No 4x option for Sony DW-U10A

[Raada1]

I read where many users have problems with 4x recording, but it appears their software GIVES them the optioin. My U10A f/w 1.1d mfg 16 May 03 when used with Nero 5.5.1035 or NTI DVD Maker won't even give a 4x option. Everything I've read indicates the drive with this f/w should do 4x ± R and Googlegear sold the drive to do 4x +RW as well. My window for returning the drive is very short and I need to know if the drive CAN do 4x. Does anyone have a definitive test for this?
I am using a P4 2.6G, Win XP Pro. Drive is DMA on and I'm using Memorix +R and Fuji -R for 4x media. Unit works fine at 2/2.4 x.
If cross burning f/w to 500A (eventually to) 2f the real answer?

[dun4cheap]

If 4x media is detected than the 4x option will be available. Try and purchase certified 4x media.

[Bob W]

I have bought two od the Sony's. One quit burning at 4x after I updated the firmware and died soon after. The second drive seems to be holding up however if I had to buy a new burner today I would get the Pioneer AO6 or the OEM version 106.

[mrbass]

get the TDK 4X DVD+R 100 pack for $129 after $60 MIR at best buy tomorrow (June 29th) and you'll be in 14min burning heaven.

[Raada1]

Thanks, all.
I'll try something different (TDK). If a reputable company labels their disks 4x, it's hard to know that they ain't. I could buy unbranded stuff from Ebay if I wanted a grabbag. CompUSA got a small fortune for these Memorex and Fuji 4x disks (all they had in 4x).

[-jsl-]

Has Sony released a 4x DVD+R firmware update to the OEM DW-U10A drive? If not (which I think is the case), you need to flash it with the DRU-500A(X) firmware to be able to write in 4x speed on 4x certified DVD+R media.
4x DVD-R media should work though...

[dcam33]

It just amazing how I keep hearing bad things about this particular sony. I have the exact drive sold under the Ikebana label, flashed into the dru-500A with firmware 2.0f. Not a problem in 4 1/2 months use. I have burned successfully:

2x Ritek
1x & 2x Accu
2x Optodisc
4x TDK +R
4x Maxell +R

I must be one of the lucky owners who have not had any bad luck with this drive.

[handyguy]

dvd stores like meritline.com lists what media specificially does what speed on what drive so just read whatever list they have. There is a whole bunch of variation on what speed you get. I use 1x Accus which read as 2x.

[ridergroov]

hey guys,

i got the dw-u10a drive a few weeks ago...i had some problems with it until i flashed it to the dru-500a 1.1 firmware, then to the 2.0 firmware...i have no complaints whatsoever anymore...i havne't had one coaster since the last flash....it's a great great burner i think....i've been using DVD-ON 2x dvd-r's and they are fantastic....they are pretty thick and seem like they will hold up, and you can't see through them which makes me feel a little better...and the price is great....at www.supermediastore.com i got 50 for 46 bucks...yeah they are 2x...but at that price and with the results i've been getting..it's a steal...good luck!

[Raada1]

Yep, reflashing, that what it took. Even though the 1.0d (u10a) SHOULD do 4x.

I used "[DW-U10A]ü¿[DRU-500A].exe" to rename the drive to the 500a and then flashed to 2.0f (this model wouldn't just flash directly to 2.0f). Now it reads the media correctly.

Thanks for the heads up on the TDK special. The ad didn't mention "4x", but they were.

There is a 1.0e for the u10a, but you have to be at a rev. older than 1.0d to use it.


thanks to all for your help.

[Integra-t]

I finally upgraded the firmware for my UW-10A, with some help from Raada1. The drive originally came with firmware 1.1d on it. I really didn't want to go the DRU-500A route, so instead I decided to downgrade my drive to 1.1c. Then upgraded it to firmware 1.1e. Now I have the ability to burn at 4x speeds with the 4x media.

Thanks again Raada1!