Which dual DVD burner Pioneer DVR-106 or DVR-A06U or Plextor

[flash]

Which DVD burner would be the best 1st burner purchase?
Are there any major differences between the Pioneer models
106 and A06U?
Is the Plextor worth the extra ~$75+ ?
My main concern is compatibility with DVD players, XBOX and
NOT making coasters. I realize that there are numerous 8X
models on the horizon but I am anxious to jump into the DVD
burning world and can purchase a 8X or higher model in 6 months
to a year.
All input is appreciated.
Thanks.

[wicked1]

I too am wondering on what people think or know about pioneer except that I am interested in the A07. I am itching to buy another DVD burner as I have a Sony 500ax but really would like 8x recording. Will the plextor be able to be flash upgraded to burn dvd-R at 8x in the future as thats what I burn most. I dont care what anyone says about dvd+r being just as compatible it isnt. I run an XBOX upgrade service and out of about 50 Xboxes only dvd-R reads in EVERYTHING. The DVD+R reads in about 2/3 or less of them.

[flash]

I understand that there are new technologies coming to the market like blue ray, dual layer and always something faster! I'm just looking to
hear some success stories on the current dual format 4X burners and want to make sure which model I should be purchasing. I have had numerous Plextor CD burners in the past and have had great luck with them. I have found my last 3 CDRW burners to be LiteOn because
the quality/price factor was irresistable.

Thanks to all helping me make my decision.

[aviationwiz]

Will the plextor be able to be flash upgraded to burn dvd-R at 8x in the future as thats what I burn most.

Anwser there is a no. 8x DVD-R has not been finalized, and media producers are having a hard time to even get 6x DVD-R, let alone 8x DVD-R.

[aviationwiz]

flash,

I think it is well worth the extra cost to go with the PX-708A, if not just for the 8x speed on DVD+R, then for the quality that you are getting from the PX-708A.

As with most DVD Writers, it's real hard to find PI/PO tests for them, but, thanks to myself and a few others, there are many for the PX-708A. We do not know what the PI/PO errors mean, or what is average, etc. but we do always know that lower is better, and the PX-708A has the lowest error rates I have ever seen.

[Ian]

the PX-708A has the lowest error rates I have ever seen.

Keep in mind that there have been some reports that contradict aviationwiz's statement. However, I have to agree that the PX-708A is a very good drive.

[flash]

How can these companies claim to have 8X -R burners ready to market within the next month or so when all the latest information is stating that 6X is very possibly a road block for them?!? I know that there is the LiteOn 401S selling for ~ $109 and soon they'll have a dual 4X burner the 411S. The trend for the burners to drop in price is why I want to jump in. It appears there a lot of posts regarding the Plextor and I don't know if it something to be concerned with or maybe just that so many people are purchasing them now because of the quality.

[Ian]

I haven't seen any release dates for any of these new 8x DVD writers, but I think a month is very optimistic. Especially with 8x DVD+R media being non-existant right now and the 8x DVD-R specs not finalized. I have a feeling that many of these announcements are an attempt to steal some of Plextor's thunder. "Hey Plextor has a drive with 8x DVD+R writign speeds? Well ours can write to both DVD+R AND DVD-R media at 8x. Umm.. yeah, it won't be out for months."

[VEFF]

I think Ian's premise is very plausible:
They may be hoping to string prospective 8X burner buyers along with these promises.
They could be hoping consumers won't buy current offerings, if they are made to think a dual burner with dual 8X writing will be out soon...

They obviously know very well that the more people buy an 8X writer from another mfr now, the less drives they will sell when their model comes out...

[tazdevl]

the PX-708A has the lowest error rates I have ever seen.

Keep in mind that there have been some reports that contradict aviationwiz's statement. However, I have to agree that the PX-708A is a very good drive.

What he said (meaning Ian). I've had some problems with the drive, media and Nero. If you can wait a bit, I'd see how thing work after the next firmware revision.

[wicked1]

If that is what the other manufactures are trying to do by releasing specs on burners to divert our attention from the plextor 708A then its working I think I am going to buy the plextor this weekend now just because I like the idea of making personal backups at 8X and still being able to spit out the DVD-R's at the same speed as my current Sony 4X.