I've been contemplating getting a DVD burner for my computer. I went on to newegg.com the other day just to shop around. I'm VERY new to DVD drives, and I need advice on what in the world +R/-R/+RW/-RW/ROM/RAM means. I see these symbols everywhere, yet they mean nothing to me. I can only assume it's similar to CD-Rs. But being a n00b to all this, I'm not quite sure. Afterdawn is my first source for advice, since all the know-it-alls seem to be here Also, what kind of DVD drive should a get? External? Internal? Should I get a Sony? HP? Thanks in advance, guys. -esrever
By the way, I DID try going to the big bold threads at the top of the forum, but it didn't really help me that much...FYI.
they're just different formats of discs. the RW means a disc is rewriteable. the -R is the older, more universal format, but it is slightly more..."obsolete", for lack of a better word, than the newer +r format (which can be recorded faster on most drives and is often cheaper). ROM's are the pressed dvd's that you buy in stores, i.e. movies, computer games, huge programs. RAM is a relatively rare data format that doesn't work with many dvd players but is basically as rewriteable as a hard drive. if you're looking for a dvd burner, get a dual format (+/- r/rw) drive, and if you're looking to deal with a lot of large files, get a dual layer burner, as well. hope i was able to clear a little up.
Click on the "Glossary" tab at the top of your screen, and you can read all about what these different things mean (i.e., DVD-R, DVD+R, etc.)... They're primarily just different formats. Unfortunately, your other questions are like asking me to tell you which house to buy. I can only suggest doing a little research, and making the best decision you can (based on what your wants and needs are). Maybe check out some review sites, like... http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,119990,00.asp Make sure you buy QUALITY media that is compatible with whatever format(s) your burner can burn. Check out the media forum threads. The only software you'll really need to get started is Nero. Everything else you can download for free from this site. Oh, and you can grab Nero free for 30 days from this site too.
Also most modern burners support all the 4.7 disc formats. Dual layer 9.4 disc burners being the exception, these do howerever burn the 4.7 formats an internal NEC dual layer burner, might be your best buy, learn on 4.7 discs [cheaper by far] and if, and when at a later date, you need D/L you have that option. regards gringle
This is purely the reason why I come to afterdawn. Excellent answers in less than 12 hours. I love you guys.
The brand names you might want to consider in this order are Plextor, Pioneer, Nec. Just my opinion. Others may have their choice. Jerry
I agree, Jerry, Plextor and NEC are excellent choices. Had my NEC 1300a for almost 2 yrs and never a bad burn, it has never let me down. Just got the Plextor because of the age on the NEC and it has great features, and excellent burns. This is also just my opinion for what is worth :~)
Here's some reading explaining/comparing formats. http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113 http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/150 My votes would go to plextor and benq. Mort
Thank you all for your support. I got more out of this than I could have ever hoped to get out of the shoddy customer support that companies provide, *cough* HP *cough*
You are welcome, good luck in your purchase. Here is a site that will give you all kinds of info and tips on burning :~) http://www.dvdplusvideo.com/dvd_tutorials.html
Hmmm..anyone have any good links regarding a nu tech dual format burner? I got one and wanted feedback i can trust.
If I am trying to burn a PS2 game, I believe I need a DVD. Plz correct me of I'm wrong. Do I need DVD+R or DVD-R?
I personally Use DVD-R for backing up my PS2 games, I tried with CMC mag DVD+R they didint work because of the bad quality of the disc, So try using DVD-R, the brands I have tested are: DVD-R: Samsumg, optodisc:worked Smiwexidint worked Smartbuy, Prodisc: Worked Fujifilm, Taiyo Yuden: Worked Imation, Fujifilm: Worked DVD+R HP,CMC Magnetics: DIDINT WORK Dont buy generic or weird brands, also dont buy HP disc, which are made by CMC magnetics that are disc of very low quality, If you are not sure buy an spindle of both, since they are not very expensive
