I want to buy a DVD writer.

[Interesting Ian]

I've never had one before. I would prefer to buy over the Net and I live in the UK. Which is the best dvd writer?

[Rat]

All the ones I've used have been Sony. All dual-format. Mine at home is the DRU-500, and I've had no problems with it, though it's not the fastest in the world. At work, we had two Sonys that both failed. Can't remember the model. We then bought the first reasonably priced dual-layer models, and have had no problems with them since. They are fast (faster on + discs, but will write either), and reliable. Had no coasters. Haven't tried writing a DL disc yet though.

Cheers,
Rat.

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by Rat
All the ones I've used have been Sony. All dual-format. Mine at home is the DRU-500, and I've had no problems with it, though it's not the fastest in the world. At work, we had two Sonys that both failed. Can't remember the model. We then bought the first reasonably priced dual-layer models, and have had no problems with them since. They are fast (faster on + discs, but will write either), and reliable. Had no coasters. Haven't tried writing a DL disc yet though.

Cheers,
Rat.

Is there any reviews anywhere on the Net such as customers experiences? I'm sure I've seen such a site before in the past, but can't remember address.

Also, should I buy dual layer?? My present cd writer is a liteon. That's been absolutely fine.

[Rat]

All the best CD-writers I've used have been Lite-ons; I've not tried their DVD writers. You don't need dual-layer. Certainly not yet - the discs are too expensive to make it worthwhile, but they'll come down in price sooner or later. And then you'll appreciate the extra capacity.

All my kit comes from ebuyer. They're cheap and reliable. And they'll deliver to me at work. A lot of places won't do that, because it's not where the card's registered to. That said, ebuyer only will after the first purchase on a given card. If ebuyer have been selling an item for a while, they'll have customer reviews.

Cheers,
Rat.

[heath]

I have a dual layer multi format (+/-) NEC DVD writer. Works beautifully.

Anything dual layer, multi format is the way to go for future proofing (i.e. for when dual layer disks don't cost an arm and a leg) they cost bugger all more than single format single layer writers anyway. There isn't that much difference between brands any more, anthing in your price bracket should work equally well.

www.Aria.co.uk are my current favourite online seller.

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by heath
I have a dual layer multi format (+/-) NEC DVD writer. Works beautifully.

Anything dual layer, multi format is the way to go for future proofing (i.e. for when dual layer disks don't cost an arm and a leg) they cost bugger all more than single format single layer writers anyway. There isn't that much difference between brands any more, anthing in your price bracket should work equally well.

www.Aria.co.uk are my current favourite online seller.

Actually, before seeing your post I was going to say that I'm kinda leaning to wards buying the:

{HA 4128} NEC 3520A 16x DVD+/-R writer with 4x Double Layer DVDR writing compatibility and 48x CDR writing compatibility

From here (http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/Hardware_Section__.html)

The info says:



The new ND-3520A is the first model on the market which can write to both -R and +R dual layer discs at 4x. The ND-3520A also enables rewritable RW discs to be burned with the highest speed so far on the market - 8x for DVD+RW and 6x for DVD-RW.

For those customers that are not yet familiar with Dual-Layer, the technology allows an amazing 8.5GB to be stored on a single disc. This large storage capacity makes the DVD writer suitable for users who wish to quickly and simply store films, music and other large volumes of data in a flexible way. The ND-3520A enables burning a one hour DVD-video in six minutes, irrespective of DVD format.

The ND-3520A is equipped with an enhanced version of NEC's own AOPC technology (Active Optimum Power Control) which adjusts the laser effect in real time as to achieve optimal readability.

Specifications:

Read Speed:

DVD: 16x

CD: 48x

Write Speed:

DVD-R: 16x

DVD-R DL: 4x

DVD-RW: 6x

DVD+R: 16x

DVD+RW: 8x

DVD+R9: 4x

CD-R: 48x

CD+RW: 24x

Access Time:

DVD: 140ms

CD: 120ms

Interface: IDE, ATAPI, ULTRA DMA 33 Mode 2

All of our current range of DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and CDR/RW media should function perfectly with this DVD writer.

4x Double Layer media is not expected to be available until January 2005. Until then NEC tell us that 4x write speeds can be achieved on Verbatim +R 2.4x Double Layer media.

This item is sold as a bare drive. No cables, installation screws or software is included.

This drive is very new technology (only being released in December 2004), so you may need to update your DVDR writing software to include compatibility with your new drive.


So basically I was going to ask about NEC to see if they're ok. And I need to see if I can find any reviews of this model, but seems to be too new.

But anyway, any advice here? Does this model seem ok? It only costs £34.99 :eek: But then there's p&p (and how much will that be?), and need to buy cable and maybe software.

Even though its dual layer, it will still record on normal discs? And what about buying from this place? I can buy discs at the same time you see and that will save me on p&p. Or should I just buy discs from a (non-online) shop? Have to check out prices.

[heath]

Originally posted by Interesting Ian
Actually, before seeing your post I was going to say that I'm kinda leaning to wards buying the:

{HA 4128} NEC 3520A 16x DVD+/-R writer with 4x Double Layer DVDR writing compatibility and 48x CDR writing compatibility



This may in fact be the one I have! (can't tell from work...)




From here (http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/Hardware_Section__.html)



I buy my blanks from here. They are ok.



But anyway, any advice here? Does this model seem ok? It only costs £34.99 :eek: But then there's p&p (and how much will that be?), and need to buy cable and maybe software.



You may not need any cables. Depends on what you already have in you PC.

I always use www.priceguideuk.com to compare prices (inc shipping) once I know what I want. Check it out.


Even though its dual layer, it will still record on normal discs?


yes



And what about buying from this place? I can buy discs at the same time you see and that will save me on p&p. Or should I just buy discs from a (non-online) shop? Have to check out prices.

Online is ALWAYS cheaper. And like I say above I get my blanks from there. Cheapest I've seen. You'll save on shipping by getting both at once so something to factor in.

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by Interesting Ian
Actually, before seeing your post I was going to say that I'm kinda leaning to wards buying the:

{HA 4128} NEC 3520A 16x DVD+/-R writer with 4x Double Layer DVDR writing compatibility and 48x CDR writing compatibility

From here (http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/Hardware_Section__.html)



Is this (http://www.cdr-info.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=12314&PageId=0) the model? Just that it has ND in front of it, so wasn't quite sure.

Anyway, doesn't seem a very good review, but it keeps comparing to the Plextor PX-716A which seems much better, but it is £75! :eek: More than twice as much.

Anyway, I don't understand most of the review but the conclusion seems fairly favourable.

But what's this about Mount Rainer and safedisc?? :confused: Why can't they communicate in English.

Any advice anyone?? I'll read some other reviews. Even though the plextor is much better I'm not prepared to pay over twice the amount.

[Vitnir]

Why not a unit with HD? If you want a total upgrade from the VCR you also want to get away from the problem of finding a media with enough space left on it.
Edit: Ups, I was sure you were talking about DVD-writers for home entertainment systems. My bad.

[Soapy Sam]

Ian - What is the intended use?
(Not that you need a good reason to buy gadgets, but I found it less useful than I had expected.)

I bought a Philips DVD writer last year. Two lasers- one writes CDs , one writes DVDs. It has been nothing but trouble. The CD part has never worked properly.
I find a 4.7Gb disc is too big to be much use for storing files and too small to back up a modern hard drive. Same is true of 8Gb.
In a year, I wrote only three DVDs and one of those was less than a quarter full.

I use them to store photographs, but I keep CD copies too, as I don't know how reliable DVDs are long term. So I really gained nothing.

Multi format is certainly best. I bought DVD-RW discs, not realizing that "- "was a minus sign, not just a hyphen. Philips writers use only DVD + discs. A simple story, told by a simpleton.

NEC is a major drive manufacturer. Quite a lot of branded USB drives - Archos for instance- turn out to be either NEC or Matsushita inside. If it's to be a second drive, a ribbon cable is only a couple of quid. Fixing clips from Maplins, ditto. Software could double the price though. But! NERO bundled with a DVD will only write to the drive it came with, not to your old CD.

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by Soapy Sam
Ian - What is the intended use?
(Not that you need a good reason to buy gadgets, but I found it less useful than I had expected.)



I've got a 60Gb hard drive. I keep putting stuff on 700Mb cd's, but it just fills up again a couple of weeks later! And I have discs coming out of my ears. So 4.7Gb discs would be a God send! I want them for all sorts of things . . video . .music . .all my files. Trust me, I won't have difficulty in filling them up!! LOL




I bought a Philips DVD writer last year. Two lasers- one writes CDs , one writes DVDs. It has been nothing but trouble. The CD part has never worked properly.
I find a 4.7Gb disc is too big to be much use for storing files and too small to back up a modern hard drive. Same is true of 8Gb.



Nah, 4.7 Gb won't be too big for me. Too small to back up your hard drive? :confused: Ummm . . can't you just use 10 of them or whatever?



In a year, I wrote only three DVDs and one of those was less than a quarter full.

I use them to store photographs, but I keep CD copies too, as I don't know how reliable DVDs are long term. So I really gained nothing.

Multi format is certainly best. I bought DVD-RW discs, not realizing that "- "was a minus sign, not just a hyphen. Philips writers use only DVD + discs. A simple story, told by a simpleton.




Yeah, I'm really thoroughly confused by the whole business. I know absolutely nothing about DVDs. It is all these different formats which has put me off buying one. I mean what format do dvd normal players use?? :confused: How can there be different formats. I understand nothing whatsoever. I know absolutely nothing about what "firmware" is, what jittering is, what mount rainier is :eek:., what safedisc means. I'm reading these reviews and basically haven't a clue what they're talking about Jeez!. Also I'm absolutely clueless what people are talking about on dvd forums elsewhere on the net. Hell, I just want something like my cd writer but which uses 4.7Gb discs instead of just 700Mb, or even 8.5Gb with these dual layer discs! (drool)



NEC is a major drive manufacturer. Quite a lot of branded USB drives - Archos for instance- turn out to be either NEC or Matsushita inside. If it's to be a second drive, a ribbon cable is only a couple of quid. Fixing clips from Maplins, ditto. Software could double the price though. But! NERO bundled with a DVD will only write to the drive it came with, not to your old CD.

I've been put off that NEC drive now with what it said with jittering and other things. Not that I have a clue what it means. Now thinking of the pioneer 109.

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by Interesting Ian
I've got a 60Gb hard drive. I keep putting stuff on 700Mb cd's, but it just fills up again a couple of weeks later! And I have discs coming out of my ears. So 4.7Gb discs would be a God send! I want them for all sorts of things . . video . .music . .all my files. Trust me, I won't have difficulty in filling them up!! LOL



Nah, 4.7 Gb won't be too big for me. Too small to back up your hard drive? :confused: Ummm . . can't you just use 10 of them or whatever?




Yeah, I'm really thoroughly confused by the whole business. I know absolutely nothing about DVDs. It is all these different formats which has put me off buying one. I mean what format do dvd normal players use?? :confused: How can there be different formats. I understand nothing whatsoever. I know absolutely nothing about what "firmware" is, what jittering is, what mount rainier is :eek:., what safedisc means. I'm reading these reviews and basically haven't a clue what they're talking about Jeez!. Also I'm absolutely clueless what people are talking about on dvd forums elsewhere on the net. Hell, I just want something like my cd writer but which uses 4.7Gb discs instead of just 700Mb, or even 8.5Gb with these dual layer discs! (drool)



I've been put off that NEC drive now with what it said with jittering and other things. Not that I have a clue what it means. Now thinking of the pioneer 109.

Now I remember why I didn't buy one a long long time ago.

Any reviews of the pioneer 109 anywhere?

[Beanbag]

I bought the cheapest BTC brand DVD+/- drive they had at Fryes and have been using it for a couple of months now. Price was $59.99 US. I use it almost exclusively for systems backup with Norton Ghost. So far, it's worked perfectly. I've swapped it in and out of a couple of systems I've built for other family members. I'll get their system set up with a clean, no-garbage Windows install with all the service packs and upgrades installed, plus whatever applications they want to use, and then Ghost the hard drive off to a DVD. Then, I'll pull the DVD RW drive and replace it with a $20 DVD-ROM drive (unless they want a different drive). That way, WHEN they manage to mess up their machine, I can just restore the hard drive back to the original configuration with the Ghost DVD. I can get the whole operating system on one DVD with room to spare.

I suspect the BTC drive is used in most generic clone machines. I've had no problems with it as long as I remember to clean the dust off the blank DVDs before I record them. I'm using the cheapest Verbatim DVD + R media right now.

Originally, I wanted one of the external DVD USB drives, but couldn't bring myself to spring for the extra $100. Since I build most of my systems, I always get the cases that are the easiest to add/remove drives, usually no-tool cases, so it's a simple matter to drop in hardware temporarily.

Dual layer? Don't need it. I keep my photos on regular CD's for the widest compatability. Drive prices will drop. I get what fits my needs for the next year or so at the cheapest price, and dump it when the next best thing comes along.

Regards;
Beanbag

[thrombus29]

Regardless of what you choose, if you don't need a fancy box and bundled software, look for a OEM version.

They are just packed in a brown box, sometimes with a manual but are a lot cheaper, just search for the same model OEM.

My DVD writer is a Pioneer 106D (4xmultiformat) which cost $160 a year ago, the same one in consumer packaging (106A) cost $220.

[Interesting Ian]

I fancy the LG GSA4163. Howver I have one slight concern. My processor is only an Athlon 1800, but someone said that this drive needs processor to be at least 2.4GHz. Will that mean it won't work?

[CFLarsen]

Originally posted by Interesting Ian
Trust me, I won't have difficulty in filling them up!! LOL

You are not doing anything illegal, are you?

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by CFLarsen
You are not doing anything illegal, are you?

Well, I was planning to rob a bank on Monday.

[Soapy Sam]

Ian- I can't imagine what you do to accumulate data at this rate.
I wonder if getting bigger storage may just worsen your difficulty, because you'll be able to keep more.

Just searching through all these double DVDs for what you need could take ages.

Have you thought about other solutions, eg-

1.Disc compression. (Very effective if your stuff is mostly text. Don't use on photos or you will lose data.)
2.External hard drives (getting cheaper, though you likely share my frustration when folk in the U.S quote prices 1/4 of the UK equivalent).
3. A more rigorous selection process at the start. ie Throw stuff away.(It took me a while to get my head around number 3, but it is sinking in. I now only back up stuff I truly expect to need again. Which reminds me I have to clean out the garage next month. Oh joy!)

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by Soapy Sam
Ian- I can't imagine what you do to accumulate data at this rate.
I wonder if getting bigger storage may just worsen your difficulty, because you'll be able to keep more.

Just searching through all these double DVDs for what you need could take ages.

Have you thought about other solutions, eg-

1.Disc compression. (Very effective if your stuff is mostly text. Don't use on photos or you will lose data.)
2.External hard drives (getting cheaper, though you likely share my frustration when folk in the U.S quote prices 1/4 of the UK equivalent).
3. A more rigorous selection process at the start. ie Throw stuff away.(It took me a while to get my head around number 3, but it is sinking in. I now only back up stuff I truly expect to need again. Which reminds me I have to clean out the garage next month. Oh joy!)

I'm going to order the LG GSA4163 from ebuyer today. It also reads and writes dvd ram. Not sure what dvd ram is, but I've read it is very useful.

Doesn't have mount rain though :(

[heath]

Originally posted by Interesting Ian
I'm going to order the LG GSA4163 from ebuyer today. It also reads and writes dvd ram. Not sure what dvd ram is, but I've read it is very useful.

Doesn't have mount rain though :(

You shouldn't need DVD RAM, but it won't hurt either. I've never come accross something that requires them (they used to some in sealed containers like minidisks, not sure if they still do).

Also beware ebuyer have good prices but their delivery is terrible. If they say it'll come on the 3rd of March (for example) it'll more likely arrive about the 5th or 6th. As always YMMV

[Soapy Sam]

Post a review after a few weeks, won't you?

Suggestion- if this is a 2-layer one, experiment with the cheaper 4.7s first.

Think I'll stick with my USB2 250Gb external hard drive until the 17Gb discs come out in April.
;)

[Interesting Ian]

Originally posted by heath
You shouldn't need DVD RAM, but it won't hurt either. I've never come accross something that requires them (they used to some in sealed containers like minidisks, not sure if they still do).


I need to buy discs as well, but I'm extremely unsure what to buy. First of all, should I buy + or - ?

I was thinking about buying discs from here.

http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/Show_me_all_the_DVD_R.html


What are the Datawrite discs like? I was going to buy verbatim but for some mysterious reason they're much more expensive.

Also do I need to buy rewritables if I'm buying 10 RAM discs? Is £15 for 10 DVD-RAM discs a reasonable price?

[heath]

Originally posted by Interesting Ian
I need to buy discs as well, but I'm extremely unsure what to buy. First of all, should I buy + or - ?

I was thinking about buying discs from here.

http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/Show_me_all_the_DVD_R.html

I recommend them. Good price. No problems with my orders to them.


What are the Datawrite discs like? I was going to buy verbatim but for some mysterious reason they're much more expensive.


I use datawrite. Never had a coaster from a dud disk with them (out of literally hundreds of burns). Steer clear of no-name disk they are notoriously bad. A friend of mine has a faulure rate of about 10% with cheap ones.


Also do I need to buy rewritables if I'm buying 10 RAM discs? Is £15 for 10 DVD-RAM discs a reasonable price?

Gibberish.

I use "-" disks, never had an issue. They work on everything I've tried them on (including DVD movie players). Some people I know only use "+" disks and equally have no problems. Again I've never used, or needed to use a DVD-RAM disk so don't know why you're fixated on them.

"-" or "+" disks should be about £5-7 for 25 from the store you link to. Re-writeables are several times more expensive but can be re-used (I don't use them so can't comment on price). So get whatever suits your purpose.

[Interesting Ian]

I've ordered it. Arriving Tues the 8th March so it claims. Can't wait to see this DVD-RAM! :D

[Doc Dish]

Originally posted by Interesting Ian
I need to buy discs as well, but I'm extremely unsure what to buy. First of all, should I buy + or - ?

I was thinking about buying discs from here.

http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/Show_me_all_the_DVD_R.html


What are the Datawrite discs like? I was going to buy verbatim but for some mysterious reason they're much more expensive.

Also do I need to buy rewritables if I'm buying 10 RAM discs? Is £15 for 10 DVD-RAM discs a reasonable price?

I bought from SVP and had no problems - the Datawrite Yellows (http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/Show_me_all_the_DVD_R.html#a2112) on the above page are fine, I've not had a coaster yet.

DVD-RAM will not be very portable, it's rare to find a DVD-RAM drive in a PC. Some recordable DVD players (i.e. that plug into your TV) take them, though.

If you want data storage, go for + or - RW (whatever is faster in your drive) as they're more likely to be readable and a lot cheaper than RAM. These (http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_copy_of_copy_of_FOR_DVD_R_RW_CLICK_HERE.ht ml#a2411) for example are 69p each!