Dual Layer DVD Question
 

Let us proceed like the adage of "There is no stupid question..." is actually true and probably a stupid question. Just to make sure, a Dual Layer DVD burner will burn a 8 gig disc? It is not a burner that will burn at 8X speed? I came in late on a conversation and it left me confused. Thanks

Dual-Layer will burn a 8.5 Gig DVD disc while single layer burns 4.7 Gig DVD discs.

Can anyone recommend a good and or exceptional DL DVD burner? I have heard some good things about some Plextor and Sony drives. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks

8x is just the speed at which a burner can copy onto a DVD. 8x is 8 times faster than a normal DVD plays. Also, DL burners can only burn at 2.4x, and DVD+R DL media costs much more than regular DVD±Rs.

If you're buying one now, I think the NEC 2510a is a very common/popular/'good value' one, and they're cheap. (60-80$ i'm guessing..)

Still haven't seen any DL discs here... Hmm...

Sin,
Thanks for the info. I didn't even know that NEC made drives. I will be sure to look into it. Thanks again.

Plextor is great.

I would also recommend LG.

LG? I am not familiar with that company and I wasn't aware that Plextor had made the jump to Dual Layer. Before Sin's recommendation, I was looking at drives from Sony, Lite On and Pioneer but the NEC has jumped to the lead. Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions. Keep them coming!!!!

http://www.lge.com/index.do

Few companies my quality like LG. I have a TV, Microwave, Refrigerator, DVD/Writer and 2 screens from them and I can truly say that they kick arse in every possible sense.

Go with NEC, the one mentioned above, I've burned about 200 dvd's, no error yet.
There are dual layer discs, they are about $10 right now, not a good deal as far as copying movies.
However, a program such as DVD Shrink can convert a dual layer onto a single disc with the click of a button.

Good luck, theyre a blast :lol:

Aren't LG drives just rebadged?
I've got a Pioneer drive, VERY happy with it, had a Gigabyte drive (rebadged BTC), and it was TERRIBLE - I'm never buying ANYTHING Gigabyte again, everything they make is :(. I've also heard good things about the newer NEC drives.

I just got my NEC drive today (from Newegg) and I just made a backup of one of my favorite movies, "Victory." It seemed to go off without a hitch but I placed the finished disc in my DVD-ROM drive and it wouldn't play (a Samsung 616T) in either WinDVD or PowerDVD. I tried in my Xbox and the new NEC drive and plays just fine. What would cause this? It didn't come with any discs for drivers or firmware but I couldn't even find the drive on their home page. Would this help? Thanks for any idea, suggestions, etc. you would have. Much appreciated.

This may be a silly question but utterly frustrated with this drive. The max speed on this burner is 8X but I only have blank media for 4X (I have only burnt at 4X and lower). In order for this to work, do I need to buy some blank media that are 8X strength. I have tried to burn 5 DVDs (both + and - R) and they are all coasters. Any, ANY help would be appreciated. Thanks

Update: I got my hands on Memorex DVD-R 8X discs. Lo and behold, the 2 DVDs I burnt worked. I guess that means I have to use 8X discs for this burner. I still don't understand why. I have a slew of 4X discs and if I set the burn speed to 4X in Nero, DVD Shrink, etc. it should work but, unfortunately, it doesn't. If anyone has an explanation for this it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

The Best that I can guess is that you might have gotten some either generic or "bad" discs. These discs are either made from the cheapest materials OR just may not like your burner.

I guess the simplest reason may be that you need an updated firmware (if available/when it comes out) for it to burn the other blanks properly.