Its released from Buffalo for their users, seems to support DVD-R DL, as you can read over here

[Soft introduction]
I offer the program software which updates the firmware of DVM-DM16FBS (PX[ by the PUREKU star ]-716A drive) to Ver.1c04 (the beta version). Although it is checking that the writing by 2X is realizable by disk ATTOWANSU to DVD-R (two layers) of the trial product which is in our company, since it is beta version and cannot guarantee not only including the writing to these media but including other operation, please understand beforehand the firmware exhibited lately. In order to avoid un-arranging on use, and the fault when performing update of a firmware, please carry out this program for you to often read the following explanation.

<> Note
The write-in check to DVD-R (two layers) turns into a check at the time of using trial production software, and is product appending software. At the time of using it cannot be guaranteed [ of operation ]. About DVD-R (two layers) write-in correspondence with product appending software, it will be correspondence in mid-January, Heisei 17. It is planning. <> Formal version correspondence schedule time : the middle of January, Heisei 17 Since the schedule of standard decision is behind to assumption of our company, formal correspondence time is made to postpone. It will obtain. I apologize.

[Change history]
Firmware version 1c04 (the beta version) The contents of update 2x write-in correspondence to <1.02->1c04> and DVD-R (two layers) media.

[Attention] Please perform update of a firmware on a visitor's own responsibility. Failure of firmware update does as onerous correspondence about a repair request by the cause.

As it seems when using the beta firmware:

* SecureRecording
* GigaRec
* VariRec (only DVD should use -- it does not become precocious)

are lost!

[Procedure of update]
Downloaded dvm-dm16 fbs_fw1c04.exe is a self-extracting file. Please double-click the icon of dvm-dm16 fbs_fw1c04.exe. Folder in which the file which indicates an operation procedure to be an update program was mentioned [DVMDM16 FBS_FW] is developed. Developed folder [DVMDM16 FBS_FW]] Inside [DVMDM16 FBS_update.html] Please double-click an icon. the update procedure indicated -- following -- surely -- Please update on Windows.

* Download from Buffalo here
* Alternative from Plextor Japan website

The firmware is OK, but...where is DVD-R DL media?

(in reply to emperor)

the way the 716 acts in general maybe it would not be so good an idea to load this beta fw and just wait for real 1.04 official release.

(in reply to emperor)

i have to agree...

(in reply to KenW)

Im actually very pleased with fw 1.03 it works well to 12x and most 16x burns are now under 280 pie not all but most. So loading beta that give -R DL when there is no -R DL in shops, and the price when it is will be very high, does not really make all that much sence.

(in reply to emperor)

Maybe just to see users reaction?

(in reply to KenW)

Hehe, this will push a few companies to finally announce some of their "secret" projects

(in reply to emperor)

Probably...

(in reply to Dolphinius_Rex)

I bought a plex 716A yesterday at BB and decided to try the 1c04 firmware out. Guess what? It has changed the burn pattern to true PCAV. The burn starts at about 6.65 instead of 6.06X and therefore does not have the large "jump" in the last .5 GB.

I burned a Verbatim 16x (MCC04) at 5:52 with Powerec off and 6:01 with Powerec on. I also burned TY 8x (DVD+R) disc at 5:53 (powerec off) and 6:05 with powerec on. It does drop down to 12x or 8x in the last .5 GB.

I did a disk quality test with the burns and the results were all in the 90's with acceptable PIEs and PIFs. If I get motivated today, I might do some reburns and post them.

So far, no problems with the fimware. It might be worth a try for some of you who are more adventurous!

(in reply to emperor)

Plextor 716a TLA:0101 fw 1c04

loaded up the 1c04 fw to see about the 16x cav sure enough it does do that.

speed3.55 create data disk. Burn time 5:53

AS on
PR off

fuji brand yuden000-T02 8x burned at 16x

(in reply to burner1000000)

So it seems that v1.c04 is an improvement?

(in reply to KenW)

I am looking forward to official none beta 1.04 fw
Till then I reloaded 1.03 as 1c04 has number of options disabled.

(in reply to emperor)

Why would Plextor make a firmware for a -DL, when no media as hit the market yet?

Unless of course, they know something that we don't!

(in reply to KenW)

quote:

ORIGINAL: emperor

So it seems that v1.c04 is an improvement?

I think so. I haven't done extensive testing yet but it burns the verbatim 16x and TY 8x DVD+R media better.

(in reply to emperor)

quote:

ORIGINAL: columbo

Why would Plextor make a firmware for a -DL, when no media as hit the market yet?

Unless of course, they know something that we don't!

And what's WRONG with that, if Plextor wants to put "DVD -DL" in the specs that's ALL that matters!

(in reply to columbo)