this might be stupid, but I'm serious noob on DVD

[tiaj3131]

I'm actually very computer savvy, but know nothing about DVD. I am enrolled in a correspondence course that uses DVD's. Can I replace my CD player in my computer with a cd/dvd to view these on computer? If so, is this the best way to go?

thanks

[Barnabas]

Yes, just remove the CD drive and replace it with a DVD drive.

[tiaj3131]

any suggestions on brand, cost, things to know?


btw, I was addicted to Dark Shadows as a kid!

[steveryan]

Go for a DVD writer, the latest from Pioneer or NEC will be fine.

[tiaj3131]

thnaks, I'll look into them - how muhc can I expect to spend?

[steveryan]

If you buy online about $35 including shipping.

[tiaj3131]

cool - thank you very much! :E

[Barnabas]

Lite-on drives seem to never quit. Seem to be like the Battery Bunny!

[FulciLives]

Considering that you can buy a DVD burner for around $40 that is how I would go.

Not only do you have CD and DVD viewing ability but also CD and DVD burning ability.

The Pioneer DVR-111D is a popular model. You can get this from newegg.com for just under $40 US Dollars and that includes shipping!

Please note that you will need a DVD player program (software) to get the most out of computer playback ... the most popular seems to be PowerDVD or WinDVD. I think the basic version of PowerDVD (and you only need the basic version) is $49.95 if bought direct from the website although you may be able to find it cheaper in a retail store.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[tiaj3131]

good to know - never heard of them (but like I said...nooB!)

better to buy online thatn in a store? Any good merchants to buy from? Should I risk ebay?

[FulciLives]

good to know - never heard of them (but like I said...nooB!)

better to buy online thatn in a store? Any good merchants to buy from? Should I risk ebay?

I mentioned NEWEGG.COM before because they are generally regarded as one of the premier on-line websites for computer type stuff.

I see they also offer PowerDVD 7 for $29.99 or the Deluxe version for $39.99 although these are for digital downloaded versions (so you better have a fast internet connection).

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[on30trainman]

Newegg for online, good prices and great delivery.
BestBuy has the Pioneer on sale at times - saw it for around $40 during Christmas, but think that was only for the one with Black faceplate.

[FulciLives]

Newegg for online, good prices and great delivery.
BestBuy has the Pioneer on sale at times - saw it for around $40 during Christmas, but think that was only for the one with Black faceplate.

BEST BUY sells the DVR-710 by Pioneer which is basically the same as the DVR-111D model ... at least I think they are basically the same if not exactly the same.

The DVR-710 is more expensive but does come with some NERO software.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[smitbret]

Also, you'll notice when you buy online that you can buy the same DVD Burner/Player in either OEM or Retail Versions. OEM is just the drive and the retail includes all the extras like the cables, screws, some software, etc. The retail will be a bit more expensive, but I've never bought a retail DVD or CD Burner that didn't include PowerDVD or WinDVD in the retail version.
-Brett

[tiaj3131]

sorry FulciLives, missed your first ref to newegg.com think we were posting at same time.

Sounds like I have a good beginning. Thanks to all of you for info - I'll be going shopping, soon.

btw, I have replaced and added HD's before I assume replacing cd with dvd pretty much the same? Yeah, I'm sort of handy for a girl