Dual Layer External DVD Writer Takes 4+ hours to burn a disk

[BonnieW88]

I just burned my first 6 GB disk on a LaCie External Dual Layer DVD drive.
The software that came with it is Easy DVD Creator...I did drag and drop and the burn took over 4 hours. Is that normal?

Using my PCs burner and Ahead Nero, a regular 4 GB burn takes a fraction of that. Problem is Nero won't recognize the external burner.

Is there a better, faster program than the one I'm using? Or, is this typical of an external dual layer dvd writer?

Thanks.

[Bodyslide]

Are you using a USB, USB 2 or Firewire as the connection type for the External Drive?

[BonnieW88]

I'm using USB 2.....I burned the same files (6+ GB) using CopytoDVD and it took about 3 hours so that was an improvement...Also, it was a better burn. I didn't get any distortion. I'm wondering if a later version of Nero (I use 5.5) will give me faster burns. What would you recommend?

[redwudz]

I wouldn't guarantee that a newer version of Nero would burn any faster, but it might recognize the burner. I hate to recommend Nero 7 though. It seems to have a lot of problems. I had to upgrade from 5.5 (My favorite) just because it wouldn't recognize most of my newer burners. I'm sticking with 6.3 until I really have to upgrade again.

With a USB burner and 2X media it will take a while to burn a DL.
If CopyToDVD works for you, probably just as good or better than a newer version of Nero for burning speed.

[BonnieW88]

Thanks for the advice....I'll hold off on the Nero for the time being. I just ordered a new card....a combo USB 2/Firewire. I've read that firewire is faster than USB 2 so that may hasten things up.

Thanks again,
and Happy New Year!!!!