dual-layer dvd replacement?

Looking to get a new dvd multi-function dual-layer unit. I saw a couple of
threads in the search but didnt really id what i'm looking for.

I'm looking for a internal unit that has:

First - reliability
Second - flexable (cd-r, cd-rw, dvd plus/minus, read/write, dual-layer,
multiple formats)
Third - speed
Forth - price (always price!), dont mind paying for a quality unit tho.

Any opinions?

thanks,
savagcl

 

So far I'm really happy with the Memorex dual layer 16X drive I got.

 

Hi, jaylach,

I'll look it up, thanks.

savagcl

 

Im kind of a "High End" guy on my stuff so I prefer either Plextor or Pioneer.

http://plextor.com/english/products/740A.htm

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/p...B,00.html?compName=PNA_ProductDetailComponent

 

Hi Clif,

Plextor are the traditional "top of the range ", should be excellent quality. I have seen very good reviews of the recent Pioneers.

In the value line I like Lite-on. They build for a large number of other companies and seem to have good support and backup which they would need as the original builder.

If you see one you like, type the model number and "review" into a Google search. It may confirm that you have not decided on one that happens to be a one-off "lemon" and could help you decide between several.

Matt
PS Also check out what software comes with the drive. Not a dominant factor, but you don't want to get stuck with a crippled "trial" program.

 

Hey, Mattman,
How u doing?

I found this: PX-740A/SW-BL at newegg for around 80.00 bucks. Seems to have
a pretty good rep. Software is Nero 6.3. something, an older version than what
i have now.

Any idea as to what the "SW-BL" means?

clif

 

Just a guess Cliff but I would think "SW" means software and "BL" means Black.

 

Clif, I am well, hope you and your family are too

Yes, I think the Plextor would perform admirably.

I found that the Plextor is made by Benq, it is the same model as the Benq 1640. The Benq 1640 is being offered at Newegg for $43.00, but is OEM, which, I take it, means that it does not come with burning software, you would have to purchase the latest software, eg. Nero.

They discuss those and also two Pioneers here:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=20443

*I just found that the other drive they mention, the LG 4163B, gets 9.5/10 in my hardware magazine. Their review summary was Positives: Burns just about every type of disk, good quality 16X burns; Negatives: No dual layer DVD-R support.

The reviewers of the Pioneer 110D ($44.00) at Newegg said it was not running at full speed and were waiting for a firmware update.

Matt

 

Looks like the Benq 1640 is the way to go.
Only digfferences i see is

Benq has a 30ms faster access time and a 6x vs 4x time for DVD-RW and its
cheaper by half of the cost of a plextor.

Software is not a problem, already have Nero.

Thanks, Guys!
clif

 

Where did you find this information?

 

Hi Scott,
Maybe I should not have said "made by ", not certain of that. Rereading it is a little hard confirm.
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=20420
as well as the last post of the link I posted above.

Clif,
Nero is made so that it will run drives that are currently available at the time. If your version of Nero is only capable of running a CD burner or even a single layer DVD burner, it will not run for the new drive. There is a list of which versions will run with which drives at the Nero website. Also, OEM versions of Nero are made to run on a specific drive. I would say you would need to purchase the latest version of Nero, so you may not end up saving a great deal. You may also need something like Power DVD, if you don't have a dvd player already.

Matt

 

Well, best i can tell, my present unit is something called "Double-Layer Multi-Format DVD ",
part # WMEGSA-4163BSILVER. Only reference is on GW site.

I will check the nero site.

thanks, Mattman,
clif

 

Matt,
No disrespect to those guys but I don't know them or their credibuilty.

With that being said I don't buy it. Why would Plextor shoot themselves in the foot like that?
Doesn't make any business sence to me. If they had it at the same or close to the same price as the Benq I would buy that information. But for double the price for the same thing nope I don't buy it.

 

Scott, I read at some stage in the past that Plextor were changing their maketing strategy. Being the top of the range, they may not have been able to attract OEM business, which of course, is price driven. I think that the Benqs are only being offered as OEMs, so the cost of software would need to be added onto the price (and I am very much speculating, since I don't know all the facts). I might believe that it was true, at least to the extent of "manufactured under licence ". All the brands you see are not the actual manufacturers (mmmm...Clif's current drive has the same model number as the LG). Also, the 740A seems to be one of the mainstream models. You would not want to be the market price leader when there was a general downturn in the market.
Buy a Benq, add the cost of software and it may well be a lot more than the cost of the Plextor.

I looked at the prices for the LGs, you can get an OEM for around $49, another seller had the retail pack (Nero + PowerDVD) for $1 extra...now I'm more confused.

Clif, try the Benq, cross your fingers that the software works or rely on Newegg's exchange policy.

Matt

 

Hi Matt,

Thanks for doing the research, appreciate it.

Yes, think i'll try the benq and a dollar for the software wont break me either.

Altho the nero i have is starting to work better, i still have questions about it
that i cant find the answers for yet. (see my other msg in Other software).

Wont get the benq just yet. I'm off to see my daughter in chicago (will have to
get my tommy gun cleaned up and ready). There is at least 1 newegg store
there, will stop by and have a look, see.

clif