DVD drive for movies

[Gospel]

Hello all,

I am in the market for a DVD drive for my Windows XP box. In the

system, I have a HP DVD Writer 630i and a Sony DVD-ROM DDU 1621.

I want to move the Sony drive to my Linux box so I can load the latest

release of Mandriva Linux from DVD. Currently I only have a

CD-ROM drive in the Linux box.

I wish I could wait for a HD capable DVD drive but Sony and the rest of

the industry is still fighting on the standard. Can you say VHS

and Betamax? What is a good choice for a DVD-ROM drive that has

minimum skipping? Yes, I know that system stuff can cause

skipping. But,t he Sony drive is much worse than the HP drive

when it comes to the move pausing and skipping.

Also, I need the drive to be able to rip extended audio CDs like the

ones for Robert Jorden's audiobooks. Got one of his 29 CD (36

hours) audiobooks but both of my DVD drives can't read the last

track. The CDs play fine in a normal stereo system CD player.

Any help will be apprecaited. I hope this is an appropriate place to ask such a question.

Thanks,

Steven

[HatTrick66]

Check out the new Sony DVDirect. It is a stand alone box, but it can also be hooked up directly to your VCR, TiVo, DV Camera, or computer via USB.

It's runs about $230 after rebate at BB, but it could not be simpler to use. It also seems to support about every format "currently" available.

Fun little toy. Those wedding and honeymoon videos never looked better. However, be careful when complimenting your wife with how hot she looked. Mine only took it as compliment for so long.[]

[Gospel]

I've got a decent DVD burner already. I am mainly looking for

good DVD-ROM drive for movies and ripping extended Audio CDs. I'm

waiting for HD DVD before I upgrade my burner. Your suggestion is

appreciated. If I need to go the burner upgrade route then I'll

look at Sony's DVDirect.

Thanks,

Steven

[toddvj]

Honestly, I don't think there is a ton of difference between drives. Buy a brand name drive and you should be okay. With the cost difference between a DVD-Rom and DVD burner being as small as it is, I don't see any reason not to get a burner. If you are really worried about which one to buy (let's face it, it's not a major purchase, $40 will buy you a great drive) go to newegg and read people's reviews. I have a NEC ND-3520 and it's my best drive, the new model is the 3540. I also have a Sony DVD-Rom, and it's a piece of crap. I will be ditching it ASAP.

[dragonfyr]

Toddvj is correct here -

Get the NEC ND-3540A (Dual layer 16X-8X-16X) from NewEgg - and keep an eye out for the commonly bundled software configuration as they have been frequently adding Nero (OEM) bundled for an additional $1! And for a total package price of ~ $40 you can't beat it!

You frequently won't find the NEC other places labelled as such, that is because NEC is the OEM supplier for other companies and others use it in relabelled form while charging more.

It is definately the best buy in DVD recorders/players.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=Go&DEPA=0&type=&description=nec+ND-3540a&Category=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

[Gospel]

Thanks to all for the advice. I've now resolved all four

issues. I simply swapped the Sony DVD-ROM drive in the XP box

with the no-name 52x CD-ROM drive in the Linux box.

1) The Linux box can now read DVD Linix distro discs.

2) The HP DVD Writer does good enough for viewing DVD Movies with minimum studderring.

3) The no-name 52x CD-ROM drive has no problems ripping extended audio CDs like the Robert Jorden audiobook.

4) I can still wait for HD DVD drives to come out before I spend any extra $$ on optical drives.

I don't copy from DVD to DVD so having only one DVD drive in my XP box isn't an issue.

Thanks,

Steven