Victorian Systems New USB 2.0 External CD DVD Burner drive CD RW DVD RW Rewriter LIGHTSCRIBE Drive Label Flash Burner optical Drive DVD Rom for Windows 10,7,Vista, XP Netbook/PC/Laptop and Mac

Very, very pleased with this external DVD burner (which to my amazement arrived the very next morning after placing the order). It came with a small note/ user-manual explaining the setup and included a list of links for optional software downloads such as: VLC Media Player, disc burning & labelling software and Lightscribe drivers (more on that later), if required.After connecting it and inserting the first DVD to test playback, an option immediately opened to change the device's region setting (which is set as region 1 by default), and the DVD player immediately opened and started playing without any issues, which I found to be both quiet and responsive, without any lag. Next, I successfully burned several DVD's using +R, -R and +R Dual Layer formats without any problems whatsoever.In addition to the other good reviews and high ratings for this product, another reason for my choosing this one over the plethora of other options is that this burner also has Lightscribe - something I'd highly recommend to anybody who either takes their disc labelling very seriously and wants to add professional looking label designs to their home-burnt media, or if you're basically fed up of experiencing playback issues with discs after using stick-on labels or direct disc-printing methods. Lightscribe, on the other hand, basically works by using the burner's optics to etch the label onto compatible, specially coated discs, inserted label-side down into the burner. Its main limitation is that it's monochromatic but, in my 4+ years of using Lightscribe, I've found it to be the only fail-safe means of labelling. Using the user-manual provided link, I installed the OS-X drivers along with a basic/ free Lightscribe disc labelling app, and was also very satisfied with the results. Whether or not the full quality of Lightscribe burning proves to be as extensive as it was on my old HP (Windows only) model is something I won't know until I try it out with more advanced labelling software for OS-X, but it does work.One last thing that I feel may be worth mentioning: As described under the Technical Details section for the product on here, the device doesn't require an external power source, and is described as having "low power consumption". Given that my previous burner connected via a single USB cable, I was initially a tad concerned with the user-manual's specific mention of this one having to be powered from two; both are supplied but must be connected directly to the PC and NOT via a hub. Not a problem per se, but simply inconvenient for me as I only have one USB port spare on my iMac, so I had to temporarily remove two of my external hard drives until I'd finished testing things out. However, once I'd determined all was working well, I actually removed the second cable and opened the OS-X System Profiler and selected the burner from under the "USB" list of attached devices, which shows you both the amount of current required against the total current being fed to it via that particular port. On my iMac at least, one port does appear to be enough and everything still functioned perfectly, but this will vary from system to system and I'll certainly power it from the recommended two ports once I've shifted one of my (numerous) EHD's onto a bigger hub and freed one of the direct connections. As I said, it's no major issue, but I felt it worth a mention for the benefit of anyone whose direct USB connectivity is limited.All in all ... if you're looking for a compact external burner that does everything that it says on the tin, look no further. A great little device, offering exceptional value for money.

This little gem arrived before it was expected, so that is one good point.Packaging was adequate, a padded or bubbled envelope would have been better. The main thing is that it wasn't damaged.When you open the box you get the DVD player/burner, a usb to 3mm cord and a usb to Ethernet cord. Oh! Nearly forgot, there is also a small sheet of paper with the title "Manual Content". Inside, on one of the three sections are the English instructions. You will be best using a magnifier to read the 5 points. If you're using XP, you should be ok but if you're using 7 or 8 you will need to plug the Ethernet type cable into the rear of the DVD player. The instructions don't mention this. In a nutshell, they leave much to be desired.After getting over the rubbish instructions, it is relatively simple to install the driver on your computer. If you have Norton on as security software, it will keep saying that this software has loaded a problem on to your computer. Ignore this.To date, I've used this device to transfer fifty of my CDs to my computer. I have used it to burn twenty compilation CDs of my stored music. In using it, this is a good little machine and at a reasonable price. I'm pleased with it and the operation.Get one if you're considering it but remember that it has rubbish instructions.

It performed most satisfactorily. I am pleased with it.

Having bought this USB external DVD RW CD Lightscribe as replacement for my LG Lightscribe CD writer, which I had for almost 10 years without any problems, I must say this one is rather flimsy.But acceptable due to its low price.Nevertheless, when it first arrived it did the job . I only use this for printing Lighscribe CDs...After a few uses the opening started sticking, not closing properly and opening by itself.With a few hard pressings, it seemed to work again, but then after only 6 months and 12 CDs burned on the machine,the Lightscribe printing got paler and paler, and showing stripes all over the image.The CDs burned were not usable anymore..I only use good quality CDs which are rather expensive to waste on this.Trying these CDs on a friends Lightscribe writer, proved that my CDs were NOT at fault, but the USB writer is the problem.I have contacted Victorian Systems, who I bought the unit from, 8 days ago, asking for a refund for a faulty item..but no response!!!!Will keep update of the process..Moral of the story, spend a bit more on a branded item.

This product, which arrived bang on time, did not function either on my Mac or PC. Both computers machines recognized the device but it switched itself off after a few seconds and refused to co-operate. I contacted the company who said that they had never had this problem before. However I returned the item and was dealt with swiftly and efficiently and a full refund was given.