Single Layer Driver to Dual Layer

[Cunhambebe]

I bought an LG driver last year and at that time all of them around here were single layer. Now we have dual layer burners for as much as U$100.00, but I'd like to keep my old driver. I was just wondering if there's a way to update its firmware to make it burn dual layer discs. Thanks in advance.

[waheed]

I think burning dual layer disks is pretty much limited to the hardware, and a simple firmware upgrade wont do it.

[Cunhambebe]

So I'll wait a little bit more before buying a new driver. DL media is still expensive. Does any of you have more ideas?
Thanks

[budz]

http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=91
check out the above link that is the LG FORUM at cdfreaks.com.

prices of dual layer media is still quite expensive but if you're looking to buy a new dual layer dvd burner the prices are very low. for instance a OEM BENQ 1620 drive is now at $39.99. just my 2cents!!!

[guns1inger]

Some SL burners are hardware identical to their DL cousins. The NEC2510 is hardware identical to the SL NEC2500A. The 2500A can be upgraded to DL using modified 2510 firmware. NEC's official position on this, aside from voiding warranty, is that the 2500s weren't egineered to that same tolerence as the 2510s, so they may not write DL reliably. That said, many have had great success.

[ZippyP.]

I was just wondering if there's a way to update its firmware to make it burn dual layer discs.

What's the model number?

Follow the link to CDfreaks for definitive answers.

[Cunhambebe]

Thanks to all who took time to respond. Number and model is:
LG GSA 4081-B
Thanks a lot!

[waheed]

Related info:

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=100430

[Cunhambebe]

Thanks.....But I guess this is not for upgrading to DL.

[thevoelk]

I don't want to kill your hopes, but you're most likely out of luck. The (amazingly) talented modders at rpc1 and cdfreaks will tell you that generally, a writer has to be at least 8x in order for the laser to be strong enough to focus on writing the second layer. Like budz said, a Benq 1620 is $40 and I saw a Pioneer 109 advertised as $48 recently. Since I use it heavily, I'd recomend keeping the LG and buying another drive capable of DL.

[Cunhambebe]

Thanks for the input!

[waheed]

Cumhambebe, I would stick to your existing LG drive if I were you. Many of us with DL burners dont even burn to DL disks cos there still too expensive. Im still waiting for prices to drop.

With Blue Ray/HD DVD around the corner,IMO many manufacturers aren't looking towards mass production of DL disks to warrant lower prices.

[INFRATOM]

You don't have to get rid of your drive, just add a new drive to your computer if you have the need for it, as you said double layer is expensive . If you want to write at faster speeds you may have to buy a new drive.

[dynamix1]

I have my personal favorite drive the nec nd3520a, I bought it from newegg.com for $53 with shipping I upgraded the firmware right away and burned at least 100 dvds no problem. Works great with different media. I opted for the new drive becuase the dl media prices are coming down. I was at the local walmart and found a 5 pack of verbatim dl for $18.86 last month they wer $29.88. Prices are getting better. xpcgear.com was showing the drive for $47.99.

Hey good luck.

[Cunhambebe]

Thanks to all who took time to respond.

waheed..
No, firefox doesn't frighten me. IE does - LOL. Thanks for the excellent idea. Nothing more than the truth! "With Blue Ray/HD DVD around the corner,IMO many manufacturers aren't looking towards mass production of DL disks to warrant lower prices.".....

INFRATOM and dynamix1...
Thanks and good look to both of you!