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.

Regarding #3, all can read CDs, but VCDs can be problematic depending on how they were made.

ralph wrote on May 12^th, 2005 at 9:57am:


Not really.
It depends on the market.
And also it depends on whether it is worth spending extra. And how better it is.

Temporarily, I may accept sometihng between low-end nd mid-end. But if the quality difference between them is small or negligible. I may choose for low-end.


Quote:


As as Plextor and SATA, my motherboard doesn't have SATA. So I cannot use SATA DVD drive, right?

I would get dual-layer. They weren't out yet when I got my DVD. It ups the disc storage capacity from 4.7 to 8.5 GB.

El_Pescador wrote on May 12^th, 2005 at 1:53pm:



Just a hesitation.

Is it worthwhile to spend extra money on a controller card for SATA? How good SATA is in comparison with UDMA?

Nice link. Very informative.

Read this:
From http://www.tomshardware.com/storage/20030204/serial_ata-17.html
Quote:

Amish. wrote on May 13^th, 2005 at 12:15pm:


Thanks for your mention.
So how about PATA now? Does it really give our computers a good boost, or is it just an illusion?