BenQ launches DW820A dual layer DVD writer in Q1-Q2 2004

[Vanderlow]

"BenQ seems to already cover the laser power demands for dual layer DVD writing with the current DW800A burner. This means that the mechanical parts of the DW820A dual layer burner will be the same as DW800A. Thus, firmware upgrade of the DW800A will be one of the possibilities to control the laser power for dual layer discs." more...

http://cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.asp?RelatedID=4503

Also someone said they heard from a reliable source in BenQEurope that a firmware upgrade for the DW800A will be possible. Take it will a grain of salt of course.

DW800A is as low as $133...not bad. DVDInfoPro is also adding bitsetting capabilities to this burner.

[DereX888]

different layer require different laser phase, right? therefore it is a hardware matter to change laser's phase (or color or whatever it is called), obviously it is not done by any piece of a software.
so - how is it possible that simple firmware upgrade will do that on their drives? some magical extra code lines in firmware will suddenly switch drive's laser phases? why then they dont add the code to force 8x burn of existing recordable DVD5s first

I love this idea lol lol lol

all this 'news' is probably just a BenQ's marketing trick

[thegig]

Depending on how they regulate the phasing and power output, they could use FPGA or some sort of PAL chips that can be "reburned" with new logic. I can see it ... if they planned ahead. As far as the 8x burning, that is more hardware related in getting the motor quiet enough and calibrated correctly when accelerated.

Sure would be nice if it is true. . Imagine the other manufacturers at their meetings... Your fired, your fired, Oh, and you in the back..your fired