Need advice about buying a Dvd-R DL burner

[southrngntlmn1]

Hi there. first post.

I am wanting to get a new burner for my computer. I want to get one that will burn Dvd-R DL.

Any advice? I want to spend between 50-100 bucks. I also want to know what MEDIA DL's specifically you would reccommend for EACH burner you tell me about.

thanks for all your help

ps) I currently have a Philips 8631 that came with my computer. I dont think it can burn DL's though. Anyone know for certain?

South

[jman98]

Well, we don't know if you need SATA or IDE burners. That makes a difference. You could just go to http://www.newegg.com and look at reviews, assuming you know what type of connector you need.

Do you REALLY mean DVD-R DL and not DVD+R DL? I don't recommend DVD-R DL at all. The discs cost a fortune. DVD-R DL discs are difficult to burn correctly. ImgBurn is the only thing I would trust for any DL burning. I bought 3 DVD-R DL discs once and I disliked the format. Much less compatible in my experience with standalone DVD players than DVD+R DL. DVD+R DL discs are much easier to burn. Bottom line:
ONLY buy Verbatim DL discs, whether you want -R DL or +R DL.
ONLY burn with ImgBurn.
If you deviate from those 2 things, you will have problems.

[budz]

your PHILIPS 8631 drive is a rebadged BENQ 1620 drive that is a DUAL LAYER capable.

http://tdb.rpc1.org/#DVD8631

you can check out the BENQ FORUM at Cdfreaks.com for more info like how to crossflash the drive to the official BENQ firmwares.

[kush]

And to be sure, you could try a drive info tool, such as DVD Info Pro, or Nero's tool (forget what it's called InfoTool perhaps?), and they will give you all burning modes and other info needed that your drive supports.

And should you decide to get a new drive anyway, you DO NOT need to spend even $50 for a drive. There are many available at Newegg for $25-35. I just got a new Samsung SH-S203B (SATA) for $27 last week, free shipping. Drives by Pioneer, LiteOn and the like are all in similar price range. You'll only end up spending $50+ if you go to a big box store (like BBY or CC) and buy a "retail" boxed drive.

[handyguy]

I don't think you can buy anything but DL these days:

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters