LF-D521 "whitebox" and Nero - Any Problems??

[lbeck]

I've read a few posts about oners of the Panasonic LF-D521 having problems using Nero, especially with DVD-RW. It's hard to tell if the problems are with the unit or the user. I've sone a search here and can't find anything definitive one way or the other, but I'm thinking if it's a universal problem it would show up since this is a popular recorder and Nero is popular software.

I'm about to buy one, and didn't want to find out after the fact that there are problems (I use Nero for proctically all my DVD burns).

I already own a LF-D321, but need the CD-R/RW that the 521 0ffers, as well as the DVD-RW. Since I've had my 321 less than a year, I don't want to make a mistake.

Also, does anyone have opinions on "whitebox" specials. These are supposedly units that don't come in the retail box. They're intended for use by computer builders. Usually just a drivers disk and the unit (no bundled software, etc.). That's what I'm planning to get the 521 in.

Any advice is useful.

Thanks.

[TBoneit]

usually no driver disk, Not needed, And no software.

And more than likely a shorter if any warranty. Since many manufacturers refer OEM (What you are talking about) drives back to the seller for warranty.

I'd beware and check the selling company with some sort a reselleratings web site and never buy them on a auction site form an individual as even companies sell that way to avoid warranty headaches.

YMMV of course.

[lbeck]

Thanks for the quick reply.

The company is AV Logic, and the drive is listed here. One of the popular price engine sites (pricegrabber.com, I think) gave the company 4 of 5 stars, if that means anything.

I don't think I'd need any software, and could probably get the driver eleswhere if needed. I had to get an updated driver, and also firmware, for my 321, and was able to get it from the Panasonic www site.

I presume that there will be no problems with tech support if needed, since I'm buying from a legitimate retailer, albiet a whitebox retailer.

Thanks again.

[Philbiker]

I'm using this OEM Panasonic SW-9571-CYY from the same source. I think the actual drive mechanism is the same, but the one you're looking at comes with a lot more software (non-standard stuff that I've read about at Panasonic's web site, not Nero Express). I got an oem copy of Nero Express from Software Outlets for my drive.

I have had no problems with either the drive or Nero Express. Avlogic was fine as far as I'm concerned. My drive came with a driver disc for the DVD-RAM part of the drive, including a format and very basic necessary utilities. I don't think I'd get any warrantee coverage from anyone, but I'm willing to take that chance.

THe box is really brown though.