Advice On A DVD Writer

[bigalexp]

Hi i am new to the forum and live in the uk, i am looking for sum advice on what dvd writer to buy. i am upgrading my 8x cd writer so anything will be an improvement over that. i will be using it to backup cd and dvd films and to backup my computer now and then.

so i wud like sum advice on which drive is the best to buy.


also i only have a p3 700mhz with 640mb of ram will this be ok for writing dvds?


thanks al

[Scour]

Hello!

I think your PC is ok for DVD-writing, but I don´t know if you can burn 16x, but 8x sure. It depends also on the speed of the HDD.

I recommend a LG GSA 4163 or Pioneer DVR 108, both drives are good and not to expensive.
I prefer DVD-R-media and the LG/Pioneer performs great with it.

If you prefer DVD+R-media, you can go with a NEC 3500 or Benq 1620 Pro.

[bigalexp]

i am still learning about dvd stuff

so what is the difference between DVD+R and -R will both of these formats work in a stand alone dvd player?

as for NEC 3500, is hard to get hold of now in the uk it has been replaced by the 3520 is this any better as it only seems to writer a bit faster

[burninfool]

i am still learning about dvd stuff

so what is the difference between DVD+R and -R will both of these formats work in a stand alone dvd player?

Yes the format makes a differance when playing back on a DVD player.Some can play both but to be safe use DVD-R or better yet use DVD+R with the DVD-ROM booktype(select writers).
For more info go to:
www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers
www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters

[bimbla]

NEC3500A is also worth considering.
Since bit-setting (-R/+R , -RW/+RW issues are all taken care of) is allowed and automatic, the drive is good for the price (<$80)

bimbla.

[bigalexp]

as i said the nec 3500a is hard to get hold in the uk now, and after lookin on the net it seems that the 3520 is an upgrade of that model, i dont really want to be messing with firmwares either but with this been a new model i am sure sum will come out that will improves its writing abilities.

also i quite like the feature in windows xp where u can just send files to the cd writer and then write them to a disc, is there any software that i can get that will intergreat its self to windows, so i can just drag and drop files to a dvd

[spryfly]

If you can get your hand on the benq 1620 or any of its rebaged counterparts you won't be sorry. Read the review by Digital Dolphin under the review section.

edit: if you are not willing to upgrade your firmware you will never get the most out off any drive that you choose. I can understand not using hacked firmware, but official firmware updates are critical for the proper functioning of you drive....do as you will.

[ETP]

get the 3520!

[spryfly]

get the 3520!

Why??? As off yet, based on what I've seen, it's nothing special....mediocre at best.