How do I know if my computer has a DVD Burner?

George Kimery · Post by **George Kimery** » 15 Dec 2010 9:19 pm

Some time ago, I could not get a CD to burn in my computer even with tremendous help from you guys. I finally took it to a repair shop and they said it had a DVD burner but not a CD burner. They sold me an external CD burner which works fine. BUT....I can't find anything on my computer that says I have a DVD burner. Under applications, I do have a DVD player. How can I find out if I have a DVD burner? If I do indeed have a DVD burner, is there anyway I can take VHS tapes and make DVD copies using my computer? My computer is an iMac vs. 10.4.11. I am looking at the double decks that play and record DVD's and/or VHS tapes. Is there a cheaper way to go than to go buy one of these dual deck things to make DVD copies of my VHS tapes? THANKS

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 16 Dec 2010 2:58 am

Usually, it will have some type of marking on the front of the drive. However, the person that sold you the CD burner because you have a "DVD Burner" got you. All (all that I've seen) PC DVD burners are also CD burners.

I don't know how in a MAC, but in a PC there is a way to get the actual model number of the drive, such as "HS DL 457", etc and you can then do a google search on that drive number and find out what it really is.

But, if you want to convert VHS tapes to DVD's you are much better off with a standalone unit. It ties up the PC for a very long time to make DVD's. You have to first "record" the VHS to the PC's hard drive and then burn the DVD using the image on the hard drive - a big hassle.

Cal Sharp · Post by **Cal Sharp** » 16 Dec 2010 8:55 am

On a Mac open System Profiler (Applications/Utilities) and take a squint.