Lite-On 16X External DVD+- RW Burner

[osbornes5]

Just got it from NewEgg, installed it and burned the first disc. Installation was a total cakewalk. Plugged it into my USB 2.0 card that I had previously added to my computer. XP recognized it, found its software, and installed it. Premiere Pro found it immediately and listed it as a choice for burning. My old burner would only burn my Ritek 8X discs at 2X. This one immediately gave me the option for burning at 8X. I chose 6X. Disc burned in record time (for this computer) and seems to be flawless. It burned over 4.1 GB onto the single layer disc with no problems at all. So far I love it! It was a great price from NewEgg ($58 I think plus about $7 shipping). The only negative I have about it is its size. It is kinda big but its not mission critical. Stay tuned for an update...

[osbornes5]

OK, I have had a problem or two with the burner so far: First, the "EZDub" feature wouldn't work AT ALL. Fiddled with it for some time trying different things to no avail. Finally sent an e-mail to Lite-On and they have sent me a link to download new software. They say it will totally fix the problem. Haven't done it yet and will post an update later. This didn't affect the burner's ability to function with Premiere Pro though. Second, I have burned my first coaster with it. I burned a Ritek 8X disc at 6X and had a lot of problems with the disc during the first five to eight miuntes. After that, it cleared up and did fine. Have burned others at 6X though and they were fine. Ritek is really not on Lite-On's list of aceptable discs for this burner so that may be part of the problem.

I have not voted on the burner yet because the jury is still out on it. I will vote eventually...

[HankCastello]

Lite-on is known for making affordable (i.e.: cheap) burners, but they make a ton of them and compatibility among software companies is high.  They don't last though.  I've got a box of Lite-ons that have died and two of the ones I use now can only be opened with a straightened-out paperclip.

We have a 4-burner system with all Plextors and the difference is like that between Cadillacs and Kias.

[osbornes5]

This is an update. I have had this thing for awhile now and though I haven't used it much, it seems to be OK. The updated software did seem to fix the problem. If you must use an external drive this is a good one. I wouldn't call it great but it certainly works and gets the job done. Nothing spectacular and I am not head over heels in love with it. Its just good enough to get the job done.