Hey, I just had twin boys, I want to get the DVD "machine" rolling.

I have a DVD+/- burner for my PC, but it's a hassle to copy the DV
over, convert forever and then finally burn when a set top box will do
it all in a single pass...

I'm seeing set-top burners going for well less than $300 and even
$200, but I don't want to be stuck with a dinosaur out of the box.

Dual layer DVD burners are going for about the same price as single
layer (although the dual layer blanks are expensive, for now). I'm
wondering if any dual layer set-top boxes are scheduled for release?

If the "next thing" (blu ray, etc) doesn't come THIS Christmas, I may
just take the plunge for $200 and start the "machine" going to get it
on DVD, rather than wait a whole year (or more?) for the new set tops
to come out (which will probably be quite expensive when they do)

I'd like your advice!
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I spend a lot of time and money on this hobby. In my opinion, dual layer is
very unlikely to take off. The main reason is that the discs, once burned,
are only compatible with about 50% of machines, including those of recent
vintage. This discs still remain at $13 after being inntroduced 90 days
ago.

Blu Ray will take years to become viable, IMO. People will need to see a
real advantage...and in a country (US) where widescreen is often considered
poison by typical consumers, it will take much time.

I suggest a Pioneer DVD-+R 250 or 350 machine in the sub $300 range. It
will do you well for a few years. Do not go high end, etc...as things will
change.


"Tonto" <apache_user@devnull.org> wrote in message
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