What is the current favourite DVD Writer?

[nwg]

I need to get a new DVD writer. I currently have a LG 4040B which has been 100% flawless and no coasters in its lifetime of three years. It is beige but, now I need a black one.

I am currently looking at the GSA-4167B which is around £27 at the moment. Are these just as good as my old one. I also have a Pioneer 109 and could get a black Pioneer 110 (I need the RAM one) but I prefer LG for £32.

How are NEC? I have never had one. I have seen a 4550 for £29.

I don't really need DL-R as I just use DL+R.

[UncasMS]

i have a black 4550 and it is very good

[nwg]

i have a black 4550 and it is very good

Thanks. I have always wondered about NEC but never tried them.

If it helps, I use Ridisc DVD-R G04 and unbranded discs with TDKG02 dye. The DL discs are Ritek D01 dye.

[UncasMS]

the 4550/4551 and 3500 are identical when it comes to writing and their burning quality is very good

if you can get one for 30 quid go for it

[sonic_emperor]

nec rules!

[Chewy]

There was a big ruckus over at cdfreaks the last few days, and I am hesitant to reccomend any nec drives until the dust settles. As you may know nec drives stock firmware does not support bitsetting, this ability is supplied by a man called Liggy in the L&D firmware downloads. After a certain tool made it out onto the internet, Liggy threatened to throw in the towel. Seems people are taking the nec 3550 and turning it into a nec 4551. dvd-ram and labelflash nonsense! Liscensing etc!

[photo_angel2004]

Call me crazy but I like the Optorite burners, they tak a licking and keep on ticking. LOL, a lot of people think they are junk but I have had great results from them and they seem to go out of date long before the go out. They are also not as expensive as some others are.

[UncasMS]

@ chewy

whatever firmwares exist or tools were written all of it doesnt change the fact that the writing abilities nec offer are exellent

[Chewy]

I really think, as do many others, that losing bitsetting with our modded NEC drives would be a damn shame. Liggy put his site back up. My benq and LG offer bitsetting on stock firmwares.

[cynthia]

I bought a Pioneer DVR-110D and compared to the burning results on my Nec 3520 and Nec 4551 it's not very good.

[Gary D]

I am a "Chewy convert". I have the LG gsa 4163b before visiting this forum. I am upgraded my DVD rom to an NEC ND 3550A and used Liggy and Dee's software to make DVD rom's now! I now score 97's on CD/DVD speed so I am very happy compared to the low 80's before!!!

Thanks to Chewy

[geno888]

If your most important need is to use RAM media I suggest you to buy a LG drive. They have more experience with these media.

Avoid liteon drives with RAM support: they are really immature.

[nwg]

RAM is very important. I use a Panasonic HS2 and E50 TV DVD Recorders. All my TV programs get edited on the computer. Both the LG 4040 and Pioneer 109 read at 2x. I am looking forward to 5x read as it takes 20 minutes to read a disc at 2x.

I have decided against the Pioneer 110 now.

[geno888]

I don't know much Pioneer drives, but for what I know for RAM media until now LG burners are among the best

[nwg]

I don't know much Pioneer drives, but for what I know for RAM media until now LG burners are among the best

I have always thought that. My Pioneer 109 is fine with RAM but I always seem to use the LG most of the time.