Nec ND-3540A questions..

[tjpark1111]

I would like to know what the differences are between +R and -R, why they even made it to make me more confusing, and what specific type of media that the 3540A likes. Is it true that the +R media is more oriented to data and -R is oriented to video? I have heard that external cases don't really work well for dvd burners, is that true for this drive? I didn't receive my burner, enclosure, and media yet from newegg, but if there's going to be problems, I'm going to return it. I ordered the SYBA SD-U2PLA-52 enclosure with a 25 pack 8x memorex dvd-r. Also, if I'm using an external enclosure, does that mean I can't flash firmwares on it? thx.

[Poppa_Meth]

+R and -R are two formats made by competing groups. +R is a little more flexible as it's a newer format and designed based off CD-RW technology but so far both have stayed pretty evenly matched. The NEC drives do tend to like +R better though from what I've seen.

[chas0039]

Some cases are OK for burners and some aren't. I have never seen the chipset in the Syba so it is hard to tell how it will perform. If you get CDSpeed, you will be able to run the burst test and that will tell you if you are limited to 8X burns or not. You will need a transfer rate of 22 MB/sec to get 16X. I know the Plumax cases with the prolific 3507 chip at dealsonic.com will work.

If your is limited to 8X it is not the end of the world as most media seems to work best there and the savings in speed is not even 2 minutes.

You should be able to flash firmware using the USB port but nothing is certain so you will have to see when you get it.

FYI, you will have better burn results with Taiyo Yuden and Verbatim media. Rima.com has both and they are one of the most reliable media sellers as is Newegg.