Wanna buy a DVD writer for home use

[chatterjee]

I know that if I make just a simple search I'll come across dozens of such threads,asking the same question I'm going to ask.But I'm sure the answers on that pages will not meet my satisfaction,as everyone's need is different.So,I decided to start a new thread.If it's my mistake,please forgive me.

I want to buy a DVD writer for burning simple home videos(simple=not pro).Which one should I opt for?My budget is around $75.

Please suggest me one.

[mats.hogberg]

Take a look at the DVD Writers listing left. You can sort it by rating. In a thread like this, you'll just get random opinions.

/Mats

[chatterjee]

Actually,I don't understand the differences among the various types of DVD writer i,e DVD +R,DVD-R,DVD-RW,DVD+RW etc.So,I don't know which type should I opt for.I just want to put my home videos on DVD and back up some files.

[mats.hogberg]

Get a dual layer, dual format (+/-R) and you should be fine. Most writers these days are.
Seems like the NEC ND-3520A is the most popular at the moment.

/Mats

[ROF]

The 3520 will probably be difficult to find, it was replaced with the 3530, and then the 3540, and now the 3550. The 3550 is available for around $40.

[Treebeard]

$36 + free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152060

[OneSickPup]

I don't think Newegg ships to India.

[Treebeard]

ahh didnt see that.

[redwudz]

chatterjee, most DVD writers on the market will be able to use most of the DVD formats you mentioned. It depends what is available in your part of the world.

I would look for major name brands, such as Pioneer, Nec, Benq, to mention a few. It also depends on your price range. You can use our 'DVD Writers' listing to the left for 'Top User Rated' or 'Popular' to get some ideas. Or use it to compare what you can find locally.

[OneSickPup]

I agree with redwudz. If you need specific model numbers to look for I think the following are available in your section of the world from what quick research I could turn up:

Pioneer DVR110-DVR110d-DVR111-DVR111d
Benq DW1650-DW1655
Not sure about NEC - Liteon - LG - etc

[web_maven]

If your looking for something simple to copy video from your camera or other home movies. The easiest way is to use a standalone DVD-Recorder.

I have spent hours dealing with encoders, dropped frames and non-usable hours on the computer because the system was encoding video. I would recommend the following:

Hardware:
Samsung DVD-R120 (You may want to wait since new models are coming out soon.)

(If your going to do editing you will still need a DVD writer for your Computer some DVD-Recorders offer limited editing.)

DVD editing software:
The Womble MPEG Video Wizard DVD (https://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=MPEG_Video_Wizard_DVD) this software can read VOB files without having to convert them to another format (Which is another issue you will run into). Also when you edit the file e.g. add transitions it only re-encodes that edit and not the whole movie.

DVD Authoring:
I believe you can use Mpeg Video Wizard DVD to author DVD's but I like the products from Ulead. They are easy to use and the learning curve is short.

If you want more of a Pro version, I also like Adobe Encore it's still young but it can do a lot and this too has a short learning curve.

With the DVD-Recorder you can get right to work and start backing up your home videos and not have to worry about Bit rate and if you encoded the audio with Mpeg or AC3 and don't forget the lip-sync issues that always popup.

The DVD-Recorder is not 100% perfect sometimes it crashes but I have spent less time rebooting the DVD-Recorder then wasting time taking up disk space and system time and don't forget rebooting the computer too.

If you look at some reviews the Samsung DVD-120 gets some good reviews and having one I can say recording at XP quality the image quality is great!

Some reviews people have said that they can't edit the files. The MPEG Wizard will allow you to edit both the VOB and the VRO file (The VRO is produce if you’re using DVD-RW disk a VOB file is produced when using DVD-R disks)

After years of dealing with encoders I am happy to say I have found something that actually saves me time. What will I do with the rest of my time? 8)

Good luck in your hunt for technology. If you’re looking for something simple consider this route. The hardware/Software is just a suggestion but I know it works.

Raymond

[chatterjee]

Thanks a lot for your useful replies.I'm interested in buying NEC ND-3550A,coz it will serve the basic purposes and the price is damn low.I'm not pro video editor,I just need to make my home videos.That's the purpose.So,why should I pay extra bucks?

[whitejremiah]

if you're intending on making homemade dvd's, if they are currently on VHS, your gonna also need a way to transfer them to the computer.......if they are on a camcorder with a USB or firewire port though, you should be set in that department...you will also need conversion and dvd authoring software......if you dont wanna shell out money for them, i can recommend super for the conversion and there's an authoring program or two out there that are free as well, im not too familiar with them though, as i personally bit the bullet and bought dvd lab pro myself........maybe other people will have opinions on this though....make sure also to invest in some reasonable dvdr's...dont skimp on them, particularly if your not intending on keeping whatever the original source is (i'd highly advise against that though, anyhow, incase there comes a time where you want to re-transfer them using better hardware or software) but if you are using low grade media, a lot of them are VERY easily damaged....heck, you may even consider investing into TDK armor plated dvdr....just my thoughts.......