TDK 12x Rename to Plextor...

[pcBomber]

I'm considering the rename trick for my TDK TLA#307 (Boo!!Hiss!!). To use original Plextor firmware I must rename, YES??

Doesn't the original Plextor firmware actually offer the best performance from the drive as in side by side bench tests the Plextor edged ahead here and there??

Now for tangibles. The downloads from RoundSparrow, the exe files, I just close down all cd apps, disconnect 2nd drive, and run it, followed by a cold boot?? The info seems a little vague here and there.

I'm not exactly a newbie but I certainly haven't tried this specific hack.

ANY HELP would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

On a side note, if anyone has direct contact with RoundSparrow's Webmaster, or someone it would matter to, I am game for trying a reverse "name-back" file for Plex to TDK as at RoundSparrow he states lack of test unit.

Some clarity would be MUCH APPRECIATED TOO.

Broil-

BOMBER

 

[Azratax]

www.cdmediaworld.com has a detailed explaination in thier modifications section. Note that that is the kind of site they you set to load, and go do something else while it loads. It is SLOW.
-Az

 

[oneye]

Just a note ... but you dont have to rename your drive to use the "official" plextor Firmware. All you need is winzip and a text editor like notepad and your all set.

Previous post on HowTo

From www.cdrinfo.com
----------------------------DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK--------------------
"...You can also use the new firmware with compatible recorders (Iomega, TDK 121032) if you:
1) Download and unzip the firmware file
2) Open PlexFirm.ini. In the 3rd line there should be:
Inquiry=PLEXTOR CD-R PX-W1210A;

change it to: Inquiry=;

Then by running PXFirm.exe, you get a selection screen to select the drive, press update .. and you're done. I am using this firmware right now on my Iomega and it's 100% fully functional. I assume that it must also work for the Creative drive..."
----------------------------DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK--------------------

cdrinfo link with instructions

file link to plextor Europe

 

[pcBomber]

Hey Thanks Guys, VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.

Yes, I was definitely wondering if I even had to rename it to use the original Plextor firms.

But then if I want to use any of Plextors software...... But that's a big IF. Still haven't determined if any of it's any good yet. You would think it would be, but then I tend to think their strong point is the drives themselves.

Big Thanks to ya.

Peace
Bomber

 

[Ronstang]

Why must you use the "original" Plextor firmware? The Plextor and the TDK are the same drive. TDK releases exactly the same firmware revision as Plextor does within a few days. Plextor provides TDK with the firmware so it is the same. I have both the Plextor and the TDK. I flashed both of them with their respective 1.07 firmware revisions, I downloaded the TDK's right off their site. After updating the firmware I ran CDSpeed99 on both drives and the results were identical to the letter. Don't waste your time, just get the TDK firmware...it is the Plextor firmware. Now if you had an Iomega then I would suggest different since Iomega is TERRIBLE about providing firmware updates.

 

[pcBomber]

Thanks man, I was trying to determine if the firmware was the same or not. I could see how Plextor might water down the firm for TDK.

But alas, it'a a moot point now as the TDK went back and I ordered a Plextor 12x about an hour ago. I just like the Plextor, I guess.
Yeah, yeah, I know. It's the same unit...

The TDK just seemed a little looser than the Plextor 16x I had for a few days. I also picked up a Phillips 8x for SD2 chores and backup in general, or for writing to to both drives at once.

Thanks for the feedback guys, it is appreciated regardless of the final outcome.

Bomber