Pioneer DVR-710 (111d) read/write problem..

[Jim200]

Hmm.. I have the latest firmware, and even after changing the IDE read mode from PIO only to DMA...

It still fails reading tests with Nero DriveSpeed and does not burn Verbatim discs (some of the best).
There could be two solutions to this problem:

1: The IDE ribbon... how can I tell if it's 40 ribbon or 80? I count them? If I use 80 will my problem fix?

2:What is the link to the third party firmware that will help with this problem? Is the new official firmware the same/better than this third party firmware?



I stumbled upon this solution in these forums... should I do it?

To crossflash your 111D drive to the 111L you need to only flash with TDB 111L 8.19 INT* firmware. Then reboot your pc then flash with TDB 111L 8.29. There's no need to downgrade to 111L 1.06. It's best to flash your drive in safemode.

If this'll fix the problem, please give me links to these firmwares!! Thank you

[budz]

if you crossflash your drive you'll void the pioneer warranty. i've crossflash both of my 111D drives to the 111L with no problems.

you'll have to use a 80 wire ide cable with the drive or it will not work correctly which i suspect is happening with your drive. go to any pc store to buy a 80 wire ide cable. your drive has to be in udma 4 mode and not in PIO mode or udma 2.

[InXess]

Fix your problem first and then play with FW, not the other way around. IDE cables run from 5-15 bucks. Just get them and don't waste any more time over it. Have you tried calling Pioneer tech support or checking their forum/knowledgebase? That's what they are for...

[rickkw]

I have the same problem. I spent a good part of last night upgrading my firmware from 1.23 to 1.29. I can tell you that it does not fix the problem. But this is what I learned:

1. The Pioneer US support website only has firmware 1.23. The UK site has firmware 1.29.
2. Installing the 111D firmware will fail unless you restart Windows in Safe mode. Once it fails, your drive will (look) dead. The firmware upgrade tool will show firmware version 000. Don't freak out. Turn off your computer, and unplug the power. Restart, and your DVD will come back and show firmware 1.23.
3. Restarting Windows in Safe mode allows me to upgrade the firmware to 1.29.
4. Upgrading the firmware does NOT resolve the issue. Don't go crazy with flashing because it not only voids your warranty, it can kill your drive.

Some additional thoughts:

I am using an old round IDE cable instead of the flag IDE cable that comes with my motherboard. I am going to switch back the IDE cable to see if that makes any difference tonight.

[KBeee]

"Old, round" IDE cables are usually 80 core tweakers cables, made to maximize airflow through your case (and look cool). They SHOULD be a step up from flat ribbon cables, but can be a marketing ploy to part you from more cash for badly made cables instead. If you're only using CD/DVD drives, or old 33, 66 or 100 DMA speed hard disks on IDE, and not DMA133 PATA hard disks, then 40 core cable should be used. It is more robust than 80 core, and about 4X faster than CD/DVD needs. If you've got old 133DMA PATA hard disks also connected, then 80 core cable should be used.

[rickkw]

Just got home. I replaced the IDE cable with the 80 wire flat IDE cable supplied by the motherboard. Problem's gone. It's all good.

[InXess]

If you're only using CD/DVD drives, or old 33, 66 or 100 DMA speed hard disks on IDE, and not DMA133 PATA hard disks, then 40 core cable should be used. It is more robust than 80 core, and about 4X faster than CD/DVD needs. If you've got old 133DMA PATA hard disks also connected, then 80 core cable should be used.

80-wire (it's a shielded-grounded 40 wire btw.) applies to anything above ATA 33. They were supplied with ATA 66 drives first (retail package). Now, why would Maxtor (and others) supply with the drive a cable that you don't need? ATA 66 and above drive will operate at ATA 33 speed only with a 40 wire cable. There are other limitations as well. Get your facts straight as you are providing a disservice to other members with an incorrect information.

To educate yourself just google for "ide 80 wire cable".
http://www.neoseeker.com/Hardware/faqs/kb/15,28.html
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/hdd/if/ide/conf_Cable80.htm