Sony DW-U18A is LiteOn 812S

[simonhunter]

I've heard that my Sony drive is actually a LiteOn in disguise

Can anyone confirm?

If so, is it likely that updating the firmware would fix my writing problems?

(Movie DVD to DVD-RW is fine but not DVD-R).

 

[scarecrow]

Confirmed- Sony will stamp LiteOnIt drives for the foreseeable future.
As for your DVD-R issue, it seems being a media/firmware issue... try another media brand... or probably the software you use doesn't support the drive properly.

 

[LTR12101B]

http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=25381&highlight=dw-u18a
Mixed results, so reflashing is not to be recommended, though it may be a last resort - be aware, also, that reflashing will void a bundled NERO, as it will no longer match the drive or drive make.

What brand of DVD-R ?
Princo and Bulkpaq are best avoided - they are only ok in a few drives
Ritek seems to be ok in the most drives

 

[katz49]

Datawrite 8x Gold Dvd+r (prodisc Dye)
Try Ebuy.
Had good results, with the above, in my Liteon 812

 

[simonhunter]

Using ritek after following advice on this forum and haven't had a single coaster in my Pioneer.

Have tried three brands albeit all ritek but will try some other s/w.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[simonhunter]

I'd not seen the post from katz49 when I wrote my last one.

Will give the disks a go.

 

[RASTABT]

I'd not seen the post from katz49 when I wrote my last one.

Will give the disks a go.

The code for Prodisc 8x should be PRODISC R03 if the have a code of PRODISC R02 it's their 4x media +R which will burn at 8x on some drives. so just make sure its RO3..To find out the media code use DVD Decrypter/dvd info pro..

By the way I find these disc along with the 4x and 8x ritek very good on Pio/LiteoN drives
PS_THE -r disc to are very good.