NEC ND-3500A Recorder - Page 29

Firmware Hacks - Page 3

• Firmware version 2.08 (unofficial)

We were able to find a newer hacked firmware version that seems to be using the latest writing strategies for all. It is actually TDK 1616N v.2.78 firmware renamed to NEC ND-3500A v.2.08. There is no support for rip lock or single layer bitsetting. Only the Double Layer media booktype can be changed.

The flashing procedure is very easy, since there is no need to use a DOS Flasher anymore. We used the Windows flasher that can be found in the "The Dangerous Brothers" website.

NeroInfoTool reported the following information.

The following pictures indicate writing performance with +R 16X media.

We tested the DVD+R default booktype setting by writing CMC Magnetics 8X media, and we observed that it is set to +R by default.

Finally, Traxdata DL media is supported with this firmware version, but since TDK 1616N 2.78 firmware version lowered the writing speed to 2.4X for this media, NEC's unofficial 2.08 firmware follows this strategy. DVDInfoPro and Nero CD/DVD Speed reported the following information prior to writing.

We used the latest CopyToDVD software to burn our usual Double Layer recording project, the "GLADIATOR" movie first DVD disc.

The recording process started with a small 42sec delay, while the Traxdata DL media was initialized. The requested and effective speed was set to 2.4X automatically by the software

The burn process was completed in 38:27 mins and the average speed reported by CopyToDVD was 2.36X.

For the transfer rate tests, we used the LiteON SOHD-167T with patched firmware being able to read DVD5 up to 16X CAV and DVD9 up to 10X CAV. As shown above, Nero CD/DVD Speed could scan the media with no problems, indicating a very good burn. This was more or less expected, since 2.4X writing speed produces better results than 4X.

Again, Plextools indicate a very good scan with Traxdata DL media burned at 2.4X.

To discuss this drive further or to discuss it with other users, go to our forum.