Advisor - DVD-ROM Guide

What are they?
DVD-ROM drives are similar to CD-ROM drives in appearance, but if you scratch below the surface you will discover that DVD drives are optical powerhouses that can store huge amounts of data, read nearly every type of CD, and play DVD movies on your PC. These devices are great for computer enthusiasts, professionals and film lovers alike, and the versatility and sheer power of DVD drives has made them a solid technology investment.

With the recent proliferation of DVD products, it may seem difficult to pinpoint the features that are most important to you. While DVD-Recordable drives can write data once to a DVD disc, DVD-RAM drives take technology a step further so that you can write, erase, and re-write large amounts of data to DVD-RAM discs. Remember, if you are simply looking for compatibility with current DVD programs and movies, then a DVD-ROM drive is a better, less-expensive solution. Save your money for the goodies that enhance the DVD experience, like a decoder card, Dolby Digital AC-3 surround-sound, and DVD movies!

Why would I need it?
Because your existing DVD drive:

Is not a storage solution

Produces hiccups or short pauses in CD-ROM games or video

Cannot read discs created by CD-Recorders or CD-Rewriters

Doesn't allow you to watch DVD movies on your PC

DVDs capture the best of what multimedia has to offer and smooth-flowing graphics and faster data transfer rates are merely the beginning. These devices involve cutting edge technology and range from the very expensive for graphics professionals and software developers, to the very reasonable for computer enthusiasts and film buffs. Ask yourself what you want out of your DVD drive, and how much you are willing to pay. Your PC must have at least a 166MHz Pentium processor, 16MB of RAM, a quality sound card, a VGA monitor or better, and a free 5.25-inch drive bay, so keep that in mind when searching for a new DVD drive.

What a new DVD-ROM, DVD-R, or DVD-RAM drive can do for you:

How do I install and use it?
Before installing or attaching any component to your computer, read and follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully.

An installation kit allows you to make the easiest transition from your old drive to the new, and most include an interface cable, a power cable, and software that helps install your new DVD drive. If you are interested in watching DVD movies, you will want to purchase a kit with a decoder card. Review the product information carefully before you purchase a DVD so that you know exactly what is included with the drive.

Begin by shutting down your computer and removing the case. Ground yourself by touching the metal frame of the computer before you reach for any internal components. For the DVD-ROM drives that come with a decoder card, which fits into an open Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slot, remove the metal tab on the back of the computer that covers the opening for the PCI slot with a screwdriver. Line up the decoder card in the PCI slot and firmly push down until the decoder card clicks into place. Windows 95 or Windows 98 should detect the new device automatically.

Internal drives mount in your 5.25-inch half-height drive bay, which is a shelf inside your computer that is about 6 inches wide and allows only the face of the drive to show.

Unscrew the existing drive's brackets; gently slide it out of the bay, and carefully study how the cables are connected so that you can easily install the new drive. Disconnect the drive's power supply (usually on the right side), the interface (usually a flat, ribbon cable), and audio cables (connected to your sound card).

Next, install the software drivers that came with the drive or visit the manufacturer's web site for available drivers to download. You will need to reboot your computer and you might need to adjust your monitor settings or speakers. (If you do not purchase a decoder card, simply plug one end of the audio cable into the DVD-ROM drive and the other into the CD audio connector 1 socket of the sound card.)

Installing driver software might be required. If your drive includes a CD or diskette with software drivers, install the drivers according to the on-screen instructions.

External drives are installed by simply connecting the interface between the drive and computer. Installing driver software might be required. If your drive includes a CD or diskette with software drivers, install the drivers according to the on-screen instructions.

How do I go about buying one?
Whether you're shopping for a DVD-ROM, DVD-R, or DVD-RAM drive there are a few important attributes that are necessary to consider before buying. You must determine first if you want an internal or external drive, and then the type of interface. You should also consider the drive's speed, as it is directly linked to its ability to transfer data, and if viewing DVD movies on your PC with a possible output to your television is a priority.

Interface: The interface is the connection between your DVD drive and computer. Your DVD drive uses this link to send and receive data. The decision between interfaces comes down to a matter of personal preference and portability. First, take into consideration if you would like to upgrade to an internal drive, which installs directly into your computer, or an external drive, which sits next to your desktop PC or travels on the road with your notebook computer.

Internal drives use SCSI or EIDE interface:

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface, pronounced scuzzy): SCSI interfaces are faster than EIDE, but are also more expensive and more complicated to use. You must have a SCSI interface card installed in your PC to use a SCSI device. If you don't, you will have to purchase one and install it along with the drive, which is recommended only for experienced computer users.

EIDE (Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics): EIDE interfaces often boast Plug and Play capability, which means that Windows 95 or 98 will automatically recognize your new DVD drive, making the installation process quick and easy. If you want to add an IDE-based DVD drive, you also must also add an IDE interface card. However, the majority of the computer systems today already use an EIDE interface.

External drives use PCMCIA interfaces:

PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association): A PCMCIA card, or PC Card, is a credit card-sized device that slides into a PC Card slot on your portable computer.

The Best Interface: Stick With What You Got
Why make things difficult? Look for a drive with the same interface that your current system uses. This will eliminate the need to purchase an additional interface card or risk hardware conflicts. And both SCSI and EIDE interfaces are capable performers for desktop systems. For notebooks, a PCMCIA (PC Card) interface is the only option for computer users who want to add a DVD drive.

Internal or External? Desktop or Notebook?
Internal drives are usually faster than external drives and preserve precious desk space. If you absolutely require portability for your notebook computer or want to share the drive between two or more desktop systems, an external drive is the way to go.

Speed: Faster is Better
Speed is an important aspect of a drive and is measured by a drive rating, which is the number before the letter "X". For example, 1X is a 1-speed drive. Speed is the easiest way to determine the performance of a DVD drive and faster is better. DVD-ROM drives use a different standard than CD-ROMs, and so a 1X DVD-ROM drive rating is close to nine times faster than a 1X CD-ROM drive.

Decoder Card
In order to take full advantage of a DVD-ROM drive, you will want to look for a kit that includes a decoder card. This internal card allows you to watch your favorite Hollywood movies with clarity and richness you have never seen at home before. DVD technology also provides you with many interesting advantages that aren't available on VHS tapes, such as alternative camera angles, interactive menu options, cast biographies, parental control, and subtitles in multiple languages. Most decoder cards even have a TV-out jack so that you can connect your computer to your TV. What does all that mean to you? You won't have to buy a separate DVD player for your home entertainment center. And while you can, of course, buy a decoder card separately, you may save a little time and money if you purchase a complete package that includes everything you need to get your new DVD drive up and running.

What products are most recommended?
Economy: If your needs are limited to running programs, listening to music, playing games, and watching movies, a lower-cost DVD-ROM drive is your best choice.

Value: A complete DVD-ROM package will surely satisfy all of your needs, whether you are reviewing multimedia presentations at work or enjoying movies from the comfort of your home.

Performance: If you are looking to get the most out of your games, movies, and applications, a high-powered DVD-ROM drive is the way to go.