TDK DVD Burner Problem, please help

[dvd_jr]

i've been doing video encoding alot, and putting videos on DVD-r. and also i backup my own DVD, and put all teh files together using UltraISO, then i use alcohol 120% to burn an Image file. i have TDK indi DVD 8+/8- Multiformat 880N, its dual DVD/CR+-R/W burner. its been working like a charm. but 2 days ago i upgrade the firmware to the latest version, which is v1.34, then i burned my DVD liek i normally do, and played on DVD player, it showed error, i thought it was error from the video, so i burned the other video that ive burned before, they showed the same error message on my DVD player. my guess is that theres a bug in v1.34, and i dont remember what versions i previously had before i upgrade . i went to ftp://www.tdk.com/software/ and downloaded the v1.33a, and my DVD player showed the same error. im so frustrating, idont know whats going on, now whatever video/image i burn on dvd-r is not working. the weirdest thing is that the disk worked on my computer, but not on regular DVD player. any ideas?

[xxgriff]

what was the error message? what was different/changed? software(OS/Drivers...) the media used.

what problem were you having with your drive that the required flashing? and what process did you use for flashing?

too many variables, and unknowns to give you any advice. it would just be guessing at this point, and that could worsen the situation.

[StarofRadiance]

I have had nothing but headaches from TDK burners - anything from burning at 2X max on 8X certified Media to it having the dubious honor of being the only burner I have ever seen on which a Ritek failed (I have burned literally over 1000).

[dvd_jr]

what was the error message? what was different/changed? software(OS/Drivers...) the media used.

what problem were you having with your drive that the required flashing? and what process did you use for flashing?

too many variables, and unknowns to give you any advice. it would just be guessing at this point, and that could worsen the situation.

error: please check TV setting or something like that. my DVD player is made by sony, and my DVD-Rs are capable with my Sony DVD player.

its a little flash program that i download off tdk.com/software. i just hit the flash button there and it does everything itself.

seems like the firmare messed everything up, its been working perfect before i upgraded the firmware. now i cant burn any DVDs

[xxgriff]

you can (assuming your using Widows9x/2k/xp) update in safe mode. trying the original firmware.

depending on your purchase date, you could attempt to RMA with TDK:

http://www.tdk.com/support/dvdburners/indidvd8x8xsup.html#

I have read the TDK 880N is a (rebadged) NEC 2500A, so you may want to look for a common problem with the NEC/TDK, to see if there is a fix known to either users.

firmware updates should only be applied if you are experiencing a problem, that the update addresses. i have seem many drives, video cards, and motherboards become useless because of flashing to the "newest" file available when they worked without issue before. i know this does not help you now, and I hope you find a fix, or get a replacement if a repair is not available.

[dvd_jr]

is it gonna work if i reinstall a fresh OS on my computer? is it gonna solve the problems? cuz my 1 year warranty is over

[xxgriff]

if the drive or firmaware is bad, then neither a clean or re-install is going to help.

do you have access to another system that is working without issue? if so, try your drive there, and see if you can reproduce the probelm.

I keep a couple small hard drives around for situations like this. i can hook a spare empty drive, and do a clean install to try and eliminate the potential that my OS or software is at fault.

i am guessing you have a OEM drive and not a retail box? if you bought a retail box, you should have more than one year. i have not
RMA'd with TDK before, you should also call them(TDK) to see if they will repair the drive, and you may have to possibly pay a fee, and shipping. you can consider this cost vs buying a new drive.

[dvd_jr]

i can test on the other system, but the other system is not using windows, and all my burning programs are windows application, so its not gonna work.

yes its in a retail box, i got it from retail store, im not sure how long the warranty was, i thought i saw 1 year...but i couldnt find the warranty nor the reciept :-\

[xxgriff]

most (but not all) stores provide RMA/replacement through the store for one year from purchase date, but the manufacturer may offer a longer warranty. you will need the serial number, and may or maynot need the receipt. try and RAM through TDK here:

http://www.tdk.com/support/dvdburners/indidvd8x8xsup.html#

can't hurt to try

best of luck to you

oh yeah... I would just state that " it just stopped working..." blah, blah blah. they may test the drive, and opt to replace or repair. it is their choice, but a repaired drive is better than one that does not work.

[dvd_jr]

i just talked to the tech., they said they will send me the prevous firmware i had before and stay with that version if it works, if still dont work, call their numbers and ask about RMA and suchs

anyways, thanks for helps

[xxgriff]

please post your results so others (my self included) will have the benefit of your experience. i am curious as to if the previous firmware fixes the problem, and the possibility of a bug in the frimware update.

if i helped, i am happy.

[dvd_jr]

sure, will do, but im out of blank DVD-R at thsi moment, i will test it whenever i go buy them again, and will post the result here

edit: whoa, something poped out of my head tonight, ive been thinking would it be a problem with my DVD-R? cuz those DVDs i burned worked on the computer, but not on DVD player. i have Memorex, its the brand ive been using. would it be this brand sucks? my parents do some of DVD backups as well, they have Sony Dual DVD burner, and they use DVD-R made by Sony, and other friends i know who burns DVD uses the brand that matches their DVD burner. do you think this is the major problem? should i get TDK DVD-R? how about the Ritek Ridata? i heard this is a good brand too, and is compatible with TDK 880N burners as well? or FujiFilm DVD-R? or you know some better ones? any ideas?

[dvd_jr]

???

[dvd_jr]

i found out that the previous firmware i had and worked, was v1.31, does any one know where i can get this firmware? i talked to tech support, but they only have 1.30Z and 1.33