DVD-ROM Help

[[A3D]Thre3fan]

Hello everyone,
I'm in the market for a DVD-ROM drive. I don't know very much about them. I'm looking at 2 models from NewEgg. The Liteon 16X DVD-ROM Model# XJ-HD166 Black and the Pioneer 16X DVD-ROM Model# DVD120. Both are listed as OEM so I know they don't come with things like cables. The Liteon drive however comes with PowerDVD software and the Pioneer doesn't have any software. If I buy the Pioneer do I have to buy any additional software???? If so, it would seem that the Liteon is a better deal. Is the DVD software essential?? Thanks for your time and help in advance.

[muno]

Well, OEM means that you need to buy something else along to be able to buy it (that's how it works here).

Bulk would mean it comes without cables/software, and retail is, well retail.

You don't need any software, just get vlc (http://www.videolan.org), it will play dvds just fine, for free.

[Dax_Brandy]

a DVD software is necessary if you want to do more than just viewing the DVD movie. these softwares have lots of features and stuffs you can tweak.. the softwares come with audio packs for example.

[sechs]

Originally posted by muno
Well, OEM means that you need to buy something else along to be able to buy it (that's how it works here).

Bulk would mean it comes without cables/software, and retail is, well retail.

Nope.

OEM usually means just the drive. OEM packs are meant for those who manufacture equipment using the hardware. Any warranty is likely to come via the retailer, not the drive's maker.

Bulk may mean a bare drive, but usually just refers to white boxes, which come with some or all of the ecoutrement of the retail item, but without the fancy packaging. The warranty is usually carried by the drive's maker.

You'll want to contact the retailer to be sure of exactly what you're getting.

OEM Hardware just means it comes in a 'White Box' usually w/o the software that you'd find in a 'Retail' version.

OEM Software usually has to be purchased w/ a piece of hardware.

BULK means you get a bunch of them, you know "Buy in bulk".

At least, that's what it means in the US.

[muno]

Guess they've mixed up some terms then

When I buy my hardware, it's bulk, even though there's only one of them.

And I messed soft-/hardware oem myself