DVD Burners - A Guide For the Beginner

Finding a great DVD burner can make all the difference in the world to you, Mr. or Mrs. Home Video Maker. Efficiency and speed are just a few points to consider. It is true that internal DVD burners are better than external DVD burners but they are more expensive as well. I would almost always choose the more expensive external burner because of its easy set-up. Here is more information about each type, which may help you in making your decision as to which device is best for you and your DVD VHS transfer needs.

Internal vs. External Burners

Internal DVD burners are going to require some empty space inside of your home computer, which isn't a problem if you are simply replacing an older internal burner. You'll need to keep in mind that these gadgets also use up an open IDE port on your computer. You or a professional that you will pay will need to install an internal burner inside the computer in order to use it. As far as energy loss, internal devices require more computer power and this will increase the computer's heat production, which could make it difficult for your computer to operate efficiently.

Meanwhile, across the aisle, so to speak, external DVD burners use their own power source - not the computer's power source. They are usually designed in a way that makes it very easy to keep them cool during extended operation. However, the speed of the external DVD burner is only as good as the speed of the ports on your computers. Firewire, also known as IEEE 1394, is the fastest communication access installed in modern computers for attaching an additional device. USB 2.0 is the next best thing. You can probably find a DVD burner that is backwards compatible with USB 1.1 but I don't think it will be worth all the time you will lose. I recommend replacing any older USB 1.1 ports for the most efficient DVD writing performance.

DVD Burners Checklist

Here is a list of the most important points to consider when purchasing either of the two types of DVD burner.

1. Get a burner with dual layer technology (DVD9). These burners can record to dual layer discs, which have two layers for recording and therefore can store more video. These DVD9 recorders can also record to such other formats as DVD+R and DVD-R. If, though, you choose to write to one of these two formats, flip though the owner's manual of your home DVD player (the one connected to your TV) to see which formats will also play there. DVD9 will already work on your household DVD player since it is the format that Hollywood has been using for their commercial copies of feature-length movies for years and every player is built for viewing Hollywood feature-length movies.

2. Make sure the speed of the burner (8X, 12X, 16X etc.) also matches the speed of the media format you will use. The higher the number before the letter "X," the faster the speed and the more convenient for you. But price those faster discs first! Will you actually pay for the higher end discs when the time comes or are they too expensive for your wallet? You may want to go for a slower device that can help save you money and avoid wasting the potential of your burner.

3. Make sure your disc burner is also compatible with your burner software. There are many possibilities when it comes to software and this subject would take up a whole article on its own. Suffice it to say that there are many choices. Some of the better programs are often times bundled together with some of the best burners at no extra cost.

4. Finally, make sure your burner has buffer underrun protection. This is something that prevents the loss of data during the recording. Data loss can sometimes be due to slowness in the hardware or software.

Keep all of these valuable points in mind as you make your decision as to what DVD burner is best for you. Also, keep this in mind as well. Most people replace their home computer every four to six years. If it's time for you to trade in your desktop or laptop, take that into account before you make any large purchases of internal or external DVD burners. You may just want to step up your plans and just go out and buy a new computer right now - one with a fantastic new internal DVD burner inside.

Hopefully, this information will greatly aid you in your next step in this amazing journey of saving your old home movies and videos. Good luck!

The author, Marty Holthaus, worked for over a decade as a production coordinator on Hollywood visual effects films and now writes articles about computer and video hardware and other subjects that impact those who are converting old home movies and videos to digital. To read more about the differences in an internal and an external burner go to his website DVD VHS Transfer. There you will find more information on how to preserve old movies and videos, convert them to DVD and hard drive, and edit them on your computer.

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