This section explains how you can configure eFilm to support a CD writing device that would not otherwise be supported, as long as the device is in the same family of devices that is already supported by the Goldenhawk library currently installed in eFilm. If this fails, this section explains how eFilm may be configured to treat the device as a Generic CD burner. This only applies to eFilm version 2.0.1 and later.

Note: References to CD burners also apply to DVD burners.

Using a new version of a supported device

If you purchase a new CD burner, or have one installed with your computer, there is every possibility that it will not be supported directly by Goldenhawk. However, Goldenhawk may well support earlier devices in the same family or product line. In this case, your new CD burner may be able to operate using the configuration parameters provided by Goldenhawk for a similar make and model of CD burner.

The following procedure describes how to determine which CD burner you have, how to determine whether a similar CD burner is supported by Goldenhawk, and how to create a configuration file that will instruct eFilm to use the supported device profile with your unsupported CD burner.

To use an unsupported CD burner:

1.        Determine the Model Name and Number of the CD burner. This can be found on the box if this was a retail-purchased burner, or from the label on the burner itself.

Example: The CD burner is made by LG Electronics, the Model Name is GCE, and the Model Number is 8481.

Note: If these options are not available, you may deduce the model name and number from the device string, which should be enough to allow you to locate the CD burner in the list of supported devices. Assuming that you have installed the CD burner, you can obtain the Device String of the CD burner by opening the properties page of My Computer, clicking the Hardware tab, selecting Device Manager, and then expanding the DVD/CD-ROM drives tree item.

Example: The device string of the CD burner is HL-DT-ST RW/DVD GCE-8481C

2.        Access the list of supported devices for the version of the Goldenhawk library that is installed on the problem eFilm workstation. This can be found in the Support Downloads section of the Merge eFilm web site (www.merge-efilm.com).

3.        Locate the CD burner by searching the Manufacturer and ID String fields.

Example: We have found an earlier revision of our device in the list:

4.        When you locate the appropriate entry, note the values in the ID String and Compatible With... fields.

Example: The CD burner is compatible with the LGE 48X24X48 CD burner.

Note: If you cannot locate your device in the list, use the generic CD burner profile, as described in the next section.

5.        Determine the Root Device String. For the entry in step 5, note the string found in the ID String column.

Example: The Root Device String is CD-RW GCE-8481B.

6.        Obtain the list of device string and device ID mappings (gh_devids.htm). This can be found in the Article Attachments below.

7.        Determine the Compatible Device ID. For the entry in step 5, look in the gh_devids.htm file and find the entry that matches your Matching Compatible Device. 

Example: The Compatible Device ID is LGE_48X24X48. Note that the string in this table has an underscore between LGE and 48X24X48. The underscore is used in place of the space character in this table. Also, take note of the hexadecimal number to the right of the string (e.g., 0x060A).

8.        Once you have determined the Root Device String and Compatible Device ID for a similar burner, you can modify this information for use with your own burner. In the eFilm installation folder, create a text file called DEVICES.DEF using a text editor such as Notepad.

9.        On a line by itself, enter the following information:

·         The Root Device String: Use the value that you retrieved above, but modify it so that it uses the Model Name and Number and revision of the new CD burner that you are using.

Note: This should be enclosed in quotes.

·         Press <Tab>

·         The Compatible Device ID.

Example: The DEVICES.DEF file contains "CD-RW GCE-8481C"  0x060A

Important: In order for you to see DEVICES.DEF with the file extension, you must have the Hide extensions for known file types option unchecked in Folder Options.

10.     Save the file.

11.     Test the new configuration by launching eFilm and burning a CD using the new configuration.

Using a generic CD-ROM

If the new configuration still doesn’t work, the last resort is to use a Compatible Device ID for a generic CD burner. This means that you may not be able to burn using all of the capabilities that your device features, but it will at least allow you to burn CDs while you wait for your new device to be added to the next version of the Goldenhawk library.

To use a generic CDROM:

1.        Follow the instructions above to determine the Device String for your device.

2.       Create a DEVICES.DEF file as described above. However, the “Compatible Device ID” will be one of the following generic values:

Device type	Device ID
SCSI CD-ROM	0x0001
ATAPI CD-ROM	0x0002

Example: The DEVICES.DEF file contains "CD-RW GCE-8481C"  0x0002