DVD burner decision?

[cajun_junky]

I have scoured the forum and reviews but can't seem to get a general consensus on what people prefer and have had luck with.

I am in the market for a dvd burner to master some family movies from VHS tapes. I also want to backup some out of production dvds my children like to watch and destroy.

Anyway, I am trying to decide between a Sony 510A/530A, Pioneer A06, or Plextor PX-708A. The Plextor is about $50-70 more than the other 2 drives but I know it is a great writer.

I am most concerned with compatibility with other TV top (i.e. stand alone) dvd players so other family members can watch the family movies. I think I read that the A06 is not highly compatible with some stand alone dvd players. Are any of these writers better at writing more compatible dvds than others?

Another concern is the buzz of newer dual layer writers coming out next year. If a dual layer writer comes out I will probably want one so I don't want to spend any more extra money today than I have to.

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

[jaxxboss]

The dvd writer is not so much the problem with standalone dvd players as is media type, authoring program...
All 3 are good writers and all fit the bill, the thing you need to look at is the type of media to use as all 3 can burn + & - , so as long as you know how to encode and author then your ok with any of the 3. Go with the less expensive if you do plan on getting a dual layer burner in the future.
Dvd palyers that can play all formats are inexpensive nowadays, but will they play dual layered home made discs in the future???? Hmmm, we'll see.

[kzPhaze]

I have had bad experiences with both Sony DW-U10A and DRU-500A (I stay clear of Sony now), no experience with Plextor DVD-RWs, however my Pioneer A06 is wonderful. I have authored 10+ DVD, all work great, and have backed up 100+ of my home DVDs, only one skipped in a stand alone player. I highly recommend the Pioneer for reliability.

[Gazorgan]

NEC 1300a $120 delivered at my door:

4x -R
2x -RW
4x +R
4x +RW

90+ disks so far and it's going like a champ!

[cajun_junky]

Well from all the reviews I have decided on the Pioneer but can't decide whether to go retail or OEM (i.e. 106D). Aside from Nero express, is the rest of the software any good???


Since the price difference is like $30-50, I am wondering if I should apply that savings toward different software.

[noki]

cajun_junky
Iomega burner for $92 after rebate at Amazon.com. what is really great is that this burner is actually the NEC 1300a

imagine that, the 1300a for $92, no tax, free shipping. god bless AMERICA

UPDATE: could not find drive on their site. i got this info from another thread. pricescan turned up this burner for $116, but charge for shipping.

UPDATE:http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3/1001195

Rebate requires purchase by Nov 22...http://www.lsyms.com/iomega/303-0505-02.pdf

[lordsmurf]

I only buy Pioneer. I have two so far, still going strong, no complaints.