I made that other post about official v2.17. I saw that link on the USA NEC site. I make my post.

Then I go to the German NEC site. I see there is a link for updated firmware there as well....but this one is for firmware version 2.18. I have not updated, gotta attend to other things.

Here is a copy of the download link: http://www.de.nec.de./software/1745_FW_ND-3500A_win218.zip

Here is a copy of the readme file that comes with it:


Firmwareupdate ND-3500A(G) - Important Information:

[F/W revision Brands]
2.18 (WIN) - 08-Nov-2004

You will find information for firmware 2.18 changes on our FAQ: http://www.de.nec.de
-> Support and Service -> Technical questions -> Optical storage -> DVD / DVD Writer
________________________________________________________________________


-this Update works only with NEC ND-3500A(G) retail/ bulk, not with OEM releases.
(OEM means part of a full PC package or external USB/FireWire variant of this burner)

>For OEM products contact your dealer, distributior or manufacturer of PC-/ USB-package.

-You can only update from official Firmwareversion 2.16.
(the firmware 2.17 was no official nec release!)

Warranty will be lost during false updating procedure, especially modified firmwares were
used before. We (NEC) cannot guarantee correct updating, if "modified" firmwares from
various internet sites., were used before.
It is true such "hacks" offer a recovery function, but their manufacturers had only assembled
firmwares (NEC will never release original firmwares!), so you will never have the safety,
that your drive has the original firmwareversion again!
In such cases we could not offer you a solution any more. You have to repair unit by cost then.

>You can verify current firmware version with NERO Info Tool. (http://www.nero.com)



-it is recommend to login as administrator under Windows XP/ 2000

-disconnect all external USB / FireWire devices.

-do not turn off power during the updating process.

-before updating pls. deinstall all packetwriting softwares.


******************************************************************************************
INSTALLATION

-after unzipping file pls. double click on "K350GN8M.exe", follow instructions.

-*pls. close all other applications during update procedure.

******************************************************************************************

To be on the safe side, you can also update drive by our service partner
Euro Point external. You have to send drive to the following adress:

>Euro Point Communication GmbH
>Sign: Firmwareupdate
>Seligenstädter Straße 100 - Halle 41
>DE-63791 Karlstein a. M.

Pls. do not forget to mark delivery note with sign "FIRMWAREUPDATE".

The price for update procedure is brutto 45,25 EUR*,
contains following:
-firmwareupdate: 25,00 EUR(netto)
-shipment costs* 14,00 EUR*(netto)
(*can increase to foreign countries)

You can check status of procedure by this phone number 0049-(0)6188-954-3600.
******************************************************************************************
Pls. visit for further Informations our homepage: http://www.de.nec.de/home.php?lang=ENG
******************************************************************************************

And here's what they say is changed:

ND-3500A(G) - What will be changed with firmware 2.18?

The DvD+R medias below will be recognized with firmware 2.18, but be
informed, they won`t be added to our list of recommend medias because
there is no guarantee for optimal burn results and performance.


DVD+R9 Double Layer
Max Write Speed 2.4x
Ricoh
Ritek
CMC
PHILIPS

DvD+R
Max Write Speed 16x
TDK
SONY
MBI (16X)

Max Write Speed 12x
Ricoh
SONY
PRODISC
DAXON(ACER)
CMC (16X)

Max Write Speed 8x
RITEK (NEW 8X)
Lead Data
Digital Disc Dessau(8X)
MBI
MAM-E ADVANCED MEDIA 8x

Max Write Speed 4x
MAM-E ADVANCED MEDIA 4x
SAST 4X


DvD+RW
none added


DvD-R
Max Write Speed 16x
TDK
SONY
MBI
FUJI
OPTO DISC16X
MAXELL 16x
BEALL 16X
PRODISC 16X
CMC 16X
YUDEN

Max Write Speed 8x
OPTODISC
LG
BeALL
Plasmon
King Pro
MBI
DAXON
DST
INFO DISC
UL-TRAN
e TOP
Gigastorage
AMC
inter axia
3A Media
Lead Data
MUST
LONGTEN
MAM-E ADVANCED MEDIA 8X
RITEK (G Type)
Gigastorage 8x

Max Write Speed 4x
e TOP
OCTOPLUS
Thai Media
4M SYSTEMS
info source
RITEK (8cm)
Wing Shing

Max Write Speed 2x
Lead Data 8cm
Princo


DvD-RW
Max Write Speed 2x
INFOMEDIA
PRINCO


CD-R
Max Write Speed 48x
MITSUI


CD-RW
none added

(in reply to Pig Vomit)

Thanks a lot for the info, I just flashed my 3500 with the 2.18 and it burns Verbatim and Imation DVD+R9 DL (both are MKM 001) with 4time speed, against what they say "DVD+R9 Double Layer
Max Write Speed 2.4x
Ricoh
Ritek
CMC
PHILIPS"

Also with Nero Reloaded (6.6.0.1) one can change the booktype.


georg

(in reply to Pig Vomit)

I flashed from 2.17 to 2.18.

Does anyone see any problems in doing this? (I can always flash back to 2.16 from Dangerous Brothers)

Matt

(in reply to Pig Vomit)

Interesting info about 2.17 was not official, anyway we hope soon to test the new firmware, anyone can confirm that the 2.18 supports booktype?

(in reply to MB)

quote:

ORIGINAL: emperor

anyone can confirm that the 2.18 supports booktype?

According to DVDInfoPro bitsetting can only change the book type of DVD+R D/L



I can comfirm that book type for DVD+R media cannot be set

(in reply to emperor)

Hi all,

I'm currently working with the tdk firmware 2c8

Is it safe to change the firmware from 2c8 to 2.18. or should i first change the firmware back to the original 2.16 nec firmware?

(in reply to Flash)

I'm not overly impressed with 2.18. With 2.16 AND 2C8 SE...I could achieve 16X burns with Fuji TY002 disks...total burn took 5:45 with lead out to 6:05. Now, once I reach 14X in Nero 6.6.0.1 the burn gradually slows back down to 8X and total burn is almost 30 seconds longer. Either the 2.18 is more sensitive to media flaws...or it can't do 16X unless under perfect conditions. In addition to the fact that it can't do DVD+R bitsetting...I think that 2C8 SE is still the best firmware for now.

Bob

(in reply to Odium)

They wrote it only works if you have 2.16 installed, but that's not the truth! I had unofficial 2.27 lately installed and upgrade went perfect!

(in reply to bomitch)

Of maybe 2.18 is just better in ensureing QUALITY rather than 30 second saving in speed? :)

We'll know after a multitude of tests...

I'd personally take quality over speed any time.

(in reply to johanneshahn)

well me too! I really appreciate that CD+R and DVD+R are improved by now! I personally don't use all the other things like dvd+r9, dvd+rw etc.

(in reply to Halcyon)

I think I change back to 2C8 SE it gives me the advantage to burn the Platinum +9DL (Ritek D01) with 4x, the 2.18 gives me only 2.4x speed.


georg

(in reply to johanneshahn)

I have flashed the 2.18, and according to DVDInfoPro my +R Default Booktype is DVD+R and cannot be changed !

(in reply to georg007)

I did tests on 2.16, 2c8SE and 2.18. With 2.18...the burn gets up around 15.5X and crashes to 4X...With 2.16 AND 2c8 SE...it still crashes to 12X...but not down to 4X. I have been using a 50 cakebox of Fujifilm 8X TY 0002 with no issues. I just noticed the crash to 4X only after the upgrade to 2.18. 10 seconds added to the burn and more to the lead out...that's where 6:30 comes from with 2.18. Granted...not scientific by any methods...but my DVD+R burns have been great with 2.16 and 2c8 SE...not as confident with 2.18.

Bob

(in reply to Halcyon)

Thanks for the confirmation, we will have to wait for TDK firmware to get DVD+R/+RW booktype as i understand, for one more time

(in reply to bomitch)

quote:

ORIGINAL: emperor

Thanks for the confirmation, we will have to wait for TDK firmware to get DVD+R/+RW booktype as i understand, for one more time

This is a must for those of us who have older standalone players that need the DVD+R booktype setting! Let's hope they have something coming down the pipes for us soon!

techfuzz

(in reply to emperor)