Dual-layer DVD recorder?

[techs]

Did I fall alseep? I didn't know any dual-layer dvd recorders were being made. Then I get see this from Compgeeks:
http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=DD1205-NB

I haven't seen any reviews on these types of drives.
Anyone seen anything on them?

This was all I can find on the optorite website.
"DVD+R DL means Double-layer DVD+R recordable disc, developed by Philips and MKM. DVD+R DL can double the data storage capacity from 4.7 Gbyte to 8.5 Gbyte. Both layers of the disc are accessed from the same side, users don't need to turn the disc over to take advantage of the additional capacity"

[craigmodius]

Is it double layer or dual layer? Or is it the same thing?

AFAIK~ if you get any movie today it's recorded dual layer as evidenced by a slight pause halfway thru watching a movie as it changes from one layer to the next. But those 2 layers seem to be on one side because the label or printing is on one side.

Is this saying that it accesses both sides of the disc from one side or are there 4 layers to a disc (2 on each side)? I thought I knew this stuff, now I'm confus-ed again.

This interests me because I been holding out on buying a DVD burner until they are fully dual layer compatible, so you can just copy any DVD without having to span it across multiple discs.

[techs]

Is it double layer or dual layer? Or is it the same thing?

AFAIK~ if you get any movie today it's recorded dual layer as evidenced by a slight pause halfway thru watching a movie as it changes from one layer to the next. But those 2 layers seem to be on one side because the label or printing is on one side.

Is this saying that it accesses both sides of the disc from one side or are there 4 layers to a disc (2 on each side)? I thought I knew this stuff, now I'm confus-ed again.

This interests me because I been holding out on buying a DVD burner until they are fully dual layer compatible, so you can just copy any DVD without having to span it across multiple discs.

The Optorite site says they use the same technology as your link. I remember them saying it was developed by Philips and MKM so It certainly seems like a true dual layer recorder.
I was hoping to see a review cause I wonder about compatibility with standard dvd players, both computer and home players.

[eboyjones]

Here are a few reviews;

scroll down to #6 http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/artic...,116581,00.asp

http://www.dvd-recordable.org/module...rder=0&thold=0


http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index...&page=Features

[craigmodius]

here's a Sony dual layer review on download.com I hear nothing but good things about their DRU line of burners.

I guess it must be that there are only 2 layers (not 4) to a DVD. It seems weird that they talk about what a technical breakthrough this is when obviously they are already making these dual layer movies. Maybe the ones they use to make hollywood movies have lasers on both sides to burn the disc and would be expensive or bulky for the home user.

Guess I'll have to start saving my pennies.

[craigmodius]

eboyjones~ isn't that third link (the Sony DRU 500A) a dual format not dual layer burner.

careful now I'm confus-ed enough now as it is.

[eboyjones]

You are right as I read the specs closer it is a a dual format not dual layer burner. Sorry.

[techs]

here's a Sony dual layer review on download.com I hear nothing but good things about their DRU line of burners.

I guess it must be that there are only 2 layers (not 4) to a DVD. It seems weird that they talk about what a technical breakthrough this is when obviously they are already making these dual layer movies. Maybe the ones they use to make hollywood movies have lasers on both sides to burn the disc and would be expensive or bulky for the home user.

Guess I'll have to start saving my pennies.

They have been making the dual layer format for home dvd's for years using a stamping process but to make one that is burnable was a challenge.
I am going to read the reviews in the links provided so I don't know yet how well it works. But the Optorite is only 99.00 at the link I provided.

[rgharper]

It seems weird that they talk about what a technical breakthrough this is when obviously they are already making these dual layer movies. Maybe the ones they use to make hollywood movies have lasers on both sides to burn the disc and would be expensive or bulky for the home user.

The technical breakthrough is the lasers in the drive. As you speculated, the technology has been available to Hollywood et.al. for some time now but has been too large and too expensive for home use. If you google you will find several articles that go into sleep-inducing technical depth.

Personally, I always recommend the Lite-On drives. I bought several other brands in my CD-R/RW days and was always unhappy with the results (drives failed, burned lots of coasters, etc, etc) - from the day I bought my first LiteOn drive I have never looked back. LiteOn has dual-layer drives at most discounters for under $100 now. I recently bought their dual-layer SOHW-832S drive and have found it to be, as expected, an excellent performer. Haven't burned any dual-layer discs yet but I've burned many CDs and DVDs with great results.

[Gabriel]

Personally, I always recommend the Lite-On drives....

Agreed - and may I add that Sony $ucks generally. LG and NEC also make very good Drives. The problem With sony is their Warranty/Service and Compability with media.

Another good Point - DVD DL Media are VERY expensive. I believe the price will drop in a matter of a year or so - but than most of us will glitter on the BLUE-RAY DVD

Cheers,
Gabriel

[techs]

Agreed - and may I add that Sony $ucks generally. LG and NEC also make very good Drives. The problem With sony is their Warranty/Service and Compability with media.

Another good Point - DVD DL Media are VERY expensive. I believe the price will drop in a matter of a year or so - but than most of us will glitter on the BLUE-RAY DVD

Cheers,
Gabriel

Best price I have seen on a DVD DL media is 15.00 u.s. dollars.

[kato2274]

Best price I have seen on a DVD DL media is 15.00 u.s. dollars.

and that's why even though I felt a twinge of excitement when I saw that deal on compgeeks I didn't get my credit card out.

for $15.00 I'll just buy another copy to keep as a backup for an extra $5 or whatever.

when I can get good DVD-R media (ritek) for $1.00 a disc I'll live with some compression and having to ditch menus, subtitles, and extra languages on my backups and stick with my 411s hacked to 811s for a while.