Can todays drive burn tomorrows Dual Layer DVD?

[9Nails]

It's a simple question that I thought about since Plextor announced a 12X DVD burner.

I don't have a DVD burner. But I would like one for saving personal VHS tapes to (Wedding video, kids, etc...) And maybe some other home duties.

There is some rumors that Dual Layer media is coming out in Q2 '04. While I probably won't need it at first, I was wondering if a drive such as the Plextor PX-712SA could be made to burn to dual-layer DVD media? Or would that drive become obsolete?

 

[4Ryan6]

Dual Layer DVD burning, will require dual burning capable DVD burners, which is a new breed of burner altogether, not whats presently on the market.




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[BunnyStroker]

The drive will become obsolete.

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[Ssseth]

There are rumors that some drives may recieve unofficial firmware upgrades to allow dual layer burning (ie LiteOn 812S@832S) in the future. But I wouldn't count on it.
Even if dual layer drives will be coming out soon the media for it will be extremely expensive to start with. Plus I'm betting the media compatibility will be really bad on set top DVD players.
I won't be investing in a dual layer until all the "bugs" have been worked out. I'm guessing that will be about 1.5-2 years away.

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[9Nails]

I think I've seen quotes of $4.50 - $5.00 per blank media.

So, yes. It's expensive. But is your wedding video worth $5.00? Perhaps Is your kids baby video's worth $5.00 - well, that's also subjective... But the point is that I wouldn't be transfering every one of my video tapes from magetic media to DVD - just the few important ones.

It' snice to hear that some companies are forward thinking and a firmware update might support the media. Interesting!

 

[Crashman]

Pioneer did a demo of dual layer burning on a drive that's at least several months old now, using upgraded firmware.

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[BunnyStroker]

Pioneer did a demo of dual layer burning on a drive that's at least several months old now, using upgraded firmware.

Neato, but I suspect most manufacturers would rather you buy a completely new drive. Unless someone does a homebrew firmware hack, I doubt we'll see many drives like this.

<b>1.4 Ghz AMD T-Bird underclocked to 1 Ghz...just to be safe!</b>

 

[silly_rabbit]

BanQ also said their 800 dvd burner can do dual layer by
upgrading firmware....

Follow down the reabbit hole......

 

[Crashman]

Yes, I've heard that from other guys, everyone questioning whether Pioneer will offer such firmware or force a drive upgrade.

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[LancerEvolution7]

No, the pioneer that was shown that could burn dual layer discs had upgraded hardware also besides the upgraded firmware.