Which DVD Writer to Buy?

**Martoch** · December 1st, 2003, 10:23 AM

Morning clan!

Ok guys, I'm wanting to buy myself a DVD Writer for Christmas, but I haven't done ANY homework on the subject...that's where you come in.

I don't want to say that money is no object, but I am willing to pay a little extra for a better product. I really don't know much about them to be honest, so would you mind helping me out? Maybe tell me what features I'm looking for, what media to purchase, recommend specific models, etc...

Also, right now I don't even have a DVD-ROM...should I buy one so I can copy DVD's straight from DVD-DVD or do I have to burn images when using a DVD writer?

Sorry for the n00b questions, but I can always depend on you guys foe help...

Thanks!

Mike

EDIT: This one seems to be a good deal, but like I said I'm just now starting to research...
LiteOn LDW-401S DVD-ReWritable Drive, 2MB, Retail
It's only $103 shipped, is that too "cheap"?

**phenious** · December 1st, 2003, 10:33 AM

Right now I am in the process of writting an article for TechIMO that talks about legally backing up your DVDs

My newphews distroy my sisters DVDs so she needs copies

Anyways... dont settle for anything less than dual format. I have had the best luck with my burner. Pioneer DRU-A06. Dual Format 4X. It was rated by maximum PC to be the fastest 4X around and I havent burned any coasters so I am happy with it. By the time you want to buy your burner it will probably have even faster burn speeds. I have seen some 6X or 8X I think at Best Buy but havent read up on em so I woudnt jump on those just yet. 4X media is hard enough to get so I dont know where to get the faster stuff. I burn no faster then 2X so I have a good burn so the extra speed wouldnt matter to me. Also A new DVD format is comming up in the near future which is similar to DVD-9... dual layers... what most movies are on so you may want to wait for that. Dual layer gives 2x space as a regular DVD-R would. So as you would imagine some compression is needed to get a dual layer movie onto a regular DVD-R. I dont think you need to get an extra DVD Rom though.

-: phenious :-

**Martoch** · December 1st, 2003, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by phenious
Anyways... dont settle for anything less than dual format. Pioneer DRU-A06. Dual Format 4X. -: phenious :-

Thanks phenious!

Do it will say DVD-Dual in the description or what? What exactly is dual format referring to?
Speaking of media, should I look for DVD-R's or RW's? Size capacity?

I see people mentioning +R/-R...um, what???

duffyone · December 1st, 2003, 10:44 AM

Phenious is so right, I tried several DVD burners, like five of 'em before I finally settled on the Pioneer A03 (106d). Even Sony likes this Pioneer, so much so, they use it in their newest computers.

I burnt a couple of coasters trying to back-up my DVDs, but it was cockpit error, thanks to Nero and DVDShrink no more coasters.

J-Excel · December 1st, 2003, 10:44 AM

I second the Pioneer. And -R media is better IMO.

**phenious** · December 1st, 2003, 10:56 AM

Dual format refers to DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/+RW

-R is rated most compartible for write once media.

+RW if I remember correctly on the Rewrite front. Not sure why but hey just remember reading it

It will say Dual Format in the discription and the media it can burn will probably list it like... DUAL FORMAT: DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW. I only burn with -R and havent ran into a single player that wont play my DVDs which includes some first Gen DVD Players. Let me know if I can help ya

I live near ya if you need help on shoping day

-: phenious :-

no1_vern · December 1st, 2003, 10:58 AM

I have see a couple of articles about the Pioneer DRU-A06 - both good. I think its about the best available right now.

Vern

ArcticFox · December 1st, 2003, 10:59 AM

Plextor has made themselves a name with CDRW drives, and their 8x DVD burner seems to have come out on top. If I couldn't get that, it would either be a Pioneer AO4 or a LiteOn.

**Martoch** · December 1st, 2003, 11:03 AM

Thanks guys!

I'll be doing my shopping online, but feel free to stop by and show me the ropes as far as burning goes, ok phenious? I'll even treat ya to some of my famous snow crab legs!!!

Thanks for the -R/+R clarification...ok, now for the media, any certain kind I should buy? Brand/speed/capacity?
I didn't see the Pioneer on newegg at first glance...I'll do an epinions search here shortly.
Is this it?
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...er%2CDVR%2DA06

yohon125 · December 1st, 2003, 11:13 AM

+R is the has been the new standard. Microsoft and a few other companies have made a comitment not to support -R media. I wouldn't buy anything -R unless it is a dual format burner. no -R media for me.

btw, i just bought a 4x liteon dvd burner at best buy, works great. was $80 after rebates and i saw the same one at wallmart for $90.