Tremendous slowdown in ripping speed

[brseel]

Since purchasing a full version of DVD to DVD, I've experienced a dramatic slow-down in ripping (I'm using the "clone" function). While some discs rip w/no problems, others have taken up to 7 hours to rip. Generally, when a disc rips "quickly," I'm experiencing ripping speeds of about 2.4mbs and it'll take between 20 - 30 minutes. But, w/some discs, the ripping speed drops to .24 - .42 mbs. Obviously, the latter speed is almost useless (and, at what rate should the software rip at generally?).

For ripping, I'm using a TEAC optical drive that is connected via USB to a Windows Home Server running (no surprise) Windows Home Server op system.

I used the DMA reset in Fab (several times), but, no luck. At one point, rather than DMA reset, I simply unchecked and then rechecked the "detect DMA automatically" box under General. That seemed to work, but, then, slow down occurred again.

I've taken a look at the links you posed for more "advanced" DMA problem solving and I've a question re: re-enabling DMA

As I said, I'm ripping via a CD/DVD drive that is plugged into a Windows Home Server. I've remote desk-topped into the Server, right clicked on "My Computer," went to the properties tab, etc. When I click on the plus sign to the left of IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller, it doesn't bring up a secondary IDE channel. I see only one listing, and clicking on that listing doesn't bring up anyplace to change the relevant setting from PIO only to DMA when available. Any suggested solutions? I've attached relevant log files. Many thanks.

[signals]

I'm not familiar with that OS or your particular drive, but 2.5MB/s is a very poor read speed. A DL original disc should take about 18-20 minutes to Clone, a SL original about half that. You should see peak read speeds of around 7-8 MB/s for DL originals, 9-10 MB/s for SLs. I think you do not see the DMA/PIO options for your drive because it is not physically connected to the motherboard's IDE controller since it is USB. Some drives have firmware features designed to make them quiet that prevent them from reading discs at the speeds DVDFab can support, not sure if this is the case with yours or not. I can't account for the slowdown either if you were seeing faster speeds before.

[brseel]

Thanks for the quick reply. For what it's worth, when I use the same drive to rip CD's, I get rip speeds of 14 mbps. So, it seems that the drive can indeed support Fab's ripping speeds.

[brseel]

Just for kicks, I installed Fab on my PC (running Windows XP, service pack 2; used the optical drive that came w/the computer, not the USB opti drive that I connect to my server). While somewhat faster ripping than experienced via the optical drive attached to my Server, still far below the 14 MB/S you mentioned. Managed to get about bet. 3 - 4 MB/S. The logs are attached.

Also, the server opti. drive started one rip at over 20 MB/S and then decreased quickly down to the 2.4 range. Very confused.

[maineman]

As my good friend signals suggests, the the DMA mode is N/A with a usb connected ODD.
The drive is "controlled" by the usb controller and not by an IDE/ATA controller.

It sounds like you used to have faster speeds.
Are you certain you're connected to a usb 2 port and not 1 or 1.1 ?

Aside from this, no personal criticsm intended, but slimline drives (your teac) are crap for video archiving.

Re: your Optiarc. I think this might be a firmware issue
You might be far better off to flash the firmware with Liggy and Dee's modified firmware or official NEC firmware.

Regardless, I would look into updating your firmware.

[brseel]

Thanks. I'm pretty sure I'm hooked up to USB 2.0. In any event, even if 1.1, I haven't changed the connections. So, the faster speeds were realized through the same ports currently in use.

I'll try a firmware update w/the OptiTrac.

And, just for future reference, if I decide to relegate the TEAC to audio archiving only, what'd be a good optical drive to use for video archiving?

[maineman]

There are tons of good burners out there and not to beat a dead horse, but it depends on the user's needs and preferences.

Having said that, I"ll just pick one.
I purchased 2 sony-optiarc 7240s burners last Fall from newegg for about $25 each, no sales tax and free shipping....a sweet deal.
These are among the best DL burners out there and excellent SL burners as well.
With Liggy and Dee's modified firmware, this burner is a reliable, solid, all-around performer.

Whatever your particular selection, I would encourage you to research that particular make and model and not simply buy a "brand".
As an example, some folks hate LiteOns and have nothing but trouble with 'em.
Over the years, I have owned more LiteOns than any other make...probably a dozen or so if you count the whole family. I've never had one die on me.
Lucky? sure, but I also did my homework.

[brseel]

Thank you very much. I appreciate your time & advice.

[90312]

You do have it plugged directly into the computer right? Not one of those multi-port adapters, not all will maintain 2.0 speeds.

[brseel]

It's plugged into a server. And, it is "multiport," in that, 1 USB connection is for data and another for power.