How to select a good DVD writer

WaiWai

Senior member
Jul 13, 2004
283
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0
How to select a good DVD writer
Hi.
I would like to buy a DVD writer.

1) I have not many ideas how to pick a DVD writer.
When selecting a DVD writer, what aspects/specifications do I need to focus on?
Do you have any criteria when selecting your DVD writer?

By the way, this is my temporary:) criteria:
- support DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW; DVD+/-R (DL), DVD+/-RW (DL)
- stable (or longer warranty period)
- can read most discs correctly, even the lower-quality discs (eg data burnt on poor-quality discs, or discs burnt by poor CD/DVD writers)
- 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 use my DVD writers mainly for reading videos/audios, burning DVDs for videos/audios, and for file storage & data backups.


2)
Which brand or model will you suggest me buying?
And **most importantly**, why?


3) About DVD write types and writing speed:
.. a) For the write types, as far as I know, there are CAV, CLV, ZCLV, PCAV [any more?].
Are these factors important when choosing a DVD writer?
Which one should I prefer?

.. b) For writing speed, I'm not sure if speed is important.
Even if they support very high speed, is it unwise to burn at that high speed since it also increase the chance to spoil the DVD?
If so, what's the point of getting a very-high-speed DVD writer?
I'd just use the lower speed to burn a safe DVD. :p
What do you think?


4)
Maybe it's a stupid question.
But is it true all DVD-writers can read CD and VCD (Video CD)?
And is it true all DVD-writers support at least:
- CD-R
- CD-RW
- DVD+/-R
- DVD+/-RW
??


5) Better DVD media
Apart from dual-layer DVD, is there any better DVD media in the market now?
If so, what are they?
How good are they?

Should I buy a DVD writer which support these DVD media too?
Why?


Thanks so much for your answer.
 

Ultralight

Senior member
Jul 11, 2004
990
1
76
I can't really answer too many of your questions, but I finished researching fo a brand new complete build. In my searching people advised me on three brands: Lite-On, LG, and NEC. You can't go wrong there.
 

hurtstotalktoyou

Platinum Member
Mar 24, 2005
2,055
9
81
NEC makes great DVD burners. I have one myself, and I can assure you it's top quality. The NEC ND-3550A is the latest model, and I highly recommend it.
 

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,768
29
91
Two NECs here (3540 & 3520) and both burn everything I throw at them (pretty much Fuji & Verbatim); not the quietest drives around, but workhorses.
 

Nick5324

Diamond Member
Aug 19, 2001
3,267
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Pick up the NEC 3550. If you don't already have Nero, get the retail version (i think it is $5 more at the Egg). If you already have Nero (a version with DVD burning), then just pick up the OEM.
 

teezee3000

Junior Member
Sep 19, 2005
19
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As for media, I've been using FujiFilm DVD+R Media 16x, it burns real well no problems. If you have a BJ's price club near you, they have a great sale on them I just picked up some today. 50pk ($20 reg price minus $10 sale for today minus $5 rebate = 5.00 total price) not bad... good luck
 

3chordcharlie

Diamond Member
Mar 30, 2004
9,859
1
81
I just got the 3550A and i'm quit happy with it, BUT I also recently purchased and installed an LG drive for someone else that came with a much more thorough software package and seems to work perfectly (both drives OEM).
 

WaiWai

Senior member
Jul 13, 2004
283
0
0
Originally posted by: teezee3000
As for media, I've been using FujiFilm DVD+R Media 16x, it burns real well no problems. If you have a BJ's price club near you, they have a great sale on them I just picked up some today. 50pk ($20 reg price minus $10 sale for today minus $5 rebate = 5.00 total price) not bad... good luck

Do you burn your disc at 16X?

I'm not sure if I'm correct. Someone teaches me it is the best CD/DVD at their rated (max) speed (since this will produce better results).
Thus I burn at their rated speed plus some discount (usually 1 speed level lower).
Eg:
=====================
For a 16x disc, burn at 12x.
For a 12x disc, burn at 8x.
For a 8x disc, burn at 6x.
=====================

What do you think?


After all, the DVD-R sale in your place is so cheap!!
Are you saying 50 discs for US$5?
Envy :D
 

mike3uz

Senior member
Oct 29, 2004
214
1
0
You can get good media online for a great price. My 3550 is a great drive. With the 1.Y4 RPC1 firmware it's very nice.
 

SuperSilicon

Member
Dec 16, 2005
119
0
0
I reccomend plextor, ANYTHING lite-on, NEC

I cannot reccomend samsung, for combatibility reasons on some models.
 

Skott

Diamond Member
Oct 4, 2005
5,730
1
76
That Plextor 760A is gonna be sweet if they ever get it out. Anyone hear of a release date yet?