4x burning on sony DRU-500A (DW-U10A)

[midland45]

Have come across some interesting info on another forum about using Liteon f/w for the sony DRU-500A (DW-U10A). With a lot of ppl claiming to have their 4X writing fixed ...maybe worth looking into ...heres the link ....
http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=17675

[Gil T Pleasure]

And if you're interested in the Sony DW-U10A drive to upgrade to the Liteon f/w, Livewarehouse.com (http://store.yahoo.com/livewarehouse/dvso25950.html) is selling it for $155.

[mrbass]

I read that entire long thread. My friend has a dw-u10a which he had to flash with hacked firmware so he could upgrade to sony dru500a 2.0g firmware. The whole thing about this in a nutshell. Trying to get Sony Dru500a, etc. to burn 4X DVD-R. My simple, simple solution to this entire mess was simple? Only buy 4X DVD+R. Never ever had a problem with TDK 4X DVD+R from bestbuy.

[Scorp121z]

I tried everything including the liteon firmware to get my dru 500 to burn at 4 x. it still didn't work until i followed this suggestion from sony, http://sony.storagesupport.com/cgi-bin/sonysupport.cgi/5Q3qEl6QUyS3HoBEjBYkqP5IfLIfGtSM/faq/view/672 ,
and changed my 40 way ide cable that was supplied with the drive to a 80-pin IDE cable.Now 4x writing works with liteon firmware and i will go back to sony 2.0f firware to see if it works with that too using the 80 pin cable(Using Neo premium 4x ritek go4 disks) will also try princo's later

[DMagic1]

So how did you make out Scorp121z?
I just got my first 4x spindle and I have a few problems. Recordnow and Nero see it as 4x media and start burning at what would appear to be 4x. The both then slow down and take about 30 mins. I tried that LiteOn firmware with the same results. I am going to try to get a 80 pin cable to see if it helps.

[jon434]

yes i had the sony dw 10a i flashed it to sony dru500........now it a lite lwd 400d go ahead and do it you wont regret it........wites - + four times;)

[rishardc]

I changed out the 40 pin to 80 pin and now life is beautiful. I have the standard Sony firmare.

[DMagic1]

My cables should come in the mail soon. I have found that I can burn TDK +R disk at 4x fine. The -R disk I'm trying to burn are Optodisk. Could this be a disk brand problem or could I still need those cables for -R 4x burning?

[DMagic1]

Cables didnt help. :(

[Doom9]

I got the DRU500a as soon as it showed up in local stores, but I've only tried to burn 4x DVD-Rs last week (Ritek G04s, 2.0g firmware), but those worked like a charm. Initially I had two bad burns on 2x Verbatim DVD-Rs, and while the part number were not listed on the incompatibility list, I figured they just forgot about other batches that were incompatible with the Sony. I then switched to Verbatim DVD+Rs which were no problem. Afaik the Sony is rather picky as to what type of media it accepts for 4x burning.
fyi I used DVD Decrypter to burn those 4x Riteks.

[DMagic1]

UPDATE*

I finally got these disk to write at 4x that never would before by reinstalling XP. Strange that the TDK+r would write at 4x fine before the reinstall but the Optodisk-r wouldnt until the reinstall.

[DMagic1]

Fuc*!!!
Second update.

Only that one Optodisk burned at 4x. I've gone thur two Ritek G04s and neither burned above 2x.

Funny thing is that these Sonix disk burn at 4x three out of three disk I've tried.

[Kika]

I have a DW10U, patchet to DRU500a 2.0g. It burns mostly 4x DVDs in 4x, except Princos...

Did you ever try a different Burn-Program? I'm using the Burning-Engine of Ulead DVD PowerTools, works perfect.

[DMagic1]

Tried Stomp, Nero, Discjuggler, and Alcohol. No go for any. I'm about ready to throw this Sony out the window.

[slick1126]

hey guys i need big time help ive tried everything also and no go im also fed up with this thing any suggestions will be appreciated thanks.

[dalilama]

Originally posted by DMagic1
Tried Stomp, Nero, Discjuggler, and Alcohol. No go for any. I'm about ready to throw this Sony out the window.

DMagic - I was crowing about the Ritek G04's a month or so ago. All 4x burns and no coasters. When I reordered and got a new batch, somewhere along the way after that I stopped burning at 4x. Tried flashing the latest firmware, going to an 80 pin cable, the whole 9 yards. Today I went out and got some Memorex 4x DVD-R's, and lo and behold I'm back to 4x. So, I think the G04's are either a bad batch or just faked. So try the Memorex...it may help. THe 50 pack I got was on sale for $59.95. Part #3202 5572.

[DMagic1]

Let me guess, from Best Buy? I see they have a sale going there on them. I have never liked Memorex media. I may give them a try.

[dalilama]

Yep - Best Buy.