Your opinions on this DVD burner please.

[Discwizard]

I just recently bought a BenQ DW800A DVD burner it is +R/RW, and I got it for $41 from a going out-of-business sale (so I can't return it) My thinking was that even if I use it for a DVD reader it is worth the $41. I also own a Memorex(flashed to Pioneer 106D) and I am totally pleased with it. I also have a TEAC DVD burner which is fantastic too. But I could not pass the bargain on the BenQ, and with three PS's in my house, why not let ALL of them have a DVD burner on it?! Anyways, I hope that somebody here owns one of these, and can tell me how they like it (For the amount I spent, I won't hate it anyways). I also noticed it supports bitsetting, and does burn DVD+R at 8X. I would like to know what kind of results people are having with these, and how good it does DVD movies(I am sure it will do this fine), PS2 backups (On v7+ PS2's), and Xbox backups. I just want to save a few dollars of "burn and find out" wasted media.
Thanks for any input on this.

[Neo]

We'll its not as good as Sony, Pio, Lite-On, but it consitantly does the job like its ment to do.

[Mr Snatcher]

Hi Discwizard,

Found this interesting. You can upgrade it so it burns - also. I am sure you might be able to find the firmware for it.

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Articles/Specific.asp?ArticleHeadline=BenQ+DW800A+Dual+Reco rder+(update)&Series=0

[handyguy]

That model, 800a, isn't dual layer updateable, they do have another model that is.

"We'll its not as good as Sony, Pio, Lite-On"

Sony doesn't make them anymore. Just just rebag.

[Jesterrace]

Benq are supposed to be excellent burners. The only reason I won't touch them is because they are + format only. However, if a simple firmware update is all that is necessary to make them burn - format discs then I would say you got an outstanding deal on that drive. Even if it didn't I would still pay $41 for a + format only burner.

[Discwizard]

Thanks guys, for the opinions. I really value what you guys say here. I think I will just keep it for my third PC. My friend is bugging the #$@! out of me, because he wants to buy it off me (latest offer is $50, hehe). I think it will be useful. After reading what you guys wrote, I did a little research and found out that it does all the things I need it to do. It also does have a firmware upgrade that you guys mentioned to make it a multi-format burner! Although I may just leave it a + since it seems to handle all my backup formats I want it to as it is.
Well, I will burn a few DVD+R's and let you know the results later. I did back a movie with it already, and it cam out perfect. Now to test the video game backups.....

[Discwizard]

OK, I tried it out with Xbox and PS2 backups, and they both work FLAWLESS. Keep in mind I updated the firmware to the latest available from the BenQ website. This update DID NOT make it write in dual formats. The dual-format update is available seperately from BenQ, and they charge $10 for it. I chose not to pay the $10 because it burns everything fine with the free update on DVD+R. ("If it ain't broke, don't fix it") Well, I hope this information helps out anybody that is looking to get a really cheap (Retail is about $80 everywhere) and fast burner (It burns DVD movies, XBox backups, and PS2 backups all GREAT at 8X on DVD+R).

[Jesterrace]

That's great although I would be careful. This is one of those cases where you can't make the assumption that it will work for everybody. Samsung drive XBOXs are well known for not getting along with +R discs and some versions of PS2s don't like them. For that price it would be well worth it to at least try but unfortunately most of us won't get that kind of a deal. :(

[Discwizard]

I have a 1.1 Xbox with the Thompson drive and a 1.3 Xbox with a Samsung drive and the DVD+R worked GREAT in both of those. My PS2 is a V7, so DVD+R is no problem for that either. The fact that this drive supports bitsetting is the reason I believe the DVD+R's are so compatiable with the Samsung in the Xbox though. I have the bitsetting tool set to "Standard DVD-Rom Mode" rather than "DVD+R Mode" or "DVD+RW/Multi-session Mode". I think this helps drives that have trouble with +'s.
Also, I think that even the retail of $80 is very fair for this drive, as that is what you can get it for on most sites. I am pretty sure that the 50% off deal that I got won't happen every day though :)

[handyguy]

I was reading about it. For $10 you can buy firmware from Benq to make it a dual, which is -r & +r. I think that model 822a ?, which costs about $100, can be made dual layer in sept, again you pay for a firmware.

[Jesterrace]

I have a 1.1 Xbox with the Thompson drive and a 1.3 Xbox with a Samsung drive and the DVD+R worked GREAT in both of those. My PS2 is a V7, so DVD+R is no problem for that either. The fact that this drive supports bitsetting is the reason I believe the DVD+R's are so compatiable with the Samsung in the Xbox though. I have the bitsetting tool set to "Standard DVD-Rom Mode" rather than "DVD+R Mode" or "DVD+RW/Multi-session Mode". I think this helps drives that have trouble with +'s.
Also, I think that even the retail of $80 is very fair for this drive, as that is what you can get it for on most sites. I am pretty sure that the 50% off deal that I got won't happen every day though :)
Okay well that makes sense. The Sammys will work with DVD+R provided you have adjusted the bitsetting. ;)