Dual Layer DVD Burners....question
 

Just wondering if anyone has any advice on which model to get. Any suggestions is appreciated.


John

Personally I would wait, for these reasons:

1) this is the first generation model. As with CD and DVD burners earlier first generation can have more issues

2) media is still not available or very hard to find and expensive prices

3) compatability of media and drive is completely unknown. Also upon playback on a regular DVD player.

I would personally wait. If you must buy, which brands are you
looking at?

i agree with rob

check out cdfreaks.com they have lots of infos in regard to burning stuff

Thanks for the info, I was pricing out a new Dell computer and noticed that you could add a double layer dvd burner as an option. I wonderd if you could just buy one and replace the one I have now with it. I was looking at the $200.00 US dollar sony. Links are below.

http://www.tomshardware.com/firstlook/20040507/
http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...088&pfp=BROWSE

If the links dont work the model info is

Internal IDE DVD+R Double Layer / DVD+/-RW Drive

Manufacturer: Sony
Mfg Part #: DRU700A

Thanks for you time, it means alot :)

John

Sony makes good burners. I haven't heard of anyone actually
using the DRU700A so I don't know whether this one is good
as well.

Of course you don't have to actuall burn 2-layer disks in the burner.

If you were buying new and the delta price weren't too much more, I'd probably buy the dual layer capability on the bet that I could use it down the road.

there are afew issues with standalone playback compatibility at the moment though..

im waiting till some more dvd authoring apps support sizes larger than 4.7..

I'm holding off on a dual layer burner but why not when you can get one for about $80 at NewEgg. I got the 8X multi-format NEC for $68 at NewEgg but believe it or not you can firmware upgrade it to dual-layer. I have not tried this and the measly price difference I don't think its worth the hassle.

Tommy, what is the model number of the nec you are talking about? I just recieved the NEC 2510A dvd dual layer model. I havn't installed it yet. I also got the media to go along with it.

So, does anyone recommed a good dvd burner program that burns dual layers?

I'm using the 2500A ($68) and the Dual Layer is the same as yours (2510A). With a firmware update the 2500A supposedly becomes a 2510A. I'm not brave enough to try this!

For what I've reading the firmware seems to work. I'm trying to see if I need any updates,firmwares or drivers before I installed this thing.

I understand that the only supplier for dual layer media is Verbatim, and its supply is extremely limited worldwide because of yield problems.

Also, I don't think there are DVD authoring tools that allow for 9.4GB disks today.

Best that you wait until at least the media becomes more commonly available.

I take it by 'DVD authoring tools' you mean program? Well, I just read that nero has an update that takes care of this problem.

There are actually two aspects of this. Nero only takes care of the DVD burning part. The other side (DVD authoring) - where you put in the video layout, titles, audio, etc ... programs like Sonic ReelDVD or DVDit - those kind - I don't think they work for dual layer today.

Okay, I understand. I'll have a look at their website and see if there is any updates schedule anytime soon.