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Thinking of adding a DVD burner...???

C

Chain777

Senior member
DVD burners seem to be coming down in price pretty rapidly. I've never owned one, but have been keeping up with them and it seems now is a pretty good time to buy. I should explain that I'm talking about a DVD-RW or DVD-R +RW etc.; not a stand alone.

It's the formats that have me confused. What format do you think will be "the future". Do you think now is a good time to buy, or will waiting a little longer be better? Also, how are the media prices?


I know these are a lot of questions, but you're always the best ones to ask.

Thanks for any replies in advance. 😉
 
Do a little research. There's tons of info available if you just type in DVD in the search field at top.

Anway, check Eug's FAQ for most of your questions:

http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=118

Also, no one really knows which format is going to win. You can hedge your bets and get Sony's Combo DVD-RW and DVD+RW drive when it's released hopefully later this month.

Edit: Beat me to it Eug 😉
 
Thanks for the info Eug. After reading through the FAQ's, I realize it would probably be smart to wait a bit see what format catches on. My biggest fear is buying a "BetaMax" like format. I plan on using it for a combination of data back up and video. Compatability with a stand alone player is VERY important to me. As far as the budget issue, like any new technology I never buy 1st or sometimes even 2nd generation. For example I remember when CD-R's first came out. The price's were insane and the media was too. Now look what you can get a writer and media for. I just bought a Lite-On 40x12x48 for $60.00 after rebates, and as you know you can get blank media practically free after rebates.

A little more time needs to pass for these competeing formats to battle it out before I'll be willing to jump in.
 
I've said this before but it can't hurt to mention it again. It's not a Beta and VHS war. Beta and VHS tapes are totally incompatible with the other format's players.

OTOH, +R and DVD-R both will work in the vast majority of DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. Just get a machine that does either +R or -R, depending on the compatiblity of your equipment and you're good to go. Compatibility is listed over at vcdhelp.com.

If your needs are heavily data, for use on a limited number of computers, then DVD-RAM/-R is the way to go. If lots of video and some data backup, then either +RW/+R (ie. 2nd generation drive) or else -RW/-R is it. (There's a DVD-RAM/DVD-RW/DVD-R drive coming out next month but it's probably going to be pretty expensive.)
 
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