Is this ok for a cheap, decent dual layer burner?

[Michael_antoi]

NEC 8X Beige Dual Layer DVD+/-RW Drive, Model ND-2510A, OEM BULK


- Specifications -

Write Speed: 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 2.4X DVD+R DL, 32X CD-R, 16X CD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 12X DVD-ROM
Interface: ATAPI / E-IDE
Buffer: 2MB
OS Support: Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
Features: Support for writing DVD+R DL; Vertical operation possible, anti-dust seal.
Packaging: OEM Bulk Pack (No Software Included)

Model#: ND-2510A BGE
Item#: N82E16827152021

Rating: Vote(s): 19 Review(s): 14
Free FedEx Saver Shipping


Does anyone know if this is good or bad?

Can anyone tell me what I should be looking for if wanting to buy a dual layer burner?

Is it worth it to buy one yet? Considering no media? And i've also heard that when they do release the media that it wont be compatible with some burners, is this true and can this be fixed with firmware flashes?

Much help would be appreciated.

 

[EclipseJP]

They don't really have any media out right now, so no one really knows how well they work with DL media. Usually NEC has some pretty good stuff.

 

[Mr.Radar]

I've head that those drives are some of the best DVD+/-RW+DL burners on the market, but if you want to save even more money get the NEC ND-2500A and flash it to a ND-2510A to get DL working.

 

[Michael_antoi]

with the firmware flash is it 100% tested working yet?

 

[Michael_antoi]

anyone know?

 

[lucas81]

I've read the are identical the 2500 and the 2510. The hardware I mean, you only have to do the firmware upgrade/flash. I bought the 2500 last week, but unfortunately i haven't had the time to play with it since I had to go to my parents place. But then again, those dl disks are expensive, i saw them for 15 euro's here. Don't know if anyone has tried to burn a dl with a flashed 2500 yet...

 

[Michael_antoi]

wats the price difference between the 2500 and the 2510

 

[lucas81]

Hmz, you can search that for yourself don't you??
but the price difference here in The Netherlands is about 15-20 euro's.

 

[lucas81]

http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=25904


for the firmware update.. I used an extra post instead of edit my previous post, so you would notice.

 

[Michael_antoi]

lucas - i dont really understand that too well, did they just flash with firmware from a dual layer burner and try to see if it burns dvd +r and dvd -r? or did they actually try and burn dual layer media?

 

[lucas81]

Check the link i've posted. There is a dude that develops/modifies the firmware to make it work with the 2500. If you check the link i've posted, there are numerous people who did the firmware upgrade and could burn a dl disk with no problem. The frirmware you can download there is not only to make it a dl burner, but he also removed the dvd-rip-lock, and more. (sorry to lazy to typ it all out for you )
The thing however is, it's still a beta version, so no guarantees.
I would say, go to there, and check for yourself.

 

[jlin453]

And Dual Layer media is available; you can buy the media kits (or something) from retail stores. It's still on the expensive side because you only get one dual layer dvd in it.

I also have the NEC 2500A and planning on doing the firmware upgrade whenever I need it.

 

[Michael_antoi]

anyone have links to US sites selling dual layer media?

 

[jlin453]

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-131-712&depa=0

 

[CPFitz14]

Dual-Layer... not dual sided.

 

[jlin453]

haha...oops, didn't even notice that

I could've swore I read some people bought those media packs from best buy or something that included a single dual layer dvd, among regular ones. I couldn't find it on their website though.

 

[Mr.Radar]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-130-949&depa=0

 

[fubulg6000]

Have you considered holding off on buying a Dual-Layer burner? A dual format burner can cost as low as $39 (fatwallet.com) with decent media priced at $0.60 a dvd. I have also heard of readability problems with set top dvd players and existing Dual-Layer media. The technology isn't 100% and is no where near hitting mainstream at the moment. You should consider purchasing a normal dvd burner instead of a Dual-Layer burner, or at least one that is firmware upgradable to Dual-Layer.

 

[Michael_antoi]

yeh i've decided to buy the NEC2500 it's firmware upgradeable