concerning previous posts & Dual DVD Burners

[uncleB]

In my previous posts I have discussed my frustration at the way the write protected DVD’s that I’ve tried to back up have turned out (Back ups of kids flicks I’ve bought for my Granddaughter in case hers get dinged up). I’ve asked about the best software to shrink and copy, the best way to do it and the best stand-alone player to play burnt DVD-R’s. The burner I have and have been using is a Lite-on 411S. You’ve suggested different media (I’ve tried it), ways to burn (I’ve tried them) and I’ve told you that I’ve tried to play them in 3 different makes of Stand alone players. I finally decided on a Panasonic DVD-S29, this seemed to work the best but I still had problems. My son has a Lite-On SOHW-1693S that he has burned some DVD-R’s on and they played fine on my player. Here are my questions. Logic tells me to get this burner and install it in my computer, but I still wanna know what you-all think. Do any of you have a burner that you think is better? Do any of you have a burner that also has the same player as me and has been really happy with your results? And the last question is what about dual layers? Is that a better way to go? Can I still use Regular DVD’s and burn them with these dual layer burners or do they have to be used strictly for dual layer DVD’s? If you think the dual layer thing is the way to go, do any of you have a dual layer burner that you’ve used and then played the burnt disks on the player that I’ve got (Panasonic DVD-S29)? Sorry this whole thing is so long, but I’m gonna use your help in making my decision, then you won’t hear as much from me.
Thanks You-All & God Bless
Uncle Bob

[guns1inger]

The title Dual Layer burner simply means it is capable of burning dual layer media. It will also burn single layer DVDs and CDs. FWIW, I use an NEC 2500A with 2510A firmware (not yet tried a dual layer burn - media is still too expensive here), and play back in a Pioneer player. Never had a problem. Discs I have burned also play successfully in philips, LG and no-name chinese cheapies, again without issue.

I have also used Pioneer burners with equal success.

Personally, I think Pioneer make some of the best playback devices you can buy. I have always owned Pioneer, and even my very old 414, produced way before writable discs became a consumer item, and it played both + and -R discs without fail for years.

Two final points from my perspective

1. It is unreasonable, given the vaguries of the various DVD media, the manufacturing process for said media, and the multitude of playback devices, to expect that every disc you create will playback on aevery player. It is not going to happen. That said, you should be able to get a high success rate with good quality, single layer media.

2. Dual-layer was/is premature. Many playback devices still struggle with it, a lot of burning software does it poorly, and most of the dual layer media is of inferior quality. In fact, there is probably only one or two manufacturers that produce dual layer media capable of consistently good results. Verbatim MKM is definately the best, and possibly only, DL media worth buying.

To be honest, single layer backups, even with ArccOS taken into account, should be a very straight forward, easily repeatable process with a consistent outcome. I use only a few tools to do mine, and haven't had a coaster in a very long time (touch wood). If you are having major issues getting to that level of consistency, then there is a problem with either your process, your software or your choice of media. I don't say this to be unkind - you seem ernest in your want to get this working. But we have reached that level of maturity with single layer burning.

Dual layer, I believe, is still fraught, and some way off reaching the same level of maturity. It's coming, with better burners, better software and better playback compatability. Unfortunately, the media is not keeping pace.

For my money, I would look at a good Pioneer or NEC burner (Pioneer as first choice). But unless you have the process down pat, the burner probably wont make that much of a difference.

I don't know if this helps you make a decision, but good luck in your quest.