Best DVD-ROM Reader?

[Trader05]

Title says all, my Lite-ON is dying and need a replacement...need something that i can do media scans also. Let me know!

 

[acegazda]

How much can you spend? The difference between dvd readers and dvd burners is certainly not at all that much these days... I suggest picking up a dvd burner instead. The nec 3550a is a very good one for $31 shipped.

 

[Trader05]

definitly true about the price...i just checked, its like a $10 difference. I have a Pioneer 111D right now, is the 3550a a good reader?..i just sold that too

 

[acegazda]

Read speeds are virtually identical in all dvd burners <$100, the plextors really widen the gap, but yes, it's a solid all 'round performer.

 

[Trader05]

well im not too much worried about the speed since they are all basically the same....just the error reading and copy protection stuff

 

[Arcanedeath]

Personaly I've had very good luck w/ my Asus DVD E616P2

 

[fire400]

30 bucks for a DVD-Writer.

if you're going to upgrade now, get the full package.

 

[oynaz]

For a cheap decent drive, I recommand NEC. For an expensive, very good drive, Plextor is the way to go.

 

[Markbnj]

I had a 3540a, died in one year. I just replaced it with a Samsung SH-S192D, and it is working great. There isn't a lot of difference in these things now, and you'd be hard pressed to spend more than $35 on one.

 

[Schadenfroh]

I really like my NEC2510 (modded NEC2500). But, i think it has been replaced by the NEC3500A? THey are really good deals and are solid.

 

[lobbyone]

I own 2 NEC 3550A, and not one has given me problems. My old Pioneer DVD drive would skip on movies, but not once on the NECs.

 

[imported_Imp]

LG and Hitachi (rebadged something) has been the best at reading DVDs from my experience. Just stay the hell away from Lite-On. My current SHW-160P6S can't read half of my movies and the firmware won't update thanks to their great lack of support for OEM drives ("software" to remove checks are outdated).

 

[gsellis]

I have a NEC 3500A and a 3550A. Flawless for at least 2 years on the 3550. I had the 3500 at least 3 IIRC. Both modded with Liggy's firmware.

Edit - both have burned at least 300 discs.