Someone convince me which to buy

[fmctm1sw]

Yes, I've read the reviews (more than once), and checked out cd freaks. Here's my situation: I want a multiformat burner. I'm not worried about DVD-RAM. I believe the Plextor-708A is at the top of my list but here is the snag. I'm stationed in Misawa Japan and the BX has a Sony DRU-510A, a Cendyne model (that is probably a ND-1300A), and an Iomega Super DVD Writer. It would be awful nice to be able to return it if need be. Each drive seems to have at least one or two issues reported from readers. Help me out with this, thanks....

[bmiller]

I have a sony dru500a,and haven't had a problem yet.I'm using firmware 1.0f and burning riteks at 2x.It works so i'm not upgrading firmware.I have too many ritek 1x disks to use up anyway.

[Gees]

I love my Sony too. :c) We're engaged. :c)

I'm sticking with 1.0f too.

[djmattyb]

I just bought the Sony DWU14A DVD+/-RW from www.zipzoomfly.com
I love it! It burns discs at 4x and they play fine in my XBOX. The drive is $158.99 with free 2nd day UPS shipping. Gotta love it!

[Gees]

So........ when's your wedding, djmatty? :cD

[unloaded]

I have a Plex 708a. So far I'm impressed with it although it's my first burner and I don't really have anything to compare it with. The only trouble I've had with it: When I burn at 8x, the buffer empties and Burn-proof kicks in. I can tell buy watching the buffer in Nero and the blinking amber LED blinks green when Burn-proof is active. It actually take longer for me to burn a disk at 8x than it does at 4x. Now I haven't seen anybody else experience this problem, and the fault is probably mine not the drives. In my system I have 2x60g HDs in a raid0 array, OS pagefile and everything else is on this drive, also it stays pretty full, 20-40gigs free space usually. I plan on redoing my setup soon, adding a pair of 40's to the other raid channel and possibly an 80-120g HD by itself on one of the ide channels. I suspect that will solve my problem, but I just wanted to mention it.

peace.
unloaded

[pharlap]

its cheap and nasty on software but the lite=on ldw-411s is my pick so far as i trial all burners my customers buy so far.

[lordsmurf]

I don't see PIONEER 106 on the list ?

[fmctm1sw]

I don't see PIONEER 106 on the list ?

What list? Mine? I know I looked at it but I can't remember why I ruled it out. BTW, prices at BX: Iomega=$325, Sony=$299, Cendyne=$225.

[fmctm1sw]

The only trouble I've had with it: When I burn at 8x, the buffer empties and Burn-proof kicks in. I can tell buy watching the buffer in Nero and the blinking amber LED blinks green when Burn-proof is active. It actually take longer for me to burn a disk at 8x than it does at 4x. Now I haven't seen anybody else experience this problem, and the fault is probably mine not the drives.

Actually, I've read that somewhere else too. Someone said a firmware update made it better...

[The village idiot]

Ouch, got anyone that can get a burner and send it to you?

[fmctm1sw]

Ouch, got anyone that can get a burner and send it to you?

Well, I was going to go with Newegg. I've bought stuff from them in the past. BUT, if what I get doesn't work the way I want it, I'd like to return it. That's the advantage of the BX. The disadvantages are selection is limited and price is...well......

[overloaded_ide]

My advice,
Buy what you want at Newegg, if you don't like it, sell it to a buddy on base, buy something else

That's what I do at times anyway here at home.

[Febre]

I have a sony dwu-10a, which I think is the oem version of the dwu-510a. Right out of the box I've had no problems and no coasters. Have been able to burn 1x, 2x, & 4x and have not done any firmware updates. Was able to get it at a local computer show for $155 USD.

I'm surprised the price is so high at the BX. Usually the BX/PX electronic prices would beat any civilian retail prices. I use to remember buying high end electronics and photo equipment at the PX that where 50 to 60% cheaper then what I could get in the civilian retail sector. Then again, you are station in the country where the player is being manufatured and so there might be a clause where the BX must sell the item at full civilian retail prices.

[BobK]

I'm surprised the price is so high at the BX. Usually the BX/PX electronic prices would beat any civilian retail prices. I use to remember buying high end electronics and photo equipment at the PX that where 50 to 60% cheaper then what I could get in the civilian retail sector.

That used to be true until about 10 years ago when congress decided the PX/BX should be self supporting (and make a profit). I'm retired and still shop at the BX, but it's common for me to find the same things cheaper at WalMart. When I do find something cheaper at WalMart the BX will price match- plus no sales tax at the BX. But since it's over 20 miles away while WalMart is down the street, the tax savings usually doesn't pay for the gas to drive there.

For electonics and computer stuff I shop on-line and at Best Buy- usually for whatever I need that Best Buy has on sale that week.

[BJ_M]

did you see this test on 11 burners ? http://www20.tomshardware.com/storage/20031027/index.html



test shows - dont write dvd+r disks in a sony or pioneer dual format burner if you want compatability ..

[unloaded]

The only trouble I've had with it: When I burn at 8x, the buffer empties and Burn-proof kicks in. I can tell buy watching the buffer in Nero and the blinking amber LED blinks green when Burn-proof is active. It actually take longer for me to burn a disk at 8x than it does at 4x. Now I haven't seen anybody else experience this problem, and the fault is probably mine not the drives.

Actually, I've read that somewhere else too. Someone said a firmware update made it better...

Well, I'm using the 1.03 firmware, it didnt help any. I'm sure its just bloated HD and possibly having NTFS?

peace.
unloaded

[Gees]

That surprises me. Only because I did my first +R disc just yesterday. I'd always used -R and both -/+ RW for testing.

The disc plays in my standalone as well as PS2, which can be extremely picky.

I didn't see where tomshardware said which brand of + disc. The one I used was a Verbatim from a sample pack.

I know I only tested on 2 players, but I guess it was a lucky combo?

[BJ_M]

That surprises me. Only because I did my first +R disc just yesterday. I'd always used -R and both -/+ RW for testing.

The disc plays in my standalone as well as PS2, which can be extremely picky.

I didn't see where tomshardware said which brand of + disc. The one I used was a Verbatim from a sample pack.

I know I only tested on 2 players, but I guess it was a lucky combo?

tom's reviews sometimes are not known for the most scientific testing - plus on THIS forum , we know a lot more about media and compatability ..

but thier review is a good roundup .. and some interisting reading .

[Gees]

Yes. :c) It was interesting.

Well my one disc was far from The Definitive Test :cD It was more the timing that surprised me. With so much time spent here, I'd never come across that info and just burned that first +R late last night. :c)