Adding dual format compatability to DVD burners

[jjlawren]

I'm looking specifically at the Nu Tech DDW-801. Currently it's an 8x DVD+RW drive only, but they claim they will be adding -R support very soon. Is this a realistic claim? Have other DVD burners been upgraded this dramatically through firmware?

I researched a little, and found out the drive is based off of this drive processor:
http://www.semiconductors.philips.com/products/nexperia/dvd_rw/pnx7850/index.html

No mention of -R burning capabilities are listed. This drive looks very promising, but I don't want to be stuck with only +R if I do decide to spend the money on on it.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Wait until it's out and people say how well it works at places like www.dvdrhelp.com.

 

[Redviffer]

Exactly, wait and see. It won't be the first time a manufacturer claims something about thier product that isn't true.

 

[jjlawren]

Have there been any single format drives that have been upgraded to dual format by firmware?

 

[JammingJay]

Originally posted by: jjlawren
Have there been any single format drives that have been upgraded to dual format by firmware?

As for as I know, No.

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: jjlawren
Have there been any single format drives that have been upgraded to dual format by firmware?

Yes, there is a Lite-On model that was a single format and a hacked flash turned it into dual format.

 

[jjlawren]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble

Originally posted by: jjlawren
Have there been any single format drives that have been upgraded to dual format by firmware?

Yes, there is a Lite-On model that was a single format and a hacked flash turned it into dual format.

Wasn't that drive announced as dual format before it came out, though?

 

[WobbleWobble]

The Lite-On LDW-411S is the +/- drive. The LDW-401S is the + only drive that can be flashed to +/-.

I didn't keep track of the annoucements though.

 

[SUOrangeman]

The recently-published AnandTech article did claim that a Dec. 15 firmware release would add -R(W) support for the NuTech. However, I don't think anyone has acknowledged receiving this update. Given the way this drive performed in the round-up, successful upgrades to -R(W) could be huge.

-SUO