Plextor 716a firmware and DVD Decrypter issue

[RhoXS]

I used DVD Decrypter to make 1:1 DL copies of three concerts using a Plextor 716a and Memorex (Ritek) DL media. A spot check of all three copies initially indicated no problems using a portable DVD player. However, when playing the entire show, I noticed that there are one or two locations where the video momemtarily freezes or breaks up. The problem areas last for up to three or four minutes so I do not think it is associated with the transition from the first to the second layer.

I am at a loss how to prevent this problem and burn a copy without problems. I just noticed my Plextor 716a had the 1.07 firmware. I just upgraded it to the recent 1.08 firmware because Plextors web site states "Improved the write performance on DVD-R Dual Layer Media" for the 1.08 firmware. I am curious to know if this firmware upgrade is likely to help this problem or what else I can address to fix it.

[setarip_old]

1) Is your D/L media DVD+R or DVD-R? I ask because the firmware update you quote refers to DVD-R media?

2) Based on postings at these and other forums, there seems to be a consensus that, presently, the only "safe bet" regarding D/L burnable media is Verbatim D/L DVD+R

[RhoXS]

That was obvious! It does indeed say -R, I guess I read what I wanted to read.

[setarip_old]

So, as I asked before - Are you burning D/L DVD-Rs or D/L DVD+Rs?

[LIGHTNING UK!]

Get rid of the Ritek DL discs and buy some Verbatim ones.

Also keep an eye out for the 1.09 firmware. It's already available if you know where to look ;)

[neuron2]

Also keep an eye out for the 1.09 firmware. It's already available if you know where to look Can you please tell me where to look? I see only 1.08 at Plextor's site. Thank you.

[RhoXS]

I am burning D/L DVD+Rs.

Last Thursday I ordered a 25 pack of Memorex (Ritek) from Newegg because of the price ($2.44 a disk inc shipping). At that time I had not yet read all the threads discussing how much better the Verbatim disks appear to be.

I am curious. Why would firmware be available but not from Plextor? Does this imply it might be a restricted Beta version that best not be installed?

[krisq]

it's available from Plextor but only for users of PlexTools Pro XL... but as always you can get it here (http://update.plextools.com/firmware/716A109.bin)

[LIGHTNING UK!]

It's always a good idea to do a bit of research before spending $100 on 25 discs!

[RhoXS]

It was only $61.00 including shipping.

Is there any knowledge of what advantages/features the 1.09 firmware has over the 1.08 version? I am a firm believer in the "if it aint broke - don't fix it" approach but I am certainly willing to upgrade for reason.

[cornholio7]

new media appears on the market regularly, and the drive manufacturers release firmwares that have write strategies for the new media. problems burning media are often solved by a firmware update.
i have never broken a drive updating my burners yet.

[HKT3020_1]

Can you please tell me where to look? I see only 1.08 at Plextor's site. Thank you.

This should help you out...

http://www.plextor.com/english/support/downloads/firm_716.htm