The Firmware Page

Hi!

Having gotten into severe trouble trying to make internal LG drives work in USB enclosures, I would like to receive recommendations for better choices. I

sumvision external enclosures work ok with LG Drives, the problem with NEC drives is they are very hit and miss with externals, they record ok but updating the firmware in some of them is not possible. The pioneer 111 also works well in the sumvision

LG writers can be a nightmare with external cases. The usual list of problems includes :

1. firmware update program won't work when connected to an external case
2. cannot burn audio CDs
3. writer refuses to write any faster than 12x

If you are using a prolific chipset, problem 2 can be corrected by flashing the breadboard firmware of the case with special LG firmware from one of its service websites (e.g. http://ca.lgservice.com).

Problem 3 can be corrected by flashing the drive itself with certain firmware that makes the drive a UDMA4 device. Unfortunately, this firmware is only available for the GSA-4167B and H10A/N models.

That aside, I have a Lite-On SHM-165P6S which works nicely in an external case. It can burn, do quality scans and even Lite-On's new scanning utility DVDscan works with it. Have not tried updating the drive's firmware though. It burns at only 8x max but will read at 16x. However, that is due to the crappy chipset on the case I have.

Thanks for the concise answer - it really helped me make a decision
Joerg