Do you "need" the bundled software???

[OCJohn]

I am buying an internal DVD burner for my Dell (probably Pioneer 108), and already have Adobe Premier Elements (just bought it), and wonder whether I need to consider the software that comes bundled with the various DVD burners.

And, if I do, when they say "OEM Packaging", does that mean it doesn't come with the software or any cables required to hook it up?

Thanks

 

[SFR]

I know when I bought my del it came with cyberlink PowerDVD 5.3 and without it I would not be able to watch DVDs. The reason: There is a codec that is part of that software which the computer needs to play dvds (and also for my tv tuner... without it I couldnt watch tv.)

 

[Praetor]

Do you "need" the bundled software???

Odds are the answer is no

and wonder whether I need to consider the software that comes bundled with the various DVD burners.

For the most part, not really

And, if I do, when they say "OEM Packaging", does that mean it doesn't come with the software or any cables required to hook it up?

There are two meanings for OEM, the first being what you just described and the second meaning whatever you are buying comes from an OEM manufacturer (i.e., DELL) ... I dont think dell does anything special wit their drive packaging so its consistent with the first definition but I dunno

reason: There is a codec that is part of that software which the computer needs to play dvds

Yeah a software DVD program just gives you the MPEG2 codec ... although in a pinch you can just use a MPEG2 directshow filter