Need a new DVD burner...

[jeaniesa]

I discovered last night that my DVD burner is fried. (It can read/write CD's, but not DVD's.) Of course, I'm in a major time crunch and don't have time to do a lot of research on the latest technology. This group is so knowledgeable though, I figure someone can help answer my questions:

I'm using DVD's for archival (and off-site) backups (in addition to my external HD), so my main concern is longevity of data. I typically use DVD+R for backup. I know that there is a lot more research on the longevity of CD's, but with 160GB to back up, CD's just aren't a viable option for me.

1. Do the new dual-sided burners also burn the single-sided DVD's? I'm worried that the newer dual-sided technology is not as time-tested as the single-sided technology, so would like to be able to use the older format if possible.

2. Does anyone know if there is a difference in the longevity of the faster (8x) media (compared to the older 1x-4x media)?

Thanks for any advice!

Jeanie

[kaulike]

> Do the new dual-sided burners also burn the single-sided DVD's?

Yes. They all should. At least this is true for the the Sony DW-D22A, also known as the DRU-710A, also known as the LiteOn SOHW-1633S. For the past month or so I have found it to be quiet, fast, and reliable. I am burning with InterVideo DiscMaster 2---Sony recommends a specific version of Nero when burning dual layer, which I have not yet tried. No drivers are needed with XP SP2 home or pro.

The DW-D22A is the OEM version of the drive, i.e. no bundled software or cables. Purchased through http://www.newegg.com for about $65. Hard to beat, considering you already have the cables installed in your system and probably already have software with which you are comfortable.

The latest Pioneer drive (A08 or the new A09) is considered to be somewhat higher quality, depending on whom you talk to, but it is also more expensive at around $100.

After much research in December, I had it narrowed down to these two drives and chose the Sony solely because I was happy with my old Sony DRU700. I think either drive would work for you.

> difference in the longevity of the faster (8x) media

Can't help you with this one, as I have a spindle-full of blank Ritek 4x media that I bought in an optimistic moment and have not made my way through yet. But you can probably find the answer here: http://www.videohelp.com

As for archival quality, I would avoid dual layers for now, and would also avoid the faster media. DVD+R and -R are fairly well tested formats, but the 8x media is too new to have much exposure and I doubt it would save you much time in the long run. Generally, the faster the media, the more delicate and finicky it is, and burning coasters can be very time consuming.

That being said---for archiving 160GB you can hardly do worse than going out and purchasing a 200GB hard drive. For less than $150 you will have a live backup that is of far more reliable quality than any optical medium. Continue the offsite storage practice, but for an immediate backup, adding a new drive is a great way to ensure reliability in the short (and long) term. In fact, I just checked and Newegg has a special on the Maxtor DiamondMax 200GB drive for $104.89. At that price I may buy another one myself!

Heck, even if you buy a drive, write your data to it, and then pull it out and store it offsite (in the static-free bag it came in, of course), it should still be readable a year later by any computer than has an IDE/ATA interface (i.e. all windows machines for the foreseeable future). If you pull it out of the safety deposit box and rewrite it annually I think you will have the most reliable backup possible for the price.

Hope this helps!

[ExclamPt]

Try

http://www.videoguys.com/pioneer.html

I just bought one after doing research, and I'm quite impressed. If you decide to buy one, however, be careful with the Ulead software install. It likes to hyjack image file associations. I had to spend some time editing the registry to straighten things out.

I've now burned about 40 single-layer DVD's at 16x with no failures. I have yet to burn a dual-layer DVD because the media are still pricey.

[jeaniesa]

Thanks so much kaulike & ExclamPt! Your info helps a lot!

Jeanie