D. Scott MacDonald

DVD Burner recommendations?

I did a search but didn't come up with anything. I currently own a IOMagic DVD 8X +-RW DVD burner, but I find it to be such an unreliable POS that I'm ready to cut my losses and buy something better. I will read all of the internet reviews, but experience shows that reading the reviews alone doesn't always give the complete picture.

What are you guys using and how do you like it? For me, the only real important features are compatibility and reliability. Speed and price are secondary. For example, my IOMagic DVD burner is so unreliable that I figure I need to burn about 5 discs for every one that works. Even if the disc loads in the player, I need to skip through the entire disc to ensure that the video doesn't break up at any point.

Some more info: I've been using Memorex 4X DVDs (I have never successfully gotten any other brand to work at all), I have a 3 GHz P4 (but I had the same problem with my old 800 MHz P3), and I do most of my burning using Pinnacle Studio (both 8 and 9 had the problem). I also disable my antivirus software before doing any burns.

What combination of discs and burners seem to be working best for everybody?

Scott

Alf S

I bought a NEC 1300a +/- burner off Ebay and it works flawlessly. I never shut down virus protection etc. Still works great.

I burn all kinds of disc brands..Memorex, Imitation, and the true bargain disc that works great: Compusa brand.

I use it to backup my DVD's so my 2 year old won't trash my collection of Disney stuff.

Takin it easy....

Bejoy

Plextor, never had any problems with their drives. I currently use 708, but I think it is going to be replaced soon with 12X.

For burning, I use DVD Decryptor(ISO) or Nero. Not a single coster until now.

Bejoy

Peter Kim

NEC ND-2500A

www.cdfreaks.com review

The review is almost too comprehensive.

I have an iMac...if this were completely compatible with the iLife suite of apps, I'd buy it. As it is, I'm looking at the Pioneer DVR-107D.

my girls rock Balenciaga & smoke mad marijuana - M.O.B.

MarkHastings

SONY makes a solid burner. My IT dept. did some research before buying the one we have here at work, then I bought one for home. Haven't had any problems yet. Great quality.

My model is unavailable (Sony DRU-510UL), but here's the next generation:
SONY DRX-530UL
It does DVD+RW/+R and DVD-RW/R media and standard CD-R/RW

Christ Reynolds

i have a lot of sony stuff, but the last piece of sony hardware i will ever own is the sony dvd burner/paperweight i have. maybe it was because it was one of the earlier universal machines. of course i'm not saying all sony products are crap, a lot of people prob had good experiences, but mine was a total POS. burned less than 50 discs with it before it refused to read anything. i bought myself a NEC-1300a and 75 discs later, it is still purring along.

CJ

And then when I feel so stuffed I can't eat anymore, I just use the restroom! And then I CAN eat more!

Chris

I own three:

A Pioneer A07
A NEC 8X Burner
a Plextor 8X Burner

By far, the Plextor is my favorite drive. Quiet, fast, and works with all media I've ever tried.

The NEC is not as picky as the pioneer, but burn times are slower.

The Pioneer doesn't burn as fast as the Plextor, it images quickly, and is faster then the NEC. But it's super picky on the media I offer it.

My Current DVD-Profiler


"I've been Ostrafied!" - Christopher, Sopranos 5/6/07

D. Scott MacDonald

Hey guys, thanks so far for the suggestions. I will probably buy a new burner tonight. I still have research to do, but so far it looks like the Plextor is winning, with the NEC close behind.

Scott

DaveGTP

Did you try some quality media (like Ritek?). I know you mentioned you tried several different types, but a lot of media is iffy or junk. Memorex are sometimes very iffy - depending on which manufacturer you got. A few people at my work couldn't play discs burned on Memorex media - I gave them a couple of Riteks and they had no problems ....

Generally from feedback I hear on DVDrhelp is that a lot of DVD burning problems are media-related.


(Satisfied with my Pioneer A06 here)

Matheson- "There are probably some who'll say that by doing this, we are interfering with their culture."

Gideon - "Probably. Screw them."

-Crusade, Visitors from Down the Street

Ernesto.Morin

Let me throw another one at you, Lite-On.

newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-106-933&depa=1