Do newer DVD burners work better at lower speeds than older models?

[Buzz]

Is there any real world difference between an older 8X DVD burner burning at 8X, and a newer 16X/18X/20X burner also burning at 8X? How about at 4X?...assuming the same media in these situations. Baby Buzz showed me a video the other day about tearing apart a DVD burner to get the laser diode, and the video was very emphatic about using a 16X or faster burner for the project, noting it was a more powerful laser than used in slower burners... which, if true, made me wonder if slower burning is all about the same, or not, and may factor into the decision as to where to allocate the external burners around here. Another assumption is that all ROM/firmware is up to date for media recognition on the respective drives. Thanks,

Buzz
==

[space-time]

do you have the link for the video? I am curios what the did with the laser diode.

BTW: if you do such crazy things, be very careful. You better know what a laser is and how they work, and most important, how to play safe with them. it's not your common "wear gloves and safety goggles" wisdom. you need laser goggles designed for the laser wavelength you work with.

for example, watch this. Imagine what happens if this beam goes into your eye.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=HD_u64bOOFY

I got hit by a misaligned 2kW laser beam. It was entirely my fault, I was working on the project and I did not secure a mirror properly. The wound was about a quarter coin is size, skin was gone. Luckily, it was in my left hand, but it took 2 months for the wound to heal. 5 years later and you still see a sign.

EDITED several times, spell-check, added missing link, etc.

[Panopticon]

...designed for thw laser wavelength you work with.
...Imaghe what happens if this beam goes into your eye.

Wow space-time, it really effffs up your keyboard skills -D

btw, thanks for the excellent safety advice!

[space-time]

well, I don't always have time to do a spell-check. Although Safari should spell check as I type, wait that option was turned OFF? Why? since when? sorry, it's back ON now.

[anonymouse1]

I'd guess that a faster burner MUST have a more powerful laser, because the spot being burned is under the laser for a shorter period of time.

[Buzz]

s-t,
as noted, the video was emphatic about using a laser from a faster burner, and whatever they did w/ the output, it lit matches instantly, and burned other stuff pretty crispy, pretty quick. I'll pester the kid for the link when he's done w/ his homework. I was more curious about spreading the 8X burners around, and if it made any difference between burners at lower burn speeds; I'm trying to find some consistency w/o much luck, so may have to lay off the "sale" media. Biggest goal is to figure out where the Pioneer 112 goes, then the 109, and so forth down the line...