Hi, thanks for the reply. Sorry for the wrong forum. Anywho, if I get the pioneer, will I be left standing if the + standard takes of, is this likely to happen? What major devices actually use +dvds as opposed to -? Cheers Taz

Don't worry abot the + vs - wars. Both formats are going to be arround for a long time, so just get which ever one suits your requirements/budget the best.

Is there anything wrong with the Sony unit? Are there any decent new multi-format (+ and -) writers coming out that are on par with the pioneer. Im lookin for something that will product output that I can play in my dvd player and ps2 and also my m8s xbox... Really unsure what to splash out on Cheers Taz

Cheers guys, so other than the Sony DRU500A, what other dvd writer will be released soon? Cheers Taz

cheers guys, will fork out for the sony just incase, seems to be top dog atm.. + the silver look matches my case :) Taz

Just a few thoughts: - You can save almost 100 bucks by making a decision for either + or - only, compared to a dual burner - You will only have one type of DVD*R in your shelf, when your current player hits the coffin and needs replacement. This might ease your life considerably, because you will be able to choose from all that can read at least "your" format. You are not limited to players that can play both. - When 8x Burners come around, you have 100 bucks saved already (in theory at least...)

Just for info both NEC and Lite-On have announced dual format DVD drives. Neither are around right now. According to Lite-On the expect to start shipments in Feb. I didn't want to wait that long so I bought the Sony and so far I don't regret it. The Sony drive is on Zdnet's (Pcmag, Computer Shopper Mag) list of one of the top five peripheral products. Mark

tbh, i may end up buying another writer soon enough, but its nice to be able to fall back knowing I can cope with all situations. Cheers guys

For the type of stuff you intend to use a dvd- drive will suit your needs,ps2 and xbox don't play dvd+ discs as far as I'm aware most standalone dvd players are very hit and miss with dvd+ discs thought that will improve as + media is improved. Dvd- media is far more compatible and cheaper,dvd+ can read quickers and initially the write speeds were slightly faster(2.8x instead of 2x at the time). Datsafe are producing a dvd writer for both formats.I'd wait alot of new drives are due out soon and the price will just keep coming down. The sony is reputed to be an exellent drive ans is the one I intend to get to but I have 2 pioneer writers(AO4 and 104) so I'm gonna hold off any decision as it seems when a unit is released there are teething problems.I guess each writer may have a subtle advantage over each other but a dual format writer seems to be the way things are going and the pioneer is not one of them.Bare in mind also pioneer owned the rights the 2x media so certain 2x discs dont' go 2x in the pioneer this does not happen with 4x discs.

markrb: The Lite-On writer will not be available before late Q2 or Q3 and the NEC dual format writer not before spring. zxsdef: PS2 (>= V5) and Xbox reads DVD+R/RW and some of the earlier versions (<V5) of PS2 reads DVD+R. Compability is about the same in DVD players too.