Is there a drive that does, DVD-RAM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW?

[The Dancing Peacock]

We're buying a new PC at work, and want to be as compatible with everything possible. Right now we're looking to buy the Sony DVD-R/+R/RW drive, but it doesn't do DVD-RAM. We get disks from clients or requests for data, and want to be able to read/write everything they could possibly have.

Does anyone know of any drive that is able to read AND write all 3 formats?

Should we leave DVD-RAM out of this? Is it being used, or even supported that much? I know it's the best one for data as far as capacity goes, and we do have some people with mac laptops w/ superdrives (which can write DVD-RAM, right) Should this be a consideration?


Thanks for any input.

 

[Sid59]

bah, ditch DVD-RAM. i don't know a living soul or hear anyone talk about DVD-RAM.

 

[The Dancing Peacock]

I ask b/c the manager wants us to be compatible with it. I hadn't paid much attention to the whole DVD thing, b/c I was going to wait for a unified format, which
doesn't seem to be coming yet. I told him that I thought DVD-RAM was pretty much not getting support anymore, but I wanted to come make sure.

 

[alkemyst]

This the same kind of manager that posts for programmers with at least 7 years of .Net experience? 🙂

DVD-RAM is dead really. Even without dual formats you can be ok about 90% of the time, but if you get a DVD+/-RW you will be literally 100% with anything worthwhile. Should a DVD-RAM turn up, I am sure someone could convert it for you...but I haven't any experience in them.

Chris

 

[EeyoreX]

If you want to maintain maximum compatability, you could get the Sony dual format (or any of the others, there are a couple) and get a seperate DVD-RAM drive. I doubt they are that expensive. I think there are a small group, at least, of people like me that would prefer DVD-RAM, as I deal mostly in data backup, so the drives will probably be around for a while yet. I could be wrong, and I don't yet have a DVD burner of any kind, but I still think I'd just get a DVD-RAM if I could get the discs for a while yet. We'll see when Uncle Sam gives me my check 😉

\Dan

 

[GetInMyFatBelly]

Wish I remembered where I just read this a couple days ago, or which company was releasing it, but I read that a company is releasing a drive that is dual format and also does DVD-RAM. Anyone come accross this info. too?

 

[teckmaster]

DVD-RAM is like so yesterday now. Stick with the +R/+RW -R/-RW

 

[alkemyst]

I forgot to add I recently just sold an external DVD-RAM drive (labeled as optical) for $10...it was a 2.7GB I think and like 2x. The external case was worth more than that.

Chris

 

[LordMorpheus]

I have a Sony that is a DVD +/-R, +/-RW, CD-R/RW. . . . and everything else known to man. Its amazing. Don't know the model number offhand.

 

[The Dancing Peacock]

Originally posted by: LordMorpheus
I have a Sony that is a DVD +/-R, +/-RW, CD-R/RW. . . . and everything else known to man. Its amazing. Don't know the model number offhand.

UR something something 500 something . That's the drive we're looking at.

It looks like we're going with it and saying to hell with DVD-RAM.

Thanks guys.

 

[PushingTin]

I am also looking for a drive that will do all 3 DVD formats. The only reason I would like the RAM capability is that I am looking at getting a DVD-RAM camcorder. LG makes a drive that does it all, the LG GMA-4040B . It was announced in February, but I can't find it for sale anywhere. I think I will get the PANASONIC DVD-Multi drive MODEL LSW-9571-CYY for $164 from Newegg to handle the DVD-RW and RAM stuff. And then I will get the HP 300e (external) from this thread to handle the DVD+RW stuff...and it's portable.

 

[Anonemous]

Originally posted by: The Dancing Peacock

Originally posted by: LordMorpheus
I have a Sony that is a DVD +/-R, +/-RW, CD-R/RW. . . . and everything else known to man. Its amazing. Don't know the model number offhand.

UR something something 500 something . That's the drive we're looking at.

It looks like we're going with it and saying to hell with DVD-RAM.

Thanks guys.

DRU500A/AX maybe??

 

[Eug]

Originally posted by: Sid59
bah, ditch DVD-RAM. i don't know a living soul or hear anyone talk about DVD-RAM.

I use DVD-RAM on my computer to view the DVD-RAM discs recorded on my standalone DVD recorder.

DVD-RAM is also great for data with FAT32 support.

What do you do at work? If video it'd be better to stick with DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW. If for other stuff it makes more sense to get DVD+/-R/W.

The only reason I would like the RAM capability is that I am looking at getting a DVD-RAM camcorder.

I have one. It's OK, esp. since you can immediately play back the video directly on the computer. Plug in the disc and go. However, if you're into editing, you might be better off with MiniDV.