Hey all, I just installed an external DL DVD Burner and purchased a few RiDATA DL Blanks so I can backup some of my DVD's. The problem that I am running into seems to be that the burner will not recognize the disk or possibly the region restriction may be an issue. Even though I use DVD Region Free I have heard that I still have to upgrade the firmware to A: Read this RiDAT Disk, and B: not be restricted by region settings.

I have successfully backed up many of my DVD's to regular 4.7GB Memorex and Sony DVD+R's, but have always refrained from backing up longer movies as quality becomes an issue. My kids have already scratched the hell out of my Lord of the Rings movies and I really want to back them up before it's too late!

Can anyone guide me to where I can find the firmware update that I need, and also help me out with a tutorial or guide to step me through the process. I have never had to update firmware before and am clueless what to do.

My model number is MD-8XDVD9-EXT made by MadDog Multi Media

Thanks in advance for any info that anyone can supply and sorry for the newbness!

you external drive is a NEC-based drive... Do the following:

1. insert you DL media into the burner...

2. Run Nero CDSpeed

3. Go to Extras-->disc info

4. Look at the "recording speed" dialog, what speed is supported... If it says 1X, the media is not supported by the firmware installed... you should make a firmware update...

5. Look at the "manufacturer" and "code" dialogs and post here as the media code...

6. Also, tell us the firmware version you have (you can see this with Nero CDSpeed, it should look like this: MD-8XDVD9-EXT V.xxx, or something like that, where xxx is the firmware version...). We will then guide you through the firmware update process

(in reply to realmccloy)

[Deleted by Admins]

(in reply to kogos)

quote:

1. insert you DL media into the burner...

2. Run Nero CDSpeed

3. Go to Extras-->disc info

I did that, it will not even read the disk to give me a speed. Nothing is listed.

Also, no manufacture or code show either.

My firmware version is: 2.05
My region control is showing as RPC II
Region Code is 1

I received this info using Nero Info Tool, I looked at the disk tab and this info was in there:

General Section:
Type - Blank DVD+R DL
Capacity - na

Extended Information:
Layers - 1
Supported Speeds - 32X-24X-20X-16X-12X-8X-4X
Blank Capacity - 7.96GB
Manufacture ID - na

Content:
everything is na under this

Thanks in advance for this help, and the firmware walkthrough offer!! It' seriously appreciated. BTW, if whoever helps me on this owns an xbox they will be rewarded with a cool gift!!

(in reply to Deleted User)

I found a Best Buy that has Verbatim Disks...it looks like those aren't going to work either. I tried to get info on the disk and am coming up with the same information as the RiDATA DL Disks..

(in reply to realmccloy)

[Deleted by Admins]

(in reply to realmccloy)

Yes, I did download that. My problem is I am unsure how to upgrade firmware on an external USB device. Everything that I read states that I must set it as an IDE Secondary Master or Secondary Slave device!

I know that technically, it is an IDE device and there is an IDE cable inside the casing of the external drive, but aside from taking it apart and installing in my machine, not sure what to do.

(in reply to Deleted User)

I was able to upgrade the firmware to 2.06

I still cannot burn to Verbatim or RiDATA disks!!

(in reply to realmccloy)

[Deleted by Admins]

(in reply to realmccloy)

quote:

ORIGINAL: realmccloy

I was able to upgrade the firmware to 2.06

I still cannot burn to Verbatim or RiDATA disks!!

Try the "nero cdspeed" procedure i described above... Insert the media into the drive and see the "disc info" tab... If you still cannot see any info there, then you should contact NEC's service support...

(in reply to realmccloy)

quote:

What burning software do you have

I listed it in my signature, but I also have a ton of Nero products! Nothing worked.

quote:

Try the "nero cdspeed" procedure i described above... Insert the media into the drive and see the "disc info" tab

I had already done that and wasn't able to get any info on the disk. So, I gave up took it back and grabbed a Memorex DL Drive instead.

Joy on first try.

CompUSA didn't have another MadDog MD-8XDVD9-EXT to exchange, and I had already cut the UPC lable off for rebate, so they gave me a hard time bringing it back. But, since they didn't have a replacement for it I pretty much won the argument.

The firmware was so easy to upgrade thanks to that link that you minos provided. All I had to do was run the .exe and the firmware was updated nicely!

I put both the RiDATA and Verbatim disks in the memorex and used the nero info tool and manufacture ID shows fine..all is well in DL land!! At least for now

I really appreciate the support I got here. I never realized the need for such a forum! You guys rock!

If anyone ever needs anything in regard to xbox modding, whether it be Autoinstallers, Applications or support of any kind let me know. I'd be more than happy to return the favor as people really stepped up to the plate here to give me a hand.

Too many times I have gone to forums such as this and received the infamous RTFM type replies, or someone provides a link to google saying learn how to use it.

I have autoinstallers for EvoX, XBMC, PxHDD Loader, DVD2Xbox, and over 21 Emulators not too mention about 10,000 Roms.

I am in the process of launching www.themodgod.com so check it out periodically and see what it's all about. If you need anything just mention you're from this site and I'll take care of you.

Again, thanks for the wonderful support.

Regards,

Jeff McCloy
Owner
www.themodgod.com
Co-Admin
www.xbox-hq.com

(in reply to kogos)