New DVD re-writer

[thebiggfella]

I'm thinking of getting a new desktop computer built in the near future which will be far better spec. than this laptop for video editing. Do any of you have any recommendations regarding a DVD re-writer or are they all much of a muchness? I'm thinking should I get a dual layer one, or just stick with the single layer variety. And makes, are there any to steer well clear of? I've got an external Lite-on one attached to this laptop and it seems pretty good. What about lightscribe - is it worth considering?

Sorry, I'm rambling now, but any comments or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks. Glynn.

[sjj1805]

The cost of a dual layer DVD writer isn't much more expensive from a single layer DVD writer. Although the current cost of dual layer blanks might be currently considered expensive compared to single layer, with the arrival of Blue Ray and HD writers (very expensive) I would think that at some point in the future the blank dual layer discs will drop in price.

It therefore seems more logical to invest in a dual layer rather than a single layer, even if for the time being you only use it as a single layer writer.

As for speed the majority opinion appears to favour writing DVD Video at lower speeds such as 4x or 6X and avoid using the higher speeds such as 12x or 16x. This is because the higher speeds seem to produce a weaker burn which many standalone DVD players have difficulty with.

Having said that you must also remember that you can use the DVD writer for other purposes such as creating DATA discs. It therefore again seems logical to purchase a writer capable of higher speeds. No doubt in the future better blanks and better stand alone DVD players will come along able to handle the discs created at higher writing speeds.

Make and model is a matter of personal choice but you might wish to consult the compatibility list published on the Ulead Website.
http://www.ulead.com/tech/general/compatibility.htm

[thebiggfella]

That's great. Thanks for the info.