Is it the drive for you? You bet!

MY STORY
This was actually the drive that shipped with my custom-built Compaq Presario 7000. I had never been the owner of a DVD-ROM drive in my life, except for the 12X one I had had in the computer that was returned about two weeks ago (it froze up a lot). The quality was terrible on that drive, but I figured, 40X CD-ROM or 16XDVD/40XCD-ROM? This would make my PC that much better, just a little better technical-wise. I already had a CD-RW to transfer to it, from my old computer. I think you should know this: My PC that the DVD-ROM drive was purchased with, was a 1.4GHz P4 and had 128MB PC800 RDRAM. This package was also including the best of all time video card, the nVidia GeForce 2 Ultra. One other thing you might want to know is that I have the Compaq version of this drive (Compaq DVD-115). It is basically the same in every way, except bearing the Compaq name.

INSTALLATION
Please read a different review for installation details. This was preinstalled on my system; it was there when the package arrived. I suppose I could sum it up. The installation is as easy as any drive, I’d expect (I’d put my money on that). Copying from another review = Plagiarizing. This is not a quality midknight2k3 practices. MK2K3 says: “Plagiarizing will only make you look stupid, like you can’t write something on your own. You’ll look stupid, TRUST ME.”

USING THE DRIVE
To use the drive (this is for people new to the DVD-ROM), you just have to install any DVD software, and then insert the disc. If the software doesn’t auto-run, then you have to double-click the icon on your desktop that your software created. Or click Start, mouse to Programs, then the name of your DVD application, such as Intervideo WinDVD Platinum (my favorite) or whatever else you have. The software will allow you to do whatever you can do on any DVD player – and usually more.

SOFTWARE
As I said before, WinDVD is my favorite application for watching DVDs. If you have a TV Tuner card, no more questions asked. You need to go get WinDVD Recorder NOW. This lets you watch DVDs, record TV and best of all, has the best user interface of all WinDVD software. Even if you don’t have a TV tuner card, like me, I’d still really recommend it. Intervideo makes the best DVD software available.

QUALITY
This was the best thing since sliced bread (okay, not literally). The picture quality was great, although a little fuzzy after installing Intervideo’s WinDVD 4. Upgrading to WinDVD Recorder made the picture quality PHENOMENAL. No fuzziness, sharp crystal clear pictures and the best interface EVER. The drive is very quiet also, making movie watching much more exciting. To people with nice monitors, at least a nice 19 or 21”, or to people like kweckstrom right here on epinions with a 20” FLAT PANEL monitor plus the Logitech Z-680’s, movie watching can be fun. Also to be known, Pioneer DVD-ROM’s have very strong lasers. The number of failures is at a minimum.

IS IT WORTH IT?
Yes! DVD on your PC with the SB can be VE.
(Translation) Yes! DVD on your computer with the Sound Blaster can be very entertaining.
You can get a kick out of your DVD’s once again!

CONCLUSION
This drive has a strong laser, superior picture quality and quietness to boot. For DVD on your PC, look not much further. I really like my DVD drive, and it has proven to be reliable beyond belief!

NextUp: Unsure (but for sure, one on Monday on the Archos Jukebox Recorder 20GB! YAY!)