Cendyne or Pioneer?

[astroruben]

Does the firmware support for Pioneer and Cendyne is the same in terms of media support and quality? Pioneer A05 has 1.21 already, not sure about Cendyne. What are the advantages, if any, of buying A05 over Cendyne? (I dont need boxed accessories, and price in this case is not important but I still don't mind saving some money if it doesn't make any difference). Thank you in advance.

[Duc851]

Anyone can correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that the Cendyne is simply the OEM version of a Pioneer drive. I bought a Cendyne DVR-105 and my computer identifies it as a Pioneer DVR-105 both at boot and in the O/S. Works great and costs less.

[gcutler]

Identical same hardware (OEM) as said before. Only difference is Box and what comes with it. And level of support.

Cendyne = Cheaper, Minimal Software bundled, support pretty lame
Pioneer = More expensive, better SW bundled, support much better than Cendyne.

You can get firmware directly from Pioneer if have Cendyne.

[cdcox]

Duc851 is correct. Cendyne is a supplier per say one may be a pioneer the next a mitsumi. I bought a cyndye and got a pioneer DVR 104. works great. Support would not be an issue for me because I have never recieved what I call good support from any company. Bundled software, well what comes with it may work for you it may not. Mine came with sonic MYDVD, I tought it sucked. Bought Dazzle DVD complete.

[astroruben]

Thanks for such fast replies!

So for 05 Drive, I can flash Cendyne with Pioneer firmware 1.21 and all progs will recognize it as Pioneer A/1-05? What I mean by support is latest firmware updates which fix any occuring problems/media support not like technical support via e-mail, phone, etc. Can anybody confirm please?

[gcutler]

Comfirmation, I have flashed a Cendyne 104 the past 3 firmware upgrades from Pioneer up to 1.40 and one 105 I have flashed from the firmware from Pioneer to v1.21 (one 105 came with the 1.21 applied) All SW looks at the drive and sees a Pioneer 105.

[astroruben]

Thanks gcutler!

Do you know any 1x media that can be burned at 2x on this drive with firmware 1.21? Any reccomendations on where to buy them?