Pioneer DVR-109 - BE AWARE!!

[DreamerSpawn]

I bought TWO of the Pioneer DVR-109 from NewEgg. I will say that if you are going to be burning the DVD's or CD's (DATA CDz), you'll be fine. If you are looking for a drive that will also burn audio cdz....GOOD LUCK. This drive is EXTREMELY finicky on brand of cd compatability for audio cdz.

I've tried tdk, memorex, maxell, and different varieties of each. I've lowered the speed and even made sure the discs were 52x....which is VASTLY more than what this writer can burn cd's at. Search around a little and you'll find what I'm saying is true.

I realize I'm probably going to get the comment "You shouldn't use a DVD-Writer for burning audio cd's anyhow, I have a seperate cd burner so I don't put the wear on the dvd writer"....or something to that extent. That's not the point. My point is that when you buy a dvd writer, which is SUPPOSED to write cd's as well....I don't want limitations. As for the dvd writing......EXCELLENT. Data CD (as I said above)...excellent....but try and burn an audio cd with this drive, and unless you found a compatible brand (I found ONLY FujiFilm CD's to be audio compatible so far...not that there isn't more...I just refuse to go thru a barrage of cd's to find compatible ones...so I now have to buy a standard cd writer unless I want to rely on getting this exact brand from now on).

What will happen is when you try to play the audio CD (IF it does it successfully), it won't play in all cd players and if you DO get a cd player to play it....let it run and it'll go so far and go into a skip-loop.

If you have this drive, make an audio cd out of your favorite songs and see what I'm talking about.

I sure do hope they come up with a newer firmware to eliminate this problem.

 

[bendixG15]

I think that burner has a firmware upgrade........

 

[Budman]

Originally posted by: bendixG15
I think that burner has a firmware upgrade........

http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=87

 

[Slick5150]

It could be rebelling against your typing "CDz"

 

[DreamerSpawn]

I did the latest firmware update on both drives and no go.

 

[xsilver]

other possibilities to consider
* Are you copying on the fly?
* are you using the 109 to rip the disc as well? the source input may be screwed up instead of the output

 

[filterxg]

I have that drive, burns CDs and DVDs just fine (Audio, Video, and Data). I've only used Ridata stuff (got a great deal but ended up buying a 2-3 year supply), so its good not great quality.

 

[Bozo Galora]

I would replace Nforce IDE and busmaster drivers with MS

 

[Steven the Leech]

I am aware that I would love to have that drive, check for other problems/bad drive.

 

[DreamerSpawn]

Actually, Ridata is one of the better brands of cdz....and it's not a bad drive. I have TWO of them, and both do the same. I've used them on several different systems and all comes out the same.

For those unbelievers, try using some Memorex or TDK cdz (some of the more popular) and lemme know how that goes.

As far as copying on the fly...I'm talking about using mp3 that I've already ripped from my original music collection in the past.

Also, pop in a regular CD-Writer and it works AWESOME.....so it's not the systems or a defective drive...it's just the way these were designed.

 

[mechBgon]

It makes me wince every time you use "cdz." Have mercy! And if your drive isn't cooperative, heck, set up an RMA and return it.

 

[The Boston Dangler]

Excuse me, are you burning mp3 format music to play in a regular CD player?

If that's not it, I'm sure it's something you set incorrectly. DMA? Burning software?

Why the Hell wouldn't a DVD burner make good CD's (or cdz in your language)? That makes no sense.

 

[CheesePoofs]

Originally posted by: Slick5150
It could be rebelling against your typing "CDz"

 

[DreamerSpawn]

I'm talking about taking mp3's and turning them into an audio cd...playable in any cd player. Had no problem with the Pioneer A106...but the 109 is DEFINITELY having problems with that unless you use VERY specific media.

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
Excuse me, are you burning mp3 format music to play in a regular CD player?

If that's not it, I'm sure it's something you set incorrectly. DMA? Burning software?

Why the Hell wouldn't a DVD burner make good CD's (or cdz in your language)? That makes no sense.

 

[DreamerSpawn]

Sheesh. A few here seem to have a problem with my grammar. I apologize for saying cdz instead of cd's. lol. I didn't mean to offend. Grammar issues....sheesh.

 

[Tostada]

I've got a Pioneer 109 and never had any problems with it. I flashed it to the Pioneer A09XL firmware 1.40 before I ever burned anything with it. I like it much better than any other drive out there right now. It cost $55 and it actually rips dual-layer pressed DVDs at 12X (and single-layer at 16X). Being able to burn +/-R DL at 6X is just a nice little bonus.

If you're having trouble go here to learn how to flash it to an A09XL:
http://pioneer109.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=146

 

[Tostada]

I really love this drive. So many drives drop down to about 4X ripping movies. It rips full dual-layer movies in under 12 min. These are all discs from the library which are scratched up. Grave of the Fireflies had several deep scratches in it, but it just dropped down to 6X for about 30sec right before the layer change, then it stayed at 5X after the layer change and got right through it.

Law & Order Season 1 Episodes 11-14
8,179,224 KB

I 06:44:10 Operation Started!
I 06:44:10 Source Device: [1:0:0] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109 1.40 (G (ATA)
I 06:44:10 Source Media Type: DVD-ROM
I 06:44:10 Source Media Region Code: 1
I 06:44:10 Source Media Copyright Protection System Type: CSS/CPPM
I 06:44:10 Source Media Implementation Identifier: Daikin U.S. Comtec Lab
I 06:55:29 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:11:18
I 06:55:29 Average Read Rate: 12,063 KB/s (8.7x) - Maximum Read Rate: 17,347 KB/s (12.5x)

Law & Order Season 1 Episodes 3-6
8,220,358 KB

I 07:21:34 Operation Started!
I 07:21:34 Source Device: [1:0:0] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109 1.40 (G (ATA)
I 07:21:34 Source Media Type: DVD-ROM
I 07:21:34 Source Media Region Code: 1
I 07:21:34 Source Media Copyright Protection System Type: CSS/CPPM
I 07:21:34 Source Media Implementation Identifier: Daikin U.S. Comtec Lab
I 07:32:59 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:11:24
I 07:32:59 Average Read Rate: 12,018 KB/s (8.7x) - Maximum Read Rate: 17,256 KB/s (12.5x)

Law & Order Season 1 Episodes 1-2
8,119,048 KB

I 07:36:53 Operation Started!
I 07:36:54 Source Device: [1:0:0] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109 1.40 (G (ATA)
I 07:36:54 Source Media Type: DVD-ROM
I 07:36:54 Source Media Region Code: 1
I 07:36:54 Source Media Copyright Protection System Type: CSS/CPPM
I 07:36:54 Source Media Implementation Identifier: Daikin U.S. Comtec Lab
I 07:48:16 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:11:22
I 07:48:16 Average Read Rate: 11,904 KB/s (8.6x) - Maximum Read Rate: 17,554 KB/s (12.7x)

Westworld (widescreen)
4,278,182 KB

I 07:59:53 Operation Started!
I 07:59:53 Source Device: [1:0:0] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109 1.40 (G (ATA)
I 07:59:53 Source Media Type: DVD-ROM
I 07:59:53 Source Media Region Code: 1
I 07:59:54 Source Media Copyright Protection System Type: CSS/CPPM
I 07:59:54 Source Media Implementation Identifier: UDF Toshiba DVD Video
I 08:04:42 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:04:48
I 08:04:42 Average Read Rate: 14,854 KB/s (10.7x) - Maximum Read Rate: 21,255 KB/s (15.3x)

Grave of the Fireflies
6,850,962 KB

I 08:08:29 Operation Started!
I 08:08:29 Source Device: [1:0:0] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109 1.40 (G (ATA)
I 08:08:29 Source Media Type: DVD-ROM
I 08:08:29 Source Media Region Code: 1
I 08:08:29 Source Media Copyright Protection System Type: CSS/CPPM
I 08:08:29 Source Media Implementation Identifier: DVD Producer 1.0
I 08:25:11 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:16:42
I 08:25:11 Average Read Rate: 8,034 KB/s (5.8x) - Maximum Read Rate: 17,338 KB/s (12.5x)

 

[Atomik]

I had this exact problem with my drive, but after I flashed to the newest firmware I have had no problems burning audio cds(z). The first couple burns using Maxell and Verbatim brands were unsuccessful before the flash. Since then I have burned both and haven't had any problems.

Killer drive though. Seriously, a new Cd-Burner is like $20. The 109 kicks ass in what it's supposed to do - burn dvds(z).

 

[DreamerSpawn]

I realize that a burner is cheap enough...my only complaint is the audio cd problem. It's not that big of a deal, I just want Pioneer to do something about it.

I haven't tried Verbatim I don't think...but I will. Maxell didn't do it with audio. I am using the same firmware as you....and I have TWO of the drives....and they both do the same thing.

I just knew I would get a post about not using a dvd burner for cd's....it's just that if you CLAIM for your product to be able to do something....I believe it should.

I completely agree that it's the BEST DVD writer out for movies and everything else...just not audio cdz. I'm not trying to stir up or insult anything....I just would like to see Pioneer do something about it in firmware. It should be a simple enough fix. The firmware update didn't change a thing on EITHER of my drives as far as the audio cd problem goes.

Originally posted by: Atomik
I had this exact problem with my drive, but after I flashed to the newest firmware I have had no problems burning audio cds(z). The first couple burns using Maxell and Verbatim brands were unsuccessful before the flash. Since then I have burned both and haven't had any problems.

Killer drive though. Seriously, a new Cd-Burner is like $20. The 109 kicks ass in what it's supposed to do - burn dvds(z).

 

[Atomik]

I agree with you there, it should work. How old are the drives? Perhaps you can RMA them or get in contact with Pioneer directly. It could be that the 109 just doesn't like certain media, which, while a PITA, is still a solvable problem. Hopefully you have some good luck with the verbatims. Though it is strange that both your drives have the same problem. Have you tried using different programs to burn the audio cds?

 

[DreamerSpawn]

Yes I have. I've used Nero, Sonic & even Roxio.

Originally posted by: Atomik
I agree with you there, it should work. How old are the drives? Perhaps you can RMA them or get in contact with Pioneer directly. It could be that the 109 just doesn't like certain media, which, while a PITA, is still a solvable problem. Hopefully you have some good luck with the verbatims. Though it is strange that both your drives have the same problem. Have you tried using different programs to burn the audio cds?

 

[Tostada]

Originally posted by: DreamerSpawn
I am using the same firmware as you....

And which firmware is that? Don't you find it odd that you're the only one having the problem? Why do you keep blaming Pioneer? Have you tried the A09XL firmware? Did you even read the posts responding to you?

 

[DreamerSpawn]

This is the firmware I'm using on BOTH:

DVR109_FW140.exe - Version 1.40 provides improved readability of DAO(Direct-At-Once) DVD-R and DVD-RW discs by some DVD-ROM drives--including those in some Pioneer In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV/Navigation Receivers, supports 6X writing speeds on Verbatim (Mitsubishi Chemical) DVD-R DL media, 2X writing on other manufacturers' DVD-R DL media, supports 12X writing on FujiFilm, Prodisc, MBI, and Ritek DVD-R 16X media, supports 12X writing on RICOH, RITEK, Optodisc and DAXON DVD+R 16X media, plus improves with DVD reading/writing and CD-R/RW writing overall (WIN)

I am using this firmware as my drives are the DVR-109...not the XL, so no, I wouldn't try using a firmware NOT designed for my specific drive. Might I add a warning that is on the Pioneer web site, stating: "WARNING - Improper flashing of firmware may result in an inoperable drive.". I will not use the XL firmware on my plain 109....not a chance. Thanks tho.

Why blame pioneer? Two drives, ordered at seperate times? Hrmmm. Both doing the same on multiple systems? Yes, I've read the advice others have given and nothing is working. I'm going to reflash the drive with the above firmware...but I've already done this.

Look, I didn't come here to start anything...I'm just saying that it seems to be a problem. There is a whole other forum on the problems of this drive, but I thought that I might get some advice....not people saying it's NOT the drive...impossible to be the drive or even a slight bit of anger when stating that I think it's a problem.....instead, I get criticized for spelling????....among tons of other things. Or for others to tell me to buy a cd-writer to burn audio cd's. Two drives bought at different times, but the same drive and both having identicle issues?....compatibility of CD media for audio burning issues? It doesn't matter. I'm finished. I'll just write to pioneer again and ask for their help. Sorry to bother anyone.

Please note, the subject of this thread is Be AWARE...not beware. I think this is an AWESOME drive. It burns DVD's like nobodies business. I guess most people just use a cd writer when it comes to burning audio cd's...which is apparently what I'll have to do.

In closing, I won't post anymore or bother anyone with problems that everyone seems to think is either operator or an RMA deal. Oh, almost forgot....already RMA'ed one drive, just to see...and still, same thing....so actually, that makes three identicle drives having the identicle problem. Guess I'll chalk it up to bad luck.

Can someone please close this thread?

Originally posted by: Tostada

Originally posted by: DreamerSpawn
I am using the same firmware as you....

And which firmware is that? Don't you find it odd that you're the only one having the problem? Why do you keep blaming Pioneer? Have you tried the A09XL firmware? Did you even read the posts responding to you?