Sony DRU 700A 8x8x2.4x DL (*dual layer*) DVD±RW Drive for "$176.99 or $166.99 w/coupon Shipped

[Fallen Kell]

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
are these the blue laser dvd writers then?

No, they are dual layer burners. Its really just a firmware update for most current generation burners anyway, so I would shell out a $200 premium for them at all. Someone will probably just hack a firmware together and it will be downloadable for free for people who own the correct current gen burners...

Seriously, all DVD burners out there can already use their laser to read 2 layers, all they need to do is change the the burning beam to focus the same way they use it when reading on the second layer. Now its not as easy as I said, but its still the same principle, the hardware just needs to have sensitive enough resolution to be able to support this, and like I said, many current gen burners already have, they just need to firmware to tell the laser what to do and be able to report capability of using that format.

 

[Tsunami982]

Originally posted by: Fallen Kell

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
are these the blue laser dvd writers then?

No, they are dual layer burners. Its really just a firmware update for most current generation burners anyway, so I would shell out a $200 premium for them at all. Someone will probably just hack a firmware together and it will be downloadable for free for people who own the correct current gen burners...

Seriously, all DVD burners out there can already use their laser to read 2 layers, all they need to do is change the the burning beam to focus the same way they use it when reading on the second layer. Now its not as easy as I said, but its still the same principle, the hardware just needs to have sensitive enough resolution to be able to support this, and like I said, many current gen burners already have, they just need to firmware to tell the laser what to do and be able to report capability of using that format.

i heard that the lasers in current burners "MIGHT" not be able to burn DL. well media isnt going to be here for a while so that gives us time to figure out if thats true or not.

 

[Ian@CDRlabs]

I've heard that Elvis is alive and lives with Tupac in New Jersey. I've been hearing DL upgrade rumors for months now and so far all they are are rumors and speculation. I've talked to many drive manufacturers and most have said that while their drives will probably be able to read DL discs, they don't have the components (lasers, etc) needed to write them. Of those that can, I highly doubt most companies (other than BenQ) are going to give out free upgrades. Why? They want you to spend your money on another drive.

 

[BooGiMaN]

will regular home dvd players able to read these dual layer DVDs?

 

[Ian@CDRlabs]

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
will regular home dvd players able to read these dual layer DVDs?

Supposedly yes, but we're finding more and more DVD drives and players that cannot.

 

[MysticMan1]

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
will regular home dvd players able to read these dual layer DVDs?

Quote from Sony: DVD+R DL discs, when recorded, are fully compliant DVD9 discs, and therefore compatible with most consumer DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives.

 

[MysticMan1]

It looks like Sony is starting to ship the Sony DRU 700A burner form their web site store.

 

[Wolverine27]

Anyone have any idea what the DL media is expected to cost?

 

[Silex]

In the BenQ thread, people said that it would be about $5-6 initially. So why even consider this when you have the NewQ so much cheaper?

 

[nycdude]

Originally posted by: Sifl
Nothing to see here, move along. See ya in 6 months when the drives, media and software are all in sync.

What he said.

 

[Battleangel3222]

gotta question, I have a Sony DRU-500A, ive heard rumors floatin about how others will be able to uppgrade to the DL versions, is it possible for this one?

 

[oddjob303]

Originally posted by: BooGiMaN
are these the blue laser dvd writers then?

They shouldnt be. Blue is supposed to be able to cram 16gb because the laser is blue which has a shorter wavelenght meaning more room to write. DL is just stacking another dvd+r onto another dvd+r and making it one disc.

 

[EF9]

Wow, I never thought DL would come out

 

[TheBoyBlunder]

Well, I'll see you in 6 months when media and drives are more reasonably priced. Good to know it's coming though.

 

[MysticMan1]

Since the Sony DRU 700A is a rebaged Lite-On SOHW-832S drive I added the first review of the Lite-On SOHW-832S Dual Layer drive.

LINK to review

 

[BPB]

Originally posted by: Silex
In the BenQ thread, people said that it would be about $5-6 initially. So why even consider this when you have the NewQ so much cheaper?

Don't forget, the firmware upgrade for the BenQ will NOT be free. Unless you can get if for free it means the cost will be closer to this drive. And the upgrade isn't till the Fall.

CompUSA has this drive for $229.99 plus shipping. Expected to be available 5/26.

Regarding the review of the Lite-On, has anybody confirmed the price mentioned? $159.99 seems awfully good after checking out this Sony.

 

[BPB]

This is showing up as in stock at my CompUSA for $229.99

 

[Chadder007]

Bah...im skipping this. Ill keep my 8x DVD burner and wait for Blu-Ray or something else to come out.

 

[MysticMan1]

Originally posted by: BPB

Originally posted by: Silex
In the BenQ thread, people said that it would be about $5-6 initially. So why even consider this when you have the NewQ so much cheaper?

Don't forget, the firmware upgrade for the BenQ will NOT be free. Unless you can get if for free it means the cost will be closer to this drive. And the upgrade isn't till the Fall.

CompUSA has this drive for $229.99 plus shipping. Expected to be available 5/26.

Regarding the review of the Lite-On, has anybody confirmed the price mentioned? $159.99 seems awfully good after checking out this Sony.

The firmware upgrade for the BenQ is "free", it's says that it's free on the side of the Benq- DW822A retail box.