Philips PCRW1208 firmware.

[CDRecorder]

Does anyone know where I could get the 1.2 version of the Philips PCRW1208 firmware? Thanks!

Edit: Does anyone have the P3.1 firmware, either? I can find many links to it on many web sites, but they're all broken.

[TheWizard]

The newer firmwares (v3.8 and v4.0) didn't work? Look here...

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=598

[CDRecorder]

Thank you TheWizard. I have tried both P3.8 and V4.0, but I have some packet-writing issues and some recording software speed issues. My drive came with V1.2, and I was wondering if the newer firmware was causing a problem, so I want to try older firmware. Thanks for your help!

I also did find a copy of the P3.1 firmware on http://www.driverguide.com. They actually store the files as opposed to linking to the manufacturer's web site, so they will have the files even if the manufacturer deletes them.

[TheWizard]

Did 3.1 from driverguide.com work better for you than 3.8 and 4.0?

[CDRecorder]

I just finished downloading 3.1, and I am flashing right now. I'll let you know how it works!

[CDRecorder]

So far, so good... The drive erased a CD-RW disc properly just now; this was something it used to have trouble with (on firmwares 3.8 and 4). I'm now formatting a CD-RW for packet writing. Interestingly, the information in Nero InfoTool looks a lot more like the info for the drive's original firmware than did 3.8 or 4. Maybe it'll work better with CD-RW discs, now.

In case you're wondering, I updated from the drive's original firmware because I wanted the added Seamless Link support. 3.1 is still new enough to have Seamless Link support, so I'll be happy with it if it works right.

[CDRecorder]

Well, the firmware version 3.1 seems to work better; the drive will erase CD-RW discs properly.

But, it still is acting up when packet writing. What it does is when it's "verifying" the disc, it keeps on going, for nearly an hour. I let it go for about 55 minutes this time (it should only take about 20), and then I gave it the three-fingered-salute and erased the disc. I wonder if it just doesn't like the discs I have. They are 12x Philips CD-RWs made by CMC. But, I do use the same discs problem-free in my LTR-12101B, my LTR-32123S, and my Matshita UJDA340.

[CDRecorder]

I'm running some tests; I think the problem is just poor media. I guess my Lite-On probably just handles this poor media better. I'll post more conclusive results later.

[CDRecorder]

OK, here are some results of testing with KProbe 1.1.10 on my LTR-32123S with FW XS0Z. Both discs were burned on the PCRW1208 from a 74-min ISO image.

The disc with which I tried to packet write:

C1 Max = 3587, Total = 7401755, Average = 2001.015
C2 Max = 19, Total = 1817, Average = 0.491

A terrible result; no wonder the drive slowed down so much in the verification stage when packet writing!

A new disc from the same package:

C1 Max = 71, Total = 54581, Average = 13.316
C2 Max = 0, Total = 0, Average = 0.000

A much better result, but far from wonderful.

I'll try some software compatibilty tests later. Thanks for the help and interest, TheWizard.

[TheWizard]

Hey, no problem. Definitely try other discs. I know someone with the PCRW800 and it's very picky with media; perhaps all Philips drives are picky.

[CDRecorder]

I certainly will try other media. I haven't known my PCRW1208 to be picky with CD-R media; maybe it just has a harder time with CD-RW.

[CDRecorder]

I'm sorry I took so long to post my results. I've been really busy.

Anyhow, the drive seems to be working better with the P3.1 firmware. The CD-R writing quality seems fine, and the drive formatted a new CD-RW disc just fine. I guess it just is a little picky with CD-RW discs, although it seems to be able to write any CD-R I can put in it. I still haven't gotten a chance to try out other CD-RW media, though.

Thanks for your help, TheWizard!

[CDRecorder]

Actually, I flashed the drive back to 4.0 just to do some more tests, and now, it seems to work just as well as it did with P3.1. Maybe my only problem has been a media problem all along.

[TheWizard]

Media compatibility (or incompatibility) is to blame for a lot of CD burner problems. Only one way to find out, buy a different brand/manufacturer of CD-RW's and run the same tests.

[CDRecorder]

Thanks TheWizard! I really didn't understand how much media compatibility mattered.

I checked some of these CD-RWs in my other drives. My other burners burn the bad CD-RWs better than the Philips, but the results aren't good.

One other thing I learned about the PCRW1208 is that it actually checks media quality before burning to determine the proper speed and laser power. The only bad thing about this is that it only does this with CD-R discs. Maybe that's why it's picky about CD-RW discs, but it seems better than my Lite-On LTR-12101B with CD-Rs.

[banzibaby]

Hi LiteOnGuy

If U are using InCd as the packet writing soft, then disable the safe mode/verify data by right clicking INCD & select properties

This feature just don't seem 2 work right

Hopefully that should solve the verify prob

BaNzI

[CDRecorder]

Thanks, banzibaby. That's good advice, but I'm not using InCD. Anyway, I am now 100% certain was that the 12x Philips CD-RWs that I was using were just poor quality. Now, I just need to get some better discs (like Verbatims).

[TheWizard]

Mmmmmm...Verbatim. Ooooh! I get a tingle in my spine everytime I hear that name! A good tingle, that is! Suffice it to say, Verbatim discs...arouse me.

[CDRecorder]

So, I take it the Verbatim discs have worked well for you?

[TheWizard]

Ohhh yeahhh! Actually, all Mitsubishi CD-RW discs have worked well for me, with Verbatim leading the pack. Other branded Mitsubishi-manufactured discs I have used include Maxell and LG.