Re: QSI SBW-241 with VX08 Firmware update CDRW DVD combo drive

On Mar 15, 3:22 pm, mike <spam...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I bought a used DVDrom/CDRW drive
QSI SBW-241 with VX08 Firmware.

It plays movie DVD, but won't read a data dvd-R
It burns 10X CDRW and plays 'em back
It won't rip a music CD
If I run scandisk or a similar media scanner on it,
it shows the whole surface corrupt...even when it can read flawlessly.


Scandisk can't do CDs. Most other scanners designed for hard drives
and other media just don't do cds. No worries there.

There's lots of noise on the web about compatibility with this drive.
Much of it has broken links.
There's no obvious remaining fw link on the vendor site.

According to their FAQ, there's NO firmware available from QSI's
website.

http://www.qsinc.com.tw/qsi/Official_QA_en

So their translator needs a few more English lessons....

QSI doesn't list this drive on the 'products' page any more

Given the probles you report, and the tone of QSI's faq, I suspect
this drive has a riplock feature. (well, feature is too kind a word,
but the one I want to use is unprintable :) )

However, i have found firmware for the drive by following tracing the
"dvd copy and control association" mentioned in the FAQ to Wikipedia,
to the link on the RIPLOCK bullet, and eventually found firmware for
it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD_Copy_Control_Association
http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?category=15&manufactor=33

http://etna.rpc1.org/qsi/index.html

This might fix the ripping issue. Don't know about the dvd-r
compatibility issue. Unless it's just a dirty lens. Try cleaning the
lens with isopropyl alcohol and a q-tip. DVD-Rs are less reflective
than factory DVDS, and therefor it's entirely possible for a drive
with a slightly dirty lens to read the factory disks, but not burns.

Worst case is you get a new drive that actually works right.

Much of what's left is of the form "this should work...".
HP has an update, but I have the sony version.

Same drive, different faceplate.

There may be bios lock issues with the updater. I have neither
the hp/compaq or the sony laptop.

Then there are the region-free hacks that get all mixed up in this.

So, has anybody got real-life personal experience with this drive
and can point me to the optimal firmware upgrade that won't kill it and
be upgradable installed in my Dell?

Thanks, mike

I've never managed to kill an optical drive by upgrading firmware.
And unlike the BIOS on a motherboard, you aren't dead in the water if
it fails, you can always attempt to re-flash, or just replace the
unit.


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Relevant Pages

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