I want a DVD burner - recommendations please

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Dnana

Member
Dec 12, 2002
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I did look for old messages on this topic...

What I have is a Dell 8300 and want to add a DVD burner. I started looking and too many choices with my limited knowledge to make a rational decision.

I see some that are sold, such as on Newegg with no software.

Doesn't the DVD burner need drivers - assuming it needs something different than the CD-ROM drivers already installed.

I will also need a DVD burner software or some sort of editing software to make a DVD. Mainly the DVD Burner will be used to convert Home movies to DVD - I don't have many commercial movies I want to backup onto a new DVD so that is only a minor secondary consideration.

Are there burners that come packaged with this software or is it better to buy separately to get the best components? What are your recommendations for Burner and for Editing software? Thank you for the responses.
 
jcwagers

jcwagers

Golden Member
Dec 25, 2000
1,150
14
81
I would recommend either the NEC 2500A or the 2510. They are both cheap but they do a good job. The only difference in the two is that the 2510 supports dual-layer media where the 2500A does not. It seems to be possible to flash the firmware on the 2500A with the one from the 2510 and make it dual-layer as well. Since there is such a small difference in price, I would recommend just going with the 2510. Some of the OEM versions come with Nero 6 OEM. That should do most of the burning that you'll do. :)

jc
 
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LocutusX

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
3,061
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Actually, I believe the 2500A and 2510A are identical and came off the same assembly line. But it's possible that NEC pre-tested the 2510 for dual-layer functionality/compatibility while they did not check the 2500 (and of course, the 2510 has DL burning "enabled").

Either way, people using Herrie's hacked firmware for the 2500 are reporting AMAZING success with burning dual-layer media. Still, if they're both the same price, get the 2510 so you don't need to void the warranty to burn DL discs. ;)
 
C

CVSiN

Diamond Member
Jul 19, 2004
9,289
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Liton makes a great burner very reliable and widely relabled by larger computer firms (HP Compaq etc) as thier own brand..
very cheap good 12x burner... got mine for 79 on special..
 
Cerb

Cerb

Elite Member
Aug 26, 2000
17,484
33
86
For the cost, NEC and LiteOn look to be the good choices. I'm now a happy owner of the 812S :).
CDFreaks seems to have the most in-depth reviews I've come across, and basically it comes to the NEC being a slightly better burner (better burning more media from the factory), with LiteOn as a better reader. LiteOns will more reliably copy safedisc games, and should do a bit better for audio CDs, but has higher than normal error rates on cheap media and good media (does better with your average Ritek than Taiyo Yuden or Mitsubishi--WTF?).
The NEC 2500A and LiteOn 812S are in the same boat, BTW.
2510A = DL firmware in a 2500A drive.
832S = DL firmware in a 812S drive.

Lastly, Newegg does sell them with software, just look a bit farther down. Usually you'll pay anywhere from $.01 to $5 for software. Nero and Veritas RecordNow! (AKA Sonic MyDVD, Stomp whatever-it-is) are much better overall than Roxio and its clones.
Nero, while lacking a bit in finesse, is an excellent package, and lets you use DVDShrink :).
Roxio's EZ CD isn't much better now than it was years ago--it gets in the way more than it helps out.

Good luck.
 
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Dnana

Member
Dec 12, 2002
90
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0
Thank you for your responses

The NEC 2510 looks good- however, the NewEgg choices offer only Roxio - I do not see any Burner packages offering Nero - should I get the software separately - it looks like it is an additional 90 dollars or is there any chance this software comes bundled with a burner? Thanks.
 
J

JackBurton

Lifer
Jul 18, 2000
15,993
14
81
Hold on dude. Forget the nec2510a, get the Pioneer DVR-108. It's only a little bit more and will do DVD±R at 16X and will do dual layer at 4X. I have the NEC 2510a and it's a great drive. But if I had to buy a DVD burner now, I definitely get the Pioneer.
 
F

farmercal

Golden Member
Mar 23, 2000
1,580
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Does anyone have this Pioneer drive? And would they like to comment on it's abilities?
 
K

kaizersose

Golden Member
May 15, 2003
1,196
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Originally posted by: farmercal
Does anyone have this Pioneer drive? And would they like to comment on it's abilities?
Click to expand...

we need reviews here. i want to see what media this thing can do 16x (single) and 4x (dual) on. supposedly is can do 16x on some 8x disks and 4x on some 2.4x discs

found it
 
grohl

grohl

Platinum Member
Jun 27, 2004
2,849
0
76
I was in this boat about a month ago.

Did my research (upgraded from a 4x HP CD burner, sad) and went with the 2510 at Newegg for 79.99.

Couldn't be happier. CDs burn in 4 minutes, DVDs burn in 6-10 minutes. No coasters.

And, updating firmware sounds scary, really easy, I've done it twice now. Getting 8x burns on DVD-R media (50 pack for 22.99 on Newegg). Life is grand!
 
C

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
Originally posted by: AMDHardcoreFan
I'm an LG boy
Click to expand...

I love everything optical by LG except the GSA-4040B I had... what a POS!

I am loving my Plextor PX-708A.. I'd love to get the 712 too :D
 
jcwagers

jcwagers

Golden Member
Dec 25, 2000
1,150
14
81
Well, that Pioneer drive definitely looks good. It should be a good semi-futureproof drive for now. The only problem will be the lack of 16x media right now. If you can buy a drive and use the media that's out now and then in a few months be able to use even faster media(16x), then that sounds like a plan. You'll be able to take advantage of ALL the media on the market rather than simply the 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x that the rest of us will have to make due with. ;)

jc
 
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