DVD writer

TerryTibbs_3

Hi all,
I'm looking for a new DVD writer that is fast at writing Dual Layer media (my current drive is only 2x). Also (and this is the main thing) it must be compatible with a wide range of (Dual Layer) media. Anyone have any suggestions?

Many thanks
P.S. Must be IDE & Internal

TerryTibbs_3

Anyone? Bueller?

BexTech

http://svp.co.uk/product/sony_nec_optiarc_ad_7173a_18x_ide_cd_dvd_writer_with_labelflash_44391?ref=news1007

http://svp.co.uk/product/pioneer_dvr_115d_20x_dvd_writer_44166 (Can be cross-flashed to 115 for DVD-RAM writing). (I have the 215 - SATA version and very happy, I have 3 Pioneer drives, friends have several too and happy).

superscaper

I tend to get Asus drives. Current DVD writer is the DRW1608 P3S. I've yet to come across anything it's incompatible with. As standard it is compatible with +/-/RAM/DL.

TerryTibbs_3

Thanks very much BexTech, I've decided to go with one of your suggestions and order the Pioneer. [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT]

Donnie

LG-GH22LP20

LG GSA-H55LBRL Can find cheaper if you shop around.

TerryTibbs_3

Donnie, my current drive is an LG and I'm not altogether happy with media compatibility issues. Basically I want a drive that I can throw any DVD+DL media at it and it will work.

I was going to go with the Pioneer, but I've read mixed reviews. Am currently tempted by Lite-on as they have something called smartwrite:

SMART-WRITE : Through drive's self-learning function, automatically detect and decide the optimal write strategy of DVD recordable media ( DVD+R & DVD-R ) for the best write quality.

bat999

@TerryTibbs
I'm not dissing your choice of DVD writer. Pioneer and Lite-On are both OK imho.
But I think that the 'SMART-WRITE' thing is advertising hype.
Most writers use this technique, it's known as 'Optimized Power Calibration.
Read about it here:-
http://www.dvdburning.biz/terms/optimum-power-calibration-opc.htm
and here:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimum_Power_Calibration

Or maybe 'SMART-WRITE' is an improved method that's been developed.
:cool:

nullogik

I think you've mentioned that LG aren't high up on your list, but the LG GSA-H55N (IDE) gets a good write up here:

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/164769/lg-gsah55n-ide.html

Or the Samsung SH-S203B (SATA) also gets a good review, more here:

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/164772/samsung-shs203b-sata.html

Donnie

TerryTibbs wrote: »

Donnie, my current drive is an LG and I'm not altogether happy with media compatibility issues. Basically I want a drive that I can throw any DVD+DL media at it and it will work.

I was going to go with the Pioneer, but I've read mixed reviews. Am currently tempted by Lite-on as they have something called smartwrite:

SMART-WRITE : Through drive's self-learning function, automatically detect and decide the optimal write strategy of DVD recordable media ( DVD+R & DVD-R ) for the best write quality.

Have you applied any Firmware updates to your LG drive?
Can't say that I've ever experienced such a problem. I use mainly Samsung and LG drives.

mitchg

I too have had LG and Lite On and never ever had compatibility issues infact i always think they are amongst the most compatible apart for CD+G disks now for that type of burning i would suggest a Plextor dvd writer.