Notices
General NON-Automotive Conversation No Political, Sexual or Religious topics please.

DVD writers/software

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 30, 2010 | 03:18 PM
  #1  
ford2go's Avatar
ford2go
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
DVD writers/software

Hi,

I'm looking to replace my CD drive on my Dell Dim2400 (ide). I also have an external dvd/usb, but it has gotten intermittent.

I checked newegg, and they have a lot of Liteons, some LGs, and a few other brands. I'm thinking that I'd get a sata and an adapter for the ide.

Any suggestions?

Also, my laptop dvd does work, but it plays dvd movies with something called Media Direct, which is pretty clumsy. Any thoughts on some good dvd movie software?

Thanks and have a good weekend
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2010 | 03:40 PM
  #2  
Furyus1's Avatar
Furyus1
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,940
Likes: 8
From: Southern Oregon Coast
For single-layer burners - It's pretty much a matter of preference. HP-branded drives are, typically, made by either LG or LiteOn. I have a LiteOn single-layer burner on one of my laptops that has been pretty good to me. I've also had good luck with Samsung and Sony drives.

For double-layer burners - avoid LG and LiteOn like the plague (IMO) - I have had nothing but problems right out of the box with those 2 brands and it doesn't appear they've done anything to correct the problems. For double-layer, I've found Pioneer drives to be the best - I run a Pioneer on my gamer box and have absolutely no problems with it whatsoever... Sony makes a good double-layer slimtype drive for laptops (Optiarc) - I've run a couple of those and haven't had any problems with them - Sony also makes an Optiarc 5.25" drive and, if it's anything like the slimtype, it should be a good drive - I've not run any of those to know for sure.

I tend to flash and cross-flash the firmware on problem drives and was able to get an HP double-layer burner that would not read double layer discs at all to, at least, read them part of the time by cross-flashing it to an LG firmware - still a junk drive, though...

For the player software, try the VLC media player - it's free and does a good job.

VideoLAN - VLC media player - Open Source Multimedia Framework and Player
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2010 | 12:15 AM
  #3  
ford2go's Avatar
ford2go
Thread Starter
|
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Thanks! Sounds like you have a bit of experience with them.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ford2go
General NON-Automotive Conversation
4
Mar 18, 2016 07:30 AM
john112deere
General NON-Automotive Conversation
6
Dec 13, 2006 04:31 PM
e1p1
General NON-Automotive Conversation
8
Mar 17, 2006 11:13 AM
Mil1ion
General NON-Automotive Conversation
20
Jul 24, 2005 09:07 PM
woogs
General NON-Automotive Conversation
6
Dec 8, 2004 08:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:35 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE