I think I finally decided to go for the Benq dw1620 over the Pioneer 108 and LG 12x drives. However, The dw1620 is no where to be found and the 1610 is advertised at newegg.com and other retailers as +R DL 2.4x capable.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-101-623&depa=0

So, are they lying? I thought the main difference between 1620 and 1610 was that 1620 was DL and 1610 wasn't.

As far as I know the 1610 is the same hardware as the others just doesn't have DL enabled in the firmware. So officialy it's a 16x dual format SL drive. They are probably counting on the fact that it will get unofficial upgrade to 1620 firmware somehow or they just have made a missprint in their add.

(in reply to OdiOdin)

1610 is a SL drive, I don't think that BenQ will offer DL firmware, since already sells DW1620

(in reply to Dartman)

This is what someone sent me. Its info on his 1610 as reported by DVDInfo.

(in reply to emperor)

so it says it supports DL read/write, i don't think its true but then again we will have to see...it may be possible with DOS flasher the DW1610 transformed to DW1620...

(in reply to DMagic1)

Same result found in my country.
One of the buyer who only want to buy DW1610 (without DL support) but found this drive can support DL writing (also view from DVDInfo)

Let me paste the Nero Drive Info for your reference.

(in reply to emperor)

Maybe I can help here:

http://www.cdrinfo.com/forum/tm.asp?m=75547

Sorry folks, my fault this is a bug. It was detected by Benq and I was notified yesterday. I have fixed the problem. The freeware version is already done and is on the site now (V2.61) the fix for V3.10 will come in a couple of hours.

though according to Benq the drive drive does support read DL and should show that. The nero shot above seems to also have a bug if this is the case. I would appreciate if DW1610 owners could let me know this when they try V2.61 freeware of V3.10

(in reply to zebra)

Ok. We have the Green Light to go ahead. Version 3.10 with the bugfix is now live. Go grab!

http://www.dvdinfopro.com/download/dvdinfo.zip

quote:

ORIGINAL: nicw

though according to Benq the drive drive does support read DL and should show that. The nero shot above seems to also have a bug if this is the case. I would appreciate if DW1610 owners could let me know this when they try V2.61 freeware of V3.10

I am not quite sure if BenQ DW1610 support DL disc reading.
Let't say that DVD+R DL disc is not the same as DVD-ROM DL(D9).

In the spec of DW1610, it only said that it support DVD-9 disc, didn't mention about DVD+R DL disc.

Maybe BenQ DW1610 only support DVD-9 disc reading, not DVD+R DL disc. (I am not quite sure about that, I only have DW1600 which support DVD+R DL read/write)

(in reply to nicw)

I have to ask benQ about this...

(in reply to arith)

Before you get confirmation from BenQ, emperor, one of the DW1610 owner said that the box has described the supported disc formats. And DVD+R DL 8.5GB disc is included.

But I don't know why the supported disc formats are inconsistent between box and official web site. However, this is BenQ's problem.

But the remain question is the supported disc result is different between DVDInfopro and Nero InfoTool.

(in reply to emperor)

My search for a dw1620 is still not producing anyone with them in stock. However, plenty of them will sell me a dw1610 they say is the same thing.....

This is what I keep running into:

Detailed Specifications
Part # DW1610
Supported format DVD-RAM(Only Read), DVD+RW/+R, DVD-R/RW, DVD-ROM, DVD+R DoubleLayer R9, formats of CD Family, CD-R & CD-RW discs
Write Speed DVD+R: 16X max
DVD+R DL: 2.4X max
DVD+RW: 4X max
DVD-R: 16X max
DVD-RW: 4X max
CD-R: 40X max
CD-RW: 24X max
Read Speed CD-ROM: 40X Max
DVD-ROM: 16X Max
Buffer Size 2MB
Interface ATAPI / E-IDE
Form Factor 5"
Software Contents Sonic RecordNow, WinDVD Player
System Requirements Pentium III 450 MHz or faster CPU and 128 MB or higher RAM are required
650 MB HDD available capacity; and 5 GB free space for creating a DVD image file
OS Requirements Windows 98 / NT 4.0 / ME / 2000 / XP
Features The WOPC II (Walking Optimal Power Control II) algorithm constantly evaluates writing quality and adjusts the writing power accordingly in order to ensure optimal writing quality over the entire disc.
The BLER OPC (Block Error Rate Optimal Power Control) further enhances the writing quality near the end of the disc, where the risk of warping is higher.
Sliding Cone mechanism Qvideo 2.0/ Easy DV, TV, AV to DVD
Book Type Management for superb media compatibility
Black-colored tray minimize jitters to enhance writing quality
Manufacturer Warranty 1 year

(in reply to arith)

So the 1610 will burn DL media, can you try this?

(in reply to OdiOdin)

Negative, I only get one shot at buying a dvd writer for a while

Still looking for a 1620 until someone can convince me that the 1610 really can handle DL.

(in reply to emperor)

I asked BenQ, lets wait to find the truth...

(in reply to OdiOdin)