How are Lite-On DVD burners?

I learned everything I know about DVD burning through this forum and have used the burner that came with my HP 430 computer--which was an HP 300c which I think is actually a Phillips 8301--Well, after over 400 successful backups, the DVD writer died---However, I had purchased the extended warranty from CompUSA for $180---So, I called them and they sent me a Lite-On model SOHW-1673 and they are having a technician come over to install it. My question(s)is--Do any of you "more experienced" computer users have any comments about this particular unit? I looked through the manual and it seems to be able to read/write both + and - types of disks and the speed(s) seem to be quite a bit better and also, I believe I will be able to "book-type" my disks, thus making them more compatible. So, if anyone has experience or knows about this particular model, I would really appreciate any feedback--Thanks for taking the time to read this--

Whitfield

 

I have a Lite-on 1633S also have had two Lite-on DVD-Rom drives, I have always found this brand to be extremely reliable. My 1633 makes very good backups, booktypes, has good media recognition, I have not had any coasters with the drive. Also, Lite-on does not riplock there drives, so you should be able to rip your DVD's at a good speed.

 

arniebear
--thanks for responding--that is really good to hear--thanks

 

not sure what riplock is though--is it a speed setting?

 

Your welcome, hope this was a little bit of help. Riplock is when you try to rip your DVD and it is set to a slow speed, a lot of drive have this and the only way around is hacked firmware. Lite-on believes in speed.

 

OK--well, after he installs it Friday, I will put it to the test--probably have even more questions then! hehe Thanks again

 

Good luck, and happy burning.

 

arniebear,

I crossflashed my 1633 with 1653 led fix f/w and that made it even better, also changed the led back to the lite-on way instead of sony way. From what I've read the 1673 and 1693's are better yet but you can't change led to lite-on way because they went to a green only led instead of multi-color.

Mort

 

@Mort81

 

@Mort81

Where did you get your crossflash from, the Lite-on site?

 

I have two lite-ons and I have had 0 problems with and without crappy media they simply work. They are somewhat slow but I have learned that speed kills reliability of the burn so its ok. You'll be fine with your new drive although I would complain to compusa you paid $180 for extended warrenty to get a $45 drive. Just another reason to never purchase any extended warrenty from anyone. I would demand the same manufacture replacement but thats me.

 

@megabyte

I think the warranty was on the whole computer, not just the drive.

 

megabyte2--
The warranty was on the whole system (Monitor, printer etc)--and I am very glad I had it--called them when it broke 2 days ago, now are installing a far superior DVD burner--from what I can tell--The original only would burn at 4X and only the + type media--I have been very happy with all the stuff I have gotten from CompUSA. As far as Lite-On's--as you say "I have two lite-ons and I have had 0 problems with and without crappy media they simply work."
arniebear--Thanks again for the info

 

@arniebear,

I thought there for a minute you were studering

I got it from cd freaks. It's not endorsed by lite-on and could void your warranty but like I said I've never had a lick of trouble with it and if I do I can always flash it back to official 1633 f/w. Just out of curiosity is your led only green (read) blinking green (write)? Thats how mine was but now it's back to lite-on green (read) red (write). If interested I'll find ya the f/w patch.

Mort

 

I've also had great luck with liteon, especially with ripping, never more than 18 to 20 min for three hour series discs, and never a problem. By the way, I always buy the warrenty from comp usa, because it allows me to upgrade burners, printers, ect., for about 20.00 per year.

 

@Mort81

I am interested, and my light blinks green read/write.

 

arniebear,

be right back. I'll dig it up.

 

arniebear,

Here ya go. This is the f/w page http://codeguys.rpc1.org/firmwares.html and this is the f/w you need for a 1633 crossflashed to 1653 f/w with led fix. CS0P - patched - crossflashing, multi-colored LED (for 1213S, 1613S, 1633S, etc.) I can't remember this may be a .rar file and you might need winrar or similar to decompress. I use 7-zip. Let me know how ya like it.

Mort

 

Thanx will give it a try.