision before 1pm.

**Sponsor** · 11-11-2004 07:36 AM

**Henjie** · 11-11-2004, 10:11 AM

Originally posted by piedad
Will be getting the Matrix external enclosure for my DVD burner (Pioneer 16x). Is there a disadvantage to just getting USB 2.0 interface? I tried to use the Firewire/USB version but the Firewire does not seem to work (drive does not appear on the desktop automatically unlike when I use USB 2.0). There is a P600 difference in price if I just get the USB version.

USB 2.0 is faster on paper (480Mbps vs. 400Mbps for FW400) but slower in real-world usage. Theoretically, bandwidth is still more than enough for 16x DVD burning though (16x DVD burning requires a constant 177.28Mbps/22.16MBps data stream).

The problem is that USB 2.0 bandwidth is kinda flaky and actual bandwidth depends on a lot of factors so there's a possibility that it won't be enough for 16x burns. But then again, you're most likely to burn at 8x since 12x- and 16x-capable DVD blanks (which are actually excellent quality 8x blanks, re: Taiyo Yudens) aren't available locally. So I see no problem with using your DVR-108 on an external USB 2.0 enclosure. :-) Besides, the higher the burning speed, the more errors in the burnt discs.

"drive does not appear on the desktop automatically" <- are you referring to the DVD burner? Have you tried accessing a CD/DVD while using the Firewire interface? Have you checked the jumper setting? It should be set to Master and not Slave or Cable Select.

I would like to be able to burn DVD productions with the drive. Is this all possible with just USB connection?

Yup.

I successfully used Toast with the USB connection, but cannot find conclusive info on whether patchburn will work with USB link only.

PatchBurn doesn't care if your drive is installed internally or in an external Firewire or USB 2.0 enclosure. BTW, PatchBurn 3 automatically installs the iDVD hack which allows iDVD to burn to external DVD burners. ;-)

~Henjie

[Edited on 11-11-2004 by Henjie]