Kanguru CD/DVD/Blu-ray Duplicator FAQ

Kanguru CD/DVD/Blu-ray Duplicator FAQ

Q1: Can I directly copy an entertainment title on DVD?
A1: No. Copyrighted material with copy protection cannot be duplicated. Most DVDs have CSS encryption, which scrambles the data when copied. Also entertainment DVDs are pressed and can hold up around 20 GB of data, while DVD-R/RWs only hold up to 4.7GB.

Q2: What’s the difference between Authoring and General Purpose media?
A2: Authoring recorders use a more expensive 635 nm laser, while general-purpose recorders use a 650nm laser, which is similar to a CD recorder. You can’t mix and match the two media types. Authoring media will not work in a general-purpose drive, and vise versa.

Q3: What kinds of DVD formats are there?
A3: The most widely known format currently is DVD-Video, which we know of as DVD movies that we can purchase at the local store. Other formats include DVD-A, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD +R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM. Each has its own use and special purpose.

• DVD-A : This stands for DVD-Audio, which is a new audio format just starting to hit the market. It allows for better-than-CD quality and multiple channel surround sound.

• DVD-ROM : ROM stands for Read Only Memory. This is typically used for data storage and software titles. Video games are starting to come out on this format with more to follow.

• DVD-R : This stands for DVD-Recordable. This is a “once-recording” format, which means you cannot erase the information that has been previously written and write new information.

• DVD-RW : The RW stands for Re-Writeable. Unlike DVD-R, this format allows you to erase info on the disc and write new info in its place.

• DVD+RW : The only difference between this format and DVD-RW is the “+RW” format is accepted in most DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives.

• DVD-RAM : RAM stands for Random Access Memory. These discs work similarly to 3.5 floppy disks. You are able to transfer files on and off the disc at will. Though great for data, these disc are not ideal for video because they do not play on standard DVD players.

Q4: Why can’t I directly copy a DVD-Video Disc?
A4: Most DVDs that you purchase today are encrypted. Almost every DVD title that you can purchase in a store has some kind of copy protection (encryption). There are several types of encryption used on DVDs. The most widely used type is called CSS Encryption, which prevents the ability to copy or duplicate the disc by using a burner. In this case, if you own a DVD duplicator for distribution purposes, you will not be able to make copies of a DVD title that you bought at a store.

Q5: Will MP3 files on a DVD play on a stand-alone DVD player?
A5: This depends on the design of your DVD Video player. You can contact the manufacturer of your DVD-player to see if it supports playback of MP3s. However, most computers should be able to playback MP3s from its DVD-ROM drive.

Q6: Can I put adhesive paper label on my DVD-R/RW media?
A6: NO, it’s not recommended to put any type of paper label on a DVD-R/RW. Skipping and shuttering may result from applying a paper label on a DVD disc. DVD drives tend to reach higher temperatures than CD drives, which may result in the adhesive weakening.

Q7: Can I play back DVD-R/RW or DVD+R/RW discs in my DVD player?
A7: Yes, as long as your DVD player recognizes DVD-/+ media and the disc was correctly authored according to DVD video specifications. Check with the DVD player manufacturer to assure DVD playback compatibility.

Q8: How long will it take to burn a DVD?
A8: At “1X” recording speed, a complete 3.95 Gbyte side is written in approximately 50 minutes, regardless of the data that will be contained. A 4.7 Gbyte disc can be recorded in approximately one hour.

• At “2X” recording speed, a complete 4.7 Gbyte disc is written in approximately 30 minutes.

• At “4X” recording speed, a complete 4.7 Gbyte disc is written in approximately 15 minutes.

• At “8X” recording speed, a complete 4.7 Gbyte disc is written in approximately 8 minutes.

• At “16X” recording speed, a complete 4.7 Gbyte disc is written in approximately 6 minutes.

Note: actual speed may vary depending on the media type.

Q9: Can I use the removable tray drive with my PC?
A9: NO, the removable hard drive used in this duplicator uses a proprietary format only recognized by the Kanguru Duplicator. If you attached the hard drive to a PC, you will not be able to see the partition and you run the risk of losing the data on the disk. DO NOT attempt to connect the hard drive to any other device except for the Kanguru DVD Duplicator