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Thread ID: 41445 2004-01-11 09:22:00 Recommend a DVD ROM Stryker (4374) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
206778 2004-01-11 09:22:00 Since my current Samsung DVD-ROM seems to be on the blink, I'm looking for a replacement. I've browsed a bit looking at different models.
I'm looking for the best all rounder in quality, with a bit of 'best bang for buck' factor thrown in.
What would you guys recommend?

The problem with my current DVD ROM is if I play a DVD, say LOTR The Two Towers, everything going along sort of OK until the Uruk-hai run past with the hobbits on their back, then it turns into a bit of a friggen slide show, sound and screen gets really choppy.
I have tried this on other DVDs, so fairly confident its the actual DVD ROM.

I've concluded that this choppiness is found only when a lot of things are happening on screen at once Is there a fix for this, or do I continue on my current route and look for a replacement DVD player?

Please, if you could help me make an educated decision, or if you know from experience a great DVD ROM, tell me about it.

Note: I don't want a DVD writer, I have no use for it!
Stryker (4374)
206779 2004-01-11 20:02:00 liteon make good dvd drives kiwibeat (304)
206780 2004-01-11 20:14:00 Are you sure the choppyness isn't because the DVD ROM is switching from the 1st layer to the 2nd layer of the DVD?

If you let the DVD play through the "choppy" bit, how long does it last?
somebody (208)
206781 2004-01-11 20:57:00 I bought a Pioneer 16X DVD-Rom and it hasn't failed me yet. Also flashed to be region-free (which is much easier than it sounds and pretty much an idiot-proof job).

Lo.
Lohsing (219)
206782 2004-01-11 21:24:00 I had a similar problem with my Philips DVD-Drive in my XBox.

All it required was a little pot-tweaking and it works perfectly fine now, plays all DVD's without a care (I got fed up when it started happening during Terminator3).

Slightly OT question:
Can normal drives have their lasers tweaked?
Chilling_Silently (228)
206783 2004-01-12 02:20:00 I have three pioneer 16x drives (in different computers of course ;)) and they all go as good as gold.. the older one tends to run quite loudly, but the use of some drive speed limiting software sorts that out.. the newer ones are fairly quiet and solid performing... whetu (237)
206784 2004-01-12 02:20:00 Thanks, I'll look into both the liteon and the pioneer. Thanks for your suggestions.

And yup, I am sure that this is not the layer change.

Any more suggestions are still welcome!

Thanks
Stryker (4374)
206785 2004-01-12 02:28:00 Looking at the Pioneer models right now.
Any issues with this slot load version? I mean, is it still OK for your DVD, no problems with scratching or anything.. I've never used a slot load for anything in my life.
Any strict advantages or disadvantages with either slot vs tray?
Stryker (4374)
206786 2004-01-12 04:31:00 Slot vs tray... hmmm... I have the tray version... I think it's more aesthetics than anything as to why you should get either version. Down to personal taste... but I do know for sure that the tray can be flashed very easily to be region free.

Lo.
Lohsing (219)
206787 2004-01-12 11:16:00 the slots tend to be a little harsher on discs, but their eject mechs have improved a lot over the years... the only major problems would be that the slot may allow dust into the drive a bit easier.. and you'd have issues using different discs, like those promotional credit card sized ones, or the 8cm mini cds, which will work fine in a tray load drive whetu (237)
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