Firmware upgrade for DVD+R Discs

Question

I have a Dimension 4600C with a Philips SDVD6004 DVD+RW/DVD+R drive.  I recently (1/1/05) downloaded the latest Dell update (version 1.06) for the drive as I had been experiencing trouble recording home videos to DVDs (various Memorex DVD+RW and DVD+R discs) with Sonic SW.  Today I purchased new Memorex DVD+R discs which included a warning that 2.4X DVD+RW/+R Drive Owners must upgrade their firmware otherwise you will experience problems recording.  Well, I now receive Windows pop-ups indicating the PC can't write to the DVD as it is an incompatible format.  Can someone tell me what firmware upgrade is necessary for my DVD drive and where I might obtain it?    As an alternative, can someone recommend the proper DVD+R discs to purchase and from where?   A year ago I purchased a Memorex combo pack of DVD+RW and DVD+R discs but was only able to record and play to/from the DVD+RW.  A few days ago I purchased the same (or so I thought) Memorex combo pack at clearance price.  However, the DVD+RW discs would not play on my DVD player; I can record/burn and they do play on multiple PCs.  To add further confusion, with the new Dell update I can now write to the newer 'clearance' DVD+R discs (and play on my DVD player) but I cannot record or play with the '8X' version DVD+R discs.  I don't understand the incompatablity - other than vendors use different dyes, plastics, etc.  Is the DVD technology as tempermental as I am experiencing.  I am discouraged by my experience and growing to love the simplicity of VHS recording and playback.

Predator · Answer

Hi JGW,

I know this sounds like a brush off to some degree but Memorex simply has not faired well with some of Dell`s drives and Members tend to have good luck with Fujifilm and Verbatim discs. Consider trying one of these, however if the drive does not work with diffferent brands and you have installed the Dell Firmware update, please contact Dell bye phone to discuss possible replacement if under warranty.

Wish I had more to offer

God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.

CD/RW Link

JGW4123 · Answer

Jeff, I had the Verbatim discs in my hand but opted for Memorex based on my most recent 'success' after the updating to version 1.06.  It's easy enough to return and replace the discs.  I'll try it.  I dread calling Dell directly as my past experience with them hasn't been too encouraging.  Regardless, I appreciate your input. Thanks, JGW   P.S.  Is it safe to assume I have the most recent/currently available FW update (Version 1.06)?  Internet searches all led me to the same .exe file (dated March 04) on the Dell website.

Predator · Answer

Hi JGW,

Dell only has the one firmware update so far for this drive. I do not know if there is a "hacked" firmware from per say the Firmware Forum for this drive yet, but the use of one would void your warranty on the drive, so I do not think this is something you wish to try at the moment.

Best Regards

God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do and the eyesight to tell the
difference.

CD/RW Link

JGW4123 · Answer

Just an update (actually conclusion) to my problems burning blank DVD+RW/+R discs...

I took the sage advice of Predator and contacted Dell customer service via email about the problem. They were very responsive. They recommended a series of actions for me to follow in order to investigate and attempt to resolve the problem. I was able to perform the necessary operations fairly easily, although some were a bit time consuming (uninstalling/re-installing SW). Unfortunately, none of the operations corrected the problem. As the computer was still under warranty, they sent a technician to my home to remove the old DVD burner and install a new one (NEC ND-5100A) in my PC. I can happily say that this evening I can burn DVDs like never before. The problem was apparently with the burner.

Thanks to the Predator for your advice!!

Thanks to Dell for their rapid and competent support. I have renewed confidence in Dell's Technical Support capabilities.

Predator · Answer

Hi JGW,

Sorry about having a bad drive, but glad to hear Dell replaced it with a NEC 5100a and all is well.

Best of luck with the drive and your system!

God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do
and the eyesight to tell the difference.

CD/RW Link

Storage, Drives & Media

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