CD/DVD Drives - What to look out for

[lou100]

If I am wanting my pc to be able to copy & play music & film dvd's what do I need to look out for on the description?  I've seen one which is described as a CD/DVD RW Combo - will that do the trick??  Thanks in advance!

[wideboy]

Assuming that you already have either a CD ROM or DVD ROM drive (or even better a CD Writer). You want to look for a DVD rewriter that is dula format (+ and -) and dual layer (preferably + and -, but + will do). Prices have tumbled. Look at NEC, Pioneer, LITEON and LG among others. Some (like LG) also record DVD RAM but that isn't as common.

You might also be able to afford a cheap DVD ROM drive if you don't have one; that way you can copy DVD from drive to drive rather than via the hard drive.

[wideboy]

Sorry, typing too quickly, that should be dual format!

[vehelpfulguy]

A CD-ROM drive will only PLAY CDs

A DVD-ROM drive will only PLAY DVDs (usually CDs as well) 

A CD-RW or CD-Recordable will allow you to CREATE CDs and play them. 

A DVD-RW or DVD Recordable will allow you to CREATE DVDs (and CDs) and play DVDs and CDs.

The only confusing thng about DVDs is that there are 3 main formats, called DVD + (plus), DVD - (minus), and DVD ROM (not much seen). 

Most DVD writers for PCs can create in DVD minus and DVD plus format, and most MODERN DVD players (for your TV) can play DVD minus and DVD plus. 

The only extra thing to consider is the software you are going to use to create the DVDs. There are a number, Nero, being the most popular.

Some DVD recorders come with some 'free' software to create DVDs, others do not. If you buy one that doen't you will also need to buy some software.