Next gen DVD-Writers and general questions.

[kodde]

From what i understand the DVD-R movies today aren't the same as the source? They are re-encoded and stripped of addiotional sound tracks and such? Am i right?

So is the video quality redcued alot compared to the source?

And another more important question: Todays burners use 4,7GB discs right? And when you get at least 2 layer DVD-Writers you can make exact copies? So when is the next generation DVD-Writers available for home users? Will it be in far off future?

Is it worth getting a DVD-Writer today?

[Gil T Pleasure]

Since most commercial DVDs are dual layer, people usually strips away the additional sound tracks and maybe even reencode the video so that it would all fit on one DVD-R disc. If you're cloning the commercial disc (after copy protection has been defeated), you get perfect copy of the original provided that the original is single layer. If it's dual layer, there are softwares (DVDXCopy, for example) that will split the video into 2 DVD-R discs without having to strip away additional sound tracks or reencode the video.

The next generation DVD burner (to me anyway) is called BluRay, which holds appx 27GB of data. It's probably a few years away and may not even be compatible with today's DVDs. So yes, it's worth getting a DVD burner today.

[goodl]

Of course, I dont lose any sleep over extras etc. If you dont want to re-encode then IFOedit can normally bring it in under the limit without sacrificing quality, if tt won't I break it over 2 discs either manually or with DVDXcopy if I keep the extras.

I have +R(Ricoh)and a -R (A05) writers and theres not a lot to choose between them. If you want to burn games for consoles get a -R.

My movies burn nicely on my Plus discs but dont get crap ones. Datawrite Yellow top are fine +R discs.

But when -R 4X discs get cheper I suspect my +R usage may go into decline

Get your writer now, it's a lovely toy to have.

[kodde]

Wow thanks for the reply guys.

So should i get a DVD+R/RW or DVD-R/RW?

I've heard good things about the Pioneer ones, true?
Are there any combo drives out yet? They good?

[goodl]

If I had my time over I would have bought a sony DRU-500a but there's none around. Maybe when there is I will sell my two writers.

[Gil T Pleasure]

Originally posted by kodde
Are there any combo drives out yet? They good?

Here's a list of DVD+/-RW dual drives:

- Buffalo DVM-4222FB and DVM-4222IU2,
- MSI DR4-A,
- NEC ND-1100A,
- Sony DRX-500A and DRX-500UL, and
- TDK Electronics indiDVD AID+040212N

The Sony and NEC drives are available now.