Newer Lite-On DVD drives - other?

[gs47]

Just RMA'd a Pioneer DVR-112D-didn't recognize blank discs; real new still, may get a DVR-111D instead?

Got a Samsung SH-S182D and it won't read any DVD faster than 5.0x and is usually between 3.0x and 4.8X read speeds. Not even ARccOS or special protection titles.

I have older Plextors and an NEC that do well still. My question is about a good, reliable, & FAST reader that also recovers speed after hitting bad sectors.
Does anyone have experience with a newer Lite-On DVD DL burner that they would recommend?? OR even something else? I've researched this a lot but wanted to hear some first hand experience.
Specs and Newegg reviews have their limits.
Thanks...

[Dan]

Sounds like you have some other issues going on there.

Have you ensured the drive is connected, configured and updated properly?

I recently purchased a Samsung SH-S182D, very good reader, nice solid burner.
I can rip a DVD5 (no protection) in about 6 minutes, burn @8x in 8 minutes.

[Chewy]

Dan have you tried the newer firmware that fixes the leadin problem?

[Dan]

Not yet Chewy, I just noticed the update about 2 hours ago.
No problems with the current firmware here, but I will likely update and try some burns later today or tomorrow.

[Chewy]

leadin problem was only with dvd-r disks, kind of funny, liteon's had the same problem

[Dan]

Okay, The coffee is kicking in now. I do recall the issues with -R media and the lead in. (I use only +R so I let it slip away)

I believe I will update anyway. With the great TY deals you have been showing me lately I have a feeling I will want my burner ready for some -R media!

[Chewy]

are you close to one of their stores?

[gs47]

@Dan
Yes, I'm convinced the setup is fine. I have no problems/issues with any of the other drives.
I have this new Samsung set up as the master on the primary channel. The drive that I removed from that position was fine, I just wanted a burner rather than a reader. I've had other drives there too and all was fine. No problem with the Plextor also in this PC.

The burn portion and recognizing discs is fine too, just a painfully slow reader. Could be a dud, it happens. I updated the firmware right away too and now have SB05, updated from SB04. Made no difference.

Is there some 3rd party firmware available that anyone has used successfully?

[Dan]

@ Chewy

There is one about two hours away (if you are referring to Canada Computers) but I do visit there sometimes.

I have ordered from them before and found there shipping was reasonable and super fast.

I'm glad you pointed it out though, I used to frequent their web site and I just seemed to let it slip away recently. I do hope it is the real deal TY media if I grab a spindle or two,lol.

[gs47]

leadin problem was only with dvd-r disks, kind of funny, liteon's had the same problem

This one has the best, shortest lead-in of any drive I've ever had. Started actually burning about 22 seconds in rather than nearly twice that on my other drives. This is with -R discs.

[Chewy]

the earlier models had a riplock for dual layer disks that was patched(removed) with hacked firmware, I couldn't find any yet for the 182's

[Dan]

Is there some 3rd party firmware available that anyone has used successfully?

Perhaps it is just a dud, too bad if that is the case.
I'm not aware of any sort of modded firmware for this burner, haven't tried the new official firmware, but will do so soon.

[gs47]

Thanks guys, back to the original question; any other drives recommended for reading especially?

[Dan]

This one has the best, shortest lead-in of any drive I've ever had. Started actually burning about 22 seconds in rather than nearly twice that on my other drives. This is with -R discs.

I must dig out some old -R Fuji or something to try this new firmware. I know my burns on +R have been super quick lately.

[Chewy]

gs47,
post a disk transfer test of a problem burned disk?