Sony NEC Optiarc DRU-190A

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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Multi-format, 24/16 CD-R/CD-RW, 4x DVD+RW
Disadvantages: Slightly more expensive than others

...As I was unsure of which of the DVD standards would win the battle I decided to opt for a multi-format DVD writer. Price was not an option, I simply wanted to purchase the best writer available. So, after spending days reading dozens of reviews, comparing specs and test results I felt I was well enough informed make my choice. The Sony DRU-510A is the fastest multi-format burner around. It's slightly more expensive than other drives but it's really easy to install, it comes with everything you need and the quick start quide gives clearly illustrated installation instructions covering every possible configuration. I had it up and running in under 20 minutes. The two-tone look is a bit odd but you soon get used to it. The software package easily justifies the extra cost- it's fantastic. The package incluudes MyDVD, Showbiz, Power... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Superb compatibility; fast reading and writing; competitively priced
Disadvantages: DVD ripping is slowed due to compatibility issues

...I've owned a fair few DVD recorders over the last few years. - the first being the Pioneer DVR-A03. This early DVD writer burned DVD-R at 2x (30 mins per disc) and DVD-RW at 1x (60 mins). While these speeds weren’t exactly super fast, they were certainly adequate for backing up the images taken from my digital camera. Sony then entered into the DVD writer market with its remarkable DRU-500A drive, which was capable of recording 4x with DVD+R, 2.4x with DVD+RW AND could do 2x DVD-R and DVD-RW (a later firmware update upgraded the -R writing speed to 4x). While I had a lot of successful disc burns with the DRU-500A, it was - to say the least - choosy with the discs it liked to write successfully. If the discs were not of the highest quality, I was only able to burn at a slower speeds. Some of the cheapest media such as the "Princo... Read review

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