LG Electronics GSA-H55NK DVD+/-RW Dl 20X Securdisk with Nero 12X RAM Software (Black)

Amazon Customer Reviews

(5 out of 5)

Just what I needed

We were looking for an IDE-based DVD-RW drive, and this one fit the bill. It has the standard IDE and power connections in the back along with a master/slave/cable-select jumper. The package doesn't include the IDE or power cables, though, but since we were replacing an existing drive it wasn't an issue.

Software package was surprisingly inclusive: the standout being Nero 7 Essentials which includes an extremely easy to use interface to burn CDs, DVDs, Video CDs, etc. CyberLink PowerDVD includes playback software and PowerProducer to help make (simple) movies, but I haven't used those at all. InCD is supposed to provide a drag-and-drop style interface to move information to the CDs, but Nero is easy enough to use so this got un-installed also. Last package is SecurDisc software which allows you to encrypt your burned data with a key. You have to use the software to "unlock" the disc when you're finished. Supposedly it also provides some scratch resistance to the disc?

Overall, a great fast drive (burning a 4.7gb DVD in around 5 minutes.. much better than the hours it used to take), and Nero 7 fits the bill to burn all the stuff I need. No complaints or downsides other than a bulk packaged drive (comes in bubble wrap instead of a shiny new retail box, but who cares? You'd just recycle the box anyway). If you need an IDE drive, this is a GREAT choice.

(4 out of 5)

No problems

For some reason I am unable to identify, I never expect much in the way of quality from LG. I expect the products to be attractive in a slightly superficial way, but ultimately lacking the attention to detail or "solid-ness" of a proper brand. Of course this attitude marks me as victim of so much marketing double-speak as produced by the likes of Sony and Panasonic; this product was easy to install, the jumpers could be manipulated without the ever-evasive needle nose pliers (where the heck do those things get to?), and after numerous DVD burns on R and RW, seems robust. I have yet to try any dual layer DVDs, but I don't expect any problems.

(5 out of 5)

So far, so good

Easy to install and faster than the previous "inexpensive" CD/DVD read-write drive I had to replace last year. By comparison, this product is superior. I now use it for all my backing-up, recording, and duplicating.

(5 out of 5)

LG's DVD+/-RW What's in a name?

LG, a very trusted very embedded name in our computing world. Granted it is not the most catchy of names out there but for me, the only one I buy.
I find it to be quiet and efficient. The last one I owned lasted for 4 years.
I haven't much to say really just that this is a very good brand.
As always I have a suggestion. Use a drive such as this for what it is intended for only. Have a second CD drive for installing programs, ripping/listening to music cd's generally anything besides DVD/recording tasks. Use the right tool for the job applies here. Also make sure to get the right drive. There are SATA and IDE. This is NOT SATA.

(5 out of 5)

Excellent Burner

Product arrived on time, No problems with the install was burning Movies within an hour software that comes with has a good movie player just like a player hooked up to a TV, overall great DVD drive for the money.