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General discussion

External DVD Recorder/Player Connection to My Computer?

Apr 1, 2011 4:54AM PDT

If I buy an External DVD player/recorder that has a USB port, and if I use that port to connect it to my Windows XP Pro computer, will the computer "see" the recorder player so that I will be able to use my DVD creator software to make DVDs on the DVD recorder/player? Also, will my computer be able to "see" previously recorded DVDs played on the recorder/player, and if so, will I be able to save those videos to my HD? Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Let's try simple.
Apr 1, 2011 4:58AM PDT

1. will be able to use my DVD creator software to make DVDs on the DVD recorder/player?

MAYBE. Some software like Roxio only works with some USB DVDRW drives.

2. will my computer be able to "see" previously recorded DVDs played on the recorder/player,

You didn't reveal what recorded those DVDs. For example the DVDs I recorder on my Philips DVD recorder must be FINALIZED before they play on my PC. DVDs I made on my PC play fine since the software I used can play them.

3. will I be able to save those videos to my HD?

MAYBE. Copy video from DVDs is something that I've seen hundreds of discussions on and the answer DEPENDS on the details. The answer to this is "Maybe."
Bob

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Thanks. More Questions
Apr 2, 2011 2:24AM PDT

Bob, thank you for your reply. Given the Roxio limitations, is there any other software you would recommend? Would you recommend your Phillips, or something else? Model number? I also don't know what "finalized" means or what is involved in the process. Can you provide a link to a good discussion on "copy video from DVD?" Thanks again!

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Other software, and no.
Apr 2, 2011 6:23AM PDT

1. is there any other software you would recommend?

Yes. You can find these at download.com for free: CDBURNERXP, ImgBurn, DVD Flick and more.

2. Would you recommend your Phillips, or something else?

My Philips is really a nice DVD recorder that does not hook up to my PC. Given that USB DVDRW drives are abundant and fungible you should find one and enjoy it.

3. "finalized"

Type "How do I finalize my DVD?" on google. Well discussed.

4. Copy video from DVD? at google.com finds more discussions but the problem is that a new to this area person will not be happy. There is more to learn than you will find on one page. The answer is no, I can't find one page that covers everything.
Bob