Question about DVD media?

[jacatone]

My apology if this is the wrong section. I'm looking to buy a DVD burner but am a complete novice about the various formats. The unit I'm looking at is the LG G5A-4082B 8X DVD+R and DVD-R burner. I guess the newer drives burn faster than 8X. Would I have to buy special slower disks for this machine? Thanks.

[redwudz]

Do you mean the LG GSA-4082B? If so check to the left under DVD Writers. You may get some useful info. I would also do a Google search for reviews on that writer to get other info. And if you are asking about compatible media, you are in the right forum. 8X media should be easy enough to obtain. 4X is getting difficult to find, though.

[mats.hogberg]

No. The disc rating is a max rating. They can be burned at lower speeds.

/Mats

[CrayonEater]

You may, however, have to update the drive's firmware in order to get it to recognize newer discs. I think it's 2.08 for that drive.

Just curious, though - unless you're getting this drive cheaper than dirt, why not buy a 16X drive? New Benqs and the NEC ND-3550a are going for around $35 at chiefvalue.com. Since you say you are a novice, I just don't want someone to try to pawn some old secondhands on you and make you think you're getting a deal.

[oldandinthe way]

This drive is an antique single-layer drive. If it isn't free, I wouldn't buy it.

[mats.hogberg]

Well, I'm still running my old NEC ND-1300A - OK, it's slow (but who's in a hurry?), it's only single layer (but as you get 10 single layer discs for 1 dual layer that's no problem) but it's reliable. OTOH, I wouldn't buy one today...

/Mats

[lenti_75]

you can burn them at lower speed. but get a 16X burner, unless you get it for free.... :P

[ROF]

Get a burner that is at least dual layer capable and 16x for single layer burning. Also do not pay more than $40-$50 for a burner. DVD is old and will not support future high definition projects.

[TBoneit]

Buying a new model will get better media support for a longer period of time. IOW an older drive will cause you to have problems finding media for it in less time than buying a new model. IMHO and others may disagree.