dvd burner - cheapie or name brand

[bigmeancow]

Hi,

My recent entry into the world of snapstream has left me very happy and very low on disk space! I am looking for a dvd burner to archive my recorded shows, as well as to backup my dvd collection. I was wondering if many of you have experience with the 'cheap' dvd burners. I know a lot of the burners are just re-branded drives manufactured by a handful of companies, so I don't want to pay twice as much for the same equipment.

Specifically, I saw a Norcent multi-format burner for $80 after rebates. I was considering it, or a Plextor multi-format for $150 after rebates. Both are 8x drives.

Anyone have any suggestions? Or does anyone know who actually manufacturers the drives that I see in the store? I think I had read that Lite-On makes a lot of the name brand drives....

[grillcheese]

dvdrhelp.com

Heres a good siteto research dvd hardware & software, read the comments. It's where I looked when I wasn't sure.

Unfortunately, no comments for the norcent yet.

[ptfigg]

I am using a Plextor 708A in my HTPC. It's fantastic. I paid $170 for it on the web.

paul.

[Chunk_Drywall]

Originally posted by ptfigg
I am using a Plextor 708A in my HTPC. It's fantastic. I paid $170 for it on the web.

paul.

Have you had any issues with the 708A and DVD+RWs? Just curious...

[ptfigg]

not at all...

[bigmeancow]

After poking around some(Thanks for the link grillcheese!), I think I'm going to go with this one....cheap, and great reviews.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...152-012&depa=0

[dickrichards]

Well, the previous model NEC (4x dual format, I forget the model no. on it) was excellent. I have 2 of them, one by NEC and another re-branded by TDK. I've yet to have a problem with either one. Can't say as much for the Sony's and HP's I have.

[Chunk_Drywall]

Originally posted by ptfigg
not at all...

I think I found the answer tonight. The 708A, at least on my system, likes to be the sole master on the IDE 1 channel. So far, it's been very well behaved.

[koan00]

Get the NEC ND-2500A - for under 100$ - 8x, dual format. You will not be disappointed (heck even plextor rebadges these babies as their own).

[Chunk_Drywall]

Originally posted by bigmeancow
After poking around some(Thanks for the link grillcheese!), I think I'm going to go with this one....cheap, and great reviews.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...152-012&depa=0

If it's as reliable my NEC 1100A, you'll like it a lot.

[grillcheese]

Can't believe how cheap that is! I have been satisfied with my NEC 4x burner up to this point. I did upgrade the firmware with Harries NEC Firmware Hacks and should now be able to support many more media brands.

My suggestion is once you get it up and running is to buy a few different brands, before buying a spindle, to make sure your drive recognizes the media. Again that dvdrhelp site is a good resource - check the list of drives and compatible media.