Hey guys, nice forum you got here. Helped me a lot when deciding which DVD-+RW to buy the other day. I chose the NEC 3500A and am very pleased with it so far!

I was just thinking about upgrading the firmware from the manufacturer default, and wondered what firmware is best. Can you guys recommend a firmware for general use? Just burning and reading DVDs and the occasional CD. Are there enough advantages to warrant the flash? Or should I just not bother and stick with the original firmware?

Thanks for all those who took the time to read and reply.

Hi and welcome to our forums!

NEC will release soon a new firmware (probably named 2.17) officially. That firmware will include the latest writing strategies so you can wait

(in reply to shaunj66)

Yes, but 2.17 will not support SL bitset, correct?

Anyway, I just received my 3500a yesterday and loaded the TDK firmware that supports bitset, 2.C7 from TDB that reports as a 3500a. It works awesome. So far I have tested with..

Memorex 4x DVD+R
Memorex 2.4x DVD +RW
Compusa 1x DVD-R
Fuji 2.4x DVD+R
Fuji 4x DVD+R
TDK 4x DVD+R

This has been my first exposure to bitsetting. I pulled my old Apex AD/600a DVD player out of the basement. This machine would NOT play any DVD burns prior. I loaded a burn from the 3500a, played beautifully! Now I have a spare DVD player.

I just ordered some ProDisc 8x printables. They should arrive soon and I will let you know how they work out.

My finances, and just plain good sense prevents me from buying DL discs at $10+ a pop, so you'll have to try them yourself with the TDK firmware should you decide to go that way.

-NGR

(in reply to emperor)