Help me decide on a DVD writer!!!

[jdwright]

I've been researching this purchase for several days and I think I've narrowed my search to a few products:

Lite-on LDW-400D which burns + and - both at 4x ----> $300 roughly (supposed to be rebadged Sony drive)
Pioneer DVR-A05 which is - only but also at 4x -----> $230 roughly
Pioneer DVR-105 possibly same drive as A05? -----> $215 or so...

Also...25 pk cakebox of Ritek 1x-4x DVD-R ----> $60 or so...

I'm looking at purchasing from Avlogic.com, Hypermicro.com or Newegg.com. Most everything that I purchase comes from Newegg.com and I've ALWAYS been very happy with them. I have order one item from Hypermicro and was very happy with it, but that was some time ago.

I intend to use this drive for creating DVD's from home video, and I want to have the best compatability with all of the family's dvd players. It is my impression that DVD-R is the most compatible with the existing base of set top players. Is this correct? Should I spend the extra money to get the - or +? Does anyone know for sure if the Lite-on is a rebadged Sony?

If I go with the Lite-on, I'll probably buy it from Newegg for $309. If I buy either of the others, it will probably be from one of the other sites I mentioned.

If you have any advice for me about the purchase I'm about to make, I would really appreciate it.

TIA

 

[jdwright]

^ bump! ^

I really need some advice!!

 

[ScrapSilicon]

I'm happy with my A05 ..

 

[Need4Speed]

Pioneer DVR-A05 which is - only but also at 4x -----> $230 roughly
Pioneer DVR-105 possibly same drive as A05? -----> $215 or so...

same drive.. ive got the pioneer dvr-105 and love it

 

[ScrapSilicon]

hehya ..N4Speed..running the rpc1 fw 1.30 ..? love the new rip speed

 

[jdwright]

Anyone think its worth the extra money to get the dual format?

I tend to lean toward the 105 myself, since its pretty cheap and I'm just getting started with this stuff...

Any recommendations for media? Is the Ritek any good or is there a certain type that writes well at at least 2x for cheaps?

TIA!!

 

[Need4Speed]

Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
hehya ..N4Speed..running the rpc1 fw 1.30 ..? love the new rip speed

im running the latest hacked firmware to burn my riteks at 2x, but I have a liteon that rips much faster even with the hacked firmaware in the pioneer

 

[ptw]

I have the Pioneer A05. So far it's ok, but I found it to be a little fussy about DVD media. The RW disc Pioneer included in the box couldn't be read by the drive! Since then I have tried Verbatim -RW discs and that has worked ok. For -R I have been using a cheapo brand called Princo without problems. All my DVD burning has been at single-speed only. CD-R/RW burning has been flawless.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Need4Speed

Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
hehya ..N4Speed..running the rpc1 fw 1.30 ..? love the new rip speed

im running the latest hacked firmware to burn my riteks at 2x, but I have a liteon that rips much faster even with the hacked firmaware in the pioneer

well I'll pull 11x on the A05 w/ 1.30 rpc1's hack...burning LostinSpace at the moment(done 4.4GB in 28:53)..will see what my LTD-163 will do next..

Originally posted by: ptw
I have the Pioneer A05. So far it's ok, but I found it to be a little fussy about DVD media. The RW disc Pioneer included in the box couldn't be read by the drive! Since then I have tried Verbatim -RW discs and that has worked ok. For -R I have been using a cheapo brand called Princo without problems. All my DVD burning has been at single-speed only. CD-R/RW burning has been flawless.

been using Maxells ..but might try those Kphermedia 25pk from OM for $25 ..onsale this week..if they bite my nuggets..the remainder will go back..hmm...maybe this afternoon..

 

[GetInMyFatBelly]

Check out the Optorite DD0203, then decide.