Comments

riredale wrote on 6/1/2004, 9:54 AM
Currently no DL disks are available in stores, and from what I read, it's very hard even for reviewers to get some blanks.

One web site review I read a few days ago says that compatibility is not so good at present--around 80%.

I plan to sit this one out for a year, and then see what my options are.
Jsnkc wrote on 6/1/2004, 11:34 AM
It's a good price for the drive, but I wouldn't jump out and buy it. It will be at least the end of summer or fall before the media is even slightly available for it. I've heard some people are paying $50 or more for just one blank disc since they are so scarce at the moment. I'd wait a while before buying one (unless you have a secret source for media) because basically right now they are useless as a DL burner since there is no media. I am waiting for the Pioneer A-09 to come out, I trust them a lot more than the Sony burners. Also when other companies start to release their DL burneres most likely the prices will come down a bit due to the competition.
jaegersing wrote on 6/3/2004, 3:30 AM
In Singapore, Benq (spin-off from Taiwanese company Acer) are promoting their +/- 8X burner for S$189, which is around US$110. They say there will be a free firmware upgrade soon to support burning of dual-layer DVD blanks. So US$199 is probably a bit ex.

The Benq burner has received good reviews for its performance, especially the ability to burn 4X discs at 8X speed, which can save you a bit of money on media.

(Bad news is I didn't know about this and bought a different brand a couple of months ago.)

Richard Hunter
Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/3/2004, 4:09 AM
I read recently that when the DL discs are available they will cost about $10 each! New burners required, not sure about players (don't remember). After all, there are still STILL campatibility issues with SL discs and some players. This requires a "wait and see" approach for me.

J--