asked on

Read Dvd files in a CD ROM drive

Ok . maybe this is a silly question but I think you experts are more effective than searching all over the Internet for it.

my question is : Is there a way I can read a dvd in a CD Rom ... I just need to read the files in the dvd but I don´t have a dvd drive ... is there a software that can do this job or a trick in the operating system ?
Or the CD disks and DVD disks are completely different fisically ( not just logically) and there is no way in the world of doing that ... if that´s the case can you send me to an url(web page) in wich I can learn about the DVD format and DVD disks and the diferences with the CD ROM format and CD Disks.

THanks for your help

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Kyle Schroeder

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Kyle Schroeder

Also:
http://www.cdrom-guide.com/
http://www.dvdforum.net/faq-dvdprimer.htm

-dog*

SysExpert

I agree.
Different Laser, and density prevent this.

magarity

What it all boils down to is that in order to get 4.5GB+ onto the same size disk as CDROM, DVD really crams it in there. The laser on a DVD operates at a tighter frequency and has a more precise mechanism. So the CDROM drive's laser just can't keep up. It's like trying you trying to read a microfiche without the reader mechanism; you just can't see that small. So while the DVD can just move its laser in a wide path to pick up the older, less compact CDROM format, the CDROM drive is just physically incapable of reading the tightly packed DVD format.

RoadWarrior

Yep, impossible, it's kinda like asking if you can use a VHS tape in an 8 track player.

magarity

Not really; a VHS player can't play 8-track. I knew this would happen way back when it was announced the physical size would be the same. It's a nice size - too big to lose easily and not too big to be cumbersome. But it does create a lot of confusion. I had a friend recently insist she had downloaded a special program that would let her play DVDs in a CDROM player. Turned out it was VCD viewer.

RoadWarrior

Yeah, that analogy was a bit flaky, but nearest I could come. On the practical side, DVD drives are nowhere near as costly as they used to be $40 will get you one if you look around, that will be fast enough to replace a good CDROM drive, or if you're feeling poor and have the space for an additional drive and don't want to lose the zip of your 40x or faster CD, then you could find a used or refurbished or end of line selloff of a 2x or 4x DVD drive for around $20. If you're thinking your system specs aren't up to a DVD, well if your main use is reading files from them a P166 or better should be fine. P350 or better should let you use them for movies as well. If you are a little richer then $80 can get you a CDRW + DVD reader combo drive.

regards,

Road Warrior

Kyle Schroeder

felixyo:

Anything you would like for us to clarify for you, or is your question answered? If so, please choose the "Accept Comment as Answer" link on the line where the appropriate comment is listed.

Thanks!

-dog*

Kyle Schroeder

Actually, there is currently a problem with the Accept Comment as Answer, so if you could let us know whose comment you would choose, that Expert can propose an Answer that you can accept.

Hooray for the site re-write!

-dog*

felixyo

ASKER

Ok thank you all of you . I have accepted dogztar answer .
I have learnt some interesting things from those urls .