Simple questions about firmware and reliability

[Tidy]

I have a DVR-108 OEM coming and it should be delivered on Tuesday. My question is which patched firmware should I use? I went to rpc1.org and they have two different model numbers with firmware listed under them and I am not quite sure which one the oem version is. I appreciate any help.

Also, does anyone have any comments about the 108. I have read almost 100% good reviews but there seem to be a few nay sayers about it. I have a 106 right now (well memorex dual x reflashed to a 106 with Nil's most recent firmware) and have had nothing but stellar results from it and I assumed I could trust future Pioneer products as well.

[louthewiz]

Why do you want to flash it? Why don't you just try it first without flashing the unit if it's not needed ,I mean if something goes wrong with the unit your warranty is void.

[johns0]

Its best to update your firmware because it includes newer dvdr's that are being produced and your warranty wont be void as long as you use the pioneer firmware.You take a risk using hacked firmware.

[Tidy]

I appreciate all of your concern but I backup a lot of DVD's and a 2.3 locked rip speed is just out of the question. I have used my 106 for I guess about a year with NIL's firmware and have had absolutely no problem whatsoever. I just want to know which firmware from rpc1.org I am supposed to use? There is an XL and a BK and I do not know which one is the oem. And as far as the warranty is concerned this is an OEM unit which means I am going to have to send it back to the manufacturer for warranty service if they will even provide it and wait two weeks if not longer. I have never been patient so if it goes out it will go in the trash and I will buy another one. At 75 bucks shipped it won't break the bank.

[iooi]

I appreciate all of your concern but I backup a lot of DVD's and a 2.3 locked rip speed is just out of the question. .

The (oem) 108 dos'nt have a 2.3 locked rip speed on any official firmware from 1.10 up. Maybe even 1.06 will rip faster.
What you will find is there is no way of knowing what speed it will rip a disk at. I have had new out of the packet and unplayed disk rip at 12X and 2X..... Makes no sense at all...
Running 1.14 now.

[Tidy]

Can anyone verify the above post? It WAS my understanding that all DVD recorders in the U.S. were supposed to be rip locked at 2.3 to discourage backups. If I don't have to flash to get the faster rip speed that would be great.

Nobody has answered the original question though. If I use an RPC firmware which model do I use it for?

[Richard_G]

Why not simply wait until it arrives and see what model number is on the label?

And if ripping speed is so important to you why don't you buy a DVD-ROM drive to rip with and save the burner for burning?

[iooi]

It WAS my understanding that all DVD recorders in the U.S. were supposed to be rip locked at 2.3 to discourage backups.Nobody has answered the original question though. If I use an RPC firmware which model do I use it for?

Ah well you didnt say that... I'm in the UK and we dont have that problem. So if you were to use the UK pioneer site.
Link Here As its a OEM drive it should be this file you need
R108_FW114EU.EXE (16/9/2004) Firmware Upgrade Ver. 1.14


Btw if it dont work DON'T blame me.....

[Tidy]

Thanks for all of your help guys, it turns out the OEM is the BK model. I am impatient and did not want to wait for it to arrive. I assumed the drive would not distinguish on its label but it did. OH and with the NIL firmware I can burn ritek 4x +r's at 12x no problem.

[iooi]

OH and with the NIL firmware I can burn ritek 4x +r's at 12x no problem.

What time for a full disk does 12x relate to. I have done a couple and its only a few secs faster than 8x due to the stops before speed changes.
Would be interested in your times.

[Tidy]

My burn time at 12x is 7:10 on Ritek 4x +R. I have tried one disc at 16 for the heck of it and I am now the proud owner of a brand new coaster. It went all the way through the disc and failed while closing. It was a memorex 8x (I know memorex sucks, but it was free)


Tidy can be heard mumbling something about being covered in mosquito bites from camping this past weekend.