Primary DVD±RW (±R DL) drive

Advantages: Dual layer writing, Buffer underrun protection, changeable front to match PC,
Disadvantages: Not as fast at writing as other writers,

...With the backup of my pc to CD`s taking longer and longer with each new revision of windows, i decided it was time i got something a bit more practical. I decided to get .... A DVD writer. Looking around at what was available, i had a selection of drives to choose from: DVD+R/RW Drives, DVD-R/RW Drives, and DVD+R/RW Drives. Not really Knowing what the types were (- or +) i decided to get the Sony drive: 1. Because it supported -R/RW AND +R/RW 2.Because it supported dual layer (8.5gb on one disk!!) Installation of the drive when i got home was simple - i just removed my CD Writer and replaced it with the new Sony DVD-+RW drive. Once in, it was just as easy to use as my old CD writer. Open nero, select files, burn disk. (should be open nero, select LOTS of files, burn disk). Writing speeds: CDR 40speed CDRW 24speed DVD-R 8speed DVD-RW... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Extremely fast, Dual Layer, multi formats
Disadvantages: Needs firmware upgrade for some DL discs

...I have used a NEC 1100, then a NEC 1300, and now have the NEC 3500, and have found them all to offer excellent value for money and good reliability. I paid only £41 at www.ebuyer.co.uk and have found the drive to burn to all formats (plus and minus, r and rw : once and re-writeable). It burns some discs faster than what it says on the disc, for example some 8x discs will burn at 16x. However I have had some discs that are 8x that only burn at 4x speed. It depends on the media, not all are supported at the claimed speeds, but some do exceed the stated. I was eager to try out the Dual Layer (DL) recording facility and had purchased some Datawrite DVD+R DL discs for just under £4 each, which is still expensive compared to the approx £0.25ea for DVD+R single layer discs but competitive at the time of writing. The disc was not recognised... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Fast, Reliable, Cheap (Could you want anymore)
Disadvantages: None

...<<>> |> Writes and reads DVD-R/RW, +R/RW and CD-R/RW formats |> Buffer under-run protection for CD/DVD, |> Performance Adjusting Firmware |> Max. 16x writing speed for DVD-R/+R* |> Max. 8x writing speed for DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) and +R DL (Double Layer) Discs |> Max. 6x writing speed for DVD-RW |> Max. 8x writing speed for +RW I bought this item as my cd-rw was quickly becoming obsolete, i did have many choices to go for, all where pretty similar in specification and in also in price, so I thought that any of the following manufactures: LG, Sony, Pioneer would provide almost identical products. After all they are all the same aren't they? Well the answer to the question is that they are and they aren't oddly enough, if you are a rare user, then it shouldn't really matter too much, disk writing errors are rather low... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful