DVD Writer

[kojak]

I'm wanting to add a DVD writer to my Dell PC. I currently have a DVD in one slot and a CD writer in the other. What DVD writer should I go for. I'm confused as to what the feck DVD RW/DVD+RW/DVD ROM etc.. are. Will I be able to play them on my DVD player thats connected up to my tele. Also, do i remove the CD writer and put the new DVD writer in its place.

Cheers all.

[JonRB]

Replace both with a multi-standard DVD writer, which will cope with all current CD and DVD standards apart from DVD-RAM.

The newest DVD writers even support the new dual layer standard (8.5Gb).

Novatech have a load of different makes for sale, most for under £50!

If you're unsure of the make to go for, then Pioneer and Plextor have always been good bets in the past.

If you don't have a blanking plate for your case then leave the DVD reader in, although you're unlikely to ever use it again.

>> Edited by JonRB on Wednesday 27th July 15:54

[kojak]

Thanks for the advise. I'll have a look on there, as well as ebay.

[arcturus]

LG 4163 in beige or black - gets good write ups in the computer press. Does every format including DVD-RAM which can be used in Panasonic DVD players if you happen to have that make.

[rednotdead]

'nother vote for the LG 4163 - had several of these, really good. Try ebuyer or svp.co.uk

[kojak]

Will there be any problems with compatibilty of both, with my PC.

Its a Dell, pentium 4, 1700 speed useing windows ME.

[rednotdead]

There shouldn't be any problems Kojak but I would get rid of ME asap if I were you - that version of windoze really was the spawn of the devil.

[kojak]

rednotdead said:

There shouldn't be any problems Kojak but I would get rid of ME asap if I were you - that version of windoze really was the spawn of the devil.

I know.

Everyone tells me that, but its too much hastle. Sooner or later, I will change the whole lot anyway.

[mcflurry]

JonRB said:

Replace both with a multi-standard DVD writer, which will cope with all current CD and DVD standards apart from DVD-RAM. The newest DVD writers even support the new dual layer standard (8.5Gb). Novatech have a load of different makes for sale, most for under £50! If you're unsure of the make to go for, then Pioneer and Plextor have always been good bets in the past. If you don't have a blanking plate for your case then leave the DVD reader in, although you're unlikely to ever use it again. >> Edited by JonRB on Wednesday 27th July 15:54

I would leave the dvd reader in the machine, makes backing up of cds and dvds easier

[_dan_]

I've an NEC 3520 which does pretty much every standard as well as dual layer. Got brilliant writeups at the time. Very respected in the DVD ripper/burner community.

Bought for £35. Think it's been replaced by the 3540A now.

Easy to region hack too!

[JonRB]

mcflurry said:

I would leave the dvd reader in the machine, makes backing up of cds and dvds easier

Only slightly easier as most buring software can buffer a read as systems have sufficient hard disc space to buffer an entire DVD these days. This makes a separate DVD reader a limited benefit. Although as you say, and I think I also said earlier, there'd be no harm leaving it in, particularly if you don't have a blanking plate and don't want an unsightly hole in your case.

[mcflurry]

_dan_ said:

I've an NEC 3520 which does pretty much every standard as well as dual layer. Got brilliant writeups at the time. Very respected in the DVD ripper/burner community. Bought for £35. Think it's been replaced by the 3540A now. Easy to region hack too!

The NEC 3520 and Pioneer 109 are both pretty good choices. I had another brand previously, but it took about 10 attempts to copy my wedding video dvd for the relatives. The Pioneer did it first time, is less fussy with unbranded media

[kojak]

Thanks for the replies all

[kevin63]

Mick
Ihave just got a external DVDr-writer and it all seemed easy to do BUT i can't get the damed thing to write a full DVD but did manage to get 500 Mp3 tracks onto half the DVD so i can play them in the car which is great , but will have to crack the video onto dvd to get the full effect in the car. The moto is that all that seems easy to some is damed frustrating to others when things don't go well.

[kojak]

If I go for the pioneer 109, what do i need to do to be able to copy DVD'S. Email me direct if need be. Thanks.

[surfymark]

To copy actual movie dvds, I use DvdShrink (do a google for it) but to use it you need to have Nero installed on your machine (as it needs it to do the buring part). You can use DvdShrink to create the files which can then be used to burn by any dvd burning software.

But it is much easier and all in one go with DvdShrink and Nero.

Just to say the www.bigpockets.co.uk have the Pioneer 109 for £29.99 at the moment and www.overclockers.co.uk have the LG ones for around £30 including VAT if anyone is after one now! I have the Pioneer 106 and it is really good (if a little slow) but the 109 is much faster!

cheers
Mark

[kojak]

Thanks Mark

[kojak]

Ended up getting the Pioneer DVR 109.

Just got to put it in my Dell pc. Hope all the cables are correct.(I'm taking the CD writer out). Is it just a matter of putting it in, switching on, and let the pc go through it 'detecting new hardware' mode.

[davidd]

I went for a 109, very simple to set up. Great bit of kit.

D

[hut49]

kojak said:

Is it just a matter of putting it in, switching on, and let the pc go through it 'detecting new hardware' mode.

Yes, but with with ME you might need a snatch of dried rat blood and a couple of bat's testicles while chanting "I believe BG is god".