Writing speed issue

[Am Shagar]

Hi all,


I have a speed problem with my DVD writer. It is supposed to write from 4x-16x, which it was until recently.

First i thought it was the brand of my DVD-R that i change, (Verbatim DVD-R 16x Certified) but it's not that.

Alcohol and nero only write at 4x max, nero give only 4x choice and alcohol Maximum or 31x ???

Picture of Alcohol: http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8882/speedkn1.th.png (http://img138.imageshack.us/my.php?image=speedkn1.png)


And if you look at the following pic you will notice that alcohol show:

Max read speed: 8x
Max write speed: 4x


Picture: http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6724/dvdromnw5.th.png (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dvdromnw5.png)


So, my question is: Why (or can) the specs of my DVD drive change and can it be fixed?



Some other info:


(H:) ATAPI DVD DD 2X16X4X16(1:1) detail information.

Vendor Identification: ATAPI
Product Identification: DVD DD 2X16X4X16
Production Revision Level: G7H9
Location: atapi, Port 1, Bus 0, Target 1, Lun 0
Support recording method: DAO, RAW SAO, RAW SAO+SUB, RAW DAO(96), TAO, DVD DAO
BURN-Free Technology: Seamless Link
Auto-Select best write speed: Not Supported
-* Note: This information below is provided by the unit, it might be inaccurate. *-
-* This software does not use this information! *-
Removable media: Yes
Version: ATAPI (INF-8090i/INF-8020i/INF-8028i)
Response Data Format: 02h
CD-R Read/Write: Yes/Yes
CD-RW Read/Write: Yes/Yes
Read CD-R Fixed Packet: Yes
Test Write: Yes
DVD-ROM Read: Yes
DVD-R Read/Write: Yes/Yes
DVD-RAM Read/Write: No/No
Audio Play: Yes
Composite Audio and Video Data Stream: No
Digital output (IEC958) on port 1 Supported: Yes
Digital output (IEC958) on port 2 Supported: No
Mode 1 Form 2: Yes
Mode 2 Form 2: Yes
Multi-Session: Yes
BUF: Yes
CD-DA Commands supported: Yes
CD-DA Stream is Accurate: Yes
R-W Supported: Yes
R-W De-interleaved and Corrected: No
C2 Pointers Support: No
ISRC Supported: Yes
UPC Supported: Yes
Read Bar Code: No
Lock media into the drive: Yes
Currently drive Lock state: Unlocked
Prevent Jumper: No
Eject Command: Yes
Separate volume levels: No
Separate channel mute: No
Changer Supports Disc Present: No
Software slot selection: No
Side change capable: No
P through W in Lead-In: Yes

[Joe Forster/STA]

First of all, upgrade the drive's firmware and both Alcohol and Nero to the very latest version.

[GLH]

If the dvd-writer (the firmware) don't recognize the media code of the inserted dvd-r/+r, then it burns only at lower speed.
If a firmware-update exists, then it's possible that the dvd-writer knows recognize more dvd-r/+r.

[Am Shagar]

Yes, firmware, i was thinking about that, but never did an upgrade of firmware, i'm a bit scared about that.

I don't know why my drive is called "ATAPI DVD DD 2X16X4X16", what kind of drive is this.
I know that it's a double layer drive, can it be a OEM Benq 1620 ? (found that with google)

The firmware version is G7H9, i found a G7V9 version and it comes in a .exe file.

Can you tell me how to flash the firmware please.


Thank you.



Edited
------

Ok, i think that my drive is a BenQ DW1620

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1905

[Joe Forster/STA]

What drive? Read the manual of the drive (or the computer if you bought it in one piece), see the bill of purchase, ask the shop where you bought it etc.

As for how to flash the firmware, download the appropriate firmware package and read its documentation. (See the PC games forum FAQ for some general download locations.) Make sure to not interrupt the flashing in any way, though, otherwise you can say goodbye to your drive! It's not that much of a hassle, though... But, if you're so scared, take the computer back to the shop where you bought it and ask them to do the flashing for you.