DVD-writer - how to choose

DVD-writer - how to choose (ver 2)
Hi.
It's my first time to buy a DVD writer.

1) What do I need to know/notice when choosing a good DVD writer?
(eg what aspects/specifications do I need to focus on)


2) I know there're 5 DVD format all together (ie DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM).
In fact, what's the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW?
And does anyone think DVD-RAM is useful?
Should I try to find a DVD-write which can read all DVD formats?


3)
Maybe it's a stupid question.
a) But is it true all DVD-writers can read CD and VCD (Video CD)?
(ver2) *NEW* And is it true all DVD-writers support at least DVD+/-R, and DVD+/-RW?


4)
Which brand or model will you suggest me buying?
And why?

I would like the DVD-writer:
- stable (or longer warranty period)
- can read most discs correctly (and even lower-quality discs)
PS: I don't know, but some DVD-players (stand-alone, not for computers) have problems reading some discs while the discs is not corrupt or naytihng similar and can be read by others.
- writing speed doesn't need to be too high (since I repfer to write discs at lower speed)
- the noise factor is unimportant (unless it is too loud)


Info about my computer:
- my motherboard is A7N8X-X, only support up to 2*UDMA 133
- I have 2 HDDs and 1 CD-RW currently. I think the DVD-writer will replace the CD-RW.
- I don't use any firmware
- I use my DVD writers mainly for reading videos/audios, burning DVDs for videos/audios, and for file storage & data backups.


[ver 2] *NEW*
5) Dual/double layer writing tech
I've heard about double-layer writables.
What is it? What does it do?
What benefits does it provide?
How expensive will a DVD writers be if I wish to have such technology?
Can a normal DVD player (standalone, not computer) read this DVD written by this tech?

[ver 2] *NEW*
6) Region-code
As to region-code, I have a DVD-reader on my mobile computer.
It's strange that I can set the region codes for 4 times only. I can never change it afterward (even if I reformat my computer).
So if there's any way that I can eliminate the DVD-region trouble, or have a DVD writer which can read/write all DVDs with any region codes. It would be perfect.


Thanks for your help.

 

for me dvd -/+ rw is doing a great job. it's possible to read cd, cdrw, dvd + it can burn and rewrite them, delete files on previous burned dvd's...
I don't use dvd ram, never used it so cannot comment on that.

dvd -/+ rw will read/write practically everything and there are some cheaper models too. from 60-70$ you should be able to find some.

 

Hi Wai_Wai, welcome to Wilders.

You could take a look at Toms Hardware, which has a pretty comprehensive test of 10 DVD Burners.

We have sold the Pioneer and Asus DVD Burners for quite some time now, due to quality and reliability.

Hope this helps...

Cheers

 

Thanks for all of your questions.

Some new questions:
5) Dual/double layer writing tech
I've heard about double-layer writables.
What is it? What does it do?
What benefits does it provide?
How expensive will a DVD writers be if I wish to have such technology?
Can a normal DVD player (standalone, not computer) read this DVD written by this tech?

[ver 2] *NEW*
6) Region-code
As to region-code, I have a DVD-reader on my mobile computer.
It's strange that I can set the region codes for 4 times only. I can never change it afterward (even if I reformat my computer).
So if there's any way that I can eliminate the DVD-region trouble, or have a DVD writer which can read/write all DVDs with any region codes. It would be perfect.

 

Dual Layer simply means that the 4.7 GB capacity is doubled thru a burning technique. The benefits are for one - a two disc movie would fit on one disc, or if data backup - that much more data. One catch, Dual Layer can only be used on DVD-r types, does not work with -RWs.

Really don't know whether its that much more expensive or not. I have a NEC with Dual layer and costs less than 70.00 US.

Can't tell you whether stand alone players can read them - never tried it.

The 4 region code limit is standard. There are players (stand alone) that will read all region codes. Don't know about DVD computer players that will do the same.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks for your answer