Hello. I couldn't seem to find a post that would answer that question so I though i'd start a new thread. I have a new Philips DVD 8701 that came with my Dell Dimension 9100. So far, I'm very satisfied with the drive. I successfully burned dozens of DVD backups with Nero 6 using Fujifilm DVD-R at 8X. They all work great on my pc and in my standalone DVD player. Here is my question, Has anybody successfully burned Dual layer discs with this drive? A customer service rep at Dell told me it's only a single layer drive but Nero info tools shows it is capable of writing DVD+R DL but not DVD-R DL. I just don't want to buy a bunch of DL Verbatims and then find out I can't use them. As you guys know, they are pretty pricey.
well, a quick google on that particular drive it SEEMS to be a rebadged Benq 1640~ some guy over at cdfreaks crossflashed it with the Benq 1640 firmware and he seems to be liking it. i have the Benq 1640 and it is a TERRIFIC drive and YES, it DOES burn dvd+r DL discs (i prefer Verbatim, but Ritek Ridata DLs have served ME well too~ ) i would believe nero info tools over the dumba$$es over at Dell technical support, i used to waste HOURS of my life talking to those retards when i bought a dell like 4 years ago, they don't know ANYTHING...they read from a cue-card/script that is outdated and to me "common-sense" troubleshooting tips...DURRRRRRRR... anyways, i have not found CONCLUSIVE evidence that the Philips 8701 is in fact a rebadged Benq 1640, BUT, if it is...and someone else can verify this, i can guarantee you that a Benq 1640 CAN and WILL burn a dvd+r DL vERY VERY nicely~! i've done it and so have MANY others that love the Benq 1640 too` docTY~
Thanks for looking into it Kivory. I'm just gonna go out and buy a three pack of DL Verbatims and check it out by myself. And I agree with you. Everytime I call Dell Support, I do feel like they don't know much. I guess I a least expected them to know the specs on a part THEY supply... I've been playing with computers for 12 years and I think I got to know a bunch of stuff about them. I'm used to just buying the parts I need and building my own computer. However, being busy working 40 hours a week got me too lazy to do that and this is was I get for going the easy way...
nothing wrong with that nick, we all have our normal jobs to attend to~ Dell customer support, IF YOU CAN EVEN UNDERSTAND what they are saying (im referring to the heavy accent, not the technical aspect/jargon they use), is very much scripted...the actual information/knowledge THEY DO possess is very limited...because many of them working the phones don't even know how to use a computer, let alone troubleshoot on for you...bunch of monkeys LOL anyways, i build my own computers and have done so for about 10 years...so, i'm much like you in that i just go BUY the part i want, piece it together and i'm on my way... i have purchased MANY Dell computers for my family and friends, they make DECENT stuff (for the computing needs of regular people), but for the avid computer builder, they are NOT up to par like Alienware (for example) ARE~ good luck w/ the DLs, let me know how they work out for ya~ docTY~
Nick Yes it does support DL. I did a google to find out the same info.. check this link to dell support http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/storage/P90576/en/intro.htm
Thank you xBogeyx for the link. Greatly appreciated. Thanks again Kivory for you help. I actually e-mailed the same link, with a message to the Dell support guy I spoke to... The one that told me my drive was single layer only. He hasn't responded yet... lol
The Philips DVD8701 shipped with Dell computers are dual layer capable (as they are rebags of Benq 1640). They are future limited comparing to the real Benq 1640, therefore I've crossflashed it to Benq 1640 using process descrivbed on cdfreaks.com. It takes some modified firmware and special flasher to turn it into Benq 1640, then you just update it with the real Benq 1640 latest firmware. Now as Benq 1640 the drive works much better, supports a lot of more functionality that the castrated Philips flavor did not... P.S. You must know what you are doing because flashing and especially crossflashing can be risky if not done right !!!
Hi thanks for the info....I too have a 8701 along with a Benq 1640....how do i crossflash.....any tips please and the firmware to use Ta Johny
