Is there any chance that the pioneer drive will get official firmware to upgrade it to dual layer ?
Is the firmware for the Nec drive is that official firmware or a hack ?

(in reply to emperor)

NEC's is a hack.

Pioneer will most likely NEVER be flashable to DL.

DL upgradabilty list:
http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=25780

Though if I were you, I really wouldn't care that much about DL...
1/ DL media won't be available for over another month
2/ DL media will be very expensive compared to SL
3/ DL media will burn veeeeeeery slowly
4/ DL media reliability/compatibility is worse and is quite questionable
5/ DL is really a big hype right now... the only reason why people are even playing with DL upgrades is because it's the "hip" new thing to do and it give 'em bragging rights, but I reckon that when DL media comes out, most people with DL drives won't actually be burning and DL media
6/ Of course, if you *like* to tinker with experimental technology like DL, then that's different ;)

(in reply to Bullseye)

Cheers, thanks code,
Awesome response !! just what I wanted to hear.
I'm going to go with the pioneerA07XL.

(in reply to code65536)

Well, I got the NEC ND-2500A from AVlogic.com for $79.90 free shipping, and after nearly 2 weeks, it showed up.

Downloaded the firmware update from The Dangerous Brothers, and all is well. So, now to test out DVD Decrypter, then Nero 6.1.6 Ultra, then on to DVD Shrink, then some Pinnacle Studio 9.

I will post my results in a new thread. Thanks to all for their input, as well as the awesome review on this site.

gabbysdad
(one unhappy Detroit Red Wings fan!)

(in reply to gabbysdad)

TDB's firmwares only does the basic stuff, like region-freeing and riplock-removal.

If you want the most out of your drive, you should be using Herrie's firmwares, which in addition to TDB's firmwares, also have optimizations made to the write strategies.

Look for the latest DLBS firmware in this forum:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=86

(in reply to gabbysdad)

Thanks code65536, I was waiting to find out which bitset to try. Looks like version beta7 is recommended.

What exactly does herries bitsetting firmware do?
Just add the ability to use multiple types of media?

forgive me, I'm somewhat new to DVD burning, except using my Pioneer A04 for backing DVDs on my work computer.

I have had trouble with a Samsung that I took back to Microcenter.com because it would not author to DVD-R (Ritek 4x).
thanks, gabbysdad

(in reply to code65536)

Bitsetting adds the ability to change the BookType of the burned media (from DVD+R to DVD-ROM) gaining higher compatibility with players...

(in reply to gabbysdad)

Hi guys !

this is my turn, and this is also my first post.

So first, I would like to thank you, for the amazing work you do. Reading the forum it's like entering in the Aladdin's cave, wosssh !
I could not thank each people by giving their names to not forget anyone, so thanks everyone =)

I'm using a Pioneer DVDR04 for a while and it seems to be a little bit tired now, so I think it's time to upgrade it.
But the choice is not so easy. As far as I see it's seems that Minos prefer the NEC 2500A, code65536 is fond of the Lite-on SOHW812S ... ( correct me if I'm wrong )

I do prefer very good quality burns, even if it's slow. no such a big revolution ;)

The most of my use is to burning movies, or mangas (files). A good reader device even for games should be a plus. Send you resume at .... ;)

My question will be very easy which one with which firmware do you advice ?!

That's it !

(in reply to emperor)

For safe burning get NEC 2500A, tests have shown that possibly could be transformed to a DL writer, without 100% guarantee results. As for the 812S also can be overclocked, LiteOn offers several other advantages, but the writing quality needs improvements...

(in reply to Grendizer)

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(in reply to emperor)

Thanks again guys for all your advices .... I have just order the NEC ;-)

Sorry Minos but with a nick like yours I had to had someone else opinion since Vega and Grendizer (aka Goldorak) are lethal enemies

Good week-end everyone !!!

(in reply to Deleted User)

Good choice!

(in reply to Grendizer)

I have two questions about DVD Writers .

1. If you have a decent CD wrtier and just want a great DVD writer than can (back up Movies, PC Software and Movies authoring etc)

Which one should you go for the NEC 2510, Sony DL or the Liteon DL.

When some Blank DVD's a person was talking about the different dyes and the brand compatibility with the drive some brands do not work with some writers and you have to know which brand to buy did the same problem occur for CD writers when they first came out?

When writing DVD's now with drives that can write +R and - R which one do people prefer to use and why?

When backing up movies and playng them on a PS2 which format is best +r -r?

Thanks for all your help with the questions

(in reply to emperor)

[Deleted by Admins]

(in reply to Grendizer)

Yes it had me confused also !!!

(in reply to Deleted User)

[Deleted by Admins]

(in reply to Laffin Assassin)