Poll: Which burner and why?

[A Traveller]

Hi All.

Just wanted to ask everyone:

a) If ALL of your current DVD writers were to fail today (sorry!), which one single burner would you buy tomorrow? (Please try to state the exact model as well and not just the brand name if you can.)

b) Why?

c) What are the top two purposes for which you use your DVD writer (for example, 1. Playing copied DVDs on DVD+RW and 2. Storing audio on DVD-R.)?

Thanks.

[ROF]

Hi All.

Just wanted to ask everyone:

a) If ALL of your current DVD writers were to fail today (sorry!), which one single burner would you buy tomorrow? (Please try to state the exact model as well and not just the brand name if you can.)

b) Why?

c) What are the top two purposes for which you use your DVD writer (for example, 1. Playing copied DVDs on DVD+RW and 2. Storing audio on DVD-R.)?

Thanks.

I would have to research but since I bought two NEC 3550A's at a good price this morning I guess I would buy one of those today. Why? Because it is the cheapest. I do not care for any particular brand name or model. Since most cost less than $30 or under $40 with shipping even if they last 1 month they still cost me less than a carton of cigarettes. DVD burners are throw away devices today. Plus they are old technology and are being replaced with much larger capacity storage media. My purposes are mostly data burning so -/+r DL are what I burn most of.

[A Traveller]

Thanks ROF.

[ntscuser]

a) NEC 3520 (or nearest current equivalent).

b) Greatest compatibility with various media and playback hardware combinations.

c) 1. Burning DVD-R from .iso files and Video_TS folders, 2. Backing up critical data to DVD+RW from hard drive.

[lantern]

I would try to get a new Benq (gotta hurry before they are too hard to find since the merger with Liteon!!!). I currently have 2 1620's and a 1655. They all generate great DVDs. I don't think I have ever generated any coasters with them. They are also good rippers.

I use them for ripping and authoring both audio and video.

[yoda313]

I like my pioneer 111d. Good burns and a solid 16x performer (dual layer to boot).

[steveryan]

The Pioneer DVR-111L is the best drive i've owned and would happily buy another. I bought it from the lovely people at http://svp.co.uk/index.php

[Traveller]

OK, thanks everyone!

[blinky88]

I originally bought a Pioneer 106D. I used it for around 12 months before upgrading to the Pioneer 108D. I sold the 106D to a friend and althought it is now around 2 1/2 to 3 years old it is still operating as it did when it was new. The 108D is still operating as it did the day I bought it, so if I was to buy another burner tomorrow it would be the Pioneer 111D. You do not see many (if any) people complaining about Pioneer Burners.

[Sabro]

I would try to get a new Benq (gotta hurry before they are too hard to find since the merger with Liteon!!!). I currently have 2 1620's and a 1655. They all generate great DVDs. I don't think I have ever generated any coasters with them. They are also good rippers.

I use them for ripping and authoring both audio and video.

I agree 100% with the above mentioned!

Sabro

[budz]

I would try to get a new Benq (gotta hurry before they are too hard to find since the merger with Liteon!!!). I currently have 2 1620's and a 1655. They all generate great DVDs. I don't think I have ever generated any coasters with them. They are also good rippers.

I use them for ripping and authoring both audio and video.

I agree 100% with the above mentioned!

Sabro

IMHO there's no real reason to hurry because Liteon bought Benq's optical drive dept.
There's lots of rebadged Benq 1650's & 1655's at Compusa under the Compusa, Norwood Micro and Connect Computers brands.

I have too many dvd burners so if one failed I have 14 more.
I'd probably buy another BENQ 1650 but when they are no longer available then my next choice would be the Pioneer 111D. Crosses my fingers that my (2) Pioneer 111D@111L drives will last longer than my old Pioneer 107D did.

[Traveller]

Thanks for the helpful replies!

[GKar]

A) NEC 3540, NEC 3550, LG GSA-10N

B) I'd re-buy the LG GSA-10N because it burns my Verbatim (MCC's) 16x +/- the best (lowest PI/PE errors and smoothest read curve).

C) Backing up movies

[Traveller]

Thanks GKar.