Decided on BenQ 1620, but...

[BrettOlbrys]

I think I saw something about a 1620A , are there multiple variations of the 1620? If so, which is the one to buy? Also, where should I buy from and should I look out for anything (I live in Connecticut).

Also, which media works well with the 1620 and where do you recommend I buy as well?

Thanks

Brett

[lantern]

I think that there may be some other threads on this topic. You can find lots of info on the Benq forum at CDFreaks.

[Ma_Jie]

Hello.

For the BenQ, both DVD-R and DVD+R burn fine. I use MXLRG03 8x, Made in Japan (-R), never a coaster. (TY is also good.) In buying them, get from RIMA.com if you're in the USA; they seem to be the consensus favourite. I've also attached the supported media list from the BenQ website.

TO BUY the BenQ: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=27-101-635&DEPA=0

Newegg has it for $56 after rebate...free shipping.

Happy burning mate!

- MJ

benqqualifiedmedialistfordw1620alatestfirmware.zip

[budz]

If you're in the USA there are sales on the I/O MAGIC 16x burner which could either be a rebadged 1620 or a BTC drive which isn't the greatest drive. It's on sale at COMPUSA & CIRCUIT CITY. Check this thread and you'll see how you can tell if the I/O MAGIC is a BENQ or a BTC.
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1222146#1222146
I posted a pic of what the specs on the box will say if it's a BENQ 1620. As long as it says 2.4x DL DVD+R then it is indeed a BENQ 1620 drive.

There is no difference between 1620A or 1620 pro. The hardware is the same but the firmwares are different. All you need to do is update the drive with the official firmware B7P9 or B7T9 which will make the drive 4x DL DVD+R. You update the firmware by flashing it and it can be done in windowsl Some even flash the drive in safe mode. PM if you need help in flashing the drive to the B7P9 or B7T9. I'll be happy to help you out.

[BrettOlbrys]

At NewEgg, I can get the OEM 1620 Pro for $55 or I can get the 1620 (not Pro) Retail package for $67. I assume the Retail package would be the better choice b/c I can upgare the firmware to give it the same abilities of the 1620 Pro, correct and I would get all the other "nice haves" as well.

Would you agree?

[Ma_Jie]

Hi.

It doesn't really matter what version you buy. I have the OEM version, and I'm using the G7P9 firmware, which is the same as B7P9.

Cheers,

MJ

[fritzi93]

At NewEgg, I can get the OEM 1620 Pro for $55 or I can get the 1620 (not Pro) Retail package for $67. I assume the Retail package would be the better choice b/c I can upgare the firmware to give it the same abilities of the 1620 Pro, correct and I would get all the other "nice haves" as well.

Would you agree?

If you don't have RecordNow 7.2 and would like to have it, then yes. Forget the Intervideo stuff.

[budz]

At NewEgg, I can get the OEM 1620 Pro for $55 or I can get the 1620 (not Pro) Retail package for $67. I assume the Retail package would be the better choice b/c I can upgare the firmware to give it the same abilities of the 1620 Pro, correct and I would get all the other "nice haves" as well.

Would you agree?

It doesn't matter which one you get because both drives can be flashed to enable 4X DL DVD+R. Both drives have the same hardware. In my opinion I would get the OEM drive and just flash it to the B7P9 firmware so it will have 4x DL DVD+R capability. The Pro supposedly comes with the 4xDL DVD+R firmware. Save yourself some money and get the OEM drive. If you wanna spend more money then get the RETAIL drive.