Burn Speeds

[pamstun]

I was told by a vendor that DVD burners do not actually burn a 16X rated DVD at 16X speed until the disc is nearly full and that 8X will do just as well for less money. Is that accurate or “sales speak”?

Thanks! Pamstun

[locoeng]

That is a fairly accurate statement, but excellent quality 16X burners can be purchased for $35-$50.

[jm1647]

It's true that burners do not reach the high speeds until later into the burn.
16X is faster than 8X and 18X and higher are right around the corner.

LiteOn is releasing 18X burns in July and speeds in the 20's later.

Like a 4x burner you won't be able to buy a 8X burner soon.

[Gary D]

With an 8X burner, (since the industry is busy making 16X these days), how OLD is that burner on the shelf? Is the firmware upgradeable?? When it comes to DVD burners, do a lot of research! This is a great place to start.

Then go to videohelp and look at the different results for different media on that burner. No point in buying a burner if it is substandard or just can not burn anything well. Buying a good burner (and it can be cheap) takes research!

Another thing to consider is if the burner will support bitsetting.

Do some searching.

My first search would be "NEC 3550" on this forum!

[locoeng]

Don't forget the BenQ DW1650 Gary....LOL

[Chewy]

don't let some salesman holding old stock sell you an 8x burner, burners are getting better, go online and buy a 16x for less than you would an 8x that's probably a lemon to start with.

[geno888]

With an 8X burner, (since the industry is busy making 16X these days), how OLD is that burner on the shelf? Is the firmware upgradeable??

Very good point. If you consider that 8x media are harder to find maybe it's better anyway to get a 16x burner, even if you plan to burn @8x, because of a better firmware support