DVD Burner

[NaiLed]

K, I just got a DVD Player and I need a thing that burns DVDs as well as CDs (I currently have one that only burns CDs).
What DVD writer is best value for money?
Is it worth paying extra for a more expensive DVD writer?
What is the difference between a DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW?
What is DVD-RAM?

[cundor]

What DVD writer is best value for money?
Is it worth paying extra for a more expensive DVD writer?

That made me laugh

[NaiLed]

shhh nooob

i just wanna know what to get. a cheap cheerful one of a better one that will maybe work better.

[Due]

DVD RAM??

just take a writer that can burn DVD+ & DVD- like mine dvd burner.

[NaiLed]

oh yeah, what DVD blank disks shiould I buy?

[Fallen Angel]

Plextor PX-712A

[Mr. Peanuts]

As for blank discs- go here: http://www.cd-rmedia.co.uk/

[NaiLed]

Plextor PX-712A

yeah? they're around £100. I've seen SONY DWU18A BLACK 8X for £50 -- what makes the Plextor so special?

[Nockm]

I've had a DVD writer for a while so this is my take on this stuff:


What DVD writer is best value for money?
I like the look of these two:

• NEC ND-2510A - £69 - (8x writing speed) - Review - Note: Supports dual-layer discs (8.5gb ones)
• Pioneer DVR-A06 - £40-50? - (4x writing speed) - Review - Note: Possibly even cheaper

Is it worth paying extra for a more expensive DVD writer?
I suppose the more you pay for your writer, the less time you'll spend waiting for it to burn.

• 1x 1 hour
• 2x 30 mins
• 4x 15 mins
• 8x 8 mins

If you have a 8x speed writer, you'll need 8x speed discs to write that fast. Discs with higher speed ratings are more expensive, but not by much really.

Other desirable features are

• 12x burning
• Dual-layer (8.5gb disc) support
• DVD-RAM
• Good compatibility with media

By the way, I wouldn't recommend a Sony writer. My Sony writer writes at 2x for most 4x discs I throw at it, even with the latest firmware. This is bad compatibility.


What is the difference between a DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW?
The two important parts are, whether it is - or +, and whether it is R or RW.

• + and - are just two different formats that essentially do the same job, you won't notice the difference.
• All you need to know is that you have + discs, and - discs.
• A + disc can only be burnt on a + writer. Same goes for -.
• However most writers are both + and - so you don't have to worry.
• The main difference is that arguably a - disc is more compatible with readers in general.

• R means you can only write to it once (just like normal CDs).
• RW means you can write to it, then delete it, then write to it again etc.
• Most of the time you'll be using R.

What is DVD-RAM?
DVD-RAM is a DVD format which is like a third format.. (-,+,RAM). Its advantage afaik is that it is more suitable for use as a small hard-drive. You get some writers that accept DVD-RAM but most don't. Most users won't ever need DVD-RAM.


As for getting media, I use www.bigpockets.co.uk. DVD media is dirt cheap these days, about 20 to 40p for a 4x speed disc.

[NaiLed]

thanks nockm!

I'll think I'll go with the Pioneer DVR-A06

[duel pasta]

pioneer and plextor are the best :up:

[Mr. Peanuts]

Nailed, buy your bloody discs from where I said, theyre the cheapest you could imagine and also- delivery to any UK address :up:

[NaiLed]

call me stupid but I can't find the Pioneer DVR-A06 for £50 anywhere

[Stabwound]

thanks nockm!

I'll think I'll go with the Pioneer DVR-A06

I've got that model and it's great. I'd recommend it.

[NaiLed]

I keep finding "OEM Pioneer DVR-107 8x DVD±R/DVD±RW DVD Writer" instead of A06. Infact, I can't find the Pioneer DVR-A06 at all.