Customer Reviews

Memorex 16x Dual Format, Double-Layer Internal DVD Drive ( 32023292 )

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

So far DL drives are proving to be as tempermental as early CD-R drives are, and at about $2 to $4 per blank DVD+R DL, it is an expensive learning curve.

Installation appears straight forward, but obviously the drive has not been tested in a lot of different configs. I first tried to use it in an external 1394 (firewire case). This appeared to work fine at first, but about 50% of the DL DVD I burned came out as coasters.

Figured it probbably didn't like being an external drive. Change it to an internal IDE config. It appeared to work OK, but took almost 10 hours to burn a DL DVD.

Memorex's web site suggests to check DMA setting (checked, and where correct) and to update the firmware. Did that, and next DVD DL was still burning at 100 KB/s. Aborted the process, as I didn't feel like waiting 10 hours again.

Tried changing the drive the master position. That improves the burn time, but next disc still gets write errors (using Memorex media btw).

I use used other DL drives (a sony at work) and it is also touchy. It would not work if there where any other CD/DVD drives installed in the system. DL drives are still somewhat bleeding edge tech at this time.

Finally get the drive to burn DVD-DL w/o errors. Seems the other problem is that the memorex drive is picky about the brand of DL media.... Its prefers Verbatim over Memorex.

I bought it because it was one of the few boxes to be compatible with 98SE. It comes with Nero 6 and I believe the upgrade Nero7 is not compatible with 98SE.

Also box specifications had the minimal requirements closest for my set up.

MY SETUP:
Windows 98 Second Edition
Pentium III 500mhz. 256 MB SDRAM.
Primary IDE Master 8.4 MB HD
Primary Slave Memorex DVD.
Secondary IDE Old Hard Drive not enabled
Secondary Slave IDE Old CD Drive.
Used space: 1.52 MB
Free space: 6.32 MB

So as you can see it is even lower than the recommended system.

It works just probably slower and more buggy than people who actually meet the actual published requirements. I definitely can't play streaming video without jerkiness and stuttering or make DVD movies.

MEMORY: Some of my problems crashing or not completing successfully were memory and storage related. I started with 128 MB and adding just another 128 MB made a performance difference.

May need to reboot after a creating a Data CD or DVD to clear cached memory for the system to be able to read or recognize it when clicking My Computer. It may be a good idea to reboot before doing a new burn if you are using the hard drive to store the image file for burning. Empty trash etc.

The computer I have it installed in is dedicated for burning. I would not recommend surfing or doing other memory sucking applications if you have a below par system like mine. I have a 2 computer network I use to transfer files as needed.

I use the Memorex installed computer mainly for backups and copying CDs. To take advantage of video and media creation I would definitely need to upgrade my hardware.

BURNING PROBLEMS: I used to have problems successfully creating some disks but that was solved by using the More option > Determine maximum drive speed option. So now I don't have to guess at which slower speed to use if needed. Also some data files that are buried to deep in a directory structure may not be copied. I usually use the file properties function to make sure I have the same number of bytes, files, and folders. You may have to bring the folders up in the directory structure to be able to be copied.

Storage: Rule of thumb -- if you are planning to burn 3 GB of data then you should have at least 3 GB of disk space free.

Having the old CD drive I can Quick Copy direct to the Memorex drive without first copying it to the HD using up HD space. Virtually a disk to disk copy. Again I use the option to Determine maximum speed before burning.

COPYING MUSIC CDs: If compiling selections from multiple CDs, I use the No pauses between tracks option since most CDs have built in fades. Otherwise continuous CD tracks like Dark Side of the Moon will have unwanted breaks in continuity.

There's an option to eliminate silent frames but I haven't used it and haven't noticed any difference. I don't use the normalize sound option. That seems to try and compensate for low volumes and actually can boost quiet passages not supposed to be boosted.

A lot of the fancier or full tooled options are only available by purchasing the full Nero software package. Some trial DVD options included expire after 30 days. Nero claims it does this to keep the bundle price down. This is probably the biggest disappointment. But I guess eventually I would want to purchase the upgrade full version anyway.

I haven't been successful adding after initial creation on CD-R or DVD-R. So I try to plan what I burn. I have not tried CD-RW or DVD-RW.

When compiling a music CD I seem to be able to only select from a maximum of 3 separate CDs. The 4th one was not read for selection.

I use CD-R for music burns. There are special Music CDs but I understand those are intended for stand-alone cd burners connected to home stereo.

Anyway I am happy with the Memorex for my needs and my setup at this time. I have since bought a 2nd one for backup.

I have done single layer DVD-R and CD-R copying.
I have no interest in double layer copying at this time. More expensive and not as compatible to travel with.

I mostly use the Data and Copy and Backup menu.

I have tried copying and storing mpeg and avi video files. But there seems to be a limit to number of files and total size. I don't know if that is a limitation of software or my memory and storage.

I have also made some slide shows from jpegs no problems.

good looks, efficiently burns all types of CD & DVD reliably and fast. haven't yet compromised a single disc due to writing errors! two hands up!

I honestly was hesitant about getting it based on overall reviews but having an immediate need and not many choices locally I went and got this on.
Ive had it for several months and I am highly impressed. It has never burned any bad Dvds/CDs and is quiet and dependable. It does a super job using the 16x dual layer. I would recommend it and I als learned not to believe every product review I see and hear.

Already burned several disks, nice little DVD burner.
Happy customer.

Save your money! I read that this unit was a reliable although not top-of-the-line DVD burner, but after having it installed for a week, it is hard to tell anything about this drive is. The Nero 6 Memorex Suite that ships with this unit literally crashes my computer with every fifth or sixth click of the mouse - something that other reviewers have reported. I really don't see how Memorex can expect to sell units with this software package. Similarly, I don't see how Nero can expect someone to purchase an upgrade to a buggy program - its throwing good money after bad. Two thumbs down!

Both a computer tech and I struggled for 5 days to get this Dvd burner working, as Amazon had a fantastic price for it. Unfortunately, we believe the product was defective. However, Amazon accepted my return and refunded both the amount I paid and the shipping I spent to send it back to them. A bad experience was helped tremendously by great customer service.

I've been using this drive for more than 7 months now, and I don't have any single complaint about it. It's fast, reliable, and has a cool design, although I don't get to see it cause my HP computer case covers the drive with it's bay door (The blue light is cool tough).

I have yet to burn a dual layer DVD, but the speed is good for single-layer ones. Also, I was even able to read some scratched DVD's my old DVD-Rom would not read.

And the price is excellent. A great choice for an internal DVD burner.

It comes packaged with Nero 6 software, which is not really good, nor easy to use, for most applications.
I had to go out and buy other software to use the drive to it's full extent, and that software was not inexpensive.
However, with the other software the DVD drive itself then became a worthwhile investment.

This is a wonderful DVD/CD burner. I recently installed it and burned many discs. They all work great. It is also very fast and doesn't make the CD's get hot, just warm. I would highly recommend it if you need one.