8x/4x/12x DVD+RW, 4x/2x/12x DVD-RW, 40x/24x/40x CD-RW - MPN: DD0401
Strengths: Burnt a few DVDs and HD-Burn CDs with no problems at all. Tried Memorex DVD-Rs, Ritek DVD+R, and Imation CDRs. Writes at 8x on a 4x Ritek DVD+R. Took 8 min to burn 4.2GB DVD+R.
Weakness: None so far. And No Coasters.
Good value for money and a reliable piece of equipment. Burns HD-Burn CDs with no problems at all, wish reading/playing HD-Burn CDs were available in common drives and DVD Players. Great Product. Highly Recommended.
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TopStrengths: So far it is working well with Memorex DVD-R;+R, Fujifilm DVD-R and Imation DVD-R.
Weakness: So far none that I could find.
I would give it the 5th star, but I haven't had it long enough to detect any problems. So far so good and as long as I don't have any issues with name brand media, I will be very happy that I got this DVD writer. The price is great for being able to record both DVD + and -R and being able to burn +R at 8x.
As far as the HD-Burn, I haven't used it and probably won't because compatibility for it isn't there yet. Also because it is 1st generation technology, I don't trust it. We'll see what happens with it though.
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TopStrengths: Works fine at 8X using Memorex DVD+R 4X
Weakness: Weak software package "Nero 5.5" HD-Burn don't work.
Does all the normal stuff very well, 8X with 4X media, has caused no errors or problems so far has read everything I have put in it with the exception of the HD-Burn disk I made.
HD-Burn technology needs more work!!!
HD-Burn is useless will not recognize audio CDs, burns video as audio that will not play in anything including itself.
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TopStrengths: An attractive piece of machinery that works well enough to compete with Plexor
Weakness: Sensitive to certain dics.
After using the drive for about 6 weeks I have noticed some "personality flaws". I've had the opportunity to buy and use several types of discs both +R and -R. The drive can be more sensitive to some more than others. I'm finding more sensitivity with -R than +R. On several occasions, I’ve had the drive lock up as well as my computer (P4, 3.0Ghz, 1Gig-RAM). I’ve found that shutting completely down and after hitting the power button the drive will release the disc for normal start-up. I can never leave a blank disc in the drive during start-up or Windows XP will not start up.
Even with these sensitivity issues, I would purchase the Optorite DD0401 DVD±RW writer drive again.
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TopStrengths: Prompt tech. support via e-mail. Nice looking. Decent software bundle.
Weakness: Will not burn at 8x using Memorex DVD+R 4x disks that Optorite says will work at 8x. In fact, with these disks it takes 40 minutes to burn an entire disk!
I don't know if I have a lemon or what. Mine will not do 8x with Memorex 4x DVD+R disks, which Optorite says will do 8x. In fact, when I burn an entire disk, it starts out at 4x for ~30% of burn (4 minutes), then switches to 2x or less and takes about 35 minutes to finish.
Tech support has been prompt, but unhelful thus far.
Works at 2.4 x for Memorex DVD+RW 4x disks.
Sigh.
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TopStrengths: 8x on 4x DVD+R
Weakness: Some cheap DVD-Rs causing errors.
Got it from AccuPC for $151. I plan to use it with my notebook, so I got a Plumax enclosure from DealSonic. 1394 and USB2.
The DD0401 looks nice (I got the black one which costs $3 more). Works perfectly with the enclosure under Windows Server 2003. I applied the latest 120E firmware without any problem under W2K3. There have been some discussions about how to apply the firmware under Windows. Just extract the zip from from OptoRite in one folder then run the exe - that's it. No sys file copying business. I don't really need the firmware. I flashed the drive just for the heck of it. At least I proved it's harmless.
Nero reports the drive supports everything but DVD-RAM and Mount Rainier. Media tested so far:
(1) Memorex 4x DVD+RW: 4x achieved and disc runs fine.
(2) Memorex 4x DVD+R (32025571, 25pk spindle): 8x achieved and disc runs fine on any reading device available to me, including my family room DVD player. A full movie DVD were created in less than 8 minutes without any problem. The lead-in and lead-out takes much less time.
(3) CompUSA 2x DVD-R: 2x achieved and disc runs fine.
(4) 2x DVD-R from Staples: Power Calibration Error. The burner doesn't like the media quality. In my memory, that's manufactured by CMC. This is not a big deal because I won't buy a 8x DVD burner just to write unknown 2x DVD-Rs.
So in general the drive is a very good one. BTW, I use Nero 6.0.0.19. My next mission is to try the HD-Burn.
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TopStrengths: One of the fastest drive on the market with 8x DVD+R writing speed
Weakness: Not easy to find one in stock
Tried it with several of the recommended 4x media on Optorite's website. Was able to write 8x with all of them, It has the same specs as the Plextor 8x, but at a much cheaper price. I also have the Optorite 4x dual drive, love it too. Just need to sell my 4x drive to a friend now.
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Top
Optorite DD0401 DVD±RW Writer
Strengths: Burned 3 DVD's using FujiFilm +R and +RW Media at 2.4X and Memorex -R at 4X. Also used HD-burn feature with FujiFilm 48X CDR. +R +RW worked in Sampo and Sony DVD not Apex 1200.
Weakness: Would not implement HD-burn using TDK (All speed), Older Compusa 700MB (don't know speed rating), or Phillips 48x. I got a power calibration error.
I like this recorder so far. I will be experimenting with additional media until I find one that works in all of my players (hopefully). I have not recorded anything at 8X as DVD Xcopy does not seem to let you pick the recording speed. Hopefully I can find media which will record at 8X and report back.
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