BenQ offers dual format firmware for DW800A but not for free

January 17, 2004

Last month we reported that BenQ was investigating the possibility to introduce a firmware for their DW800A DVD+R recorder that would turn the drive into a dual format recorder. Now, thanks to chin, we can read that BenQ will indeed release the firmware but it will not be a free upgrade. If you want to upgrade your DW800A recorder to a dual format drive you will have to pay US$ 10. This is because of the royalty fee for usage of the DVD-R & DVD-RW formats:

Starting on January 15, 2004, for a once off US$ 10 fee. You can download firmware to reflash your BenQ DW800A DVD+RW to a DVD-R/RW capable drive. Reflashing the firmware is easy! So, try the "+" DVD format first, and if you decide that you would like to have the DVD-R/RW function later on, then the BenQ DW800A can still meet your needs.

ATTENTION: The charge for the DVD-R/RW supported firmware is due to the royalty fee incurred for usage of the DVD-R & DVD-RW format. As such, the purchased firmware should be used for one drive ONLY. For each successful transaction, a Serial Number (S/N) will be provided in order to activate the downloaded firmware. Each S/N is entitled to ONE ACTIVATION ONLY and NON-REFUNDABLE.

For more information please read the FAQ posted at the BenQ website. If you want to purchase the firmware upgrade then you can use this page. Comments are of course welcome! Would you be
willing to pay US$ 10 for a firmware upgrade? Please react
below!

Source: BenQ