Dual Layer DVD Burner

[spurr]

Sony has just announced the Australian release of the DRU700A (http://www.sonystyle.com.au/catalog/product.jsp?id=DRU700A&categoryId=22534&ref=xxmysony005/)

I expected the launch prices for dual layer burners to be heaps more.....if Sony is selling 'em for $350, other brands will no doubt be less than $300. Fairly affordable I reckon.

Has anyone heard anything about other brands? Any news on when blank media might be available (heck, I can't even find 8x media)? Anyone thinking of getting one?

[Zan]

That sounds extremely affordable - at that price, why bother buying a 'normal' DVD-burner when you can grab a dual-layer one for about $50-$100 more?

Doesn't seem very profiteering to me.

Maybe they are going to drop the price on the 'normal' DVD-burners? They're about $175 on average at the moment.

[TK-421]

I heard that it was possible to update the firmware of current DVD burners to allow them to burn dual layer. It was told to me by a mate who is a salesmen at an IT chain store, so the truth may be a little clouded.

[Conny!]

Sounds tantalisingly good.

I would consider buying one in 2-3 months once prices have stabilised and more options on the market.

On a similar note, has anyone delt with HD-Burn? Burning 1.4gb to a standard CD-R. I saw the optorite burner for $150 EYO. Looks pretty snazzy and cheap for a an 8X dvd burn. But it talks about HD-Burn which sounds very good. But i don't know much about it, apparently the burnt disks will work in other DVD players that have had a firmware upgrade, but i dont know what manufacturers support it because it doesn't seem to be an industry standard at this stage.

[muga]

No doubt the blanks will be $30 a pop :(

[Up_All_Night]

umm maybe i am stupid, when is that avalaible here? because i am looking at getting a dvd burner soon

[spurr]

Originally posted by TK-421
I heard that it was possible to update the firmware of current DVD burners to allow them to burn dual layer. It was told to me by a mate who is a salesmen at an IT chain store, so the truth may be a little clouded.

I've read a few rumours about firmware updates being all that's needed for certain models, but also some counter claims saying that current models don't have strong enough lasers to write reliably to the second layer of double layer discs.

Guess it will be a case of wait and see. Hopefully my NEC 2500A might be one that can.

[spurr]

Originally posted by Up_All_Night
umm maybe i am stupid, when is that avalaible here? because i am looking at getting a dvd burner soon

Sorry, didn't realise the release details weren't listed on the product page. The Sony email newsletter I signed up for only said - "Priced at just $349, pre-order the DRU700A now and we'll deliver by May 17th - that's before it even lands in other retail stores."

[damo]

I just bought a 4x single layer burner. Pioneer 106D, works a charm. Although I would be very interested in a dual layer burner, that would be tops for making "backups" of all my DVD movies.