DVR-106 vs DVR-A06 - Best Burner?

tadpole wrote on 10/13/2003, 6:24 PM

Really in need of a new burner (one thats dual-format)

Shocked when i saw the price these things r going 4 these days
DVR-106D = $179 - (i paid like $600 for my 200i only about a year ago!)

After reading further, the retailer mentioned thi "Now with the DVR-106 (the non-branded version of their new DVR-A06 in a plain box)"

Any1 know if there is any difference with the drive - as in hardware/support wise, since its "non branded" and doesn't come in a perty box?

Also, as it stands today - what would you buy for a burner?
Read a few places that the DVR-106D is at the top of the heap.
comments?

Comments

Jessariah67 wrote on 10/13/2003, 6:43 PM

I ordered a DVR 105 as part of my new rig 6 months ago. I got an A05 instead (or was it vice-versa?). I don't think there's any difference, actually.

I can't tell you about the 106/A06, but 105/A05 is absolutely rock solid. Right out of the gate, it has never given me a single problem. I wouldn't think twice about getting another one if I needed it.

HTH

JohnnyRoy wrote on 10/13/2003, 6:51 PM

As far as I know, the only difference between the DVR-106 and DVR-A06 is the pretty box, cables, and software that’s included. The DVR-106 is for system builders who have no need for pretty boxes, cables, or software. It’s just the drive in a plain box. The hardware itself should be identical if they are both Pioneer brand. I know CenDyne OEM’ed the DVR-105 and sold it for considerably less than Pioneer’s version but Pioneer did not support this version with firmware upgrades so I would check their support before making a choice.

Having said that, if you are not a system builder and could benefit from the software included, I understand Pioneer is shipping with a suite of Ulead software including DVD MovieFactory 2 which I use to make VCD slide shows of all my digital pictures. So check out the software and see if the difference in price is worth it to you. Ulead offers 30-day trial versions so you can try the software first and see if you like it.

I have a Pioneer DVR-A03 and would buy the A06 in a heartbeat. In fact, when I build my next machine I plan to include an A06 in it. I’ve had no problems at all with the A03.

Videoguys.com has the Pioneer DVR-A06 for $199.95 with a free 5 pack of Pioneer DVD-R 4x disks. The price of the 5 included disks probably brings the price of the actual drive down to what you were going to pay for a DVR-106. Something to think about.

~jr

jester700 wrote on 10/13/2003, 9:07 PM

I'd look at the new Plextor too. Plex has consistently been a reliable brand, and their new puppy writes at 8x Max. All for $230-ish. There is also the 8x BenQ for $180... aren't these things amazing?

riredale wrote on 10/13/2003, 10:24 PM

Check frequently on www.techbargains.com. I've seen deals on 4X burners in recent weeks for under $140.

As for firmware for Pioneer, I bought a Cendyne/Pioneer -05, and updated it with Pioneer firmware with no issues at all. I've heard Cendyne has gone under, so you might find some deals. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to get one of these.

donp wrote on 10/14/2003, 8:46 AM

The DVR-105 I have has accepted all the firmware upgrades to date (1.33) I have done with no problems. the firmware at the Pioneer site said for the A05 but it worked for the 105 as well. The only difference is the cover not the guts.

scotty_dvc80 wrote on 10/14/2003, 9:10 AM

I have a DVR 106 in BLACK : ) Its the OEM version of A06

Jay Gladwell wrote on 10/14/2003, 9:40 AM

I'm using the A06 and it's working like a dream. :o)

Jsnkc wrote on 10/14/2003, 10:47 AM

There is no diffrence in the drives itself, just one comes with software and a box and one doesn't. If you want to save a few bucks and don't need any burning software then go with the 106.

cacher wrote on 10/14/2003, 2:36 PM

Just wanted to tell you all that the DVR-106 is going for $135 (!!!) in newegg.com, but only for a few hours it seems... (wish I could buy one)

scotty_dvc80 wrote on 10/14/2003, 2:47 PM

DVD + only.. may be ok down the road.. but for now go pioneer or any other brand that has D- D+

scotty_dvc80 wrote on 10/14/2003, 2:50 PM

micro pro.. 176$ funny thing she asked me how much is it??.. I told her 176$ then she asked me how much is shipping?? Lol I laughed and said 5$ ..I didnt know how much shipping was.. She asked me... They sent it to me and charged my card accordingly... i gather theyll sell it to you for whatever price you want... WOW only in America!!!! lol

Jsnkc wrote on 10/14/2003, 3:31 PM

Thanks for the heads up on the 106, I just ordered one! I also put a post in the main forum to let everyone know!

tadpole wrote on 10/14/2003, 7:28 PM

Just ordered mine for $135
saved me $45 bucks, thanks guys