DWU-10A Firmware Upgrade

[Lukin]

I've been reading in a few of the other threads about upgrading the Sony DW-U10A to a DRU500A as this allows it to burn at 4x. The common concensus seems to be not to bother, particularly as it seems to do this for some people without the upgrade. The trouble is, mine doesn't, and I'm restricted to 2x (using Sony's own DVD-R media which, according to their site, should be writable at 4x).

There's no point asking Sony as they don't provide support for it (and I don't like the fact that their feedback form seems to be used for market research ).

So, should I go for it or not? 2x is ok (about 20 mins for a full DVD) but if I can get 4x without trashing my drive...

[The-poacher]

Welcome m8 for your info I did mine & it was ok
But the sony is picky with media

but remember U flash your burner at your own risk.

[Lukin]

Thanks Poacher, I think I'm going to have to give it a go and keep my fingers crossed!

Did you take any other precautions other than those listed on Sony's site (disabling DMA, etc.)?

Also, I noticed in your earlier posts on the same topic that you recommended against doing this so, just out of interest, what made you change your mind? Did you have similar problems with media?

Cheers!

[The-poacher]

Advised not to then later advised to do it!

Media is a problem Riteks I find work best with it.

[Lukin]

Planning on having a go at this tonight. Will post again to let you know the result.

Just noticed EBuyer are doing 25 Ritek DVD-Rs for £32, might have to avail myself of a tub!

Thanks again!

[Lukin]

Didn't get chance to do it after all, re-scheduled for the weekend. I don't suppose there's any way to back up my exisiting firmware in case of problems?

[LTR12101B]

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Ritek white printable 4x DVD-R - 90p each - not sure if any of the other 4x are Ritek ... ask them in the fourum, they have their own section here.

[Lukin]

Well, it's done. I tried using Sonys own 1.0g upgrade but that didn't detect the drive so I downloaded one from a Japanese site (I presume this was a hacked firmware upgrade?) which successfully changed it from a DW-U10A to DRU-500A with 1.0d firmware. The Sony upgrade then worked fine.

Nero InfoTool still says only 2.4x with my Sony DVD+R media though so not sure what difference it has made. I'm going to try a burn now to see what happens then I'll probably go for some Riteks (thanks LTR12101B ) for a test.

Thanks for all your help!

[Lukin]

Job's a good un, now burning at 4x.