question about DVD+/-RW drives

[dionx]

i have yet to buy a DVD-RW drive (don't care about format type since i'll get dual format and dual layer), but how easy is it to back up DVD movies? i'm getting worried about my extensive DVD collection becoming susceptible to DVD rot which i experienced with one my discs already. will the drive come with backup software to copy a DVD movie as easy as it is for Nero to do a Disc-copy for CDs?

and what DVD drive is the best available (hopefully in black)? any SATA models out there?

 

[Trashman]

Backing up isn't bad, still trying to get a hang of it myself only burned a couple backup disks.
Would be easier if there was only 1 software app to use.
I've been using these apps successfully:
DVD Decrypter LINK
DVD Shrink LINK
and last but not lest Nero burning rom 6

As far as DVD Burners go, NEC 3500A dual layer seems to be very popular
LINK

Plextor is only one i am aware of that has a SATA DVD burner LINK.

I have a Plextor 708a that works great, not SATA or dual layer, but for now it works great.

edit...with a dual layer disks you may not need DVD Shrink.

 

[dionx]

thanks for the info. i didnt know they were up to 16X already. that looks like a good option because i think thats the highest speed that can be acheived based on current technology.

 

[JE78]

I have the 3500a. It got some flack when it first came out. There was a few problems with it buring certin media at the max speed. But since the 2.17 firmware was released everything seems to be working fine.

 

[Hanzou]

I use DVD shrink and nero to backup my movies, it works amazing. You analyze the dvd, select what you want to read off of the dvd such as bonus material and all the sound tracks. DVD shrink then automatically detects nero and burns it automatically for you.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: JE78
I have the 3500a. It got some flack when it first came out. There was a few problems with it buring certin media at the max speed. But since the 2.17 firmware was released everything seems to be working fine.

My 3500A just came yesterday; it seems wrong to have no manual, no "getting started" booklet, no driver CD, etc. According to NEC, the only way that they sell the things is in OEM form. I ordered it from Newegg, but also got a Plextor for a second project, so I will have software that came with it. I had planned on getting the Sony dual-layer item, but just ran out of money!

Tell me about the firmware situation: similar to flashing a BIOS on a motherboard? I didn't get anything about that on the NEC web sites. As a matter of fact, NEC seems not to even admit that their 3500A even exists when it comes to advertising it.

 

[techfuzz]

Originally posted by: Kiwi
As a matter of fact, NEC seems not to even admit that their 3500A even exists when it comes to advertising it.

Technically speaking the 3500A doesn't exist in the US until later this month according to their press release which may be why it doesn't existing in their advertising.

techfuzz

 

[imported_manchild]

The Pioneer DVR-108 is really nice too, I have one, it got a good review here at AT.com
http://www.anandtech.com/storage/showdoc.aspx?i=2186

and it comes in black, newegg.com has 'em.