which dvd writer?

[aberboy0]

im lookin to buy a dvd writer,any recomendations?i want to back up my dvd's,it is as straight forward as copying from my dvd to a blank one or do i need certain software.

many thx :P

[mijman]

First of all, You have to look at the two types of drives, and their media.
Pioneer uses DVD-R and DVD-RW
HP uses DVD+RW only. They do not have a DVD+R yet. (which I believe will be a crushing blow)

The +RW and the -RW are DIFFERENT formats, and are not compatible with each other for writing. (I believe they'll read each other though.)

Until the industry decides on a standard, it's up in the air which one will end up on top.

Secondly, it is NOT really that easy at all to back up your DVDs. You cannot just do a disc copy for two main reasons.
1) Space. Most commerically released DVDs are on dual layer discs, giving them TWICE as much space as you will have on a blank. So, to fit "everything" you will have to re-encode at a lower bitrate, sacrificing quality. This takes a HUUUGE amount of time (12-24 hours usually!)
But even if you happen to find discs that will fit (they're out there)...

2) DSS encoding. This is a digital encoding system which scrambles your picture, unless decoded by your player. Copies cannot, for some reason, be decoded properly, and are useless.

Hopefully, some ingenious fellow will write a program which will rip a disk and descramble like smartripper, but will also re-encode to make fit, and maintain the structure of the original source for accurate (more or less) copies of DVDs.
This person will have the thanks of the whole world of backuppers, as well as a death mark by the industry
Hell, for all I know, such a program is being written right now (crossing my fingers)

[aberboy0]

many thx

[InTheWayBoy]

In my opinion stay as far away from the DVD+RW drives as you can, and here's why:

1. The current drives (HP, Sony, and I believe Phillips has one) don't support the cheaper DVD+R disc's at all! So that means if you buy a first generation DVD+RW drive you will only be able to use the more expensive DVD+RW media, which really sucks!

2. From what I hear the DVD+RW dye is not as compatible as DVD-R's are, meaning you will have some instances where a stand-alone DVD player will NOT play your movie!

3. You can get a Pioneer A03 (DVD-R) for around $300-$350 off of pricewatch, where as an HP (DVD+RW) are around $400-$450 on that site...

The only thing I hear that DVD+RW has going for it is it's speed...I have an understanding that they can go 2.4X, where as DVD-R's are limited to 2X...so it's not that much of an increase.

Just some info I've picked up whilst testing some burners Enjoy!

[Martok]

Wait 12 to 18 months, or untill the dust settles.

[mope]

I see a lot of about the ao3. But does anyone know about Hitachi burners? I am interested in the gf-2000.

[WizyWyg]

In my opinion stay as far away from the DVD+RW drives as you can, and here's why:

1. The current drives (HP, Sony, and I believe Phillips has one) don't support the cheaper DVD+R disc's at all! So that means if you buy a first generation DVD+RW drive you will only be able to use the more expensive DVD+RW media, which really sucks!

2. From what I hear the DVD+RW dye is not as compatible as DVD-R's are, meaning you will have some instances where a stand-alone DVD player will NOT play your movie!

3. You can get a Pioneer A03 (DVD-R) for around $300-$350 off of pricewatch, where as an HP (DVD+RW) are around $400-$450 on that site...

The only thing I hear that DVD+RW has going for it is it's speed...I have an understanding that they can go 2.4X, where as DVD-R's are limited to 2X...so it's not that much of an increase.

Just some info I've picked up whilst testing some burners Enjoy!

And here are some reasons why to get a DVD+RW

1. speed
2. A lot of players support DVD+rw format (Sony Dvd Players love 'em)
184 players according to this site. 3. Re-writable.
4. UPgradability

They can't support +R now, but a firmware upgrade can change all of that
AO3 Is severely overated. I use 5 of them at work, and we had to change out 3 of them due to the fact taht they cannot support constant usage.

Go with what is best for your needs. I've used both, and have not turned back to AO3

[InTheWayBoy]

I'm not starting a pissing contest, and you do have a few valid points, but I personally still can't agree with it...

1. Speed - DVD+RW do have the upper-hand on that one!

2. Compatibility - 184 support DVD+RW, but 251 support DVD-R (http://www.vcdhelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDname=&Submit=Search&dvdr=1&Search=Search&list=0)

3. Re-writable - According to Pioneer's specs, the A03 can rewrite at 1x using DVD-RW disc's

4. Upgradability - I am not aware of this, as HP's website says this about the DVD100i (Which from what I hear is the same drive mechanism as most DVD+RW drives out):

Question: Is DVD+R media compatible with the HP DVD100i for recording purposes?
Answer: No, HP has released the HP DVD100i with write-support for DVD+RW media only. Write-support for DVD+R media is neither planned nor technically feasible for the HP DVD100i model.

Now other drive manufacturer's might be able to bypass this, but even so I cannot help but think not.

Again, there truthfully won't be a right answer until one of the specs become standardized so it's best to hold off until then...but for now, my vote goes for DVD-R!

[mope]

Does anyone know about the Hitachi GF-2000?