Recommendations...

[TBNelson]

I am building a computer soon, and I'm finding one of the most difficult choices is the DVD Burner. There are so many choices and it's easy to just buy the cheapest OEM on Newegg, but I want to make sure what I get is good...

One of the more popular models seems to be the Pioneer 111D, and I was also looking at THIS Phillips drive.

In my own experience, getting better quality drive instead of a really cheap one is the difference between a nice, quiet and effecient drive or one that whines and makes werid noises while you use it, so I want one that is good.

I'm also looking for a DVD-ROM drive, but for that I guess I'll just settle for the cheapest OEM I can find as I'll only use it if I need to copy a disk...

Thanks for any help!

BN

[InXess]

Looking at the reviews Pioneer is a better choice. I personally like LG and Lite-On as reader.

[MJA]

you may also wanna check the Samsung drive too

http://www.chiefvalue.com/product/productdetails.aspx?item=27-151-136&CMP=AFC-Techbargains

[smitbret]

I vote Pioneer. My 109 & 110 have been great (especially the 110). The only drawback is that it doesn't booktype to DVD+R, otherwise I wouldn't even consider another brand.
-Brett

[Ron B]

I've been using the 111D for a couple months now, it's a pretty worthy drive for the price. I'm not a fan of any particular brand, I try to buy the one that's the best performance at a reasonable price. I have an NEC 3500 as well as the Pioneer, both are great drives.
The only negative I've found is that the Pioneer would not burn some older Sony DVD+RW discs, but that's about the only bad thing I can say.
I'd buy another one.

[TBNelson]

Cool, thanks for the input.

Do most of you (with two drives) use the burner for most things, like DVD-ROM, or do you only use it for burning and use the DVD-ROM for reading?

Or maybe you have one drive, or two burners, idk. But is it bad to use the burner for a reader or is it better for some reason to use it less?

[Soopafresh]

I like those Pioneers as well. Certain Lite-On DVD drives can make a whining sound when they spin. Not a huge deal, but distracting if you're in a quiet room. I can vouch for that Samsung that MJA linked to as well. Bought two for some clients back in Sept and they're both going strong.

Considering the low cost of DVD burners, using one to play DVDs is absolutely fine.

[budz]

PIONEER has a new model out the 112D which seems to be out of stock at NEWEGG. The PIONEER 111D can be crossflashed to the 111L series so bitsetting to DVD-ROM for single layer DVD+R media is enabled as well as having dvd-ram capability and LABELFLASH (something like LIGHTSCRIBE). If you're not going to be using DVD+R media then stick to the PIONEER stock firmware. To crossflash you'll need to use "The DangerousBros" hacked firmware.

http://tdb.rpc1.org/#DVR111L

I bought the PIONEER 112D drive to add to my collection of dvd burners. It burns well just like my other dvd burners.

The latest LITEON 18x & 20x speed dvd burners are a bit loud. Although I've read that some members at Cdfreaks.com LITEON FORUM returned the noisy drives back to NEWEGG and got replacements that were not noisy at all. I have the LITEON 181AP1 model which I crossflashed back and forth between C0deKing's fast patch firmware and BENQ 1800 firmwares. The 18x LITEON dvd burners are also BENQ 1800's. Both models are the same hardware but different firmware. With LITEON you have "SMART BURN" & with BENQ you have "QSUITE 2.1". Really nifty tools to use for dvd burning.

[TBNelson]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is 'bitsetting'? Also, why would one change the firmware of their drives? What are the benifits?

[budz]

Excuse my ignorance, but what is 'bitsetting'? Also, why would one change the firmware of their drives? What are the benifits?

Some older dvd players do not play DVD+R media. But if bitsetting it to DVD-ROM most times the disc will be able to playback in first generation dvd players. Newer model dvd players most likely can playback DVD+R & DVD-R media. Crossflashing the firmware on a dvd burner to enable this bitsetting to DVD-ROM is beneficial as I explained above. Without the crossflashing bitsetting to DVD-ROM can't be done. I use both DVD+R/DVD-R media. If you don't plan on using DVD+R media then there's no need to crossflash the drive.

Upgrading a firmware on a dvd burner can be benefical when newer dvd media is released. Sometimes new firmware will enable you to burn certain MEDIA ID better than others. Look into getting a PIONEER 111 or 112 drive, LG H22 or LG H42 drive or a LITEON 18x & 20x dvd burner. I'm hoping the PIONEER 212 SATA drive is released in the USA.

[TBNelson]

Wow thanks for the info _ I've really got to read up on what the difference between the DVD media are (i.e. +or-R), do you know any links to some kind of article or something? (I don't want to bother you for the whole technical info and stuff)...

Thanks

[budz]

Your welx and it's not a bother to ask questions. Take a look at the DVD MEDIA LIST & look at the different guides. Use good quality dvd media like TAIYO YUDEN & VERBATIM. TAIYO YUDEN can be bought online from www.rima.com. VERBATIM goes on sale from time to time at Best Buy and Office Max. There's tons of information here at videohelp.com. Feel free to ask questions at any time. There are many members here that can offer advice/help.

[lordsmurf]

Pioneer 111

[OneSickPup]

I'm also looking for a DVD-ROM drive, but for that I guess I'll just settle for the cheapest OEM I can find as I'll only use it if I need to copy a disk...

I'm joining in late here but I'll add my 2 cents worth. Considering how cheap burners are these days I wouldn't even waste my time with a DVD-ROM. Just get another burner - that way you have two chances at a good burner and hopefully one will complement the other.

The Pioneer 111D is probably the top choice of currently available drives. For the second drive you might consider these:

1.) LG GSA H42N (Newegg 30.99 w/free shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827136108

2.) LiteOn LH-18A1P (Newegg 31.99 w/free shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106043

The LH-18A1P's with manufacture dates in Sept/Oct 2006 have been prone to high noise levels and vibration. Most people receiving drives built in Nov 2006 forward have reported improvements in this area indicating LiteOn must have changed something to avert these problems.

Another option is the IOMagice drive on sale at Staples currently - link here:
http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=1&s...P2165:CL141035

$20 after rebate. Get one off the shelf with the "BLACK FACEPLATE" sticker on the box. These are LG GSA H10N's and are a steal at $20. Good Luck.

[TBNelson]

I'm also looking for a DVD-ROM drive, but for that I guess I'll just settle for the cheapest OEM I can find as I'll only use it if I need to copy a disk...

I'm joining in late here but I'll add my 2 cents worth. Considering how cheap burners are these days I wouldn't even waste my time with a DVD-ROM. Just get another burner - that way you have two chances at a good burner and hopefully one will complement the other.

The Pioneer 111D is probably the top choice of currently available drives. For the second drive you might consider these:

1.) LG GSA H42N (Newegg 30.99 w/free shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827136108

2.) LiteOn LH-18A1P (Newegg 31.99 w/free shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106043

The LH-18A1P's with manufacture dates in Sept/Oct 2006 have been prone to high noise levels and vibration. Most people receiving drives built in Nov 2006 forward have reported improvements in this area indicating LiteOn must have changed something to avert these problems.

Another option is the IOMagice drive on sale at Staples currently - link here:
http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?prodCatType=1&s...P2165:CL141035

$20 after rebate. Get one off the shelf with the "BLACK FACEPLATE" sticker on the box. These are LG GSA H10N's and are a steal at $20. Good Luck.

Thanks for the advice. I think I will get two burners. It's an interesting idea to get two different models. If one doesn't work then at least I won't have to RMA both of the drives. I don't know what you mean by one drive complementing the other, do you mean that i should get two drives with different features, or something? I'll check out those links...

[OneSickPup]

For example - you might find the LH-18A1P better at reading scratched cd's or dvd's while the Pio 111D was better at burning Verbatim 16X DVD-R media. My point is that all drives have strengths and weaknesses. With two drives you hopefully have a better shot at having something strong for every function that you need performed. Good luck.