DVD-writer - how to choose

[WaiWai]

DVD-writer - how to choose (ver 2)
Hi.
It's my first time to buy a DVD writer.

1) What do I need to know/notice when choosing a good DVD writer?
(eg what aspects/specifications do I need to focus on)


2) I know there're 5 DVD format all together (ie DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM).
In fact, what's the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW?
And does anyone think DVD-RAM is useful?
Should I try to find a DVD-write which can read all DVD formats?


3)
Maybe it's a stupid question.
a) But is it true all DVD-writers can read CD and VCD (Video CD)?
(ver2) *NEW* And is it true all DVD-writers support at least DVD+/-R, and DVD+/-RW?


4)
Which brand or model will you suggest me buying?
And why?

I would like the DVD-writer:
- stable (or longer warranty period)
- can read most discs correctly (and even lower-quality discs)
PS: I don't know, but some DVD-players (stand-alone, not for computers) have problems reading some discs while the discs is not corrupt or naytihng similar and can be read by others.
- writing speed doesn't need to be too high (since I repfer to write discs at lower speed)
- the noise factor is unimportant (unless it is too loud)


Info about my computer:
- my motherboard is A7N8X-X, only support up to 2*UDMA 133
- I have 2 HDDs and 1 CD-RW currently. I think the DVD-writer will replace the CD-RW.
- I don't use any firmware
- I use my DVD writers mainly for reading videos/audios, burning DVDs for videos/audios, and for file storage & data backups.


[ver 2] *NEW*
5) Dual/double layer writing tech
I've heard about double-layer writables.
What is it? What does it do?
What benefits does it provide?
How expensive will a DVD writers be if I wish to have such technology?
Can a normal DVD player (standalone, not computer) read this DVD written by this tech?

[ver 2] *NEW*
6) Region-code
As to region-code, I have a DVD-reader on my mobile computer.
It's strange that I can set the region codes for 4 times only. I can never change it afterward (even if I reformat my computer).
So if there's any way that I can eliminate the DVD-region trouble, or have a DVD writer which can read/write all DVDs with any region codes. It would be perfect.


Thanks for your help.

 

[bjc112]

The NEC3520 is probably the best burner you can buy for the money.

Pioneer has some solid units out as well.

This article is about all you need ( as far as picking the hardware )

Fall Round up

 

[WaiWai]

Thanks for your link.
By the way what speed (read/write/rewrite) and what specifications of a DVD would you recommend?

 

[bjc112]

Almost all the drives are 16x DL now..

 

[Robor]

I like my NEC 3520a

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: Robor
I like my NEC 3520a

I think everyone does!

 

[MobiusPizza]

DVD-RAM is mostly phased out now.

Any of the new DVD-RW drives support all the formats except DVD-RAM
They can read CD, VCD, CD-RWs fine

In another words they can read anything you put it; except uncommon formats

Anyway burning disc fast is not a problem. As long as your IDE channel is properly setup doing 8X burn with DVD is stable and easy
You WOULDN'T want to burn your DVD at 1x speed. That would take more than an hour. Even 2.4x you'd need 30-40 min.

 

[batmanuel]

Just buy the 3520A. It's $50 shipped at Newegg for the OEM, and for a bit more you can get a version that comes with an basic version of Roxio 7. You just can't beat that deal.

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: Robor
I like my NEC 3520a

 

[WaiWai]

Since so many people suggest NEC-3520A, would you mind telling me why you tihnk it is excellent?
What makes it so great for you to recommend it?
Very eager to know.
Thanks.

 

[charlietee]

Extremely reliable and great burn quality...Have been one of the better rated burners for some time now.

Great bang for the buck.

 

[Dr X]

Sorry to hijack - what's the Pioneer 109 like?

 

[Tostada]

The NEC 3520A is a good drive, and I've put it in many machines, but I think now the Pioneer DVR-109 is a little better overall.

NEC = 16X DVD-R, 16X DVD+R, 48X CD-R, 4X DVD+R DL, no DVD-R DL
Pioneer = 16X DVD-R, 16X DVD+R, 40X CD-R, 6X DVD+R DL, 6X DVD-R DL

It's probably worth $5 more than the NEC:
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827129161

People seem to think that DL media will never be cheap, but that's absurd. DL media is already cheaper than single-layer was a few years ago. It's really a toss-up as to when you'll switch to DL ... for some people DL is already worth it for having perfect movie rips and no need to recompress since it's down to about $5. Maybe you'll never use DL until it's down to $1 in which case you'll probably get a new burner before then.

Still, 16X is the fastest you can spin a DVD, so any burner you get now will not be obsolete for a very long time. You might as well get something that's better at DL.

Who knows if DL burners will ever actually be able to burn DL over 8X. No drive actually reads DL media at 16X, so I doubt anything will be able to burn it anytime soon. The new Pioneer and Plextor drives are about the only thing that can read DVD+R DL media at 8X.

The NEC drive reads single-layer DVD-R at 16X, though, which is very good. Most good drives read burned DVDs at 12X at the most.

Here's the review on the 109 (the A09 is the retail version, 109 is the OEM version):
http://cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=260

 

[artikk]

the -dl is enabled by the firmware.

 

[Tostada]

Originally posted by: russianpower
the -dl is enabled by the firmware.

I can see how you got 3000 posts in 5 months. Care to explain what you're talking about?

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: Tostada
The NEC 3520A is a good drive, and I've put it in many machines, but I think now the Pioneer DVR-109 is a little better overall.

NEC = 16X DVD-R, 16X DVD+R, 48X CD-R, 4X DVD+R DL, no DVD-R DL
Pioneer = 16X DVD-R, 16X DVD+R, 40X CD-R, 6X DVD+R DL, 6X DVD-R DL

It's probably worth $5 more than the NEC:
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827129161

People seem to think that DL media will never be cheap, but that's absurd. DL media is already cheaper than single-layer was a few years ago. It's really a toss-up as to when you'll switch to DL ... for some people DL is already worth it for having perfect movie rips and no need to recompress since it's down to about $5. Maybe you'll never use DL until it's down to $1 in which case you'll probably get a new burner before then.

Still, 16X is the fastest you can spin a DVD, so any burner you get now will not be obsolete for a very long time. You might as well get something that's better at DL.

Who knows if DL burners will ever actually be able to burn DL over 8X. No drive actually reads DL media at 16X, so I doubt anything will be able to burn it anytime soon. The new Pioneer and Plextor drives are about the only thing that can read DVD+R DL media at 8X.

The NEC drive reads single-layer DVD-R at 16X, though, which is very good. Most good drives read burned DVDs at 12X at the most.

Here's the review on the 109 (the A09 is the retail version, 109 is the OEM version):
http://cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=260

QFT

The only thing extra I can add is that the NEC can use a 3rd party firmware to add the ability to set the booktype on DVD+R media to DVD-ROM. I bought a NEC solely for this feature alone to solve some issues I have with customers who own Panasonic and Daewoo settop players that are > 3 years old.

Otherwise, I am a die-hard Pioneer fan and recommend any that they make. I make money from my DVD burners (event video), so have a different standard than most.

BTW OP, search is your friend. DVD Burners are often discussed and a search would have found many nuggets.

 

[RobCur]

Originally posted by: AnnihilatorX
DVD-RAM is mostly phased out now.

Any of the new DVD-RW drives support all the formats except DVD-RAM
They can read CD, VCD, CD-RWs fine

In another words they can read anything you put it; except uncommon formats

Anyway burning disc fast is not a problem. As long as your IDE channel is properly setup doing 8X burn with DVD is stable and easy
You WOULDN'T want to burn your DVD at 1x speed. That would take more than an hour. Even 2.4x you'd need 30-40 min.

correction: 2x is 28min, 2.4x is 24min
1x is 58min.
please get your facts straighten up, thanks.

 

[WaiWai]

I usually burn a CD at 2x which needs about 15-20mins(?).

 

[wchou]

Originally posted by: Tostada
The NEC 3520A is a good drive, and I've put it in many machines, but I think now the Pioneer DVR-109 is a little better overall.

NEC = 16X DVD-R, 16X DVD+R, 48X CD-R, 4X DVD+R DL, no DVD-R DL
Pioneer = 16X DVD-R, 16X DVD+R, 40X CD-R, 6X DVD+R DL, 6X DVD-R DL

It's probably worth $5 more than the NEC:
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827129161

People seem to think that DL media will never be cheap, but that's absurd. DL media is already cheaper than single-layer was a few years ago. It's really a toss-up as to when you'll switch to DL ... for some people DL is already worth it for having perfect movie rips and no need to recompress since it's down to about $5. Maybe you'll never use DL until it's down to $1 in which case you'll probably get a new burner before then.

Still, 16X is the fastest you can spin a DVD, so any burner you get now will not be obsolete for a very long time. You might as well get something that's better at DL.

Who knows if DL burners will ever actually be able to burn DL over 8X. No drive actually reads DL media at 16X, so I doubt anything will be able to burn it anytime soon. The new Pioneer and Plextor drives are about the only thing that can read DVD+R DL media at 8X.

The NEC drive reads single-layer DVD-R at 16X, though, which is very good. Most good drives read burned DVDs at 12X at the most.

Here's the review on the 109 (the A09 is the retail version, 109 is the OEM version):
http://cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=260

would it make sense to convert all my sl to dl and only reducing my disk space by 80 percent :roll:
8.5gb = 7.9gb usable capacity
4.7gb = 4.37gb usable capacity

 

[Tostada]

Originally posted by: wchou
would it make sense to convert all my sl to dl and only reducing my disk space by 80 percent :roll:
8.5gb = 7.9gb usable capacity
4.7gb = 4.37gb usable capacity

That made no sense at all. Of course it wouldn't make sense to burn single-layer DVDs onto DL media. What are you talking about?