DVD-writer - how to choose

[Wai_Wai]

DVD-writer - how to choose (ver 2)

Hi.

It's my first time to buy a DVD writer.

1) What do I need to know/notice when choosing a good DVD writer?

(eg what aspects/specifications do I need to focus on)

2) I know there're 5 DVD format all together (ie DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM).

In fact, what's the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW?

And does anyone think DVD-RAM is useful?

Should I try to find a DVD-write which can read all DVD formats?

3)

Maybe it's a stupid question.

a) But is it true all DVD-writers can read CD and VCD (Video CD)?

(ver2) *NEW* And is it true all DVD-writers support at least DVD+/-R, and DVD+/-RW?

4)

Which brand or model will you suggest me buying?

And why?

I would like the DVD-writer:

- stable (or longer warranty period)

- can read most discs correctly (and even lower-quality discs)

PS: I don't know, but some DVD-players (stand-alone, not for computers) have problems reading some discs while the discs is not corrupt or naytihng similar and can be read by others.

- writing speed doesn't need to be too high (since I repfer to write discs at lower speed)

- the noise factor is unimportant (unless it is too loud)

Info about my computer:

- my motherboard is A7N8X-X, only support up to 2*UDMA 133

- I have 2 HDDs and 1 CD-RW currently. I think the DVD-writer will replace the CD-RW.

- I don't use any firmware

- I use my DVD writers mainly for reading videos/audios, burning DVDs for videos/audios, and for file storage & data backups.

[ver 2] *NEW*

5) Dual/double layer writing tech

I've heard about double-layer writables.

What is it? What does it do?

What benefits does it provide?

How expensive will a DVD writers be if I wish to have such technology?

Can a normal DVD player (standalone, not computer) read this DVD written by this tech?

[ver 2] *NEW*

6) Region-code

As to region-code, I have a DVD-reader on my mobile computer.

It's strange that I can set the region codes for 4 times only. I can never change it afterward (even if I reformat my computer).

So if there's any way that I can eliminate the DVD-region trouble, or have a DVD writer which can read/write all DVDs with any region codes. It would be perfect.

Thanks for your help.

[Ghost82]

Most current Writers support DVD+/-R(W) allready. There are hardly any DVD-RAM Drives (or discs) available (atleast here in holland) I recently bought the Pioneer DVR-109 I haven't really used yet though. It's not a very silent drive but it's not very loud either.

[Wai_Wai]

Most current Writers support DVD+/-R(W) allready. There are hardly any DVD-RAM Drives (or discs) available (atleast here in holland) I recently bought the Pioneer DVR-109 I haven't really used yet though. It's not a very silent drive but it's not very loud either.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks.

[The-VOICE]

Lite-On writers are highly respected, and they are often rebranded with the Sony label and a higher price.

[Astalavista]

u best go here

http://www.cdfreaks.com/

and read all their info on how to choose the best dvd burner or reader.

and that 4 times deal on your laptop are you kidding? I dont have

such a think on my Sony Vaio UltraLight model i got in HongKong

[ripken204]

lite-on is the best around for cd's but not for dvd's yet, but they are getting there

[The-VOICE]

lite-on is the best around for cd's but not for dvd's yet, but they are getting there

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Which DVD writer manufacturer do you recommend?

[ripken204]

sony and plextor, but for cd's like i said, lite-on is the best

[Astalavista]

pls listen to ripken he has the most knowledge of everyone here.

He posted like several dozen question on each hardware he was "thinking"

of buying.

I wonder if he ever got a computer after all his post.

I have been using Lite-On for a very long time. Never any problems

In fact Lite_oN is one of the few that can make 1to1 copies of most

Games and Movies for backup.

if your going to buy a DVD writer make sure u purchase

the one that has a LightScribe option.

Flip your CD (lightscribe compatible) and use your burner like a laser printer. COOL!

[Redcloud]

I took a DVD +-R/W out of my old computer and put it into my new one, but left the drivers behind. I recorded a DVD on a Philips DVD player, but it wouldn't play on the newly installed DVD drive. Is this due to a particular Philips format, or in addition to needing a DVD writer, I also need a reader?

[ripken204]

well to let u know i did get it, and lightscribe is only for HP drives, and its not all that good anyways, it fades after a while and can damage the disc

[Brando569]

i dont recommend plextor dvd burners at all, around a year ago i bought either the PX-712a or PX-716a (cant remember) and its horrible it takes the drive like 30 seconds to a minute to read a dvd regardless or whether its blank or not! my other drive is an LG cd burner and dvd reader and it will read any dvd i place in it in under 10 seconds! i was very disappointed with it... unless plextor has made great strides in improving their drives im going to buy my next dvd burner from another company, probably either pioneer or sony

[The-VOICE]

well to let u know i did get it, and lightscribe is only for HP drives, and its not all that good anyways, it fades after a while and can damage the disc

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

LaCie is another brand providing LightScribe.

I had a feeling that LightScribe was a poor idea from the start, but you're the first person I've met to actually try it. May I ask if you were using the expensive LightScribe-compatible CD-R media when you noticed that it faded and/or damaged the disc?

Any information is appreciated.

[ripken204]

ive used a few different brands, ive used the HP discs and verbatim, its happened to one of my friends too

and apparently BenQ also has some lightscribe drives

i know that lightscribe looks amazing! but for some reason it wares off, i read somewhere that its b/c it reflects alot of light but im not too sure about that

[Lost Soul]

lightscribe options are nice,, and id also say sony is a better brand of dvd burners out there as for liteon its ok but im not so happy with mine and if you search the net for users that use lite on,, youll find a good few ppl out there that have lite ons to burn dvds arnt really happy with them, i need my liteon reflashed because i hate the way its working, no matter what dvd media disks i use to burn with, im still getting the same problem,, like on movie back ups, it always gets 3/4 ways through the movie and it freezes up on alot of frames and to me that sucks,, ive tried sony, philips hypermedia and us digital,,, and the only one that works great is us digital,,, now philips and sony are great brands of media and they arnt working so well in my lite on dvd burner,, so if i were you id stay clear of the liteon dvd burner brand, but thats just my opinion,, my next purchase will be a sony