BenQ DVD Writer Are Vanishing

Germany

There´s another one just been listed today...says it´s only ever burned 4 - 5 DVDs
http://cgi.ebay.de/BenQ-EW164B-DVD-R...3A1|240%3A1318

or, check out the listing that comes up for "Benq brenner" (brenner = burner)
http://shop.ebay.de/items/_W0QQ_nkwZ...romZR40QQ_mdoZ

Interesting. I've never seen an EW164B for sale in the states. They must have sold them mostly in Europe.

Anyway, you've got lots of models listed there on eBay Germany. Based on that, people in Europe have nothing to complain about.

Europe is bigger than Germany alone... Here in The Netherlands for instance they can't be found anywhere.

Damn...looks a bit tragic over there

http://shop.ebay.nl/items/?_nkw=Benq...Benq&_osacat=0

I found this kajigger on buy.com

Norwood Micro ED-525U-DUW1612 16x DVDRW DL USB 2.0 External Drive w/Software (Black/Silver), sold by geeks.com

I believe it's usually a 1650, but every once in a while 1640. Used, like new. $34.99 + $10.34 shipping = $46.33

It's always best to check the actual direct web site, because Geeks.com shows the drive is OOS:

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...1612-R&cpc=SCH

Here's a few drives I found today:

PBDV1660B (DW1650 - Used) in the UK
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=230330319860

DW1650 (Refurbished - 3 Available)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=150335320372

DVD8801 (DW1650 - Used - 4 Available)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=200309380116

DVD8701 (DW1640 - Used)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=120400192823

All the rest aside... you can never complain on a BenQ Nexperia DVD burner, never.

BTW, thanks for all your work finding old reliable good Benq burners negritude.

MUCHOS GRACIAS! SENOR NEGRITUDE!

The seller is letting these go for a good offer= The 3 refurb drives. Bid less than $25.00

Nice. I see you also got some of that RICOHJPN R01.

I got some too, and you'll be pleasantly surprised when you see that it arrives in the original case packaging.

[quote=negritude;2249534]Nice. I see you also got some of that RICOHJPN R01.

I can't wait. I live about 200 miles from the seller. Shipped a few hours after I purchased it.

[QUOTE=jamescooley1;2249540]
How is the drive performing if you have receive it by now?.

[quote=TCAS;2250173] The R01. Next week for the drive.

I ordered a DVD8801 in above link and it shipped out on the 2nd..so I am hoping I receive it Monday or Tuesday. I am trying to get flashing files ready:

Can some one please give me a link (or PM) for the best firmware for this drive..I like using the BQflasher...so I need the firmware that works for that.

I am interested in firmware for best burn quality of both DVD and CD..as well as best scanning firmware..so I guess I am asking for the best all around firmware.

Thanks for the link Negritude. Thanks to keeping my eye on this thread (and Negritude's links/finds)..over about the last year I have picked up a new 1620, a new 1640, and now a used 1650 (all after cross flash).

I hope this used one works out, we will see.

You da man Negritude..thanks for all your finds

---

Last edited by Roadhog; 05-04-2009 at 04:12.

[QUOTE=Roadhog;2250580]I ordered a DVD8801 in above link and it shipped out on the 2nd..so I am hoping I receive it Monday or Tuesday. I am trying to get flashing files ready:

Can some one please give me a link (or PM) for the best firmware for this drive..I like using the BQflasher...so I need the firmware that works for that.

I am interested in firmware for best burn quality of both DVD and CD..as well as best scanning firmware..so I guess I am asking for the best all around firmware.



For all of the BenQ drives firmware look here:


http://tdb.rpc1.org/index.htm

and for the BenQFlsher look here:


http://club.cdfreaks.com/f92/bqflasher-149980/

Thanks TCAS

I have located all stock except for BCFC. (BCDC,BCHC,BCIC in .exe format) and also BCDC in .cvt format which is what I prefer)

The RPC! has that BGFC firmware but I would rather stick to stock if I can.

If any one has a link to the BCFC please post (I saw a couple links here, one from Zeb I think..took me to Chinese site??). I still tried to click on one of the two links..it would not let me go from there. Also registered for Hopy/hoppy or what ever..even after logging in it would not let me download..or file no longer there.

**The BCFC stock..either .exe or .cvt is all I need...hope some one can provide a link?

Did not get drive today..hoping tomorrow.

[QUOTE=jamescooley1;2249540]Ahhhh, I am so jealous! I love R01

Just remeber some users had trouble burning DVD-R when BCFC firmware was used. Read Here:

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/362154

Here is BCFC:

http://rapidshare.de/files/46587619/BCFC.EXE.html

The best firmware for the DW1650 is BCIC. All you need to remember to do is disable SolidBurn for known and unknown media (OFF/OFF; there's an SB bug that causes slowdows), and you're good to go.

SolidBurn has no purpose anyway, unless you are using poor quality or really unusual media (99.9% of the media we use on a regular basis is well-known and of decent quality, with a built-in write strategy that works, and works well). SolidBurn's usefulness is way overhyped.

The only time you need SolidBurn is when you are burning media that is complete and utter crap, which was made in someone's basement in Afghanistan, and the MID code is something like "CRAPAFGHAN 065".

I've even come to the general conclusion that all BenQ burners work better with SolidBurn turned completely off (not OFF/ON but OFF/OFF).

Once again, for the DW1650, use BCIC. It's the best firmware, hands down. It does have a bug, but after doing some testing, I found a fix (yes, me). All you have to do is disable SolidBurn for both known and unknown media (OFF/OFF). You don't need SolidBurn anyway.

OK, I will give it a try this evening.

I bought one of the 1650's (third link down). Guy sent out right away, arrived in anti-statice bag..only thing no packing..but box fit tight..and drive looks brand new. Flashed with out a problem. Went with Negritude f/w advice, got best of two burns with sb=off (like neg said), but also wopc=off verbs at 8x burn speed. Also cd burn looks real good.

Thanks again Negritude

DVD8801 (DW1650 - New)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=110374386843

DW1655 (Retail - New)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=120403223117

Hey Roadhog,Congrat with such excellent burning you can't have it better than this. Enjoy your drive.