Which DVDRW ? The NEC or Pioneer ?

[Halcyon]

Ok, I need some quick advice here as to which DVDRW to go for.
I know this was covered a couple of weeks ago but I need to hear it from the people who have or know the drives and either like them or hate them.

My two options are either to go for:


NEC ND3520 16x16 DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter (Black) - OEM (CD-014-NE)
The ND3520 benefits from NECââ‚Âà ‚¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s †œhigh resolution writing strategyââ‚à ƒâ€šÃ‚¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ÂÂ� which uses advanced laser modulation to boost the accuracy of the written data. The drive also includes an enhanced version of NECââ‚Âà ‚¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s †œActive Optimized Power Controlââ‚à ‚¬Ã‚ÂÂÂ� (Active OPC). Active OPC monitors writing power and reflection of the media in use, calculating the optimum laser power and adjusting it in real-time.

- 4X DVD+R DL Double Layer burning
- 16X max. DVD+R/-R burning
- 8X max. DVD+RW/-RW burning
- 48X max. CD-R & 24X max. CD-RW burning



OR

Pioneer DVR-109 16 x 16 DVD±RW Dual Layer ReWriter - (Black) OEM (CD-023-PO)
The DVR-109 can write 4.7GB of data to write-once media in seven minutes on either DVD-R or +R media, complemented by the capability to store up to 8.5GB on Dual/Double Layer discs. The product is ideal for a wide range of applications including the authoring, editing and storing of video files*, developing digital music catalogues, building image libraries and backing up data. It is among the first drives to offer 16X write speeds on DVD-R in line with the October approval of the speed enhancement to DVD-R by the DVD Forum.

- 4X DVD+R DL Double Layer burning
- 16X max. DVD+R/-R burning
- 8X max. DVD+RW/-RW burning
- 48X max. CD-R & 24X max. CD-RW burning




I would like to save as much money as possible so at the moment my thoughts are on the NEC drive.
I've never bought anything NEC before so would you reccomend them?

Thanks to all who can help and for your time,

Halcyon.

[swoop101]

NEC for me, I have one and had no problem at all.

[Aragorn]

I have the NEC 3500 and although I've not done a great deal of burning, I haven't had a single coaster - so far. No probs recommending NEC burners.

[bmxbandit]

Originally Posted by Aragorn

I have the NEC 3500 and although I've not done a great deal of burning, I haven't had a single coaster - so far. No probs recommending NEC burners.

also have NEC 3500, had perfect results with all media types (havent tried dvd+r yet, but dvd+rw burn fine).

heartly recommended

I use pioneers i have 4 IMO i don't think theres much in it except the NEC is cheaper

I dont know about the NEC but the 109 is capable of burning double layer -r via a firmware flash later

[altis]

Look at the Hitachi/LG GSA-4163B instead

http://www.hlds.co.jp/e_index.jsp

[maxtoralias]

I use both the Pioneer and NEC drives in both my Kids PC's and both perform satisfactorily using branded DVD medium and there is very little to choose between them on performance.

[Halcyon]

I will be replacing my Philips 52x CDRW burner for this drive so I guess I'l only be able to do 48x CD burning but I doubt there is much difference?
Thanks for all your replies, I think I will go for the NEC drive then.

[bmxbandit]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

I will be replacing my Philips 52x CDRW burner for this drive so I guess I'l only be able to do 48x CD burning but I doubt there is much difference?

ooh, a few seconds maybe...?

edit: assuming its writing clv (which i doubt it is, but worst case...) about 8 seconds per 80 minute cd

[ikthius]

I have the NEC, and I am well impressed with it.

every single disc I burned has been great, it is very quiet, and is fast enough.

you wont go wrong with this writer.

ik

Ive only resently starting using the 109 (i have 3 108's and there great)and I have to change my opinion,this drive is in need of updates Dvd decrpyter says sao mode is poor at present,ive had to update firmware to get a read on a lite on dvd rom and it default plays with subs on .I now have to say go with the nec

[blackthorn]

I`ve got the pioneer 109 and after a firmware update, it writes to datawrite 8speed discs at 12 speed. I`ve never had a coaster from this drive.

[iron25]

I had the nec and the pioneer on my short list after needing a new dvd writer and after several searches on the net for reviews I chose the nec because in most reviews it came out on top. Alot of reviewers disliked the pioneer claiming that it had poor media compatibility. I have had the nec for a few months now and not one single problem. I recently burnt my first dual layer disk and it worked perfectly.

[Halcyon]

Thankyou everyone, thats been really helpful.

[Halcyon]

Hi,
Just another quick question....

Is the only differnce between the NEC models NEC ND-3520A, and NEC ND-3520 the fact that the 3520 has volume and headphone controls on the front and the 3520A does not ?

Thanks.