Help me select a DVD writer!!!

[sinjinx]

I've been researching this purchase for several days and I think I've narrowed my search to a few products:

Lite-on LDW-400D which burns + and - both at 4x ----> $300 roughly (supposed to be rebadged Sony drive)
Pioneer DVR-A05 which is - only but also at 4x -----> $230 roughly
Pioneer DVR-105 possibly same drive as A05? -----> $215 or so...

Also...25 pk cakebox of Ritek 1x-4x DVD-R ----> $60 or so...

I'm looking at purchasing from Avlogic.com, Hypermicro.com or Newegg.com. Most everything that I purchase comes from Newegg.com and I've ALWAYS been very happy with them. I have order one item from Hypermicro and was very happy with it, but that was some time ago.

I intend to use this drive for creating DVD's from home video, and I want to have the best compatability with all of the family's dvd players. It is my impression that DVD-R is the most compatible with the existing base of set top players. Is this correct? Should I spend the extra money to get the - or +? Does anyone know for sure if the Lite-on is a rebadged Sony?

If I go with the Lite-on, I'll probably buy it from Newegg for $309. If I buy either of the others, it will probably be from one of the other sites I mentioned.

If you have any advice for me about the purchase I'm about to make, I would really appreciate it.

TIA

[raimin]

i always thought the + was more compatable

the best thing to do is go to dvdrhelp (http://www.dvdrhelp.com) and check to see if the dvd players you have are compatable with + or - or both

[spigidygak]

I'd go with the AO5, I honestly see no point in getting a dual purpose drive. DVD-RW/R is a lot more compatible than the DVD+RW/R format on older drives. However newer players coming out are pretty good with both formats. The advantage goes to - though since the media is cheaper and easier to get than the + from what I've seen. Save the $70 and use that to buy yourself some media.

[ivtecrsx]

get the a05

even if the liteon is a rebadged sony, the sony is known for having trouble with cheap media.

save yourself the headache...i think the a05 is the best out there. (A05=105...the 105 is the OEM Version I believe)

[sinjinx]

Thanks for the input guys!!

I've decided to get the DVR-105 :)

[bachviet]

Pioneer A05 or 105 should be okay.