Posted by Bruce on 11/12/05 18:28

Andrew Rossmann <andysnewsreply@no_junk.comcast.net> wrote in
news:MPG.1dce929079250ffd989758@newsgroups.comcast.net:

> [This followup was posted to rec.video.dvd.tech and a copy was sent to
> the cited author.]
>
> In article <Xns96FE80500A892parcxmannetscapenet@216.196.97.136>,
> parcxman@netscape.net says...
>> I've currently running firmware version 1.07 on my Plextor 708A. I
>> have dowloaded firmware version 1.11 (it's an .exe) and now want to
>> update my Plextor.
>>
>> Is it as simple as double clicking on the exe? I remember reading
>> some cautions about updating firmware in general months ago, but I
>> can't find that info. any more.
>
> I've updated my 708A several times since I bought it. If you only
> have
> the one drive, it's very simple. Simply run the .EXE. It searches for
> and has a drop-down list of all compatible drives, with their current
> firmware version listed. You then pick the correct drive and click on
> 'UPDATE'. You then reboot the computer so Windows can re-detect it. If
> you've forced your drive to a different drive letter, you may also
> need to use Disk Management to restore the letter.
>

I updated the firmware to 1.11, and the sequence of events was exactly as
you described, above. Thanks to you and to all that replied.

I was hoping that the update would give me better burn reliability with a
50-pack of Sony DVD+R 8x blank media I purchased. The media code is Sony-
D11-00. Of 8 burns, 3 will play on my Sony set-top player, 5 will not,
none of the 8 will play on my Zenith players, and 2 aren't even recognized
(by WinXP File Explorer) in my pc if placed in my Liteon DVD-ROM LTD163.
On many of these, the burn pattern is something I've never seen. As you
move from the center outwards, there will be a clear burn pattern, then a
foggy looking burn pattern, then back to clear. Sometimes, there will be
two foggy burn patterns. I've only seen this on this particular media.

I've been to http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia to review media/player
compatibility and burn reliability. Sony-D11-00 did not review well in
either case.

For what it's worth:

I always burn at 4x, regardless of media speed capability.

What has worked the best for me has been
Sony DVD+R 4X, RICOHJPNR01
TDK DVD+R 8X, CMC MAG-E01-00
Verbatim DVD-R 8X, MCC 02RG20
HP DVD+R 4X, CMC MAG-F01-00
The above have given me 100% success, on many different set-tops, and on
many different pc's and laptops. Absolutely no failures.

What's been unacceptible for me is
Sony DVD+R 8X, Yuden000T02, 50% will skip/jitter near end of movie when
played on any set-top, 'usually' plays fine on pc
Sony DVD+R 8X, Sony-D11-00

I wish you could tell the media code of blank media before you bought it.

Bruce

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