Best Dual Layer DVD-R/+R Burning Drive

PC-GUY · Dec 29, 2004

Almighty1 said:
I had to ask since I just bought a Plextor PX-716UF two days ago. Had to return my Sony DRX710UL as the USB interface bridge update killed the drive. I was reading somewhere that the Plextor was just a modified NEC as only NEC/Plextor has both the DVD+-R at 16x. I think Plextor does have something no one else has in a -+ format Dual Layer drive though and that the latest firmware supports Dual Layer DVD-R burning.

So Pioneer actually makes their own drives and doesn't use someone elses drives?

As far as them being the same they both have a Sanyo chipset but not the same chipset.

Almighty1 said:
I thought Plextor no longer made any of their drives after the SCSI drives since weren't the earlier CDR/CDRW bruners from Plextor all made by Sanyo just like the TDK's were? And I remember reading somewhere that the Plextor was just a NEC.

Do some reading and you will find that plextor lost it on DVD burners, not even in the top 3 anymore. So no Plextor is not a NEC. So if you want a NEC return your plextor and get one, IMHO you'll be better if you do that.

Also if you want -+ format Dual Layer wait for the NEC ND-3520A, you'll get a drive from a company thats been proven to make some of the top DVD burners and at a cheaper price JMHO.

Duracell · Dec 29, 2004

LTR12101B said:
The actual makers are:
Pioneer, Plextor, Liteon, NEC, BTC - and probably only about 2 or 3 more.

LG is another one, personally i like the "write down to DVD-RAM" feature;

slippery · Dec 29, 2004

Nec Nd-3520a

The NEC ND-3520A is available @www.xPCgear.com. I contacted them today and the guy said it will be listed on their website this evening. Its sale price is $74.99, and I just got the NEC 3500A a month ago - lol, oh well, I may put it in my other pc and get this one for my main rig.

PC-GUY · Dec 30, 2004

Newegg Says they have it. ND-3520A

VILLA21 · Feb 28, 2005

Is it the right time to buy Plextor 716A? TLA#0304 works quite good. It"s highly priced though, 130Euros. (NEC 3520 costs only 70Euros)

PC-GUY · Feb 28, 2005

VILLA21 said:
Is it the right time to buy Plextor 716A? TLA#0304 works quite good. It"s highly priced though, 130Euros. (NEC 3520 costs only 70Euros)

Its never the right time to buy a plextor!!!!

dx · Feb 28, 2005

PC-GUY said:
Its never the right time to buy a plextor!!!!

Never?! Hmmmm... be ready to defend your opinion on this one. I'm sure forum members will challenge you on this.

I have a one Plextor drive that I will keep until it dies. One of the best drives I've ever owned.

PC-GUY · Feb 28, 2005

dx said:
Never?! Hmmmm... be ready to defend your opinion on this one. I'm sure forum members will challenge you on this.

I have a one Plextor drive that I will keep until it dies. One of the best drives I've ever owned.

Take a look at the name of the thread.

VILLA21 · Mar 5, 2005

Finally, i got it! (TLA#0203). Plex 716A Bulk plus 50pcs DVD-R 8x Taiyo Yuden (TYG02) ...only 120Euros

PC-GUY · Mar 5, 2005

VILLA21 said:
Finally, i got it! (TLA#0203). Plex 716A Bulk plus 50pcs DVD-R 8x Taiyo Yuden (TYG02) ...only 120Euros

Best of luck with it.

spy411 · Mar 13, 2005

Best Brand for DL

Here's my Personal choice by Maker your opinion may vary

1- Pioneer (6X DL)
1- BenQ (Allow Scan)
1- LG (Quality of burn)
2- LiteON (Allow Scan)
2- Nec (Less Firmware)
3- Plextor (as of 712,716) (Lot's of DOA!)

The-poacher · Mar 13, 2005

Welcome to the Forum

Why not introduce yourself http://www.dvdrbase.com/forumdisplay.php?f=141

& tell your fellow members about yourself.

tnx for your input

jasmin · Mar 13, 2005

PC-GUY said:
Its never the right time to buy a plextor!!!!

LOL, PC-GUY, tomorrow I'm gonna buy PX-716A Retail (bundled with NAV 2005)

PC-GUY · Mar 13, 2005

jasmin said:
LOL, PC-GUY, tomorrow I'm gonna buy PX-716A Retail (bundled with NAV 2005)

I send you a condolence card.

Good think you know how to format or at least I think you do.

roadworker · Mar 13, 2005

PC-GUY said:
I send you a condolence card.
Good think you know how to format or at least I think you do.

No need to know....Norton will erase your disc automaticly without user intervention....

jasmin · Mar 13, 2005

roadworker said:
No need to know....Norton will erase your disc automaticly without user intervention....

'You too, Brutus, my child?'

dx · Mar 15, 2005

jasmin said:
'You too, Brutus, my child?'

I wouldn't worry about your PX-716A decision too much. I've been reading that's its an fine writer provided you get a TLA of 03 or 04. It's a excellent extractor as well. It's still a little rough with the DVDRW media though. Plus you have access to PlexTools, which are great tools in themselves.

However, as always with Plextors... it's gets a little picky with media (which for your TY media is not an issue) and was 40% more expensive than most of the top drives out there. Yes, it's no NEC 3500 drive... but then again few drives are.

jasmin · Mar 15, 2005

I already got PX 161040A & Plexwriter Premium, no way I'll buy any DVD burner except Plextor's one

Maybe later, one with LightScribe feature

PC-GUY · Mar 15, 2005

dx said:
I wouldn't worry about your PX-716A decision too much. I've been reading that's its an fine writer provided you get a TLA of 03 or 04. It's a excellent extractor as well. It's still a little rough with the DVDRW media though. Plus you have access to PlexTools, which are great tools in themselves.

However, as always with Plextors... it's gets a little picky with media (which for your TY media is not an issue) and was 40% more expensive than most of the top drives out there. Yes, it's no NEC 3500 drive... but then again few drives are.

See I don't see any reason to cross your finger and hope you got the right one.

I didn't have to do that all I did was take ChickenMan's advice and got the right one the first time, the NEC 3500. Great drive.

dx · Mar 15, 2005

PC-GUY said:
See I don't see any reason to cross your finger and hope you got the right one. I didn't have to do that all I did was take ChickenMan's advice and got the right one the first time, the NEC 3500. Great drive.

Yep... an issue that must be part of your decision factor.

The NEC 3500 is still probably the best drive out there... even the newer drive (3520) isn't as good. Hard drive to beat. I have one (3500) now BTW. Picked it up "used" so to speak... got it from a friend who purchased a PX-716A (just had to make him a nice dinner). Not under warantee, as he flashed with modified firmware... perfect condition though.

At first I thought he was crazy. But after a few tests like PIE/PIF scanning with the same media TY01 and TY02 media, I was suprised that the Plex burned with almost the same high quality on the TY02 and better on the TY01. Mind you we had to do these tests on his burner as the NEC does not have this ability. Just hope that the rumors that NEC 35x0 drives will get PIE/PIF scanning abilities (something my friend desperately needed, but could not do). Something tells me it may only be the 3540 and later, but it would be nice to test my media for burn quality.