What is the best all around DVD/CD Writer?

unclebob · February 8th, 2006, 12:54 PM

I’ve purchased a couple DVD/CD writers and while some have performed adequate in one aspect they’ve generally been poor in the other. I’ve tried all brands of media in both and while some are noticeably better than others (usually durability) that’s not the problem. What I want is a writer that can back up my DVD movie collection, that responds well to Shrink & Decrypter & if possible Nero (I have Nero 7). You know one that doesn’t cause the burnt DVD to freeze, skip, have the picture break up and stuff like that in most stand-alone players. Dual layer might eventually be neat, but not necessary in this scenario. I want a CD writer in it that gives crisp & clear reproduction and can be played in almost any player. You guys are the technicians & geniuses, not me. I don’t know about the importance of speeds (reading or writing), just that you all mention them when discussing writers & players. Like I said I’m a techno dummy, but I love my movies & I love my music, & if among you all, you can come up with some hardware that can do these things for me, I’ll love you too. If you need to suggest media, or explain the speed thing in regards to the units you mention, I’m all ears. I mean I am definitely the “Old Dog” but I’m eager & willing to learn any tricks/info you would like to lay on me.
C’mon smart people there’s a lot of dummies like me that are reading this post.
Thanks for putting up with me
Uncle Bob

elroy · February 8th, 2006, 01:00 PM

You will get a lot of people recommending the NEC line. The 3550A is the latest model. I have the 3540A model. They are hard to beat for the price. No matter what model you buy you still have to deal with the issues of copy protection and discs that are burned beyond standard limits etc.

vikeor · February 8th, 2006, 01:13 PM

i personally like LiteON... they are really nice for the price... they also supply Sony with the parts to make burners so u can expect them to be really good...

i have one and i bought them for all the machines ive built...

also they are quite cheap compared to competition

DanU · February 8th, 2006, 02:12 PM

Don't forget the otherside of the compatibility equation: the DVD player. Some brands/models are especially picky with burned DVDs. Generally, the older the DVD player, the worse the compatibility, but I've seen some of the new ones suffer from a few skips and pauses here and there. Unfortunately DVD player manufacturers rarely advertise compatibility with DVDR's. You'll likely end up having to buy it and test it out for yourself.

Sometimes burning slower helps too.

msterzer · February 8th, 2006, 02:56 PM

I also think Lite-on is the best bang for the buck. However, if you don't mind spending 40-50 dollars more, then a Plextor is I believe the best. I have a PX-716A and it is definately faster, quieter and will burn most 4X Media at 8X and etc. I personally wouldn't go back the cheaper models after having the Plextor. But, that is just my opinion and as you know opinions are like buttholes. Everybody has one.

RayH · February 9th, 2006, 01:55 PM

I use a 16x Lite On. The only issue I have with it is that it may be a bit more picky about trying to initiate a blank CD, especially generics.

As for DVDs, I have not made a coaster with 16x +R Ridata, although it only burns at 12x. I had some serious compatibility issues with 8x -R Immation, as I got a gangload of coasters. But 16x -R of the same brand worked just fine.

As DanU was noting, not all home DVD players are equal when it comes to playing burned DVDs. My Cyberhome 300S will readily play burned DVDs. My Phillips DVP 642 is more picky, but will generally play anything, although listed as a +R only machine.

I use DVDFab Express to back my collection. I even use DVDFAb Express when copying an already burned DVD. I've found Nero to be a bit sketchy when used directly, but OK when used as an engine. This has been my exprience with Nero since verion 4.

JPMiller · February 9th, 2006, 02:06 PM

Stick to better brands of media, and burn at slower speeds...
Ridata, Ritek, Taiyo Yuden and several others are all better than the majority of "big" brand names
turn off ALL unnecessary extras before burning and don't work on other things while burning...
I usually do my burning overnight after a reboot with all backround services and programs turned off, and at the slowest speed...

The following link is a GREAT place for getting overall info and reviews for specific drives, firmware flashing, and media reviews...
http://www.videohelp.com/

Nec, Benq and NU drives are all made by the same company...
Liteon used to be my personal favorite, but ever since my first purchase of a NU/Benq/Nec drive, I have decidedly switched...
I"ve found them to be just as reliable, universal and in most cases, much quieter...

Heres what I suggest...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827152058