Beware Samsung SW-252B !

[DeathStalker77]

At this point (firmware v7.02), there are some SERIOUS problems with this drive. CDRLabs has already documented the problem with JustSpeed, but there appears to be a problem with JustLink on this unit as well. For a unit that has a built-in 8mb buffer as well as JustLink, ANY Buffer Underrun should be impossible.

Ahhh, but no so with this one - which is unfortunate, because otherwise, it's a very good drive - almost on par with the Sony 225A and the LiteOn LTR-52327S. I'd post the screenshots of the Buffer Underruns (even at 32x!), but there's no option

FWIW, I've notified Samsung of the issue. We'll see about this unit going back to BestBuy for an exchange (and price match!) for the Lite On

--- DeathStalker77

[eliminator]

... price match with what drive ?


Welcome to CDRLabs DeathStalker77

[Ian]

Please give us more information on your JustLink problems.

[DeathStalker77]

Ian:

The JustLink feature doesn't seem to be enabled - I get Buffer Underruns - what additional info are you looking for?


Eliminator:

PriceMatch with online prices for the LiteOn I expect they'll do it - they've gone to that length before.


--- DeathStalker77

[eliminator]

they never did it @ my local stores.. $79.99 for the Lite-On

[DeathStalker77]

Eliminator:

I know, most apparently won't. I happen to be quite lucky in that the managers at mine are VERY good. They're bringing in a new manager at this point, and he's the one who authorized the swap of the old AOpen 4048 (actually, it was really a generic DRTech 40x12x48 unit that I "upgraded" with the AOpen firmware). He authorized the return, even though the unit was almost 10 months old. Since I can get the Lite On for $39 shipped (PriceWatch), and the Samsung was about the same with the MIR, I expect he'll authorize the price match. Worst case, I return the Samsung and order the LiteOn online.

I've been REALL happy with Best Buy for the past year - spent almost $5k with them.

--- DeathStalker77

[eliminator]

oh I do like B.Buy in any case.

[Ian]

The JustLink feature doesn't seem to be enabled - I get Buffer Underruns - what additional info are you looking for?

Humor me here. What software (and version) are you using? Are you sure your coasters are being caused by buffer underruns?

[DeathStalker77]

Software is Nero 5.5.10x - yes, the Nero error specified Buffer underrun - I'd post the image, but have no way of doing so.

Unfortunately, $39 is below BB's cost for the LiteOn, so I ended up ordering it from US-Depot.com and will just return the Samsung.

--- DeathStalker77

[CDRecorder]

My AOpen RW5224 OEM drive (JustLink) sometimes had "buffer underruns" in Nero, even though DMA was obviously enabled, and the data flow wasn't the problem. I think the drive was just picky with media.

I can use my LTR-52327S just fine at 52x on the same PC. The writing quality is better, too.

[Harrier]

Try hiting Alt+Print Screen when the Buffer problem accours.
Than Paste to some image editing software.

[DeathStalker77]

Harrier:

I >HAVE< the pics - I just have no ability at this point to post them here, as the forum does not support pictures directly (they have to be linked from an external source).

CDRecorder:

I take it you mean that you think the "Buffer Underrun" error wasn't really indicative of an underrun, but an error that Nero could not otherwise identify (Nero pulling a Microsoft)?

I suppose that would be a question for Nero - and they are LOUSY at actually answering questions like that - I STILL have never seen a "proper" answer to their "Medium Speed Error". I wish there was a good alternative to Nero (yes, tried v6 - HATE it - tried NTI, don't like it very much - HATE all the VCD "image" type proggies - HATE Roxio - yes, I'm very opinionated

Guess the point is going to be moot now, since I ordered the LiteOn (not bad for $39.00 shipped + $4.99 for an extra year warranty - yeah, I almost didn't take the warranty, but I said what the heck). I'll be returning the Samsung to Best Buy as soon as I receive the LiteOn.

--- DeathStalker77

[CDRecorder]

You're right; I don't think it was really a buffer underrun. Maybe the Justlink drives report some types of write errors as "Buffer Underrun" errors even when some other type of error has actually occurred. In any case, I ended up returning the AOpen because of other issues.

Have you tried WinOnCD? I think that it must be the only burning software package you haven't tried yet. In any case, Nero 5.5 is currently my favorite CD burning program.