which dvd writer should i buy??

**mummikub** · 12th January 2003

its mr jammyd0dger's birthday early feb
now i know he really would like a dvd writer, the question is
which one should i buy him??

from the hints i've been getting from him, i know he would like to burn at 2x and use dvd-r.
i was wondering about the pioneer A05 or the sony
i'm also trying to keep this quiet from him, so i'm hoping he doesn't look in this section of the forum

Any help from fellow df members would be greatly appreciated

thanx in advance

mrs jd

**fais** · 13th January 2003

it always does come down to the pioneer or sony...

The sony is better though... the Sony DRU-500a without a doubt. the only prob is whether you'll be able to get hold of one easily enough. word around is that it's difficult to get them quickly... they are selling fast!

**r0gue** · 24th January 2003

Couple of considerations.. namely supported formats and end use.

The new Sony drives do multiple formats.. the main one for PC purposes and DVD mastering being DVD-R .. can't empahsise this enough, but if you're going to be using DVD for backup and the like, *regularly*, DVD-R is the format you'll be wanting.

Why? Simply because the format is compatible with most DVD readers and standalones, and the medium is the cheapest of all the formats.

The new Panasonic drives @ 4 speed look pretty good value for money as well, @ around the 200 notes mark (UK) if you shop around.. if I had the cashola, I'd go for one of those..

Chrz,

--
Rogue
http://r0gue.com/blog

**Vamp** · 24th January 2003

My new pioneer a05 will not write on bulkpaq 2x or datawrite 2x so be warned.

I'd stay clear of the pioneer until a firmware is released to deal with it.

Verbs/pioneer(strange eh)/TDK all seem ok but cheap discs are a problem.

**andyinlondon** · 28th January 2003

Iv got the sony dru500a

writes both - (minus) and + dvd formats

and with firmware f also at 4 X with 4 X media

writes cds at 24x

also 2 X on datawrite classics that are cheep to buy.

just got another dru500a for a mate who had the poineer 105 but he wanted the flexibity of the sony

**ZX7R** · 28th January 2003

surely, it cannot be that bad? Have you checked for latest firmware? Must work well with the neo discs.

Originally posted by Vamp
My new pioneer a05 will not write on bulkpaq 2x or datawrite 2x so be warned.

I'd stay clear of the pioneer until a firmware is released to deal with it.

Verbs/pioneer(strange eh)/TDK all seem ok but cheap discs are a problem.

**r0gue** · 28th January 2003

Have a Pioneer A04 here that is more than happy to write on 1x BulkPaq at double speed.

Apparently there are a couple of Bios updates to apply, but I have not as yet experienced any issues, except possibly the issue born of a sub-spec power supply driving too many devices.

Chrz,
--
Rogue
http://r0gue.com | http://thc.r0gue.com | http://planb.r0gue.com

**ZX7R** · 28th January 2003

I have an a04 and that burns at 2x standard anyway, so no problems there. I;m very happy with it.

A few of my mates will be ordering the ao5 so I wanted to make sure the drive is ok. I'm sure it is.

**andyinlondon** · 28th January 2003

Im not knocking the pioneer range.... never owned one.

but the sony ROCKS !

**broona** · 29th January 2003

Can't find a Sony? Supposed to be getting some here http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/S...tml?SON-DRU500 on Friday. Don't know if it's cheap or not!

**Lazaru5** · 10th February 2003

Originally posted by Vamp
My new pioneer a05 will not write on bulkpaq 2x or datawrite 2x so be warned.

I'd stay clear of the pioneer until a firmware is released to deal with it.

Verbs/pioneer(strange eh)/TDK all seem ok but cheap discs are a problem.

my A05 wries to datawrite 4x ok, never used the 2x, when i bought it i was told that they aren't good at 2x neway! and @�1:40 a disc it's not too bad! i am still learning though so what do i know???

i say the A05 jd, oops i mean Mrs jd

jb

**andyinlondon** · 10th February 2003

the sony is available at bigpockets

i got an emil today from them.

http://www.bigpockets.co.uk

**cableguytk** · 25th February 2003

well first off id recommend a + dirve over a - drive (as in DVD+RW over DVD-RW....)
+ has better compatability than -

My friend got a TDK 4x2x (maybe 2.4x RW) for like $240...and loves it...works great with DVDXcopy.

Id recommend that.

If you are a money saver, id say wait every week for a good DVD-RW deal iat officemax/staples. They usually put out a verbatim or cendyne model for anywhere from $160-$200 in after like $40 in rebates, or more...and after that a $50 off $200 coupon can be included to drop the price to $110-$150.

Some people dont think highly off the two makers, but sometimes u get a rebadged lite-on so i hear. I think they are great for the price.

This week feb23-mar1 staples has a verbatim 2.4x2.4x DVD-RW for $160 after $40? in rebates.
Every week there is at least one. And most weeks its a 4x2x DVD-RW...so id wait a week or more (whhatever is ncessary) for a 4x model.