What kind of DVD burner?

@ tshensley,

You seem to have trouble assimilating the answers we are giving you for the questions you're asking.

Here's some help:

http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113

Everything you want to know about DVD's.

http://dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html#4.3


Here is the exact unit I purchased WITH THE LIGHTSCRIBE for $20.00 less than I paid. All setup with the drive and case, nothing for you to except put some screws in into the case and plug it in.

http://www.meritline.com/light-scribe-external-usb-firewire-combo-drive-benq-1625.html

NOW, We can ask you questions about DVD's D)

Cheers,

 

Hey Guys and Gals,

Of course I'm a "newbee." My computer is new. It will not take a internal drive. I've bought a external box, and I have Nero 6. So, only one step to go. The burner! Burning should be a ball. I'm so glad I found you all to be there for one another. I'll make sure I don't become worrysome to anyone. Everyone's conversations and tips to others are fantastic reading. You guys are sort of like living booklets of CD/DVD burning. I can't wait until I get my burner!!!

God Bless!
Tom

 

Go get'em Tom,

We don't mind helping you, those links I gave you will make you a "Master of DVD discs" in no time.

After you have your burner installed, checkout the guides in my sig for a perfect backup recipe ~

Ciao, Buddy

 

I have a question. If your computer can't take an internal drive why not just take out the drive you have now and replace it w/ the BenQ. And I haven't seen a single drive computer in a pretty long time.

 

The external drive is just my personal preference. I know, I though I had a second drive for sure. I've contacted Gateway and I'm told I have CD reader and writer / DVD reader in one. I've taken them out and switched before in my other computer and I'm kind of tired of taking this and that apart. I didnt' know much about the external boxes but now them seem pretty neat. "Really" it's just something new.

 

@GlueEater,

You could do that, there's no reason why not.

Then again, with the speed that's attainable with a USB port it's close. A lot of these "Super cheapo" PC's for sale with the flat screen monitor and printer for $300. or $400. have limited bays and slots. You get what you pay for and this, is one such a time. As long as you have a decent processor and RAM (I do so LOVE my RAM, Lol) and 1, 2.0, USB port, you can do most anything. I currently have a printer, a scanner, 2 HD's totaling 1/2 terabyte and 2 - DL, 16X burners all on USB. Changing a PC is a snap, most everything is just a USB Plug-in.

 

Yeah but external drives are so much more expensive than an internal one. And suppose tshensley doesn' t have a 2.0 usb.

 

? ? ? -

It's the exact same drive, add $25.00 for a top of the line box -

If the PC were made in the last 3 to 4 years, it has one !

if not, add a card, they're dirt cheap ~

 

O I'm sorry. The last time I've even looked at an external drive was about 18 months ago. And when I saw them then they were something like an extra hundred.

 

Hey Guys,

My friend is selling me a box he has for $20. I have Nero 6 and now the external box, all that is left is the burner.

I guess since I didn't request a DVD burner Gateway only sent me DVD R and a CDRW I guess it is just one of those things that I over looked. Anyway, that's in the past. Now I need a good DVD writer. I'll keep looking.

 

The only burners that anyone has posted problems with, were those bearing the HP name and those made for Memorex (though they changed so much from time to time I have no idea who is making them now - whoever is cheaper at that moment - Lol

I have a BenQ 1625 and cannot say enough good about it.

My suggestions:

1. Buy one that can change Book type.

They are:
Ben Q
LG
Lite-On
Nec
Nu Tec
Plextor
and Ricoh

2. Buy a burner that supports dual-format media (DVD +R/RW & DVD-R/ RW media as well as one that supports Dual-layered burning. I almost hate to say that BUT if I didn't put it down, there would be someone who would still be selling a crappy burner able to only burn +R media at 4X.

3. Purchase those drives that support LightScribe burning. They are drives capable of "burning" a label on your DVD disc. Soon, around the beginning of this year, LightScribe discs will be able to burn a "silkscreen" quality colored labels directly on your DVD. Currently, it's available in only gold-tone silkscreen though it still looks cooler than cool D)
DL Burner prices begin from $35.00 to $70.00 USD)

Always buy quality. Quality never goes out of style.

Cheers,

Pete

 

I am going to have to advise against buying a Lite-Ons, i've had some problems with a Lite-On 1693S, and so have alot of people. Mines can't booktype ,teh booktypin option is greyed out and when I Nero tool on it it comes back as a DVD+R. I think it was just a bad batch, I hear that Lite-ons manufactured in teh summer months this year was real bad. So I'd jsut go and buy a BenQ or something else from the list.

 

Have you tried the lite-on booktype utility with your litey? Thats all I ever use. The booktype option in shrink is grayed out when I try to use my litey to burn with it too but with the lite-on booktype utility it is set to booktype my dvd+r media to dvd-rom in the drives eeprom and they are always booktyped dvd-rom. Here's a link to the utility and there is also a link to a usage guide there too. http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=83441

 

Thank you, I didn't know that.

 

GlueEater,

You're welcome. Read that usage guide cause the utility can be somewhat confusing/misleading. Verify the booktype with dvd identifier after a burn and let me know how you come out.

 

@Mort81, I have just read through this whole thread, boy you really needed that break. I hope tshenley listens to the good advice given and purchases a decent burner. Wont be long before he's up and burning. Cheers.

 

gwendolin,

Hehe, I think he got things sorted. Hope so anyway.

 

Maybe I'm lucky, but my Litey 1693S has been nothing but flawless since I installed it a few months ago. Just doesn't seem to like those Maxell DVD+R from Japan...

 

I don't have any experience with Lite-On BUT I have nothing but good to say about my NEC and BenQ.

My 2 Pioneer burners are reliable BUT they won't change Book Types ~ a feature I've grown to like.

I'm also a big fan of LightScribe discs and cannot wait until the color discs come out early in 2006.

As I said at the beginning, the choices I laid out are my personal favorites and I listed my reasons why they are that.

I just don't like HP drives or Memorex (maybe it's because of the name, I'm not sure.)

Cheers all,

Pete