Has anyone got one? I have read rave reviews on them and now only £149.99 with 25 dvdr! And writes to 99% of media at 2x, no restrictions like on the pioneer units?
Any feedback would be appreciated!
StUdLy;)

hopefully mine should be here 2morrow
i'll let you know

ok cheers mukka

Pioneer units no longer have those restrictions. The new 2x4all hacked firmware has been released for the 105. Also I'm pretty sure that if they only want 150 pounds for it (and throwing in 25 free DVD-Rs) that it might well be the older 1x drive. Here in the states the new 2x Panasonic runs for $289 and seeing as how everything in the UK (at least electronics wise) has always been more expensive I find it hard to believe that it is around the same price as it is here in the states (at launch I might add) and comes with 25 free discs it doesn't sound like it is the 2x burner but the older 1x burner. Just a thought.

Here are the Drive details and an extract from SVP's website :

{HA 430} Panasonic OEM BARE DRIVE SW 9581-C with 25 FREE Nan-Ya DVD-R £149.99.
(The Panasonic burns many budget brands at 2x even though other writers such as the Pioneer 103/104/105 will limit the same media to 1x. This helps you to lower your long term operating costs).

I would also be interested if anybody has personal experience of this drive.
As SuPaStUd says, it is getting good reviews, but not much user feedback around at the moment in the UK.

Well if it's a bare OEM drive then this explains a lot. I have only ever seen the boxed retail versions here in the states. Oh well either way the new hacked firmware for the Pioneer/Cendyne drives makes the statement about the Panasonics burning faster invalid (of course it's not thier fault since they are only concerned with the "Official" firmware versions. :D

recieved my drive today and so far have to say i'm well happy ...
have only tried 2 types of disc but both fine as far as i can see - datawrite yellow 1x & nan-ya 1x 2x

we have several dvd players kicking about including a very picky Samsung 709 and both discs are fine so far - no skipping etc...

one thing i have noticed is that the disc tray does seem a bit on the flimsy side - but i can live with that :)

i got one too very happy but the downside for me is that it's not region free! unless some one know different!

got one to works fine Except that PrimoDVD will not work with it?
derek
:beer:

For derek have you tried updating Prassi with the PSX engine?

Yes M8,
But still no joy maybe should try a new install?
anybody could any ideas please mail be ,work fine with my 104
Derek
:beer:

prassi is not compatable full stop you need the new "record now max" version

That is true Recordnow Max uses Prassi's software as a base (Prassi actually sold their software to Veritas at one point) but recordnow max is more up to date for newer burners (even I would argue if you have installed the PSX engine for prassi).

I got 2 of these drives ...very good a lot better than my AO4 :D

I use Nero it loves the Panasonic

Thanks for the feedback!
Probably a silly question, but, has anyone a link for this record now max proggy? Mine Panasonic is on it's way and i'd at least like the trial version to give it a bash with!
The RRP for the Panny retail in What Video/widescreen tv magazine is £200
Whe it comes i will fit it and let you all know how i get on with it!
Thanks
StUdLy

Looks like the feedback so far is all good.

Let us know how u get on SuPaStUd, as I am thinking of getting another burner. At £149.99, it looks like gr8 value.

Here is the link you wanted for Recordnow Max. www.recordnowmax.com
I hope this helps. There is a 30 day trial version available for download.

thanks! Thats me sorted with my panny burner! lol
Any help on burning shrink dvd VIDEO_TS files with nero would be a godsend!
thanks
StUdLy

can anyone help me with this, i have one of these drives however windows xp seems to belive it is just a cdrom and will only read cd's and not dvd's, the name of the drives comes up fine and nero knows that it's a dvd writer.

somone help please!!

Are you running it with another drive? (i.e. another drive on the same IDE cable). If so have you made sure to change your Jumper settings on your drives. Your DVD burner should be set to Master and your other drive set to slave for best results. I hope this helps.

Nope i am not running it with another drive, its on its own cable and set to secondary master.

sorry if this is silly question but will the panasonic copy ps2 and xbox and dvds? - sounds like a good deal 2 me but need more info

thanks

ps2 dvd games only. try the xbox & ps2 forums for info on this stuff.

sirdrinkalot:

Contact panasonic and let them know about the conflict with XP, they might have a firmware update for you.

i contacted the retailer and they swap the drive next day, new one works fine :D

I got one of these wee beauties on Friday as a b'day pressi and I reckon it's a decent enough burner, worked my way through 7 copies now and not a coaster among em. Well chuffed.

Yeah! got mine fitted and works fine, solid performance everytime so far! and suprised me by writing at 2x on datawrite yellows!!
Only downfall is primo compatibility!! Any one have a ripping guide using dvd decrypter/dvd shrink and nero to burn? please point me in the right direction
StUdLy

Why not simply get Recordnow Max instead. Essentially the same program as Prassi and it is more up to date. Go to www.recordnowmax.com to give it a shot. I hope this helps