Toast to get dual-layer DVD capabilities.

[MacBytes]

Category: 3rd Party Software
Link: Toast to get dual-layer DVD capabilities. (http://www.macbytes.com/link.php?sid=20040511103928)
Posted on MacBytes.com (http://www.macbytes.com)

Approved by Mudbug

[Laslo Panaflex]

So does this mean I have to upgrade my drive in my G5? I thought I read somewhere that the superdrive in the G5s are capable of burning dual layer, but they needed the correct firmware or software.

If anything this will lower the price of DVD-5 disks since people will start buying DVD-9 disks.

[mrsebastian]

i'm sure it'll be a while before dual layer discs will cost effective. heck, single layer discs are barely getting to that point, but this is certainly good news.

[shamino]

So does this mean I have to upgrade my drive in my G5?
Probably. As far as I know, dual-layer burners are much more expensive than single-layer burners. I would be surprised if the drive in your G5 has that capability, even with a firmware update.

[Nermal]

Oops, double post :(

[Nermal]

i'm sure it'll be a while before dual layer discs will cost effective. heck, single layer discs are barely getting to that point, but this is certainly good news.

Huh? Single layer DVD is about half the cost per MB than that of CD-R.

[NP3]

Huh? Single layer DVD is about half the cost per MB than that of CD-R.

Ya...although thats still $2 a disc...

[g4cubed]

To my knowledge they still haven't come out with the media. The burners are on the market but not the media.

[jochild@yahoo.c]

Sony has released a double layer burner, you can find it for less than $200 in most cases, it is only pc compatible though, and they also have double layer media. The double layer media is useless, because it costs$15 per disc.
Another thing, i think that within a few months they will release firmware that is doulble layer compatible for the superdrive. I don't see why any dvd-r drive couldn't be double layer compatible, because they all have the capablility to read dual layer discs, it is just a matter of re-focusing the laser, so i think within a short amount of time it will be released.

Sony's double layer writer (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/-/-/-/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=cpu_Sony_PCAccessories_CD%2fDVDBurn_DVDBurners)

i can't find the link for the media, but they had it earlier, and one disc cost $14

[Declan]

$2 a DVD, i pay 24p here in uk, what ever that is in $

[PowerMacMan]

Why would we have to upgrade, you mean we couldn't burn double layer on single layer dvd drives?

[Declan]

Why would we have to upgrade, you mean we couldn't burn double layer on single layer dvd drives?

Existing single layer DVD burners won't be able to burn dual layer discs, even with firmware updates, so in a word no, you will have to buy a new drive..