Need help choosing a DVD burner

[AndyP]

I was going to post this in the Computer forum but I haven't donated yet so I can't :( Anyway, I'm building my friend a computer and he wants a DVD burner. I don't have one so I'm not totally up to date on the newest technologies.

What's the difference between dual and single layer (besides the fact that it holds twice as much). Which one would you suggest buying? Lastly, what program is best for "backing up" my DVDs? Thanks!!!

[jdots]

1. when i have tech questions i ask the sales force

if they don't know,run fast to some lit like a magazine that rates the stuff and has customer ratings..Most expensive isn't always what is needed,look for long term service records.

[ret5hd]

2. try this one...

practically unlimited capacity!

[AndyP]

3. Is that dual layer or single

it's hard to tell. :P

[ret5hd]

5. stack 'em as high as you want...

dual layer...pfft! this thing'll hold 'em at LEAST 20 deep.

[ET Awful]

4. Best bang for the buck is usually Lite-On drives

Very reasonable price, and excellent performance.

If price is no object, Plextor is usually the way to go.

Personally, I usually use the Lite-On stuff.

I also recommend buying parts at newegg.com. Excellent prices and customer service.

If you want to "back-up" DVD's, DVD-shrink is free and easy, as is DVD-Decrypter.

[AndyP]

8. yeah newegg is my favorite

I buy just about everything there. It's cheaper than eBay. Their customer service and returns are awesome too. Will a dual layer also burn single layer disks?

[ET Awful]

9. Yes it will. But, considering how rare and expensive dual layer

media is right now, I don't know that I'd even spend the extra cash for a dual layer drive.

[AndyP]

11. Yes but,

The dual layer drives aren't that much more expensive than the single layer ones are. Therefore, if I get a dual that can burn single layer DVDs I'll be all set when the dual layer disks come down in price. AND I think I'm going look for one that works as a CD burner also, therefor I'll only need one drive.

[ET Awful]

12. Any DVD burner will also burn CD.

My plan is to not bother buying a dual layer burner until after the media comes down in price, because the burners will also have increased in speed by that time.

[zbdent]

6. Flamethrowers are nice

Of course, you could just get away with the old standbys - gasoline or lighter fluid and a match . . .

[bullimiami]

7. its going to be internal?

get a pretty new one technology wise.

it should do single and dual layer dvd- and dvd+ r and rw. at least 8x dvd, there are 12 and 16x drives even better. the prices have come way down. you should be able to get the latest for around 100.00-150.00 for an internal now. Maybe cheaper if you are a careful internet shopper.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

10. Any DVD burner...

That has the NEC or Pioneer chipset. My friend, Dave The Famous Hardware Engineer(Think: Amiga) says that NEC or Pioneer get it right. Liteon, while they make great CDRW, aren't quite there yet with the DVDs.

Trust Dave. He's a man who really knows his merde.