Lite-On's SHM-165H6S Super All-Write DVD writer can handle every DVD format currently out there, and it sells for an excellent price. This DVD writer also includes LightScribe technology for printing professional-quality labels on the surface of compatible media, making it an even bigger bargain.

The SHM-165H6S's traditional DVD burning speeds are 16X for both DVD-R and DVD+R, with rewrite speeds of 8X for DVD+RW and 6X for DVD-RW. Thus, this DVD writer can burn a full DVD in around 6 to 7 minutes. It also handles DVD-RAM at up to 5X. DVD-RAM can be rewritten to up to 100,000 times, making them highly suitable for frequent backups.

The SHM-165H6S is compatible with Dual Layer (DL) media, burning to DVD+R DL at 8X and DVD-R DL at 4X. This media can house up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of high-quality video on a single disc, and the SHM-165H6S can burn a full DVD+R DL in less than 20 minutes.

The LightScribe feature allows you to create and imprint silkscreen-quality labels on the surface of your discs. The technology is currently only monochromatic, but it beats using a marker or printing labels on an inkjet printer. LightScribe media is a bit more expensive than traditional DVD and CD media, and it takes some time to imprint the label, especially on the highest quality. However, this is still a handy feature to have in a DVD writer.

As this is an internal DVD writer, you'll have to open up your computer's case to install the SHM-165H6S. Fortunately, the installation process is straightforward. Simply power down your system, remove the previous optical drive or put the Lite-On drive in an open bay, connect the cables and reboot your system.

Several vendors offer the SHM-165H6S for well under $40, which is great for a drive with these capabilities. However, these are bare-bones, OEM versions of the drive, so they may not come with documentation, cabling or even any software.

However, if you're looking for a fast all-around DVD writer that supports every media format available, the Lite-On SHM-165H6S Super All-Write DVD writer is an excellent and cost-effective choice.

Pros: Great price, LightScribe technology
Cons: Bare-bones drive, LightScribe can only burn to special LightScribe media

Warranty
1 year, limited