Tech: DVD Burner recommendations

06 Dec 12 - 12:31 PM (#3448114)
Subject: Tech: DVD Burner recommendations
From: Arkie

After two and a half years, it looks like time for a replacement. I get frequent 'failed messages' for different DVDs and CDs but the data and music seems to actually be on the discs. I have not played them all the way through to check for distortion, etc. I do think the end is near. I have done a little checking and Sony, Pioneer, and Lite-On seem to have their supporters. I welcome any experience for information folks are willing to share.

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06 Dec 12 - 12:43 PM (#3448124)
Subject: RE: Tech: DVD Burner recommendations
From: open mike

for a stand-alone unit (independant from the computer) I use a Marantz/ super scope ... some features they have are avaialbe in the upper price models...you can adjust the key...or speed up or slow down without changing the key. http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/

but you are probably talking about something that fits in your computer
i also have an external cd/dvd player/burner that connects thru USB it
is problematic, though.

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06 Dec 12 - 02:44 PM (#3448186)
Subject: RE: Tech: DVD Burner recommendations
From: JohnInKansas

DVD burners have reached a level of standardization where they're pretty much considered an "accessory" a little like "third party auto parts" that are interchangeable (i.e. meet a manufacturers specs). This is not to say that there aren't differences, but most people don't pay much attention to which brand name is on the box. It will be of interest if you can identify differences that actually affect performance.

There is the distinct possibility that a particular brand will come with bundled software/drivers that will make a difference that's more important than who made the hardware. I'd suggest paying some attention to that possibility, although most makers/sellers don't really reveal much.

After a year or two of use, it is possible that you're running into mechanical problems with the burner, but it's also plausible that simple crud and corruption (dirt etc) has accumulated that could be remedied by some maintenance of the device you have.

Also to be considered is whether you may have accumulated some software/driver corruption, that could be eliminated by removing and reinstalling the programs(s) you use (especially the driver for the burner), and/or by checking with the maker(s) for driver updates and/or drive BIOS patches.

Assuming that you're burning from a "clean machine" that's up to date with defrags, drive space, no unnecessary startup crap in RAM, and all the other goodies, a disagreement between the physical result on the DVD and the reported result does suggest that the problem may be somewhere in software rather than in the drive mechanics (but not conclusively), and of course a new drive and the software interface that comes with it may be a lot quicker than worrying about what's degraded in an existing setup.

As a curiosity only, WITHOUT RECOMENDATION, a recent (snail mail) advertisement suggests one can get about as fancy as you want. The ad was approximately as shown at Primera. I know nothing about these people or their stuff, but it might be of sufficient interest to someone to be worth checking out (for something to talk about at the pub?)

John

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06 Dec 12 - 02:45 PM (#3448188)
Subject: RE: Tech: DVD Burner recommendations
From: beeliner

This may not address your inquiry directly, but it certainly qualifies as a recommendation:

Always burn at the lowest possible speed. You will find that the number of failed burns is inversely proportionate.

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06 Dec 12 - 02:57 PM (#3448196)
Subject: RE: Tech: DVD Burner recommendations
From: Gurney

My Asus DVD burner has never given trouble. It is connected to its second motherboard, having outlasted its first.

The Marantz DVD player that I use as a CD player in the lounge stereo has proved reliable too, but I noticed a quiet clicking sound from it yesterday. No complaints, it does a LOT of work.

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07 Dec 12 - 12:47 AM (#3448432)
Subject: RE: Tech: DVD Burner recommendations
From: EBarnacle

I have several external cd/DVD burners, including both Sony and Marantz. Depending on how many you burn almost any will work. If you clean it up regularly, it should more than pay for itself.

Also, if you are a heavy user, go to the Primera site and invest in a printer/burner. It is worth it.

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07 Dec 12 - 07:08 AM (#3448501)
Subject: RE: Tech: DVD Burner recommendations
From: treewind

I'm not sure about "lowest possible speed".
I generally burn at a good deal less than full speed, but I've read somewhere that modern x52 or x48 CDs don't perform well if you burn then at x1, for example. The same principle may apply to DVDs.

Also, while cleaning the lens is worth a try, the lasers in DVD/CD burners do wear out after many hours of use (especially burning) and eventually replacement is the only option.

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07 Dec 12 - 10:17 AM (#3448594)
Subject: RE: Tech: DVD Burner recommendations
From: Arkie

Thanks for the comments. I will expect to make a decision today.
It may be time to clean the drive, but I'll have to think about using vodka and my wife's bloomers. No Vodka in the house and the nearest package store is 40 miles away. There is a restaurant serving alcohol about 8 miles from town. I suppose I could order a glass of vodka and ask for it to go.

About speed, before retirement, I managed a digitizing project that involved making digital copies of almost 30 years of reels, cassettes, etc. I had others doing the technical part but I did have to purchase the hardware and did a lot of reading about the process. When this started we were among the digitizing pioneers. At that time Plextor burners were considered among the elite and we had a fleet of Plextors which held up under heavy use and produced excellent copies. I am not sure that Plextor has held on to its great reputation. As for recording speed, what was recommended at that time was not to use the fastest speed nor the lowest. I cannot remember what was considered optimum, but it seems like it was 8x or maybe 12x. I still do not use the fastest speeds for music. One of the resources that was very helpful was something called ARSCList, managed by the Association for Recorded Sound Collections.

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