I have the xs32 and have swtiched drives. I have posted on here before about having problems reading unfinalized discs (that are full) and now having problems with finalizing when it was fine when I first installed the damn thing.

Anyways, I have another question. I am thinking of upgrading to an xs35 or xs34. I know they are discontinued, but may get one on ebay. Does anyone know if the unfinalized discs burned on a xs32 will working in a xs34 or xs35? I am thinking they should because the software is probably relatively the same and they should record in the same format. But does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks
I've been able to read, add to, and finalize all the unfinalized -Rs and -RWs from my XS32 (original burner), in my XS54. A few of them were two years old and only partially full. I've done this with both an LG 4167B and an H42LK in the XS54. No problem in reading or finalizing any of them in the XS32/4167B, either. Mattack has had some problems, so I don't know if it's a media issue (I only use TYs), or what.

I did have a couple that didn't work, but those were from when the original burner was dying, and kept giving can't read disc errors while burning, so I don't think they count.

Also, I can't finalize discs from my XS54, if I put them in the XS32.

Mattack has had some problems, so I don't know if it's a media issue (I only use TYs), or what.

Yeah, as I said above, even completely with the new drive, I cannot read unfinalized DVD-Rs that I eject..

DVD-RWs seem to mostly work fine. (I have a FEW DVD-RWs that don't mount properly, and one that mounts as read only right away. I think at least one of them was done on either the original drive in its flaky state, or my use of that interim drive that wouldn't notice newly inserted discs.) Strangely, while this drive mounts discs normally MUCH MUCH faster.. it also can get into a state where it takes TENS of minutes to give up. I think it does finally give up -- though if I am not recording at the time, I also have force powered off as a "solution".

A very very small sample (1 or 2) of DVD-RAMs seemed to work.

But unfinalized DVD-Rs is actually a pretty big issue, especially wrt. having TONS of unfinalized old discs.

I hope to eventually post more info about the exact drive and if the XS32 says anything about the firmware version on the DVD drive -- to compare with other people's experiences. I thought some people were using the EXACT same drive I am.

So is the LG GSA-H42N "the" drive to get these days?

Has any every explained the why no CD works on all drive replacements?

Also, I assume, that "+" media does not work even though the 42N can handle it, right?

6volt, you're thinking along the same line as I am. I was actually wondering about trying a dvd-r dl.
Rickc5, do we have the wrong firmware to use a dl disc? Thanks for the post about swapping in a larger hdd.
Mattack, glad to see you're getting your unit going again. If it's still not acceptable, call toshiba about a possible suitable substitute from one the older models, and start searching ebay for one of those models

Toshiba chages a flat $135-139 to fix ANY DVD w/HDD unit.

If out of the model you send them, they will replace it WITH A NEWER MODEL (!!!).

If out of ALL models, they will refund what you paid for it (!!!).

I want to know if they are out of 32's yet.

Hey, does anyone have a 32 carcass - my tuner is somewhat dodgey, and would solder in a replacement if I could get one to see if that would work.

I just thought of something that I don't ever remember being discussed:

When people replace the optical drive, they usually don't mention if they reflashed the firmware. From what I understand, the firmware is flashed into the optical drive to allow it to recognize newer media and their settings.

If you merely install an LG drive, you are installing it with its firmware - not Toshiba's.

What are the chances that an LG drive would work with CD's IF reflashed with Toshiba's firmware.

On the other hand, flashing Toshiba's firmware onto an LG drive might just ruin it.

Hummmmmm.....

You have to flash the firmware for the drive onto it. Toshiba's firmware is for Toshiba's drive. It is highly unlikely that you even COULD flash the Toshiba firmware, but if you were able to force it, it'd certainly ruin the drive. It's basically the programming for the hardware, which would be totally wrong-- like putting unleaded in a diesel engine.

I would suspect that someone makes the Toshiba drive and uses the same circuit board/chipset and transport. If the true model could be identified, I believe you could flash the drive and the CD would probably work. For example, I have a Smart and Friendly CD burner and it is in reality a Ricoh drive and I can use Ricoh firmware.

Someone said the Toshiba drive is a Samsung but I never heard of what model.

I would suspect that someone makes the Toshiba drive and uses the same circuit board/chipset and transport. If the true model could be identified, I believe you could flash the drive and the CD would probably work. For example, I have a Smart and Friendly CD burner and it is in reality a Ricoh drive and I can use Ricoh firmware.

Someone said the Toshiba drive is a Samsung but I never heard of what model.


RD-XS54 has a Panasonic SW9574E You can find a SW9574C here for 135

http://www.ourstorespecials.com/sw9574.html

Also found this:

http://www.dfwdepot.com/opticstor/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_6

I called Toshiba about mine, it's a little over a year old. They had me write a letter to them requesting an extension of the parts warrenty. I wrote the letter and also informed them how much I love the unit, yadda, yadda. They called me back and I was told to send it to a repair depot (Topps Electronics). Topps replaced the burner for 70.00 flat repair fee. I have not opened the unit since I got it back to see if they replaced it with an exact model number or not. When I get time, probably tomorrow, I will peek in and see what it is.

This is a link to a PDF file for drive comparisons or something. Maybe one of you can figure it all out.

http://software.emc.com/collateral/services/support/ArcXhcg.pdf

If you look in the contents at DVD-RAM Drives you'll find our model listed there.

It would be interesting to know if that SW9574C did CD's and if not, whether it did AFTER flashing w/Toshiba firmware.

Where in the world do they get the price of $135 (!), wow. I even found some drives for over $300 when looking for replacements.

I think everyone here is DYING TO SEE WHAT TOPS DID !

I think that pdf about drives is a list of drives than work in some drive array - but I'm only guessing.

___________________________________

I'll air this again, I need a drive for my 32 and what should I get. What confuses this whole thing is that, now, there appear to be drives than can at least play a CD which might be nice if not too much money AND no reduction of DVD functionalities whatsoever (like playing unfinalized discs even though I NEVER DO THAT!)

I argue that I need to buy a drive just to get the content off my HDD, however, if I get a 34 off of eBay, I believe I could put my HDD in the 34 and get the content off. But then what would I do with my busted 32??? I guess some $30 DVD-ran drive is a practical thing to do, even if I end up putting it on eBay.

Toshiba chages a flat $135-139 to fix ANY DVD w/HDD unit.

If out of the model you send them, they will replace it WITH A NEWER MODEL (!!!).

If out of ALL models, they will refund what you paid for it (!!!).

I want to know if they are out of 32's yet.

How do you know this? I am not trying to be negative, but that actually sounds awfully *good*. Especially if you know this, I would think you'd already know if they were out of XS32s!

Though honestly, I'm not sure if I want a *bigger* hard drive which would make me be lazier and likely to lose even more recordings when the hard drive went bad or something else bad happened.

I got that information from Toshiba over the telephone.

Of course, the terms of their repair policy is the use of refurbished components which means as long as there is a dusty old SD-W3002 drive on the shelf, they will repair your Xs32.

I've heard they are currently offering to put aftermarket drives in units returned for repair disclosing that CD functionality will be lost.

Once those SD-W3002 drives are gone, think about it, if a customer demands to have a fully functional unit w/CD functioning, they won't be able to repair the unit.

Its like I had a Stanley 25' Lever Lock Tape measure where the spring broke. Their policy is to replace the unit if it looks like it hasn't been totally abused and worn out. Well, they didn't have that model so they sent me a new $30 Fat Max.

I like this. A friend of mine saw the Jobber prices for Pioneer receivers at, it might have been Audio Advisors or something, in West Palm Beach FL and ALL the receivers, from the $200 one to the $1500 one were priced $99 and $150 respectively.

When you consider what it costs to make a receiver, the options really don't amount to a hill of beans. But think about Return on Investment. If you had a fixed markup, you would sell 20 cheap receivers for each expensive one so there is no incentive to stock the top of the line. So the business model is you tie $99 up for 5 days to make $100 @ $20 a day thru the sale of a $200 receiver -OR- you tie $150 up for 50 days to make $1350 @ $27 a day on a $1500 receiver.

So getting a newer model is not that big a deal.

_____________________________________

I'm getting really confused over the 3 main Toshiba threads: Onwers, HDD and Burners... and I can't find the thread where they talked about partial CD functionality with Sony and HP DVD-ram drives. However, I remember there wasn't a lot of confirmation of these models so I still feel a little better with a $30 LG model 42 or similar.

Whatever thread that is, I'm going to focus on it as being THE burner thread.

I really need to find a replacement drive for my 32 ASAP - preferably thru Buy.com where I have a $30 credit.

I really need to determine what drive is best to get right now.

_________________________

I was laughing to myself about my 32 tuner which might have a minor RF interfence problem.

HaHa.

All I have to do is wait about a year and then I can forget about it!

HaHa

OILER1 and 6VOLT,
I have not read this thread since March 2006 when I talked to RICKC5 so I was amazed that people were still fighting the DVD drive probem. I took RICKC5's advice and installed an LG GSA-4167B with excellent results. The discs it burns have read perfectly in several other drives I tried. It loads literally 10 times as fast as the Tosh drive, is bothered very little by dust (but I still try to keep my DVDs spotless), reads and writes very well on the "right" CHEAP media. I usually use TAIYO DVD-R, and OPTODISC 4x DVD-RW (also called ACRO) from shop4tech. These are cheap and shop4tech has 10% off around the middle of each month with free shipping. The 2x tend to have errors. My coaster rate on the 4x is probably 1 in 400 (and even that may be my fault). I've found several other brands that seem to work well but cost a lot more. I've found other brands that refuse to load.
One other great thing about the 4167B is that it writes around the clock without a single error. The old Tosh drive would dub 1 disc from the harddrive, and then have to cool for 30-60 minutes before you could dub another one.
The only real problem the 4167B has had is when I tried to read one of the coasters that the old Tosh drive trashed, it hung the recorder and would not give up the disc. Waiting or pulling the plug didn't help. I had to use the paperclip eject hole to get the disc. The old Tosh drive will eventually eject automatically after 10 minutes or more.
I tried a Sony DVD drive in my non-harddrive-DR2 and everything seems to work OK unless you record to the end of the disc. Then if you try to finalize it, you will end up with a coaster every time. Deleting the last recording to "make room" at the end of the disc doesn't help either. If you don't finalize it, it will still work in a Tosh recorder. I usually dub these onto the XS32 harddrive.
The 4167B software is DL12 (which exists on the drive, not the XS32) and the XS32 FW is ZL10. I have not tried to flash this because it works so well. Also, I called Toshiba and they said that all the Tosh machines will work with 8x even though the manual may say 1x-2x. I have not tried the 8x DVD-RWs yet purely for economic reasons. I have also not tried CDs or "uncartridged" RAM so I can't speak on them.
When the 4167B formats a disc, rather than a gradual format, it will format to 2 or 3% and then jump to 40% and continue smoothly. This does not affect it's recording abilities in a negative way.
The only miner snag I had mounting the 4167B is to carefully drill a second mounting hole close to the first in the XS32 mounting bracket. This allows the 4167B to move back enough for the 4167B eject button to miss the XS32 front panel PC board. The other thing is once installed, the 4167B will want to keep the drawer open. Closing it with a disc works after 5 times or so and never has a problem again. I don't know if the my XS32 FW initially has trouble recognizing the drive or what, but works fine afterwards. Also make sure that the drawer is not binding anywhere or that will cause the same result.
I've had great luck with the 4167B and after several hundred discs, it still works as good as the day I bought it. I haven't read all of the posts since I was on here over a year ago, but it sounds like the LG H42 (N, LK, ?) may be the best drive if the 4167B is difficult to find.
A few things I do to minimize headaches are:
-When I insert a disc, I always gently position it against the rear stops of the drawer before hitting CLOSE. This has basically eliminated load errors. If a marginal disc is inserted, as with all recorders it may take 2 or 3 attempts to recognize the disc.
-Record everything to the harddrive and dub to DVD. You will never run off the end of the disc with this option. It's easy and quick. I don't even leave a disc in the machine when powered off because it comes up so much quicker with just the harddrive if I'm in a hurry to record something manually.
-Never record off the end of the disc (The Sony drive mostly has this problem).
-Don't swap discs back and forth. Load a disc and record it manually or with the timer programs until almost full, and finalize before ejecting. Or better yet, load a disc, dub from the harddrive until almost full, and finalize before ejecting.
-When finalizing, I select MENU for the START PLAY option which helps in the next step.
When finalizing is complete, I hit QUICK MENU, DISC MANAGEMENT, DISC INFORMATION, and check that finalizing is DONE.
I hit the yellow RETURN button to get back to the regular screen.
I hit the OPEN/CLOSE button twice about 1 second apart. This performs a load cycle and brings up the START MENU for the disc. The first sign of trouble is that a thumbnail won't load.
If the thumbnails load OK, then I hit PLAY on the first title and FASTFORWARD (5 arrow fast foward) through the "first" 30 minutes of it.
Then I skip to each next title making sure that the first 1 or 2 seconds of each one plays until I get to the last title.
On the last title I "5arrow" FASTFORWARD again through the "last" 30 minutes of it to the end of the disc.
-I know this sounds complicated but it goes very fast. The reason for it is I've found if errors are going to occur, they are most likely to occur in the first or last 30 minutes of the disc, and they are most likely to occur at "5arrow" FASTFORWARD as opposed to just PLAY.
-If it passes this routine without an error, then I can be very confident that I have a good disc before deleting the recordings on the harddrive. If there is an error, then I just dub another disc without putting the original hardrive recordings at risk.
Hope this didn't make any eyes glaze over.

Hooked it up without mounting the drive (laying on top of Toshiba drive) and get ERR-14 much more quickly than with the original drive.

Plays DVDs OK.

Any thoughts?

My only thoughts are that the cable/communication between the drive and the board is marginal and when I moved the cables about for the LG drive, I'm picking up more noise and hence there is more of a problem.

Thanks in advance,
Tom

PS. Turning 4x TY discs into coasters is getting real old. There IS a use for crapo discs: running experiments.

I think that's the same drive I got. It seems to work MOSTLY fine for me.. except
1) I can't use unfinalized DVD-Rs (whether from this drive or from the old one).. i.e. burn something to DVD-R, eject, inject
-> it's unrecognized
2) I have one or a very limited # of DVD-RWs that make it just spin for a long time before it gives up and thinks there's no disc in.. (but I can eject it.)

Mattack,

did you ever get the ERR-14's?

Tom

No I didn't.. so sorry, I realize it wasn't exactly related to your problem.. I just wanted to provide a bit of info from someone using I think the same drive.. I should check for sure which drive I have.

Can anyone help?

I installed the LG 4167B and keep getting a 7071 error on boot which I think implicates the RAM drive. I have the unit out of my rack and am using an extension cord to power test. Through exhaustive trial and error I have gotten the HDD to properly boot a few times with Blue Lights and to function properly as far as power down and power back up...but as soon as I replace the front panel and reassemble, when I power the unit down and unplug from the extension cord I am back to square one with the error message again on next power up. This now occurs with the new LG RAM drive or even the original RAM drive. If I remember correctly the only time I get the Blue Lights is with the old RAM drive as I never get that far with the LG installed. Before going down this road I at least had access to the HDD contents and all of its functionality including proper machine power up.

I know the 7061 code is directly related to the HDD and I can cause it to appear readily by changing jumper settings on the HDD or simply unplugging the Drive cable. But I'm afraid I've lost track of what the right combo of settings is with the jumpers and this is now causing the 7071 code. It seems no matter what combo I try I just can't get the machine to sync and boot properly. I seem to be one of the few lucky ones whose HDD seems fine and my only concern was replacing the stupid burner. As I currently cannot get the machine to power up properly I don't have access to the Software info. I believe my HDD was Z(L?)11 and the Drive 1314 but I can't be sure. I know I wrote it down somewhere but haven't been able to locate it.

Can someone with the LG burner and the original HDD please give me your config settings as to drive jumpers? Also, if any proprietary service knowledge like proper sequencing of connections before power up exists or specific waiting periods before reconnection of power cord, Drive tray open or closed etc., I would be extremely grateful for the info.

Many Thanks.

ClarkeBar,

My XS32 has both HDD and DVD drive jumpers in the position NEAREST the I/O cable. I know for the DVD that is MASTER, however, I can't say what position the HDD is called.

It sounds like you had DVD problems, so you put one in, and THEN started getting HDD problems?

And when you put the front plate back on, you got other problems?
_____________________________

I have a theory that the cheesy ribbon I/O cables they are using MUST be taped rigorously to a ground plane - since that is how the factory dressing is.

If they lift off of the ground plane, you get interference, and hence error codes.

If this is true, there are techs out there that know this is a common problem. I'm going to post this thought on the electronics repair newsgroup.
_____________________________

With this in mind, can you recount your steps and what happened again, but add the dress of the cables?

Please keep in mind, I'm grasping at straws here because I have an XS32 that started getting ERR-14's, replaced DVD drive with a GSA-H42N and with the DVD drive sitting on top of the old DVD drive AND the cables nowhere near a ground plane, am getting the ERR-14's very, very much earlier now. The situation is now WORSE with the LG drive.

6volt,

Thanks so much for the super fast reply. One of the things I love about this place is the great people found here.

I also considered the tape as a grounding problem source due to the type of tape used but can do little about it as the adhesive became useless after separation from the original RAM drive. I didn't want to apply another adhesive under the original due to the mess and need for exchange of Drives when things were finally working properly. The taping to the HDD has never been lifted.

If I recall properly I gave up on the LG install and decided to remount the old RAM drive and see if I could get some functionality. I remember placing as much of the tape back in original position and pressing as hard as I could to keep it in place. I tried numerous techniques such as resetting the 7071 error code then pulling the power plug and waiting for different intervals ranging from a few seconds to 5 minutes or more. Sometimes I had the drawer open and sometimes closed at power up. I cannot honestly tell you what made the stupid thing power up properly when it did. It seemed like pure happenstance...but I never felt so much relief. Before replacing anything I repeatedly tested the unit for drive drawer function and HDD-DVD indicator transfer as well as numerous power down-up cycles. Unfortunately had to pull the plug when reassembled. Actually, I think I didn't get past the replacement of the face plate before testing power down. Then no go again. Very frustrating. Your theory may well be what is involved or something equally arcane as there is no reason for the unit to behave properly one minute and then not the next with no changes to any hardware settings...just physical movement to align the pieces like the faceplate.

Am about to jump ship and grab a Philips 3575 from Wally World but thought I would at least try and see if the XS32 can be restored. So it's sitting out now on the table and I'm back at the replacement madness. Can always keep plugging away while I have the 30 day return on the Philips. I hate to give up a full drive of content and the full feature set of the Tosh which is still better than many competing models.

I don't know what to do about the tape other than holding it down firmly as I can when testing powering up.

well, you can just use a lot of scotch tape, or medical adhesive tape, or electricians. Be sure to double over an end so you have something to grab when you take it off.
____________________________

Just talked to my amateur radio friend and a way to shield those ribbons is to wrap them in aluminum foil and then ground the foil. In fact, Toshiba does that with one of their ribbon cables that goes over the top of the DVD to the front panel.
_____________________________

One of the reasons I came up with this theory is that my tuner gets some RF interference and when I ran the unit with cover off, this interference increased tremendously.

If it is an interference problem, where is it coming from? could it actually be coming from a problem in the Toshiba or from some outside source?

If it is a tuner problem, then that is simple and straightforward, however, if the tuner shielding was designed to be sufficient, there should be no difference when the cover is removed. Of course, this would indicate an interference problem.

Rats

Thanks. I found a tape more suitable for re-use and simply applied it over the original felt tape. All cables are as flat as when I first opened it but still no go...7071 error. I'm almost positive that is a Ram Drive code but I could be wrong. The funny thing is the darn HDD spools up and I get the front display to get past the clock and go full info...but then the 7071 shows up after varying intervals depending on jumper settings on the drives. Sometimes it's right away and others it takes 30 seconds or more. I'm guessing with the RAM drive as master the HDD should be cable select but I could swear when I got it to power up that time the HDD jumper was nearest the cable and the RAM jumper was in the Center slot. The positions are different I believe on the LG.

I hate to think of it but it may just be that the HDD is now caput as well and I'm just spinning my wheels. Oh...to see that wonderful Blue light again! I swear I'll never complain about it again. :D

When you get the error and the machine fails to boot try pressing the open tray button on the front of the machine.

I had the exact same problem but with the original burner and an XS54. I got the error when I tried testing an LG drive with it. I went back to the original DVD OEM drive and got the same error code. I thought I had toasted it. I let it sit over night and I got the same error code the next day but if I remember correctly pressing the open tray button cleared it and the machine booted. Maybe this forced the machine to see the DVD drive. Not sure.

Thanks Nextoo.

I do remember trying different buttons as well both front panel and remote (mainly the Power, Open/Close and HDD/DVD) but after so many pressings and so many failures it's easy to lose track when it does click and finally fall into place.

The front panel was well off (but still connected) when it worked that one time so I may have been using the remote instead as the panel was somewhat hanging down as I recall.

I'll give it a whirl.

6volt & nextoo,

Great news! Well for me personally that is. :o

Finally bit the bullet tonight and ordered the Philips 3575 from Wal-mart. As previously posted, figured that would give me 30 days to fiddle with the Tosh to see if I could get it working.

All along I thought my problem was much like that found with VCRs where everything has to be synchronized in order to power up properly. Turns out it was nothing of the kind.

I had just about disconnected and reconnected every ribbon cable in the D*** thing except those which appeared tight as a drum and fully inserted. For Ram drive switchout and endless experimentation however I always used the PC board connector at the back to save wear and tear on the delicate ribbon connectors.

What a dope!!!!

Once I pulled the fully inserted ribbon cable from its tight socket on the rear PC board and re-inserted it not quite as deep, the darn thing lit up like a Christmas tree on the next power-up.

Not being connected to my set for internal menus and visuals, I quickly tested the power on/off, open/close and HDD/DVD selections both with remote and front panel and the unit behaved perfectly. Of course this was with the old RAM drive in place...which left me with a few minutes of uncertainty whether to power down again and try the switchout to the LG once more. All along I had been telling myself I would be happy just to have the HDD back as before. I had gotten used to not having the RAM drive available or spotty at best...the dreaded check disc message. But as the RAM ribbon cable fiddling was the last and only thing which had just changed, I figured I would give it a go.

Long story short...I'm back in business. Haven't got it reconnected to my equipment yet so I really can't give a final stamp of ALL BETTER but I seriously doubt I would be seeing the functionality I do have if there were any remaining problems. Will edit this post tomorrow after getting things hooked up properly and doing proper testing with the new LG Drive. [Edit] See Post below [Edit]

Life is good. Many, many thanks to those who responded with helpful info and suggestions.

P.S. Will likely cancel the Philips order but who knows? Just may give it a try as well...although I don't think anything is going to beat the feature set of the Tosh. Plus, thanks to the good work of fellow AVS members, I know I can also increase the HDD size with the right drive after I clear this one off before it too starts to go South.

ClarkeBar,

So let me try and summarize your findings:

0) You were getting Error 7071.

1) The problem was the contact integrity of the ribbon cable with the printed-circuit (PC) board adapter that went in the back of the drives.

2) you had this problem on both drives, HDD and RAM? (You originally had a problem with the RAM drive but after moving the cables around, you started having problems with the HDD.)
_______________________________

If that is it, there are definitely issues with those cheesy ribbon cables.

Yes, to be more accurate, the only problem (continuous error 7071) I had really was the apparent lack of proper ribbon contact with the PC style adapter socket on the rear of the RAM drive even though fully inserted. I can see this could be a problem with either drive however so folks getting an error like this in the future should likely pull and then re-seat both cables from their respective socket connectors to be sure.

Any time I got a 7061, I knew why it occurred as I was making changes to the HDD jumper as well. With the HDD jumper in proper position (nearest the cable) it never gave the 7061 code.

Funny thing is...the culprit ribbon cable connection actually was seated very tightly in the adapter socket and when I finally pulled it out of desperation and re-inserted it looked as though one of the tiny silver ribbon tabs on one end had come loose and would not lie flat. I thought for sure the cable might be hosed as there was no way that proper contact all across the socket would occur if one of the contact ends had loosened. I figured it would always just bend backwards when trying to re-insert. But somehow the darn thing still worked. Go figure.

I hooked up last night after posting. Used my sets front video ports to test things out. I found out right away I have a similar problem as others with some discs and disc types(?)perhaps.

Thus far I can play all pre-recorded finalized DVD-Rs and commercial discs.

Can burn to DVD-R from the HDD. (Did a few high speeds to make some room on the crowded HDD)

Can play pre-recorded RAM...no problem...subsequently I do not anticipate any recording problems with same.

Problems so far only with DVD-RW and CD-RW already recorded.

Have to remove the ribbon connector and then press the on-drive button to open the tray as the machine just locks. Have to do this as resetting or simple plug pull does not fix the issue while the problem disc is still in machine. It may be a finalization thing as I generally never locked(?) any re-writable in the past. Have yet to see how blank discs of those types are treated. If I get the usual blank disc message then all will likely be well for future use. It may also be the disc type or the particular disc brands/speed etc. with this new LG drive. Time will tell.

[Edit] Blank DVD-RWs get the usual format message so they should be no problem from here on out. Blank CD-RWs get check disc error. The burner has been out of commission so long I can't remember if I ever had success with CD-RW :confused: [Edit]

Cheesy cables is the right description. :mad: But I have to admit overall it is still a very nice machine. Too bad about the original drive choices having issues so soon...but at least there are solutions, unlike some other models out there.

Terribly sorry for the wordiness. But I know from my own experience people like as much info as possible when diagnosing/solving a particular problem...and I'm one loquacious SOB...as you can see. :p

Thanks again for everything.

ClarkeBar,

Your attention to detail may have discovered something!

After making about 5 coasters w/oem drive and 2 coasters with LG GSA-H42N drive, I went to Staples for those cheap 1-16x Playo DVD-R's so I would not waste my yellow TY 4x Maxells.

I reset the ribbon cable into the ribbon-to-IDE adapter of the LG drive.

And I succesfully did the following:

0) Loaded the Playo DVD
1) Recorded directly to DVD,
2) Deleted that recording,
3) Dubbed from the HDD to the DVD,
4) Finalized the DVD.
5) Successfully played the DVD and accessed its Menu.
6) Unloaded and reloaded DVD successfully.

I will tell you this, that ribbon cable has a funny feel when you bottom it into the adapter - its like the last .020" become easier - you really have to have a good touch to notice this. So I pulled it out, just a little, to where it was much tighter.

The ribbon cables are all over the place, out in the air, no where near a ground plane since I have the LG drive laying on top of the oem drive.

I play to do the following tests:

1) Try a Maxell in the LG drive in its current state,
2) Reconnect the oem DVD drive and see if it works now.

__________________________________

Maxell tests are failing:
1) failed to Create a Video DVD (ERR-14),
2) tried a different case of the maxells, still failed.

6volt,

The tolerances on these things apparently are off the charts.

I once actually had the slim silver ribbon cable stuck so tight in its socket that I pulled out several of the contact wires from the board socket and had to carefully re-align them when seating them back into place. Just weird.

For now I'm keeping it out of the rack as the lock-up issue with older pre-records is too much of a pain to remedy without easy access. I tried some more discs looking for the usual problems but so far the known pickiness with CD-RW, lack of CD play (or just CD-R audio?) and likely problem with unfinalized discs of any variety and format (except for wonderful RAM) is all I've found. I have stacks of material which should contain some finalized burns so it's just a tedious trial & error process. Will report back what I find with greater specificity as to disc brand, type, speed etc.

The oem drive records to the Playo's which is nuts.

Now neither drive will record to my Maxells. I even tried a different pack of them.

I have heard that blank DVD's have a shelf life but this is ridiculous.

Then I start checking errors on the discs with Nero's CDspeed and the results would gag a maggot.

I know A/V streaming has ootles more errors that data streams. But I've gotten sustained PI errors over 7000 and patches of sustained PI failures of 1400.

All seems unrelated to media.

Then I have a Maxell (MXL RG02) where max PI error is 36 and max PI failure is 17 throughout on the oem drive. Of course, Nero Errors out with an ILLEGAL MODE FOR THIS TRACK (056400). I play the DVD back in my Philips (which did not make the recording) and it plays perfectly.

This is crazy. It sounds like bad Maxell DVD's but I bought 18 20-packs all at the same time. I'm getting problems with pack #14 and #15 with NO PROBLEMS with packs 1-13.

I think we are the only 2 on this thread any more,
Tom

The original burner in the XS32 is a piece of garbage, really. Neither my unit, nor my dad's, ever realiably recorded ANY DVD-R (many would uncorrectable errors/unreadable sectors and wouldn't work in any player), and since purchase I burned everything to DVD-RW and then ripped it to PC to burn DVD-R.

Once I replaced the drive on mine with an LG H22 it got much more reliable. ;) I wish I could suggest help, but I had no problems with the switch...

And now there's three!!!! :D

Actually the original drive as a burner was never much of an issue for me until the Check disc crap started up with even commercial DVD play. As a burner I rarely had a coaster. Serendipity, I guess.

Have verified all unfinalized of any disc type except RAM of course will not play and continues to lock up the machine. Any other Disc of any type, even blank CD-Rs, the unit will at least allow me to remove without lockup after message. Have found no issues with Disc brands in my stock. Even Maxell 8x (Gold) and Sony 16X DVD-Rs work fine. Older TDK and Maxell (Yellow) also fine. Never bought any T-Y brand, only re-brands.

I will reattach the original burner sometime and go through the laborious process of seeing what I can get it to read from my unfinalized stock. If it recognizes anything worth saving, I will initiate an immediate finalization.

JMScott,

Did you ever get any ERR-14's?

Thanks
Tom

On the OEM drive or the new one?

I think I got a very, very few ERR -14s on the original drive-- maybe 2 or 3 in the 3 years the original drive lasted. On the new drive (LG H22L), they appear to be more frequent on many discs (up to like 50% of my burns on Sony DVD-Rs-- around 10 discs) but still relatively rare on Taiyo Yuden discs. (2 or 3 of 75 burned so far)

JMScott,

That is interesting. ClarkeBar also said he believed he got more ERR-14s on his LG replacement.

If more ERR-14s are occurring with LG drives (22's and 42's) then I'm not that keen on saying they are a great replacement.

My XS32 worked for about 3 years and 300 burns with NEVER an ERR-14. But I was using only the 360 Maxell DVD's I bought all at one time.

For the record my LG is a GSA-4167B. Was able to recently track one down unlike the only HDD upgrade swap available. I can find the ST3160023 in a variety of places but not the ST3160022A. Anyone know of a source?

RD-XS54 has a Panasonic SW9574E You can find a SW9574C here for 135

http://www.ourstorespecials.com/sw9574.html

Also found this:

http://www.dfwdepot.com/opticstor/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_6

I called Toshiba about mine, it's a little over a year old. They had me write a letter to them requesting an extension of the parts warrenty. I wrote the letter and also informed them how much I love the unit, yadda, yadda. They called me back and I was told to send it to a repair depot (Tops Electronics). Tops replaced the burner for 70.00 flat repair fee. I have not opened the unit since I got it back to see if they replaced it with an exact model number or not. When I get time, probably tomorrow, I will peek in and see what it is.



Ok kiddies here's the deal....Tops replaced the SW9574-E with a SW9573-E. Looks like a re-furb as the case has the tape marks on it from a previous install. Bet either Tops is re-furbing them or has someone who does it. More than likely the laser units in these suckers is the problem.

Just did a Yahoo search for SW9573-E.... less info out there than there was on the 9574-E.

So there's the story and my opinion of what might be happening. I was hoping for something better. Now if we could just get someone to mod the software and let us burn DL disks it would be cool....both these units are DL units the restriction is probably in the firmware.

minor correction: Its "Tops" with a single P. No big deal.

Darn, I guess I should have contacted Toshiba when my burner went bad.

But chicken and egg problem -- did you have stuff on the hard drive when you sent it in? Was it erased? If the burner is bad, obviously you can't save it off to disc. But if you send it in, I think they might reformat it as part of their "fixing" routine.

Darn, I guess I should have contacted Toshiba when my burner went bad.

But chicken and egg problem -- did you have stuff on the hard drive when you sent it in? Was it erased? If the burner is bad, obviously you can't save it off to disc. But if you send it in, I think they might reformat it as part of their "fixing" routine.

I installed one of the LGs when the OEM burner bit the dust and backed up what I had to DVDs. When I got the deck back everything was still on the hard drive. I'm gonna keep the LG because I'm pretty sure I'm going to eventualy need it.

6Volt

I edited the spelling of Tops. It is a minor thing but it might have kept someone from being able to find them on the internet. Thanks for catching that.

The original burner in the XS32 is a piece of garbage, really. Neither my unit, nor my dad's, ever realiably recorded ANY DVD-R (many would uncorrectable errors/unreadable sectors and wouldn't work in any player), and since purchase I burned everything to DVD-RW and then ripped it to PC to burn DVD-R.

Once I replaced the drive on mine with an LG H22 it got much more reliable. ;) I wish I could suggest help, but I had no problems with the switch...
I have recorded dozens of disks using Maxel DVD-R and have had 1 disk that would not play.

I just got back my Toshiba D-KR2 bought a few months before the XS32. Had taken it to my Mom's long ago for her use and also family when they come into town to visit her. Back when I had both in-house, I remembered testing both units for inter-compatibility in terms of pre-finalized playback and also cross finalizing from one machine to another. Always worked and figured the machines had the same RAM burner with the same firmware. So now I have it back and have found I can finalize discs formerly burned on the XS32 original burner but of course have no luck with any (just a few) unfinalized discs burned with the LG4167. May switch out the RAM drive and see how it acts in the XS32.

Guys, thanks for all your help and comments. I gave up on my D-R2. (non-hard drive model) It appears that there's an electronics glitch independent of the drive.

I decided to cut my losses and sell the original/drive (which plays commercially recorded DVDs but doesn't record reliably) and two SE-R0123 remotes. It is quite possible that the original drive is OK, as replacing it with a LG 54 drive didn't help.

Any idea what this package is worth? If someone needs remotes, it could be worthwhile. New replacement remotes go for $50 each.

I also have a like-new LG H54 drive.


Tom

My dvd burner conked out on my XS-32. The repair center says to replace it would cost about $500. The technician says these burners don't last very long. I am now stuck with 35 unfinalized DVD-RW's and DVD-R's that I can't watch or finalize. I live in Canada and the local Best Buy or Future Shop don't carry Toshiba recorders anymore.

I may have to replace the dvd burner with one suggested in the other posts, but that still won't get back my unfinalized DVD's to watch.

Does anyone have any suggestions? All I need is to have my dvd's finalized and I may buy another recorder afterwards. Maybe I can buy a DR-6 finalized my dvd's and then return it :-)

1) If you study the posts (there are 2 threads, this "burner" thread and also the "owners" thread) I think there were drives that allowed finalization.

2) Here in the US, there is a flat rate repair of $139 for ANY DVD recorder w/HDD. Maybe you should call Tops Electronics (check these threads, also called Topps).

3) There are experts on this thread that should be able to answer your questions from memory if they still check this thread.

My dvd burner conked out on my XS-32. The repair center says to replace it would cost about $500. The technician says these burners don't last very long. I am now stuck with 35 unfinalized DVD-RW's and DVD-R's that I can't watch or finalize. I live in Canada and the local Best Buy or Future Shop don't carry Toshiba recorders anymore.

I may have to replace the dvd burner with one suggested in the other posts, but that still won't get back my unfinalized DVD's to watch.

I seem to have had more problems than most with replacing the DVD burner.. but even I can use unfinalized *DVD-RWs*. Of course I mean unfinalized *from the original burner*. DVD-Rs are another matter. For me, even unfinalized DVD-Rs BURNED IN THIS MACHINE are unreadable.

I should probably see if there's newer firmware for it.

I was told as long as I get a LG dvd burner that doesn't have the multi thing on it it would be ok. All the new burners have dual layer, so its it ok to buy a LG GSA-H54NK (without the K in Canada) ok? What does the "K" mean anyway?

Is there anyone in Edmonton that can help me install a burner or is it so straight forward I can so it myself? I am kind of apprehensive about doing it myself. If I can;t find anyone I will go down to the States, I guess.

What do you mean by "that multi thing"? Some earlier message, probably in this thread, described the extra letters. I think K might be black.

What do you mean by "that multi thing"? Some earlier message, probably in this thread, described the extra letters. I think K might be black.

Any model that says Super multi in the main description.

I was told as long as I get a LG dvd burner that doesn't have the multi thing on it it would be ok. All the new burners have dual layer, so its it ok to buy a LG GSA-H54NK (without the K in Canada) ok? What does the "K" mean anyway?

Is there anyone in Edmonton that can help me install a burner or is it so straight forward I can so it myself? I am kind of apprehensive about doing it myself. If I can;t find anyone I will go down to the States, I guess.

Look it over once you open the case. Be gentle with the ribbon connector and you'll be fine. It's pretty simple and pretty straight foward.

Open case (2 screws on each side and 1 or 2 on the back)
Remove screws from burner bracket (2 on each side of burner)
Remove power cable to burner (looking from the front this connector is left rear on burner)
Remove ribbon cable and tape holding it to burner
Remove the plastic frame areound the tray on your new burner
Make sure new burner is jumpered for MASTER
Set new burner in brackets
Line up mounting holes in new burner and brackets
put screws in new burner DO NOT TIGHTEN THEM YET
connect power cable to new burner
connect ribbon cable to new burner
Tighten screws now if they look a little out of line push firmly on the rear of the burner to line them up and tighten them down.
Put the case back on the unit and you're pretty much finished I think.

Did I miss anything?

Any model that says Super multi in the main description.

But if you don't have that, then you can't do DVD-RW, DVD-R, and DVD-RAM... right?

(so maybe I got the wrong one? I could swear that people thought the one I got 'would just work'.. which it does except for the unfinalized DVD-R problem.. which is a pretty big problem..)

Did I miss anything?

make sure that it'll actually open/close the door properly?

I would like to say thanks to all who provided great instructions about replacing the DVD burner in the Toshiba RD-XS32 unit.

As I hadn't used the DVD recording function for about six months, I was very dismayed and upset to discover this past weekend (8/4/2007) that my DVD drive would no longer recognize any of the media that I had previous used with it. When I found this thread, I was absolutely thrilled and intrigued. I was quickly able to locate and buy an LG-GSA-4167B DVD drive as a replacement for my original drive. I received it in the mail today. Everything is still in "test mode" array with the replacement DVD drive on top of the old drive. I plan to continue testing tomorrow, then complete the installation.

So far everything seems to be working very well. I have played a pre-recorded DVD, formatted a DVD-RW disk (Imation 4X), created a DVD-Video using the Imation DVD-RW and finalized it, created a DVD-Video with an HP DVD-R 16X disk, and copied from my created DVD back to the hard drive.

My experience has been wonderful. My RD-XS32 works far better than even when I purchased it new. It loads, formats, writes and finalizes the DVD disks much more quickly than the original DVD drive ever did. And it can use media that the old drive never recognized! I always had to use a Fuji DVD-RW 2X disk to transfer information from my hard drive and recopy it to a DVD-R disk using my desktop computer. (A DVD-R disk created on my RD-XS32 would never play on any of my various stand-alone DVD players. It would only play on my Plextor DVD drive on my computer.)

As far as the firmware in my RD-XS32 goes, I started with the Software version of ZL10 and the DVD drive software of 1309. With the LG GSA-4167B DVD drive installed, the DVD drive software now shows DL13. I called Toshiba service about an update to the firmware and was told that there is one and it will be sent to me within a week. I am not sure what I am going to get.

Questions:

As the system seems to be operating fine with the current firmware, I was wondering what the advantage of installing the new firmware would be?

Also, since I have installed a different DVD drive which uses a different driver, will the Toshiba-provided upgraded firmware mess up the replacement LG DVD?

Is it necessary to upgrade the firmware before replacing the hard drive. I currently have the Maxtor 80Gb hard drive in my RD-XS32. Now that I have a reliable DVD burner, I am seriously considering replacing the hard drive with a 160Gb unit.

Again, thanks so much to all for the wonderful advice. As I have built and rebuilt about a half dozen computers, swapping out the DVD drive was very straight forward and, actually, fairly easy. The most difficult issue was getting the power plug disconnected from the DVD drive. No big deal, but it was very tight and, with a front-panel ribbon cable plugged into the "motherboard" just behind the DVD drive, I had to work at removing the plug for several minutes. But all is good now and life is grand! I feel like a kid in a candy store. My wife couldn't understand my sheer joy when I copied a show from the hard drive to the DVD recorder. I suppose it is just a guy thing.

One happy recordist,

Ron from Columbia, MD

Glad to read that things went well for you. This is a great website in general...but for tinkerers like us it's even more special. Enjoy.

After reading all the posts on this thread I decided to take my LG GSA4163B out of my PC. I was told it is very easy to do.

I found a TV repair shop that says they can finalize my last 30 dvd-R's and RW's on a XS34. I have an XS32 so will the XS34 do the job?

I think I can remove the LG dvd burner from my PC relatively easily, but I am afraid to install the LG on my Toshiba. The shop person says he can do it for me and if I have instructions on how others did it that would be great. Most of the other TV repair shops refuse to make any modifications on the Toshiba so I am lucky I found a place locally.

The guy is gone for 2 weeks, so I have to wait.

What LG compatible dvd drives are still available to use as a replacement?

Since Toshiba doesn't make units with Hard drives anymore is it worth while to make this replacement after owning the machine for 3 years? I know the hard drive may conk out after 5 years. I would then have to either replace it or look for another machine.

Maybe I should just finalize my remaining dvd's and buy a new dvd HD recorder, though I doubt any would match the Toshibas's features.

Can anyone recommend one? I do have the Pioneer 640H as a backup but I don't like the editing features that much.

One weird thing happened this week.

The dvd burner which failed me previously had a reprieve when I first got it back from the shop. It wasn't repaired or replaced but it worked like normal that evening. I quickly took advantage and finalized 30 of my 50 disks knowing it might fail again. Lo and behold the next day it did!

It seems like if you leave it cold for about a week it seems to regenerate temporarily I think others have posted about this phenomenon of an otherwise disabled dvd drive?

As the system seems to be operating fine with the current firmware, I was wondering what the advantage of installing the new firmware would be?

Also, since I have installed a different DVD drive which uses a different driver, will the Toshiba-provided upgraded firmware mess up the replacement LG DVD?

Is it necessary to upgrade the firmware before replacing the hard drive. I currently have the Maxtor 80Gb hard drive in my RD-XS32. Now that I have a reliable DVD burner, I am seriously considering replacing the hard drive with a 160Gb unit.


Glad to see a success story, it seems like it's been a while!

DO NOT attempt to install the firmware Toshiba is sending you. It is only an update to the original DVD drive's firmware. While I seriously doubt it would even boot the disc properly (since the replacement drives don't like CDs and the firmware comes on a CDR, at least in my experience), and it probably would just spazz and refuse to update, if it DID try to update, it WOULD destroy your LG, since it isn't compatible firmware. DL13 is the latest 4167 firmware, if I remember correctly-- you're fine.

Similarly, the DVD drive firmware shouldn't affect the ability to swap HDs at all.

I say leave the unit as it is and enjoy. :) (or upgrade the HD if you can track down a good source for 160GB units that work)

My son-in-law showed me something interesting....check this out

http://www.inoi.com/English/MH720.asp

I ordered one and I think I might just put the RD-XS54 to death the next time it fails and use this to replace it.

My son-in-law showed me something interesting....check this out

http://www.inoi.com/English/MH720.asp

I ordered one and I think I might just put the RD-XS54 to death the next time it fails and use this to replace it.

The Inoi is a media player. It does not replace the RD-XS54 as a HDD DVD recorder (no tuner, no editing, no DVD burning). It would best be considered a DVR without a tuner.

Media servers are great. I landed on the Mvix 5000r. I chose Mvix because it can play ISO files. So all of my content saved to the Mvix is an ISO file which means it retains all of the features (menus etc) of the original DVD. And it is just one file per DVD. It is extremely portable and runs very cool - without a fan which surprised me. It is a tool less procedure to swap out drives. I'm running a 500 GB drive in it now. Highly recommended.

Here's the 5000r:

http://www.mvixusa.com/product.php?product=mv5000r

Glad to see a success story, it seems like it's been a while!

DO NOT attempt to install the firmware Toshiba is sending you. It is only an update to the original DVD drive's firmware. While I seriously doubt it would even boot the disc properly (since the replacement drives don't like CDs and the firmware comes on a CDR, at least in my experience), and it probably would just spazz and refuse to update, if it DID try to update, it WOULD destroy your LG, since it isn't compatible firmware. DL13 is the latest 4167 firmware, if I remember correctly-- you're fine.

Similarly, the DVD drive firmware shouldn't affect the ability to swap HDs at all.

I say leave the unit as it is and enjoy. :) (or upgrade the HD if you can track down a good source for 160GB units that work)


JMScott42,

Thanks for the info on the LG 4167B firmware. When I talked to the Toshiba guys, I specifically asked about firmware updates for the RD-XS32. I really wondered why he asked what the DVD Player firmware version was. I suppose I will just tool along with my ZL10 firmware and be happy that everything works.

If I find the 160Gb HD reasonably priced, I think I will try to upgrade. I'll post how things go on the RD-XS32 HD Swap thread.

Much thanks.

I found a place in So. Alberta that sells some refurbished XS-32's. I wonder if I shoudl take a chance and buy one for $180 CAD instead of replacing my dvd burner?

I found a place in So. Alberta that sells some refurbished XS-32's. I wonder if I shoudl take a chance and buy one for $180 CAD instead of replacing my dvd burner?
Oiler1,

Based on what everyone else is saying, and my personal experience, a refurbished XS32 will have the same crappy DVD burner. It is just a problem waiting to happen. If you can find a compatible DVD drive (I found a used LG GSA-4167B drive for $25.00 on eBay), I would strongly encourage you to go with the DVD drive replacement. It is definitely not very difficult; only slightly more difficult than installing one in a computer. The hardest part was getting the very sticky tape that holds the ribbon cables to the DVD drive housing. I never actually took the tape off of the ribbon cables themselves, just carefully removed each side from the DVD drive housing.

One other note, when I removed the DVD drive itself, it had some foam tape on the top front edge of the unit which made it slightly more difficult than I expected it to be to slide the DVD drive out of its location. The foam tape was probably there to help keep dust and other contaminates from getting inside the XS32 unit.

After you make the swap, I guarantee that you will be very pleasantly surprised at how much faster a DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-Video (i.e., movie) loads compared to the time it took the original DVD drive to load.

Of course, having a second XS32 unit around is very, very tempting... Perhaps you could PM me their address...

Oiler1,

Based on what everyone else is saying, and my personal experience, a refurbished XS32 will have the same crappy DVD burner. It is just a problem waiting to happen. If you can find a compatible DVD drive (I found a used LG GSA-4167B drive for $25.00 on eBay), I would strongly encourage you to go with the DVD drive replacement. It is definitely not very difficult; only slightly more difficult than installing one in a computer. The hardest part was getting the very sticky tape that holds the ribbon cables to the DVD drive housing. I never actually took the tape off of the ribbon cables themselves, just carefully removed each side from the DVD drive housing.

One other note, when I removed the DVD drive itself, it had some foam tape on the top front edge of the unit which made it slightly more difficult than I expected it to be to slide the DVD drive out of its location. The foam tape was probably there to help keep dust and other contaminates from getting inside the XS32 unit.

After you make the swap, I guarantee that you will be very pleasantly surprised at how much faster a DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-Video (i.e., movie) loads compared to the time it took the original DVD drive to load.

Of course, having a second XS32 unit around is very, very tempting... Perhaps you could PM me their address...

I'm scared to do the mod myself. I found a TV repair shop who is familiar with Toshibas to do it for mew once the tech comes back from vacation. Of course, they will not guarantee anything, but I feel more comfortable with a Pro doing it, but I am tempted to do it myself if it is that simple. I guess I just have to ground myself while doing it?

I can't find a LG 4167B anywhere in Canada. I do have an old LG 4163B that I use in my PC, so I guess that is an option. Is it easy to remove a dvd drive from a PC?

The one refurbished XS-32s had a broken drive so I would not buy it. They have no refunds, so I would not trust that place.

I got to find a XS-32 or 34 to finalize 30 of my dvd-RW's now!

After reviewing the posts about replacing the DVD burner, I found a LG GSA H22n at etech 4 sale. I ordered it and installed it today (at least half way). I attached the cables and let it sit on top of the old drive.

When I tested it, I found that it would recognize disks and copy between the hard drive and it. The rub came when I tried to finalize a disk. I dubbed the files to a TY DVD-R but when I tried to finalize the disk, it gave me that dreaded error 14(terminated because of disk error). So hooked the original back and closed the machine. I did not try the DVD video creation option.

I was tempted to try loading the software update but decided against because of the advice in one of the posts here. However, I did notice that software version listed for the new drive (under the setup menu) was 1.1 instead of 14. So the machine was to some degree recognizing the new drive.

Before I try to return the drive, are the any ideas?

That's very interesting.

Back when my XS32's drive died, and I did a successful swap with an H22L, I bought a spare H22N for when my dad's XS32 inevitably failed. It was getting worse and worse at burning and finally pretty much gave up the ghost, so we just tried the swap. I hooked up the H22N to my computer at work, burned a few dozen discs to be sure it worked ok, and upgraded the firmware to 1.02, before putting it back in the box to await its upgrade.

And now I am having the same ERR -14 finalizing DVD-R media with it. I can burn (And finalize) DVD-RWs apparently fine but I've coasted 2 TYG02 DVD-R discs (from the same spindle that works perfectly on the XS32/H22L combo).

I am now trying to decide what the most likely cause is. Is the H22L just different enough from the H22N that it breaks compatibility with the Toshiba? (the only difference "should" be Lightscribe technology, but that only kicks in if you're trying to burn Lightscribe discs which isn't possible in the XS32). Does the 1.02 firmware update mess things up?

Seems like people who have tried the H22N are having more issues than the H22L although people have had issues with the L as well.

Now I'm not sure if I should just be happy I can burn again off this unit (I've only ever used DVD-RWs on the XS32 because the OEM burner almost never made a readable disc on a DVD-R for me) or if I should try to hunt down an LG H22L with firmware 1.0 and just slap it in as is (which is what I did with my unit)...

[Edit to add: Ok, it looks like the DVD-RW might not have burned successfully after all. It recorded and played fine on the XS32 but when I just went to read in in the computer nothing's seeing a disc.. this isn't good. :( ]

[Edit2: My Plextor is reading the DVD-RW so at least it does seem to produce usable discs, just not as good as the H22L succeeded...]

JMSCOTT42

I specifically stayed away from the lightscribe drive because I thought it might complicate the situation. I thought the lightscribe technology was more recent than the xs32.

Do you still think trying to install the 1416 software update is a bad idea?

DO NOT attempt to install the firmware Toshiba is sending you. It is only an update to the original DVD drive's firmware. While I seriously doubt it would even boot the disc properly (since the replacement drives don't like CDs and the firmware comes on a CDR, at least in my experience), and it probably would just spazz and refuse to update, if it DID try to update, it WOULD destroy your LG, since it isn't compatible firmware. DL13 is the latest 4167 firmware, if I remember correctly-- you're fine.


I received the above info from AVS member jmscott42 regarding whether I should install the firmware that Toshiba Customer Service was sending me. I would think that your LG DVD drive would not respond well, if at all, to the Toshiba firmware update.

I am sorry to hear about the issues that the H22 DVD burners are having in the XS32 recorders. I was dubious about getting the older (read USED) GSA-4167B DVD burner, but maybe that turned out to a wise decision as I have not had any problems since I installed it. I have been copying a great deal of content from my HD to disks since the swap. Fortunately, I have had no problems.

I am about to embark on the HD swap with a Seagate ST3160022ACE drive. I am hoping to get the full 160GB formatted.

JMSCOTT42

I specifically stayed away from the lightscribe drive because I thought it might complicate the situation. I thought the lightscribe technology was more recent than the xs32.

Do you still think trying to install the 1416 software update is a bad idea?

Yeah, I figured Lightscribe wouldn't make a difference so I bought the H22N as the extra spare. Little did I know.

I managed to find ONE single LG H22L sitting on the shelf at the Best Buy near my work (after being told at a store by my home they were gone from the entire city and this was the only store with any, and when I called I was told they didn't have it!). I won't have time til the weekend to do the re-swap (take out H22N and put in H22L), but it's a firmware 1.00 unit, built September 2006 (the H22L I had previous success with was August 2006) so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Don't try to install the 1416 update onto the LG burner. Really. It's not meant for it-- it's not firmware for the XS32 unit, it's only for the DVD burner... there's absolutely nothing to be gained and at worst you could end up with a totally toasted burner.

I'll report back as to if the H22L works where the H22N didn't once I get the swap done..

Thanks

I think I will hold onto the 22n because after shipping and restocking I will have over $25 invested in it. Since it does read and copy, I can use it as a backup replacement for my original. I have long stopped making DVDs with this unit. It works really well as a Tivo without the bells and whistles and fees.

It works really well as a Tivo without the bells and whistles and fees.

uhh, yeah right!

Wait until it (1) hangs, or (2) suddenly says your hard drive is corrupted, losing everything on it.

Don't get me wrong, I *also* mention these recorders on tivocommunity when people want to use a tivo without a subscription..

but they sure as heck don't work "as well as a Tivo" overall. I just wish Tivos had (and would have paid $$$$ for) the few features I like on these recorders -- editing before burning, and multisession writes.. (and of course I lost multisession writes with the upgrade I tried)

LG H22L worked!

I just got done doing the swap, taking out the LG H22N and putting in the LG H22L I found at Best Buy, and the quick test disc I made worked fine! (finalized properly on a TYG02 DVD-R disc)

All I did to the H22L was hook it up to a PC and set the region code to region 1. Then I swapped it in as normal (NO firmware updates or the like- it's at its stock firmware 1.0, manufactured Sept. 2006) and it's working fine.

So there does appear to be some very, very minor but incredibly critical difference between the H22N and H22L -- and DO NOT upgrade the firmware!!

Hummmm...

Sounds like this might apply to the H42N I tried. It sort of worked but is much poorer than OE drive for recognizing TYG02 Maxells.

I would not recommend the H42N.

I'm tempted to buy a H22L now that I've read this, however, I would sure like other people to confirm this since I have already wasted money on a H42N.

Tom

I was looking for H22L's on the net and found that there are a lot of people that have gotten that model, especially from BB, that produce truly inferior burns.

These people also said that the H10L was a real quality burner and there was no comparison between the 2 models.

So while I believe the H22L will be a better match with the XS32 over the H42N, I have to wonder about the following:

1) Might the H42L be a better match than the H42N, and
2) Might the H10L be a better match?

I can sense that the interest in these decks is really waning so I don't expect too much comment on this.

Tom

If I take my LG 4163B out of my PC which are the better PC dvd burners on the market to replace it? I always heard Plextor was good. They all can rip CD's and DVD's ok right? What about the quality? I probably would buy a Lightscribe one.

Pioneer makes some awesome burners. Plextor's "true" burners, the ones they made themselves, are basically gone-- now they just resell LiteOn/etc, so they're not worth paying the premium for. If I had to buy a PC burner right now, I'd go with a Pioneer 112 (or 111 if I could find it, it's considered slightly better) or a Renesas-chipset based LG burner. Unfortunately, LG's released so many burners in the past year I can't tell you for certain which are Panasonic-based and which are Renesas based. (I think the LG H55 is Renesas-based but I'm not sure) If you do some googling, and/or read up on cdfreaks.com's excellent message boards, they should know.

Another option would be to keep the 4163 in your PC (it was a great burner) and buy something else for the XS32.

6volt-- I am one of the ones who believes the H22L is a not the greatest PC burner, but it works miracles with my XS32, so I love it right now. ;) The H10L is an EXCELLENT PC burner, probably my favorite overall, but I know there were some issues with the Renasas-chipset LG models and the XS32 (I think there were more issues with compatibility with previously unfinalised discs or something). The Panasonic chipset LGs (and the HPs, which are just LGs sold under their name) seemed slightly more compatible with all features. That said, if people are reporting success with the 4163 and 4167, then the H10L should work fine.

My XS32/LGH22L's produce excellent burns on TYG02 media. They are iffy (and occasionally ERR-14) on a lot of others, unfortunately. I guess my thought is that the H22L appears-- in my experience (2 for 2)-- to be a sure thing to work in an XS32. Many, many other models seem hit and miss. I almost bought another H22L as a 'floating spare' in case one of the XS32s I deal with decides to die again but I haven't made up my mind yet.

Pioneer makes some awesome burners. Plextor's "true" burners, the ones they made themselves, are basically gone-- now they just resell LiteOn/etc, so they're not worth paying the premium for. If I had to buy a PC burner right now, I'd go with a Pioneer 112 (or 111 if I could find it, it's considered slightly better) or a Renesas-chipset based LG burner. Unfortunately, LG's released so many burners in the past year I can't tell you for certain which are Panasonic-based and which are Renesas based. (I think the LG H55 is Renesas-based but I'm not sure) If you do some googling, and/or read up on cdfreaks.com's excellent message boards, they should know.

Another option would be to keep the 4163 in your PC (it was a great burner) and buy something else for the XS32.

6volt-- I am one of the ones who believes the H22L is a not the greatest PC burner, but it works miracles with my XS32, so I love it right now. ;) The H10L is an EXCELLENT PC burner, probably my favorite overall, but I know there were some issues with the Renasas-chipset LG models and the XS32 (I think there were more issues with compatibility with previously unfinalised discs or something). The Panasonic chipset LGs (and the HPs, which are just LGs sold under their name) seemed slightly more compatible with all features. That said, if people are reporting success with the 4163 and 4167, then the H10L should work fine.

My XS32/LGH22L's produce excellent burns on TYG02 media. They are iffy (and occasionally ERR-14) on a lot of others, unfortunately. I guess my thought is that the H22L appears-- in my experience (2 for 2)-- to be a sure thing to work in an XS32. Many, many other models seem hit and miss. I almost bought another H22L as a 'floating spare' in case one of the XS32s I deal with decides to die again but I haven't made up my mind yet.

I am reluctant to remove my LG4163B from my PC for sure until I find a better one to replace it. Can you in compatibility order list the LG burners that work best on the XS-32? I will then look for used ones in that order.

What is the difference between the GSA-H10L and the GSA-H10Li????

Thanks
Tom

Oiler1,

Here is the primary source of info that leads me to pick the H10L as the best Xs32 replacement. I tried a H42N and although it worked, it had ERR14 problems which in my book means... it doesn't work properly. Based on this post, I'm going to get another replacement drive, this time a H10L, however, there is now a H10Li which I need to determine what differences there are. maybe it is just the packaging.

Donnieo:

To everyone who has this unit that does not behave properly, it is most likely due to a failing DVD-RAM optical drive and not necessarily the hard drive. After exhaustive research with this unit, both on forums and Toshiba's website/tech support, as well as in our shop, the DVD-RAM overheats and the IC chips fail. We opened the drive and ran it through its paces. Just being on and empty or not spinning a disc, the laser stays on all the time and generates too much heat.

We have found the appropriate substitute drive, to include the use of RAM discs (TYPE II, non-cartridge), to be the LG GSA-H10L - made by Hitachi/LG (Zenith). The installation of this drive, excluding the bezel and tray cover, is an exact fit as well. The drive needs no firmware update from LG. You can purchase this drive for 1/2 price at Best Buy this week only (7/17/06) for $55.00! Faster disc loading and burning are noticeable. Dubbing and rate conversion to/from RAM work flawlessly.

It is important to note that you must replace the drive with a DVD-RAM drive. Hewlett-Packard Lightscribe drives will also work if the model is higher than DVD-740 and are a Super Multi Drive with RAM option. HP is made by Hitachi/LG - we verified this several ways.

We recommend adding a second chassis fan with low-profile heat sinks that stick on to the hard drive as well. We have put together a professional upgrade kit manual in English and French with color photos. It also comes with a template/jig to drill out the correct holes for the fan. Our kit ($24.95) includes both BIOS update discs direct from Toshiba 13xx and 14xx. You will want to update the BIOS before replacing the drive.

The hard drives are typically standard E-IDE Maxtor Diamond Max units and larger ones than 80GB can go in to it.

These modifications are rather straight-forward, but for those that would like the unit professionally upgraded and rebuilt, we will do it in our service shop for $50 labor, plus our exact hardware costs (no markup) - you get to choose - and S/H back to you.

For any of you that have discs that need to be finalized, we will do it for free. Just pay for the postage to return. Anyone wanting to sell used units not working properly, we would like to buy them.

Our kits are listed on eBay currently, but you can buy them direct usinig PayPal as well.

Mike Dixon
Magna Video Business Solutions
(509) 891-9007

The Li is probably just the white model...

I just wonder how many drives they tested before determining the H10L is a better match than any others. Not doubting them, but if they shoved it in and it worked, did they try others? What they describe certainly goes for the H22L as well (perfect fit, etc) I am fairly certain people using the Renesas line of LG burners (4163-4167-H10L-etc) had one or two things not work that the Panasonic line (4164/HP 640- 4166-H22) did work with-- I am thinking reading of previously unfinalized discs but I don't remember for sure and would suggest going back through the XS32 Help Thread from around December-Februrary which is when the majority of the swaps were seeming to occur.

For a PC burner, there is no comparison, the H10L is a superior burner to the H22L in every way (it does a better job burning discs). I am not so sure when it comes to 100% compatibility with the XS32, although I do believe the H10L works in an XS32.

I just called LG and the "i" suffix means INTERNATIONAL.

So the GSA-H10L and the GSA-H10Li should be the same.

Rats, it looks like the H10L and the H42N are both Renesas chipsets.

So that ends my H10L quest.

Well, the H10L should at least work... I only meant the H10L may not be a perfect match for the XS32-- anything would be better than the constant ERR-14s you're currently getting.

Maybe someone can remember reading about the following in one of these threads:

I remember someone having problems with an LG "N" model and that merely getting the "L" version of that solve the problems. I don't know if it was a H10,20, 22, 42, or whatever.

I've been looking for over an hour so far and can't find it.

Could you mean my issue with an H22N and when I put in an H22L and it was fine? (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=11430790&postcount=323)

I don't remember (key words :) ) there being any general rule of thumb to get an L version, though. I think most people back in Jan/Feb just ended up with "L" models as that's all Best Buy sold and they had some great sales.

I'm thinking there may be something to getting a H10L.

First, jmscott, I believe some of your other posts indicate that you were still getting ERR14's with the H22L. I strongly believe that if my OE crappy drive could avoid ERR14's, then a good replacement should do at least that good.

Now the H10 is a Renesas chip set but the H42 is a later Renesas which is a bone fide chipset difference.

And people say how the H10 was a really great burner.

Why do they say this?

Probably because of burn errors and the ability to play burned discs successfully in other DVD drives.

So why would the H10 be better with respect to other LG drives with the Renesas chip set?

Must be some kind of reason possibly because it has the earlier Renesas chipset.

So, I propose that the H10L may in fact be the best replacement drive. and the one that I'm going to try.

I truly welcome anyone to talk me out of this.
Tom

I do get occasional ERR-14s with the H22L. Not so much on TY as I do on other media.

My problem with BOTH XS32s is neither could ever successfully burn a workable disc on DVD-R with any reliability-- bad sectors would make the discs unreadable, probably 90% of the time. On ANY kind of media, including TY. Since I had access to 2 units at the same time, and both had the same issues (and when talking to Toshiba engineers about the black level issues at the time and bringing this up-- he told me the burners were excellent, even when I sent them samples of the problem discs, etc, etc) I didn't feel a replacement would work any better, so I just kept it. (and my dad kept his after I explained the situation)

So I almost never burned DVD-Rs on the XS32s and always used DVD-RWs which worked with success about 95% of the time until the burners finally gave up. (Again, never got ERR-14s on burn but would get occasional unreadable discs)

I guess in my mind, being able to burn DVD-Rs on the H22L with a fairly high rate of success (2 TYs have given me ERR-14 out of 75 or so; Verbatims and Sony do it more) is much, much better than what I experienced with the burner originally in my XS32 where I basically gave up EVER using DVD-R media. So in my head it's working much better than it ever did-- I may be getting ERR-14s occasionally, but if I don't, the disc is ALWAYS readble.

I haven't used as much DVD-RW media on the XS32/H22L combo but it's been working well when I have, and I don't think I've had any errors.

I will admit I have only burned a few test discs on the latest H22L swap due to time constraints, so it may be a little different.

I'm not saying this to talk you into or out of your decision-- the H10L is a truly excellent burner-- but I don't know if you will have any better or different luck. Just giving background so you can make an informed decision. If you do pick up an H10L it'll be interesting to compare experiences. Keep in mind there's more to compatibility with the Toshiba than just being a good burner, they have to respond to commands the same way the Toshiba expects, in the same time frame, and not choke if the Toshiba does something weird. I think that's part of why it's a bit hit-or-miss, the Toshiba is probably pretty tuned to work with the drive it comes with and it's sheer luck that some models respond close enough to exactly the same way. My ERR-14s always come at exactly the same point (going into finalize) so I think sometimes the H22L sometimes is either ready too early, or ready too late, to do the finalize and the Toshiba doesn't handle being out of spec at all in the slightest. (Whereas PC software probably just sits around until the burner say "Ok, I'm ready")

It's also possible the root causes of our problems are different and something else is going on with your unit that makes your experiences different from mine.

It's kind of a testament to how powerful these machines are that we're even debating this and not just tossing them in the junk pile when they break. (And I just bought some replacements HDDs to hopefully have spares if the HDs give up the ghost anytime soon)

Wow, jms, I'm shocked to hear you had ERR14 issues with 2 32's with the OE drive.

Mine never produced an ERR14 until after maybe 200 burns and maybe 3 years old.

What is interesting is that all of my burns was from a massive purchase from Office (Depot or Max) of the yellow Maxell X4 -$'s in the 20 pack of jewel cases. I bought 360 of them (!).

Now what is interesting is that the package that started producing the problems had TWO different discs in it: TYG02 and the CMC's if I remember correctly. I have NEVER heard of a package of DVD's having TWO different manu's discs in them. Maybe they were the "bottom of the barrel" for both types?

Maybe there was nothing even wrong with my OE drive and I just hit a weird batch of media(!) but I guess there is no way to tell - this "bad" batch of media seems to burn just fine on my PC.

I hate DVD.

I am convinced that 99% of the stuff that is sold is out of spec and actually defective.

If DVD can't even match VHS compatibility, how can that be considered progress?

Actually, I never saw ERR -14s with the original drive, they just wouldn't work. Which was more annoying. ;) I just never got DVD-Rs that played in anything. The XS32, to me, was a DVD-RW only burner with its original burner (Which I then ripped and re-burned on my PC).

I still have a bunch of those Maxells as well! I'm a bit concerned after reading your story, though-- did they all say Made in Japan but still had a mix of disc? That is truly bizarre!

I still think the XS32's original burner is garbage. I have 2 of them that produced maybe 5 working DVD-Rs (with no bad/unreadable sectors) to prove it. :) I think you'll be much happier when you replace it...

I do agree that there is a major problem with DVDs being so unreliable-- we sorta understand these things and we're on a message board talking about it constantly. How is the average consumer supposed to understand what they're buying? I always go back to the woman at Best Buy who wanted "the cheapest DVDs you have on sale". The salesman pointed her to some Verbatims (25-pack, on clearance for $6.99) and she said "I don't know, it seems like these Memorexes are probably better". (50 for like $14.99)

I would've tried to explain her folly but I'm sure she wouldn't get it. I do think she ended up with the Verbatims since she didn't need that many so I didn't butt in.

JMS, wow, not being able to burn the -R Maxell is quite amazing. There definitely had to be a lot of variability in the Xs32 models. In fact, I didn't have my problems until I upgraded the firmware-maybe 1 month after that, I got these problems.

Yes, all my Maxell are Made in Japan(!)

The only problem I had was that the 32 would not recognize a new disc on occasion. I thought it could have been related to the unit being on for a long time and was warm. Ultimately, I found out that if I left the disc in the drive, turned the unit off, then turned it on, it would load the new disc.

Maybe twice, I produced an unreadable disc that was very full. I think it needs extra space to finalize and if you don't have it, you get an error.

I even managed to super edit the SuperBowlXL where I chaptered every play - something like 96 chapters per quarter and 8 minutes of actual content. I then eliminated the chapters and created new chapters for the possessions. I had lots of problems getting the 32 to burn the disc but I finally was able to make it happen. Those discs would bring a lot of DVD players to their knees!

What really bothers me are the errors that the 32 produces while my Philips burner produces stuff that looks like it came off a PC.

I think out of at least morbid curiosity, I'm going to get a H10L and see if it is better than my H42N which I'm going to put on eBay.

This is a somewhat belated response but I would not buy just any LG drive. I bot a H42N and am getting ERR14's with TYG02 Maxell -R's where the OE drive had no problem with them.

BTW, a "I" suffix means an international model.

Magna Video long ago recommended the H10L.

Further, on the burner thread, jmscott42 had problems with a H22N but NOT with a H22Lhe replaced it with.

So at this point, I am going to try a H10L and see if that works OK.

There are unsolved opinions regarding the chipsets used by the LG drives. The 10 uses the Renesas, the 22 uses Panasonic and the 42 uses a later Renesas chipset. The 4xxx series uses both Renesas and Panasonic.

I would like to hear from people that have used the H10L and how satisfied they are with it.

Tom

Tosh burner (or other) problems?

People with Toshibas who are having problems with freezing, slow response, DVD burn problems, channel loss, timer rec problems, etc. might be having those problems because of the change in Daylight Saving Time (DST)...yea, I know, Ripley's Believe It or Not. There is a "Y2K7 Problem" (DST bug) that affects many units set up in certain ways that have conflicting DST instructions/programming. Those conflicts persist because the unit's time zone (TZ), clock timing, tracking etc. are based on a different set of parameters than a signal being fed to it or a feeder component attached...something like that.

This first problem started appearing with Panny units connected to cable or sat boxes when the service provider pushed thru the new DST programming for Mar-Nov rather than the old Apr-Oct.

I broached this subject in this or some other thread and was told the Toshibas have no DST setting. Turns out there is such a setting and it can be set to "No Use" as described in the Installation Guide for the XS32 (example):

"1) Set “Summer time (Daylight-Saving time)”.

DST start : Daylight-saving time begins on the first Sunday in April. The
internal clock automatically changes from 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM (forward one
hour).

DST end : Daylight-saving time ends on the last Sunday in October. At 2:00
AM the recorder clock automatically changes to 1:00 AM (back one hour).

Auto : The recorder uses clock data Broadcast by the local
(PBS) TV stations.

Use : You want to use the DST function, and you are living
in an area that applies Daylight-saving time.

No Use : You are not living in the area where Daylight-saving
time applies and you do not want to use DST function."

While not all problems are caused by the DST bug, as some like to remind me, it seems prudent, before launching into major overhauls and replacement therapy, to (1) reset the Toshiba, (2) set the clock manually (no channel involved or auto-signal), and (3) TURN SUMMER TIME (DST) TO "NO USE."

Not sure if (1) and (2) are really necessary, but they might give peace of mind that you're starting with a "clean machine." Some people have reset and some just turned DST off, but each situation is prob. different? (I think DST programming is the core of the problem.)

Obviously, people who had problems before providers and networks started reprogramming for the new DST (late 2006?) will probably not be helped with this simple change.

If Toshiba has released and you installed a recent FW update, hopefully that should include a correction to the Tosh's DST programming/baseline. Check to see if a recent FW update is available?

Anyone who cares can read more about the "Y2K7 Problem" here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=846731)

Actually, after years of flawless operation, my 32 started acting up just a couple of weeks after I did the firmware update.

I think the XS32's burner is a ticking time bomb-- the first XS32 I had to replace the burner on was back in January, before the new DST rules came into effect. Not saying it can't cause weird issues, but I think with the XS32 replacing the burner is a very prudent thing to do unless you REALLY enjoy playing CDs on it (Which it can longer do with any known replacement burner at this time)...

Actually, January would have been a good time for reprogramming to begin, be tested, etc.! Only two months before DST-Day! :D

I tried NEC X16 dvd burner in xs32. removed cover set new burner on top of old one. pluged in. It work like charm burn 16 speed dvds no problem. Can open close tray using remote. Now here comes problem, when install inside once open with remote it won't close all the way. move little in then come back out. I checked door is not sticking no other interference with tray. Take out works fine. Any suggestion?

xs32owner!

Great to hear about the NEC drive. What is the model number? (Once we know that, we can see what the chipset is which may tell us something about compatibility.)

What brand 16x DVD's did you have success with? Do you now their manufacturer's code?

Have you tried to finalize unfinalized discs made on the old OE drive?

Have you tried CD's? (would be miracle if they worked.)

Is the NEC drive a DVD-RAM drive? if Yes, did you check RAM functionality.

Apologies for all the prying questions!
Tom

Any ERR14 problems before or after the NEC substitute?

I tried NEC X16 dvd burner in xs32. removed cover set new burner on top of old one. pluged in. It work like charm burn 16 speed dvds no problem. Can open close tray using remote. Now here comes problem, when install inside once open with remote it won't close all the way. move little in then come back out. I checked door is not sticking no other interference with tray. Take out works fine. Any suggestion?

Sounds vaguely like what happened with my burner replacement.
Mine is still on top of my opened XS32.

Are you sure that maybe the tray isn't 'bumping' the slot when it closes, causing it to jump back open? I know you say it's not sticking, but something like that might be the cause.

I solved my dvd burner problem by buying a used XS-32. I noticed the dvd software version is 1414. How do I upgrade the firmware without taking it to a service center? What advantage is it to upgrade anyway?

My NEC burner is ND3335A. I can play, record and burn dvd from hard drive. even tried with door removed. stll won't close. For now its on top with cover removed. Its not dvd-ram. I use cheap NX NEXXTECH BRAND dvd-r from circuitcity. yes it was giving ERR14 before but never after swap.

I'm not saying this to talk you into or out of your decision-- the H10L is a truly excellent burner-- but I don't know if you will have any better or different luck. Just giving background so you can make an informed decision. If you do pick up an H10L it'll be interesting to compare experiences. Keep in mind there's more to compatibility with the Toshiba than just being a good burner, they have to respond to commands the same way the Toshiba expects, in the same time frame, and not choke if the Toshiba does something weird. I think that's part of why it's a bit hit-or-miss, the Toshiba is probably pretty tuned to work with the drive it comes with and it's sheer luck that some models respond close enough to exactly the same way. My ERR-14s always come at exactly the same point (going into finalize) so I think sometimes the H22L sometimes is either ready too early, or ready too late, to do the finalize and the Toshiba doesn't handle being out of spec at all in the slightest. (Whereas PC software probably just sits around until the burner say "Ok, I'm ready"


Has anyone tried to use the DVD Video Creation option to overcome the error14 problem. I never did this with the LG 22N, but since it occurred at the finalize point, I thought it might be a possibility. The problem is that this option takes a long time (especially if you use the check for errors option)

What do you mean? I only ever burn discs using DVD Video Creation off the Edit Menu (not doing a dub and then finalizing later).. so if that's what you meant, yeah, I tried it, didn't work on the H22N. :/

I didn't even think to try the opposite, though, and just dub stuff to DVD and then try to finalize separately. I did try to finalize the discs that failed finalization (both on the XS32 with the H22N and the other with the H22L that worked) and that didn't work-- so just enough gets written to mess up the disc.

jmscott42

Thanks that is what I meant. As I said I always did a dub and then finalize. I tried the DVD Video creation when the old burner would not burn work, and it did not work either. I'm holding onto the 22n because it would read and copy to disks. It just would not finalize. So I expect that I could use it when the original gives up completely

I bought GSA E10L LG drive for my xs-32. Its external bay drive. If I take it out of case and install in in dvr would it work? is chipset same as H10L?

It SHOULD be the exact same drive as the H10L. I only say "Should" as the H22N and H22L are supposedly exactly the same drives but there's obviously something different there with the H22N being so problematic in the XS32s.

If you're willing to risk it, it should work. The good news is the E10L is an excellent burner (As is the H10L) so if it doesn't work you have a good external PC burner to use. ;)

Does someone have an exact list of the specific drives that are KNOWN to work in all situations? (unfinalized DVD-R & DVD-RW, and do DVD-RAM)

I may be able to sell my LG drive (that works EXCEPT for unfinalized DVD-R, including made on this drive!) to my mom to use on her computer. So I'd like to get one that absolutely 100% will work.

What does L-PCM mean? Will I get a better sound with this setting?

Linear Pulse Code Modulation-- it is basically uncompressed, CD-quality sound. Yes, it should sound better, although the quality of the source is important. (and for anything that's not pretty music-intensive I'd suggest DM2 is quite good for 99% of recordings. Concerts, musicals, song-driven shows, etc, should use LPCM for best quality, though)

Linear Pulse Code Modulation-- it is basically uncompressed, CD-quality sound. Yes, it should sound better, although the quality of the source is important. (and for anything that's not pretty music-intensive I'd suggest DM2 is quite good for 99% of recordings. Concerts, musicals, song-driven shows, etc, should use LPCM for best quality, though)

Thanks, I've been using DM2 for concerts and didn't realize this until I experimented recently. I have a Pioneer unit as well but it doesn't have this type of sound option. Does this mean the Toshiba's have better sound that the rest of the other recorders?

I don't know where to post this question, but can someone explain what does the dvd compatible mode setting actually does? The manual says it is only effective for recording to a dvd.

I got a second XS-32 to replace my original and left the dvd compatible setting on "off". I then dubbed the show to a DVD-R and it played just fine.

Before I set it to "main" and it also worked fine after dubbing. Can someone explain when a SAP channel is actually used?

I never use the SAP channel so what setting should I have this set on?

I have just replaced the dvd drive in my rdxs32 with a LG drive GSA-54LBRL
Works perfectly – Reads and writes both finalized and un-finalised R and R/W discs.
Seems faster to write a disc than the old drive, but is still slow to load a disc.
The only thing you can’t do is Dub a finalised DVD-R disc back to HDD as it is recognised as pre-recorded content – un-finalized discs can be dubbed back ok..
:)

You mean it reads previously recorded unfinalized -R/-RW discs? What drive were they burned on?...the OEM drive in the XS32? If so that would be a new twist for me. My current LG replacement drive does not do this. And the drive in my D-KR2 is starting to behave the same way as the XS32 original with some discs. If the drive you reference is superior in this regard to the LG 4167B which I recently installed in the XS32, I would trade that out and put the 4167B in the D-KR2. I have a several stacks of unfinalized discs I'd love to at least review.

Where did you source it? All I see is UK sales references. If worried about supply please shoot me a PM.

Well, first, I hope there is an "H" missing: GSA-H54L in the model number, right?

Interestingly, this drive has a Panasonic chipset as per videohelp.com.

My question is regarding ERR-14 messages.

Kaybee2, did you ever start getting these with your OE drive as it started going bad?
If yes, did the H54L experience more or less ERR-14 messages than you OE drive?

I ask this because my OE drive started getting ERR-14 messages and I replaced with a GSA-H42N and still got the ERR-14 messages with yellow Maxell 4X DVD-R's.

I've been eyeing up a H10L which was reported to be a good swap many posts ago, but haven't done it yet. Maybe the H54L might be a better choice. I'm trying to contact Tops and Magnavideo to see if they have found any better units.

Thanks
Tom

It reads un-finalised discs written with the original oem drive and the new drive.-

The drove was sourced from ccl computers LG GSA-54LBRL 18x Lightscribe DVD Writer £20.68 + postage
http://www.cclonline.com/product-info.asp?product_id=16770&category_id=121&manufacturer_id=0&tid=gsa-54lbrl


Old drive just stopped recognizing some types of new media – and discs created were sometime not readable in another dvd player – when you studied the discs they were very pale – not burnt dark enough. Never got any error 14’s only “disc may require cleaning” errors.
:)

documentation does say GSA-H54L but CCL show it as GSA-54LBRL:eek:

It reads un-finalised discs written with the original oem drive and the new drive.-


Excellent! Seems the only sources for the model 54LBRL you first listed are British so I'll see if they'll ship to the US with reasonable shipping. Looks like the H54L might still be available here in the States. But I see listings for both internal and external drives with the same model. Will have to sort it out and verify the specs to see if similar. Many Thanks for the heads-up.

Did you ship to the States or overseas? Thanks again. [Edit: nevermind...I see your location.]

Just replaced the DVD Drive in my RD-XS32 with a Memorex MRX-525G that was on sale for $49.95 at Office Depot. It Plays commercial DVD's more reliably than any of the DVD players in the house. I have recorded on DVD-R's (Windata 1-8x, KHypermedia 4x and Verbatium 16x white inkjet printable) and played back previously recorded DVD-R's. The DVD-RAM disks I have did not format (Fuji 2-3x) although I have never been successful with DVD-RAM disks on the original drive either. It plays commercial CD-Audio. Like all replacement drives I did have to remove the front plastics. I had previously tried using the two DVD drives that are in my PC and they would not work at all. They were the Pioneer DVR-111D and a Generic IDE1004. I also replaced the drive in my second RD-XS32 for good measure even though it still played and burned all the same media as the new drive does. If you are dying for an original SD-W3002 contact me, it has been upgraded from it's original 1309 Rom Version to the latest 1315.

I have never tried recording un-finalized disks so I cannot report how that works, I always use "DVD-Video Creation" from the edit menu to burn DVD-R.

It plays CD-Audio?

I believe this is the first drive that anyone has reported that does this.

This is huge news.

Only issues are the RAM functionality and SD-W3002 unfinalized discs, right?

__________________________
Edit:

Just checked, this drive is based on the LG GSA-H22N with a Panasonic MN103SD2GSA chipset.

There have been people talk about the "22" LG drives and I don't remember any mention of CD functionality.

Hummmmm... we need more discussion.

That would be great if the MRX-525G plays CDs in the XS32. Kind of surprising, since it seems to be based on an LG H22N (Panasonic chipset) according to this review:

http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=299


I don't see how it could play MP3 audio, though.


I have an LG H44L on the way, so I'll post after I try it out in my XS32.

That makes no sense-- Memorex does very little with their drives, it's not like functionality-wise it should be different enough to suddenly allow playback of CDs.

It is VERY strange as I, and other on this thread, had tremendous problems getting "native" LG H22Ns to even function at all in the XS32....

There must be some very, very, very minor difference that changes everything in the XS32...!

Look it over once you open the case. Be gentle with the ribbon connector and you'll be fine. It's pretty simple and pretty straight foward.

Open case (2 screws on each side and 1 or 2 on the back)
Remove screws from burner bracket (2 on each side of burner)
Remove power cable to burner (looking from the front this connector is left rear on burner)
Remove ribbon cable and tape holding it to burner
Remove the plastic frame areound the tray on your new burner
Make sure new burner is jumpered for MASTER
Set new burner in brackets
Line up mounting holes in new burner and brackets
put screws in new burner DO NOT TIGHTEN THEM YET
connect power cable to new burner
connect ribbon cable to new burner
Tighten screws now if they look a little out of line push firmly on the rear of the burner to line them up and tighten them down.
Put the case back on the unit and you're pretty much finished I think.

Did I miss anything?

I will try it later once I can find an old LG drive. I guess one has to "ground" himself when working also?

I have done some further testing since no one else has had success with CD-Audio. I just tried 5 pre-recorded CD's at random and they all play fine.

I tried three MP-3 audio CD-R's and cannot replicate the success I had with MP-3 CD-r's. Perhaps I picked up a CD that was labled as MP-3 but was not actually an MP-3 CD-R.

More info on the Drive, while the retail package says it is a MRX-525G, the drive itself is labled:
Model 3202-3294
Part# 5395-8688

gblanc,

Awesome!

I am wondering if there are "different" RD-XS32 machines out there.

For one, there are 2 different firmware updates.

I think most people believe that was because there were 2 different drives used.

However, it might be because there is a single drive but it must be setup for the differing commands arising from 2 different variants of the XS32.

This is a pain but I'm wondering if the XS32 serial number and firmware version need to be book-kept when evaluating these various burners????

Then there are the foreign versions of this deck, some with SCART outputs, however, I believe everything discussed here is regarding USA purchased decks.

________________________________

I still can't believe I cannot find a single listing under Google>Products for this Memorex burner. MGX-525G produces NO HITS, nor does 3203-3294. Hard to believe. (I think there is 525GE too that produces no hits.)

I still can't believe I cannot find a single listing under Google>Products for this Memorex burner. MGX-525G produces NO HITS, nor does 3203-3294. Hard to believe. (I think there is 525GE too that produces no hits.)

Try MRX-525G or 3202-3294

The Memorex site has info, downloadable manuals, etc.:

http://www.memorex.com/html/products_subcategory.php?section=3&CID=11&SID=15&opento=11

Well, like Curiosity and The Cat.... I ordered the Memorex burner...

I think we all owe a big thank you to xs32owner and glbanc for finding another brand of drives that work with the XS32. So, Thank You!!
gblanc just posted about the Memorex MRX-525G (based on the LG H22N), and last month xs32owner posted about an NEC drive that worked. Amazon has the new retail boxed MRX-510L (32023292) on clearance for $25, and since it's a Memorex based on an NEC drive, and I'm curious to try an older burner, I got one.

Now, this is somewhat tentative because I just installed the MRX-510L in my XS32 and haven't done many tests, but it seems to work as well as the LG 4167B and H42L.

And, it does play commercial CDs! There are a couple of problems, though. Play, Track Skip, FF, REW are fine. But, the counter reads -00:00, and doesn't move. And, if I go from FF/REW to Play, I get a "clean disc" message. Hit Enter and it goes away. You can restart playing from the beginning, without ejecting the cd. I tried 6 different Rock and Classical CDs, all with the same result. Playing CDs in the XS32 isn't important to me, but hopefully we're a step closer to finding a full-featured replacement burner.

I tried a few of my audio CD-R burns. No luck. Disc cannot be played message on all of them.

An older Toshiba RAM I tried is recognized, but won't play or format. It does work in my other XS32 and XS54. I tried a Ridata 4X -RW, and was able to play and dub from the DVD to the HDD. No problems.

All the following are using TY 8X value line -Rs from supermediastore. When I say that a disc plays or works, I also mean that the content menu displays properly, you can skip through various titles, etc.

Blank media: HDD--DVD dubs went fine. Multiple titles. Finalized fine. Will play and dub to the HDD in my other XS32 and my XS54. One that I didn't finalize plays and dubs to the HDD in my XS54.

Unfinalized media from my XS54: I tried two, and both work great. Can dub from them to the HDD.

Unfinalized media from my original XS32 in 2004/2005: I think I only have a few left, so I'm not going to finalize them yet. Two played fine, and I can dub to the HDD. I got the check the disc message on another one, even after multiple retries, so it's a no-go. This one does work fine in my XS54.

DVDs mount and finalize about as quickly as in the LG 4167B that I just removed, but it seems to take up to an extra minute before the progress bar appears on the first dub to a blank DVD. Still, faster overall than the original burner.

I'll try some more variations as time permits, but at least this unit shows way more than a little promise. The Memorex site has firmware updates available for this burner.

For those of you with unfinalized discs from an XSxx that can't be read in a replacement burner: I've found that my XS54/LG H42L can read (and finalize) every single unfinalized -R from my original XS32, except for the last couple that were obviously corrupted as the original burner failed. This new XS32/MRX-510L combo easily reads two of the three that I tried. So, there's a good chance your unfinalized DVDs can be salvaged in the right XS/burner combo.

I think we all owe a big thank you to xs32owner and glbanc for finding another brand of drives that work with the XS32. So, Thank You!!
gblanc just posted about the Memorex MRX-525G (based on the LG H22N), and last month xs32owner posted about an NEC drive that worked. Amazon has the new retail boxed MRX-510L (32023292) on clearance for $25, and since it's a Memorex based on an NEC drive, and I'm curious to try an older burner, I got one.



You mean
http://www.amazon.com/Memorex-Format-Double-Layer-Internal-32023292/dp/B0007KVK7U
right? It's $46.41 for me. Where can I find it for $25??

I'd definitely pay $25 for another burner that will read my unfinalized XS32 discs (lots of them)..

In the other options, it's about $30 (inc shipping) from 3Btech..

mattack, nope, that's not it. It looks like they're all gone. I ordered mine last week but I saw them still available last night when I posted my results. I guess they only had a few left. Sorry. I ran across a couple of other suppliers that had the same drives (OEM not retail) for a similar price - I'll see if I saved a link.

6volt has the newer MRX-525G on the way, so if that one works well there's another option.

My XS32/4167B was very finicky with my old, unfinalized -Rs. This XS32/MRX-510L combo plays and dubs to the HDD 2 out of 3 perfectly (all three work fine on my XS54 with both the 4167B and H42L).

I'll try it out some more over the next few days and see if any glitches pop up. If anyone wants me to try anything specific, let me know.

Edit: Yeah, 3Btech is one of the ones I saw. I've never dealt with them, but $30 with free shipping for an OEM version of this drive isn't bad.

BTW, Fry's has *a* Memorex drive on sale for $30 after mail in rebate through at least today (but I think the rebate is through the beginning of November, so it'll probably be on sale until then too). I presume it's the same one mentioned in this thread. I may go and check it out.

Since it's a mail in rebate, I *may* end up just getting it from 3Btech.. not sure. (I would be paying more sales tax from Frys even counting the mail in rebate... but I would have it immediately/easier to return if it really doesn't see unfinalized discs for me.)

This is the one Fry's has for sale
http://shop4.outpost.com/product/5139096

The PDF link is broken (I tried telling customer service but I got a generic "we need your order #" response..), and it's $10 less in store... I can't tell for sure if that's the
same one. I may still check it out in person.

Rats, I think I got my Memorex from 3BTech thru Amazon and paid shipping! I should have mine any day now....

mattack, If the box in your link is the actual item, it's not the same exact one that I got. Same picture and layout, but my retail box specs are: 16X +R/-R, 8X DL +R9/-R9, 5X RAM. It looks like a newer model since it's 18X. Maybe it's the MRX-525G? Who knows, it may be better than mine.

I've burned some more -R TYs, and mine is still working fine. I did have one glitch - at the end of finalizing a disc, I got a message that the disc had an error and couldn't be finalized. After ejecting, disc info shows that it was finalized, and it plays fine in this XS32, my other XS32 and a Sony player. Maybe it was a communication error with the Memorex drive?

As you know, getting a burner to work in an XS32 is hit or miss, but this one seems a little more hit than miss...

I have read a lot of post of folks with unfinalized DVD-r's. I always use "DVD-Video Creation" from the edit menu to burn DVD-R so I don't have any experience with unfinalized DVD-R's. Why do you create them, what is the advantage or purpose and how is it done ?

You create unfinalized DVD-Rs by simply using the "high speed dubbing" in the contextual (quick) menu, or using "dub selected items" from the edit menu.

I did it so that I could save things on DVD-R in related bunches -- e.g. each week's episode of 'er' on DVD-R, or multiple music performances by the same artist or similar artists.

This way, I could dub a few items at a time, and not need to (1) keep them on the hard drive, or (2) dub them to DVD-RW or DVD-RAM then BACK to the hard drive when I want to permanently keep them on DVD-R.

I'm not even sure how many unfinalized DVD-Rs I have, but I think it's pretty many.
Since the tivo->computer options are supposed to be coming to the series 3 and Tivo HD in November, I may actually be doing some of this on a computer now... (But back when the only options were to 'dub live' into a computer, I still wanted a standalone recorder.) But even with that, I'm willing to spend a bit more to get my unfinalized discs finalized.

Well, I've had a chance to put the 525G thru some paces and I'm still disappointed.

First, it did play audio CD's! Chapter skip worked as did the instant skip forward and back. Scan did not work, nor did the counter. When you change chapters, the counter would display the correct amount for the chapter start.

Would not play 2 DVD's burned on other machines. Played those burned on the OE drive. Recognized them quickly. Actually played complex DVD's (40 chapters) burned on OE.

WOULD NOT BURN MAXELL 4X TYG01's from OfficeMax. ERR-14 at start of Finalization.

With Vertatim PLAYO's, worked but time bar during Finalization was bogus: Was at 0 for long time, then scrolled up to 10% in an instant, then stayed there until Finalization was over - it never went past 10%. Finalized disc appeared to work.

Check stuff out of Nero revealed really crappy burn on the PLAYO's - the MAXELL could not be checked because it was not finalized. Interestingly, the 32 would load this unfinalized Maxell and allow it to be played only. Would not finalize because it was PLAY ONLY.

Nero CD-DVD Speed: Disc Info
Basic Information
Disc type: : DVD-R
Book Type : DVD-R
Manufacturer: : unknown
MID : TYG01
Write speeds: : 2 X - 4 X
Blank Capacity : 4.38 GB
: 4489 MB
: 4707319808 bytes
Extended Information
Layers : 1
Usage : General
Copyright protection : n/a
Recorder information : recorded with Memorex DVD+-RAM 525G v1
Disc Status : Open
Raw Data
Pre-recorded Information in Lead-in (0Eh)
0000 - 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 86 0D 13 66 78 80 00 - .@....R.....fx..
0010 - 03 54 59 47 30 31 00 00 04 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - .TYG01..........
0020 - 05 88 80 00 00 00 01 00 F0 FF FF FF 78 E4 17 00 - ............x...
0030 - 7C 08 11 00 5D 8E 41 77 04 00 00 00 74 08 11 00 - |...].Aw....t...
0040 - 00 C0 41 7E 00 80 00 00 94 08 11 00 7D 3F 41 77 - ..A~........}?Aw
0050 - 00 80 00 00 AA 05 2B 00 FC FF FF FF 00 00 00 00 - ......+.........
0060 - 01 00 00 00 78 E4 17 00 C8 08 11 00 00 00 15 00 - ....x...........
____________________________________________________________ _____
THIS IS THE PLAYO:

Nero CD-DVD Speed: Disc Info
Basic Information
Disc type: : DVD-R
Book Type : DVD-R
Manufacturer: : Verbatim
MID : MCC 03RG20
Write speeds: : 2 X - 4 X
Blank Capacity : 4.38 GB
: 4489 MB
: 4707319808 bytes
Extended Information
Layers : 1
Usage : General
Copyright protection : n/a
Recorder information : recorded with Memorex DVD+-RAM 525G v1
Disc Status : Closed
Raw Data
Pre-recorded Information in Lead-in (0Eh)
0000 - 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 85 0D 0E 88 9A 80 00 - .@....R.........
0010 - 03 4D 43 43 20 30 33 00 04 52 47 32 30 20 20 00 - .MCC.03..RG20...
0020 - 05 88 80 00 00 00 02 00 F0 FF FF FF 78 E4 17 00 - ............x...
0030 - FC 10 11 00 5D 8E 41 77 04 00 00 00 F4 10 11 00 - ....].Aw........
0040 - 00 C0 41 7E 00 80 00 00 14 11 11 00 7D 3F 41 77 - ..A~........}?Aw
0050 - 00 80 00 00 AA 05 2B 00 FC FF FF FF 00 00 00 00 - ......+.........
0060 - 01 00 00 00 78 E4 17 00 48 11 11 00 00 00 15 00 - ....x...H.......

General Information
Drive: DVDRW IDE1008
Firmware: 0060
Disc: DVD-R (MCC 03RG20 )
Selected speed: Maximum
PI errors
Maximum: 6254
Average: 587.72
Total: 8752265
PI failures
Maximum: 2815
Average: 3.55
Total: 422592
PO failures: n/a
Jitter: n/a
Scanning Statistics
Elapsed time: 8:48
Number of samples: 2832
Average scanning interval: 42.07 ECC
Glitches removed: 7

Here are the results of the PLAYO burn.

Sounds like the standard LG issues-- I've had very good luck with TYG01/TYG02 media on my H22L (not doing the ERR-14 at the start of finalization) but other brands are a real crapshoot. I've only used Fuji TYG01 and unlabelled TYG02, though, never the Maxell TYG01. I've had about 3 TYG02's fail to finalize out of around 75 or so used on my H22L/XS32 combo. Try another disc or two, it'll probably work. (at least based on my experience) The counter not moving past 10% is about the same, as well.

That scan just proves Playos are best used as frisbees and are most definitely using fake MCC codes-- I've never seen a true MCC disc burn anywhere near that bad. (in fact that might be the worst quality scan I have ever seen anywhere! ;) )

Well, that scan of mine reveals a Dirty Little Secret about A/V DVD burners - and that is they can be very crappy. My Philips burns like a computer. There is absolutely NO COMPARISON between the Philips A/V burner and the Toshiba. Also, I further compared burns by putting the (at the time an LG H42N) burner in a computer to do the testing, however, the LG didn't support the Nero test.

I did burn tests of some of the first burns I ever made with the 32 and they were crappy too - especially for the first 10-20% of the burn.

I've heard that what goes on during an A/V burn is completely different than a PC burn, however, the Philips seems to have gotten the A/V right. (I have a 3455)

All in all, I think DVD's suck. To think that a current drive cannot use current media due to "quality control" is unconscionable. I believe Bad Media is actually media that does not conform to DVD standards and is actually not bone fide DVD media. Its actually something else, cheap crap that looks like a DVD and sometimes functions as a DVD but is actually NOT a DVD.

Of course, all DVD's manufactured with corruptions for copy protection are also not actually DVD's - but something else. I'm really surprised the FTC doesn't go after them.

And to think that AGC is mandated by Federal Statute in the design of A/V components just so that Macrovision still works has got to be completely illegal.

But I digress...

I think it's more a matter that the makers put in cheap, crappy DVD burners into their set top boxes, and then don't upgrade the firmware, ever (or if you're lucky you get ONE update that fixes 1-2 minor issues)-- many, many PC burners start out with horrible reviews, but after a few firmware updates, the drive becomes spectacular. Being as the firmware can tweak how the drive handles certain media, anything made after the drive's last firmware can be questionable-- so a now 3.5 year old Toshiba XS32 OEM drive, which was garbage to begin with, has almost no chance of working well on any modern media.

My XS32/LG22 combo burns much, much, much better discs than the old drive. My results on TYG01/TYG02 and Verbatim CMC-made "MAPA" coded discs rivals, or possibly exceeds, the equivalent media on a PC burner. I don't think it has as much to do with any burning process (no matter what processing is done, it's still just a laser putting 1s and 0s onto a disc) as just cruddy burners. I've always been curious to see some Pioneer set top burns compared with the contemporary Pioneer PC DVD drives (which have been awesome drives for many, many years). When was the last time you bought a Toshiba DVD-burner for your computer? It's like they knew it was crap and slapped them in their set top boxes hoping no one would notice, since they couldn't sell the drives on their own. ;)

I do agree that a lot of this garbage media out there would probably fail DVD spec checks -- it's all about the bottom line and selling for as cheap as possible.

I still think the burning process is different between A/V and PC.

Years ago, I think Maxtor, was promoting an A/V Hard drive which did not go thru its thermal calibration cycle which in ordinary drives, would interrupt streaming data.

They could do this because errors in streaming A/V data are orders of magnitude less important that PC data which must be bit perfect.

So I think the same rules probably apply to A/V burns. I did test my H42N both in PC and in Toshiba and where there were 5000 A/V errors, there were 5 or 50 PC errors.

I suspect it is easy to write code to stream like a stoopid monkey. On the other hand, if you want better, you have to invest in your software. Obviously Philips is more concerned about errors than Toshiba XS32.

Of course, I would just love to see burn errors from an XS-55.

It is also interesting that I have never seen anyone else post burn tests for A/V boxes. The A/V crowd appears to be fairly different from the PC crowd.
_________________________

On another topic: EDGE DEFECTS:

I posted stereo microscopic inspection of the edges of these "bad" Maxell discs on club.cdfreaks.com. I categorized 4 or 5 types of defects. Here is a picture of one of the most dramatic (attahed).

I hypothesize that this is the result of:

1) improper manufacturing temperature
2) improper manufacturing pressing pressure
3) improper dye composition

leading to issues such as:

1) rot/separation,
2) out-of-spec dye layer that does not burn properly

My opinion, based solely on my experience over the years, is that the media and then the burner are the primary factors impacting burn quality. I haven't done enough comparisons between A/V units and pc burners to draw a conclusion, partly because my main pc burner is an LG that doesn't support tests. My secondary pc burner is an older generic cheapie, so I'm concerned about the accuracy of its results.

But, here's one anyway with my XS32/4167B and TY 4X value line -R:

Wow rickc5, that looks awesome.

My XS32 NEVER made a burn like that since I brought it home.

How, what really has me thinking is that mine has a problem with the tuner - I get diagonal lines which suggests an RF interference problem. But video inputs are nice and clean. So I figured it was just a bad tuner and not worry since that tuner will become obsolete in a year anyway...

Perhaps, this RF is interfering with the DVD data stream resulting in huge error rates?

I just replaced the DVD Burner in my XS32 with an LG 22N. It reads but does not write RAM disks. A few months ago, I tried hooking it up without actually installing it, and it kept giving me the dreaded error 14 message when I tried to finalize disks.

Since then, my original burner got really bad (problems just reading disks). So since I had kept the 22N I decided to install it. The installation was fairly easy except for a couple of snags: First of all, when removing the ribbon cable, BE CAREFUL. If you pull on the cable it detaches from the end connector. However it seems to be made to come apart, and I was able to insert it back into the connector without any apparent
damage.

Second, I had to remove the front faceplate of the drawer. The drawer must be open enough to remove the faceplate and then the plate on the drawer end. Without removing this faceplate, it does not work well.

Currently I can read disks including RAM but not write to or format RAM Disks, It says that they are locked.. Since this drive was able to copy to DVD-Rs but failed to finalize them, I assume it will still do this but have no need to try it again.

I intend on only using the DVD to watch or copy (to the HDD ) shows that I have
recorded on one of my other RAM machines.

For those of you who are still searching for a replacement drive, the L version of the 10,22 and 42. may be better.

Hi!

First time poster, long time Tosh XS32 user.

My burner decided to become a major problem just a few days ago and thanks to this forum and many others who had similar problems, I was able to replace my burner and am more than gratefull for everyone posting here in regards to this issue.

Now some background:
- I purchased the Tosh XS32 only a few months after it hit the shelves
- I had problems with it pretty well right away, it wouldn't burn to any -R or -RW very well (and I tried many different brands)
- I ended up sending it to the Tosh repair center (it was under warranty and was at no cost to me)
- I got the machine back and it was working better (not perfectly, but well enough that I put up with it)
- I did do the un-official Firmware upgrade and that seemed to improve the burning, especially on the faster disks (+4 burn speed)
- About a year ago when it became pretty well impossible to find +4 media, I found a workable system whereby I purchased a stack of RW's and used DVD Video Create to burn a program on them and then used my computer (which has 2 dvd burners) to make DVD Copies.
- Last week while attempting to load a VideoCD in the player, the machine hung with an ER code (in the 7000 range) and a quick Google brought me here for the solution.

I tried to find the LG 10N (?) that was highly reccommended in earlier posts but no one in my area had it instore and no online dealers I shop with had it either. Subsequent model suggestion were also unavailable but then someone here mentioned the LG H54N and the good results they had and a quick call resulted in me manging to get one of these drives and attempt the replacement.

I pre-tested the drive for one full day (ie. not mounting it in the machine, just placing the drive on top of the Tosh one and hooking it up instead). And let me just say I was floored! It read the unfinalized RW's I had that the Tosh had burned, it high-speed dubbed from the HD to the RW and back again with no complaints and it did the DVD Video Create with both -R and -RW without breaking a sweat as well as being quite a bit faster as well!

The mounting was fast and effortless as well, in fact it seemed easier than replacing a DVD drive in a computer. My only beef was that even though the LG drive can open the Tosh faceplate flap it seemed rather "clunky" and possibly hard on the drive mechanics so I actually pulled the little spring out from the door so it basically flops open when I eject. The downside of this "mod" is that on loading a disk, you have to manually close the door otherwise a sensor in the machine will kick your disc back out if it sees the flap as open.

I am currently looking for an alternative to another spring on the door but the machine is working perfectly at the moment and I only wish I had know about this fix a few years ago as I would have replaced the drive even before the error occurred.

In Summary:
-Machine Model: Toshiba RD XS-32
-Original DVD Burner in Tosh: SD W3002
-Replacement DVD Burner: LG H54N
-Burns to -R and -RW with DVD Video Create without issue
-Burns unfinalized -RW perfectly & will read and burn to Tosh Burned unfinalized -RW

I almost forgot to mention the best part:
-A Nero Quality scan on an original Tosh DVD (-R) burned with Video Create would routinly have 20 pi Failures or more and a Quality of 80% or less!! O_O

-A Nero Quality scan on the new LG drive in the Tosh, burning a -R with Video Create has usually only 2 pi failures and a Quality of 95% minimum!!!

In conclusion, this new drive has finally given me the Tosh I always wanted, one where I can make a quality DVD with a minimum of effort and to anyone out there hesitating on making the change I say, you have nothing to loos and everything to gain from this.

PS: Sorry for being so long-winded :)

Draceena,

Sounds like you might have found a decent replacement.

I recently tried the Memorex 525G which another person tried and we both were able to get limited functionality audio CD playback (Check my post #384 in this thread).

However, there were still some odd problems. I discuss them in that thread but here are the two that I wonder if you observed with the H54N:

1) First, it did play audio CD's! Chapter skip worked as did the instant skip forward and back. Scan did not work, nor did the counter. When you change chapters, the counter would display the correct amount for the chapter start.

2) WOULD NOT BURN MAXELL 4X TYG01's from OfficeMax. ERR-14 at start of Finalization.

3) With Vertatim PLAYO's, worked but time bar during Finalization was bogus: Was at 0 for long time, then scrolled up to 10% in an instant, then stayed there until Finalization was over - it never went past 10%. Finalized disc appeared to work.

I initially tried a H42N which I was not happy with, then tried this 525G which I'm still not happy with so my next thought is, might the H54N be worth trying?

Thanks in advance,
Tom

6volt - You could check the Memorex site I linked to a few posts above and see if there are any firmware updates for the 525G. Keep in mind that updating the burner's firmware may work against you. Part of the reason I got the MRX-510L is that it was an older burner, and firmware updates are available. I'm not ready to make the jump, as I could argue it either way - newer firmware may increase or decrease compatibility with the XS32. Question - what happens if you go from ff/rew to play while playing a CD? I get the check disc message.

Overall, my XS32/510L is still working great. Not a single coaster using TY 8X. CD/DVD speed tests are still running 95%+ quality when checked on my older pc burner. There are some glitches, though. I've gotten ERR-14 and/or dirty disc messages at the end of finalization on about 4 out of 30+ discs. The good news is that every one of those did finalize properly, tests fine, and plays on my XS54, other XS32, pc, and a Sony player. I wonder if the ERR-14 is simply due to a communication/timing problem between the XS32 and Memorex burners? Also, there is a distinct 30 second or so delay between starting a dub and when the Memorex burner actually starts the burn. There is burner activity, but the title/chapter screens and progress bar are delayed. Could that have anything to do with power calibration testing?

I've had no trouble switching between an LG 4167B and the MRX-510L. I can add to and finalize dvds, no matter which burner I had connected. The burn layer is noticable different between the burners, though. It's uniform, but distinctly lighter with one burner, and more purple with the other (on the same disc).

Draceena - Cool! Thanks for sharing. Not long winded at all in my opinion. Did you try any unfinalized -R from your original burner, or just -RW?

I can buy of a LG 4167B burner from a friend. I believe this is one of the older models that work with the XS-32. Can anyone tell me if it does before I buy it?

I can buy of a LG 4167B burner from a friend. I believe this is one of the older models that work with the XS-32. Can anyone tell me if it does before I buy it?

Yes, the LG 4167B works with an XS32. I've burned 100+ TY 4X and 8X -R DVDs with this combo, with zero coasters. It seems to be finicky with unfinalized -Rs from the original XS32 burner. I've had some work and some fail to read.

If it's a good price go for it. Some of the newer LG models may work just as well or better. My LG H42L seems to be about the same as the 4167B.

Yes, the LG 4167B works with an XS32. I've burned 100+ TY 4X and 8X -R DVDs with this combo, with zero coasters. It seems to be finicky with unfinalized -Rs from the original XS32 burner. I've had some work and some fail to read.

If it's a good price go for it. Some of the newer LG models may work just as well or better. My LG H42L seems to be about the same as the 4167B.

Thanks for the info! He wants $15 for it, so I guess it's not much of a gamble. I will be so glad to bring my old XS32 back to life. I got 2 XS32's but if it doesn't read the unfinalized dvd's from the other one, I wonder if it does from other LG drives though? I should have 2 of the same drives to replace the stock XS32 burners so if one fails I can still read the unfinalized dvds.

Does anyone know if a dvd unfinalized on one LG drive an be read on another? We should set up a service to finalize dvd's if anyone has an original drive that's working!

@ 6volt:

In answer to your 3 questions,

1) Yes this drive will play CD's! It will chapter / Track forward and backward fine but fast forward or rewind will cause the machine to stop play and gives a disk dirty type message. I didn't notice if the counter was working properly or not

2) Unfortunately my total DVD stock at the moment is Verbatim (and I have quite alot at the moment). If and when I get some Maxells, I'll post any observations on them.

3) This drive has the same Finalizing "quirk" where it goes to 10%, the bar dosent fill but then it finishes successfully. I've done 10 DVD's so far, all end the same way and play perfectly in this and other players so I'm not worried about it. It's probably a timing thing between the Tosh CPU and the new drive.

@ rickc5:

Unfortunately I never got into the whole unfinalized -R game, I think I tried it when I first got my Tosh and had rotten success and switched to -RW instead. I could do an unfinalized -R in this new drive and then try to reload and add to it if you'd like me to try.

Subsequent model suggestion were also unavailable but then someone here mentioned the LG H54N and the good results they had and a quick call resulted in me manging to get one of these drives and attempt the replacement.

Does it read unfinalized DVD-Rs from the orig drive too?

and you mean this one right?

http://www.ecost.com/detail.aspx?edp=37039507

Any speculation as to whether an LG H54N might work in an XS35?

@ rickc5:
Unfortunately I never got into the whole unfinalized -R game, I think I tried it when I first got my Tosh and had rotten success and switched to -RW instead. I could do an unfinalized -R in this new drive and then try to reload and add to it if you'd like me to try.

Thanks, but it's not necessary as I'm sure it'll work fine. I've done that many times with my XS32 and XS54 and various burners. Many of us seem to be having trouble with unfinalized -Rs from the original XS32 burners.


Any speculation as to whether an LG H54N might work in an XS35?
Probably not. Well not yet, anyway. I haven't been able to get an XS35 past a 7071 ERROR using any burner and a Toshiba ATAPI adapter board, and I think nextoo tried this unsuccessfully, too. When I get some time, I'll double check the schematics.

Does anyone know if a dvd unfinalized on one LG drive an be read on another?
Absolutely. At least for the combinations I've tried.

Over the past year or so I've tried an LG 4167B, H42L, H44L and Memorex MRX-510L in my XS32. I'd occasionally keep to the side a few TY 8X -Rs that I'd burned content to with one burner. When I had a different burner in, I'd add content, dub to the HDD, etc. Eventually, each of the at least 15 DVDs got filled, and every single one of them finalized just fine on the different burners, regardless of which machine/burner combo started recording, and how many different burners added content. I did this with stuff I wouldn't be devastated to lose, but the ones I've checked still play fine. I've done the fewest tests with the MRX-510L, but other than the few glitches I mentioned earlier, it seems fine.

Recently, I've had the best luck with the MRX-510L with unfinalized -R's from my XS32 recorded in 2004-2005. The XS32/4167B was okay with some of my old unfinalized -Rs, but now gives me the disc problem/dirty message. The unfinalized ones that worked might have been a specific brand/speed, but I'm not sure. When I first found that they worked in the XS32/4167B, I was more concerned about finalizing them right away than building a database of working media!

I'm 96% sure that original burner unfinalized DVDs will work with some replacement burner, but not necessarily the same burner in everyone's XS32. But, if the original burner was failing as it burned some DVDs, they might be too corrupted to work in anything. That happened to me with a couple.

Draceena

I've just ordered an LG GSA-H54. Were the fitting instructions the same as those posted (much) earlier in this thread, or was there anything significant that needed to be done to fit it?

Cheers

Does it read unfinalized DVD-Rs from the orig drive too?

and you mean this one right?

URL removed, can't post url's yet

That is the correct drive but since I do not have any unfinalized -R's done with the original Tosh drive I cannot comfirm if it will read or write to them, sorry.


@ Mike:

The installation of the LG GSA-H54 was exactly the same as posted earlier in the thread. The LG's DVD tray faceplate is held on with 3 latches on the bottom and the main faceplate is held on by 4 latches (2 on bottom and 2 on the sides). Once these plates are removed it fits perfectly in the XS32 machine (i.e. no need to shift it back or mount it in an odd way).

My only beef (and you are looking at a nitpickey person here) was that the LG drive kinda wacks the Tosh's door-flap when it opens and it seemed kind of rough to me so I took off the spring for the Tosh door flap.

This means when I load a disc, I have to lift the flap manually right after the drive closes otherwise the Tosh "sees" the flap as open and spits the disc back out, so you may not want to do this yourself and may be just fine with how the drive opens and closes.

Thanks Draceena.

I picked the drive up from ebay for £24 and if it arrives in time I should be fitting it this w/e.

If this resurrects the machine it will be an absolute bargain. I'm fed up of having to unplug it and cart it to the PC to get stuff onto DVDs, never mind not being ably to play stuff.

Do you work night shifts or something? I'm just looking at the time of your posts!

Help!

I have brought the GSA-H54L as recommended other older models such as the 4167 are know out of stock. I have connected the drive up but get the error message that the disc may be damaged or require cleaning when trying to load an original DVD.
Could this be because my machine is now over 3 years old and the software is ZL10 and the DVD software is version 1309?

Anybody got any ideas of what I could try next. I live in the U.K.

Thanks

Help!

I have brought the GSA-H54L as recommended other older models such as the 4167 are know out of stock. I have connected the drive up but get the error message that the disc may be damaged or require cleaning when trying to load an original DVD.
Could this be because my machine is now over 3 years old and the software is ZL10 and the DVD software is version 1309?

Anybody got any ideas of what I could try next. I live in the U.K.

Thanks

I assume you've tried it a few times, and always get the same message. Is it an unfinalized -R disc from the original burner? If so, it may not work in the H54 at all. That seems to be the biggest problem with replacement burners in the XS32, as most can not read unfinalized -R media from the original burner. If was finalized, can you try it in another machine?

Blank discs should be okay, but you might have to hold on to your unfinalized -Rs until we have more reports of replacement burners that work reliably. I've had better luck with a Memorex MRX-510L (see my earlier post) than with my LG burners.

Has anyone besides me been able to use their original-burner-unfinalized -R discs in a replacement burner?

Rick,

The DVD's I tried were orginal Film Tiltles brought from retail shops.


Adrian

Wow, I haven't had that happen with commercial DVDs in any of the burners that I tried. Could it be a region code or PAL/NTSC thing?

If you haven't already, you can try:
What does the DVD software version in the Setup screen say now? It should show the same thing as the "ROM VER" on the top of the LG H54L burner.
Leave the XS32 unplugged for a few minutes, and/or try one of the XS32 reset methods in one of the threads here (hold down power button for 10+ seconds, etc.).
Make sure the DVDs play in another dvd player or pc.
A DVD made with your original burner.
A blank DVD (-R, -RW or RAM).

If blank media doesn't work, I'd be thinking that the burner may be bad.

The DVD software version 1309 only applied to your original burner. I've used 3 different LG burners in my 3 year old ZL10 XS32, and the only problems were with older unfinalized -Rs.

That seems to be the biggest problem with replacement burners in the XS32, as most can not read unfinalized -R media from the original burner.

Heck, my LG drive can't read unfinalized DVD-Rs from *itself*.. (in the XS32 of course).

Heck, my LG drive can't read unfinalized DVD-Rs from *itself*.. (in the XS32 of course).

Yeah, I seem to have the same issue.

Pretty weird how all of the different LGs seem to be ever-so-slightly different in how the XS32 reacts to them.

We almost need an XS32 LG Operability Table:

My own thoughts, there are 3 issues:

1) Audio CD functionality,
2) ERR-14 sensitivity,
3) Freezes in Status Bars when Burning and FInalizing.

I've tried 2 models which fared on 1,2,3 as follows:

H42N: None, Still present, No problem
525G: Basic, Still present, Freezes

I was going to get a H10L and still may - its a nice cheap drive. But how does it fare?

And then there is the recent H54L talk. How does it fare?

I would think that other issues are:

4) Finalizes OE drive burns?
5) DVD-RW functionality,
6) DVD-RAM functionality.

Maybe we could get a little Poll or Sticky or something going. Could start a table and when someone adds to it, just copy the new, complete table in that post.

So what is the verdict? What is the best drive to get?

I would definitely pick the 525G over the H42N and that is ALL I know because that is what I did.

Has anyone ever looked into taking the Cartridge parts from the OE drive and simply substituting them into one of these replacement non-cartridge drives?

The way it seems that all DVD stuff is "the same" this might be a no-brainer.

Do you work night shifts or something? I'm just looking at the time of your posts!

LOL! Yes I do actually, to 2am and then I go home and play on my computer to 4 am.

I wish you good luck on that drive.

@ 6Volt:

To add to your XS32 LG Operability Table:

Drive: LG H54N

1) Audio CD functionality - Basic
2) ERR-14 sensitivity - None as of yet
3) Freezes in Status Bars when Burning and Finalizing - Only on Finalizing, all DVD's burnt work perfectly so far

The original dvd drive is the most useless dvd burner I ever had!

I got a used XS32 in addition to the dead one and the orignal dirve still has problems reading the titles it saved on the drive!

Fortunately I am going to replace the dead one with a LG-4167B drive. I have never done this before so I hope the instructions are right on this board.

I am leaning towards replacing the original working drive with yet another LG drive like the Lg-HL10. If I do that will the two LG drives read each other's unfinalized dvd's? Is the LG drive ultra reliable? Will those stupid check disc as it is damaged or needs cleaning messages go away when I read back dvd's I burned on the same drive?

Probably not. Well not yet, anyway. I haven't been able to get an XS35 past a 7071 ERROR using any burner and a Toshiba ATAPI adapter board, and I think nextoo tried this unsuccessfully, too. When I get some time, I'll double check the schematics.

Thanks for the answer. Perhaps someday, someone will crack this. The only thing that works so far is the manufacturer's burner, part number P000459010 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12181417#post12181417), I've found out. Thanks for all your fine work here.

Still haven't managed to get my H54 to work with any discs even resorting to trying the jumper on all three settings. Oddly I got the ERR 7071 message when it was on the slave pins. The drive works okay in my PC so maybe I will Take out the NEC ND3335A and try that.

Frustrated!

Can any say if the H10L has basic Audio CD operability?

Thanks
Tom

I thought I had scored an HP dvd840i replacement drive for the XS32. Turns out it may be a Chinese rebadge. (dvd840x) Then it gets confusing. It is supposed to be a rebadged LG GSA-H20L but Korean and Chinese sources say it may really be an old restamped LG 4166b. After trying the original HP S632 firmware and three firmware cross-flashes this drive burns fast but cannot finalize DVDs in the XS32. It works great in my computer though so it wasn't a complete waste of money. Anyway...stay away from any OEM HP dvd840.

HP dvd1040i is also a no go. It does seem to do a good job creating DVDs but if you don't leave a disc in the tray the XS32 will freeze up every time it powers up. A good way to loose timer programs.

So far the best drive I have found is the LG GSA-H55L. Firmware ver 1.02. Its completed about 40 burns with only a couple of coasters on marginal Verbatim 16x. The interesting thing is that this drive is actually about 30% slower burning than other drives tested. Which for our purpose may be its strength. The firmware info states that it makes commercial DVDs run quieter which probably means slowing down the drive.

I've also tried the LG H54L and it works well but is just too noisy.

Later, Conrad

I found some Panasonic RAM 2-3x ver 2.1 discs.
Thought I'd check it out in case anyone is interested.

They work great in the SX-54 but the replacement H55L drive in the SX32 chokes on them. Won't play or format.

Anyone want 'em? I don't need any more proprietary format discs around.

Later, Conrad

Any news ? I have replace the original dvd burner for a LG GSA-H10N but I can't play CD audio and MP3. Any solution?

If you look thru this thread, you'll only find a couple of replacement burners that will play cds and they're still quirky (FF/REW problems, etc). My replacement Memorex MRX-510L burner plays cds. I don't remember anyone having luck with cds and the H10L or H10N. You could try updating the burner's firmware - which may or may not help.

I finally found an LG site with lots of burner firmware downloads for the 4163, 4167, H10, H54, etc. It may come in handy since so many of us are using LG burners. I haven't tried any, but if anyone here does, please post the results! Make sure that you download the correct and latest F/W revision for your specific LG model and operating system, and follow the instructions to minimize the risk of frying your burner.

http://gb.lgservice.com/index_b2c.jsp

Click on Device Driver, then on the next page click on DVD-ROM (Writer), and it will take you to 11 pages of burner firmware. Mattack, you were looking for this, too. Good luck all!

Watch out updating the firmware! I bought an H22N to put in my XS32, upgraded the firmware to 1.01, and it would not work at all in the XS32. I have since used 2 H22L's (on 2 different machines), firmware untouched, and they work fine.

The question is still out as to if the Lightscribe hardware (the H22L unit) was different enough to allow it to work properly or what, but I wouldn't automatically upgrade the firmware, especially since you can't downgrade it back to the original.

I've replaced the burner in a XS32 with a LG GSA-H54N and it plays CDs fine.

So I now have a fully functioning DVD burner with no quirks, no glitches. and no problems, which does everything the original should have done.

I got a LG 4163B and 4167B I hope one or both of them works as a replacement.

I've used a 4167B in my XS32 and XS54 for quite a while, and I've only had problems reading some unfinalized discs and playing cds. New blank media should be okay. I pretty much only use Taiyo Yuden -Rs, and had only one unexplained burn failure out of hundreds. I don't remember if anyone tried the 4163B, but I'm pretty sure it should work.

I've replaced the burner in a XS32 with a LG GSA-H54N and it plays CDs fine.

So I now have a fully functioning DVD burner with no quirks, no glitches. and no problems, which does everything the original should have done.

Can you FF/REW and track skip in both directions okay? Does the counter count? Other than those problems, my XS32/MRX-510L plays CDs.

On CDs everything works bar the counter.
It will skip tracks forwards & backwards.
Within a track, fast forward works at double speed (2 arrows) - any greater than this errors.
It will display the total track length, but the counter doesn't increment.

From my perspective, all these are a bonus anyway, as I don't use it for CDs.

I've replaced the burner in a XS32 with a LG GSA-H54N and it plays CDs fine.

So I now have a fully functioning DVD burner with no quirks, no glitches. and no problems, which does everything the original should have done.

including reading & finalizing drives partially burned with the original burner?
That is my problem with my LG (I never remember which one I have).

including reading & finalizing drives partially burned with the original burner?
That is my problem with my LG (I never remember which one I have).

I haven't got any of those to test with. Any discs I burned were always to play on other machines, so they were always finalized.

hallelujah!! Just fitted a GSA4167B bought off Ebay BNIB for £9 plays and burns no problem. Have to try and upgrade the hard drive next.

hallelujah!! Just fitted a GSA4167B bought off Ebay BNIB for £9 plays and burns no problem. Have to try and upgrade the hard drive next.

Great to hear. I bought 2 for about $5 each but my original still works so at least I know I have backups. Hard rives are another question though.

well, if any of you want to get rid of yours (and confirm they work with unfinalized discs from original burner), I'd take one of them off your hands.

well, if any of you want to get rid of yours (and confirm they work with unfinalized discs from original burner), I'd take one of them off your hands.

mattack, keep your eye out for a newer cheap Memorex burner. The MRX-510L that I posted about a few months ago read and finalized most of the unfinalized -Rs from my XS32. That's better than the 4 different LGs I tried. It's still working great in my XS54, but occasionally gives me an ERR-14 at the end of finalizing. Those dvds test and play just fine, though. I'm guessing it might be a communication or timing error between the MRX-510L and the XS54.

I've found that with a couple of original burners that went bad, they'll work with one or two discs if left unpowered for a while. Next time you open your XS32, try the original burner with one of your unfinalized discs and see if it will read and finalize it. It's a long shot, but it worked for me a couple of times.

Next time you open your XS32, try the original burner with one of your unfinalized discs and see if it will read and finalize it.

Heh, the top has been off mine ever since I put the new drive in.. Yes, I know dust will get in there.. I should fix it some time.

Your idea is close to what I have thought of doing.. I hadn't thought of trying to finalize, but I did realize the drive would still (or at least did at the time I took it out) read most if not all of the unfinalized discs.. so if I wanted to waste a bunch of DVD-Rs (mostly thrown away plastic annoyance, not cost), I could transfer everything back to the hard drive and then back to DVD-RWs for transfer to computer. (When I finally spend enough time to figure out how I can transfer programs from my Tivos to a Mac with the third party tools [so I don't have to buy Toast] and my apparently weird network connection, I'm actually likely to use a big hard drive INSTEAD of a bunch of DVDs.. Not quite the opposite of why I bought the XS32 in the first place, because at that point I didn't have Tivos that would transfer programs.)

mattack, keep your eye out for a newer cheap Memorex burner. The MRX-510L that I posted about a few months ago read and finalized most of the unfinalized -Rs from my XS32. That's better than the 4 different LGs I tried. It's still working great in my XS54, but occasionally gives me an ERR-14 at the end of finalizing. Those dvds test and play just fine, though. I'm guessing it might be a communication or timing error between the MRX-510L and the XS54.

I've found that with a couple of original burners that went bad, they'll work with one or two discs if left unpowered for a while. Next time you open your XS32, try the original burner with one of your unfinalized discs and see if it will read and finalize it. It's a long shot, but it worked for me a couple of times.

The same thing happened to me. After not using my XS-32 for 3 weeks because of the burner. I tried it again and it read my dvds. I quickly finalized a ton of dvd's that were stuck in limbo and then the next day it died again. I think the lasrer is just in the process of petering out.

Err14's on Magnavox DVD drive.

Did 2 Playo's and a Maxell - all 14's on Finalize.

Discovered WRITING TEST: PARTS and ALL

Does anyone know what this is? They mention it in a few places in the manual but never say what it is.

Failed the writing test w/maxell. got ERR15.

This 32xs is an ill-conceived piece of shite.

Tom

_____________
EDIT

I have a theory on Err14: If the HD is hearly full, the 32xs begins to respond slower to remote commands. When HD space is increased, response quickens.

Therefore, when writing/finalizing, there is communication between drive and mobo. Anything that may slow or impeded that may produce errors.

I had a terrible time burning hd to drive for the first disc. Once that first batch of stuff was deleted from HD making more room. Everything seemed to work fine. (and response time was noticeably faster.)

I suspect you need to keep HD 20% free or better or the like.

Has anyone gotten 16x media to work in the 32xs?

I burn 16x TYs in my XS35 with good results, for what it's worth.

Has anyone gotten 16x media to work in the 32xs?
I'm having good luck using Sony "1x-16x" discs on my old XS32 (which still uses the original DVD drive).

Specifically, these 50pk DVD-R discs are labeled: Sony DVD-R AccuCORE 1x-16x Speed.
Also, "DVD-R for General Version 2.1/16x Speed. DVD-R Revision 6.0". They're, "Made in Malaysia"

Info from Nero Cd-Dvd Speed,
Manufacturer: Sony
MID: SONY16D1

Although these discs have worked very good for me, a forum member has expressed the opinion to avoid Sony Made in Malaysia blanks. His comments can be read here,
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12614776#post12614776

Just tried to burn 16x Verbatim's from OfficeMax.

Failed during finalization. I can play the DVD but can't finalize it. It appears as a blank CD in my PC drive. (ERR-14)

Subject was a 2:30 hr movie that rate dubbed to HD At 3.4 to make it fit. I did 5min chapters and ended up with 20-30 of them.

Anyone have any theories if any of the following could be responsible for the failure to finalize: 1) rate conversion to weird rate, 2) too many chapters, 3) not enough extra free space on DVD, 4) just got unlucky - should work if I try again.

Someone said they were sucessfully burning 1-16x Sonys so I figured the Verbatims might work.

Oh, I have the Memorex burner in mine (the proper model recommended previously in this thread)

When during finalization did it give the ERR-14? It still plays in the XS32?

I don't know when during finalization because I wasn't watching it. I suspect it was right at the beginning, tho.

I just tried burning it with no chapters and the Full Writing Test and it gets an ERR-14 still.

I'm going to try something at std rate (no rate conversion dubbing) that doesn't take up a lot of DVD space and see if it works. If it doesn't, that will close the book on these DVD-R's I guess.
__________________________________

FYI The "All Test" appears to be a great way to keep from making coasters. It appears that it does the entire process to HDD instead of DVD as a trial... and bombs w/ERR-14 except that this was on the trial to HDD so the DVD is still unused.

I haven't tried any 16X media yet. With the Memorex burner and 8X, my XS32 will sometimes give an ERR-14 near the end of finalizing. I've found that every one of those discs plays and tests fine. The 2 or 3 times I got the ERR-14 before the progress bar appeared, the disc was toast.

I've never tried the Full Writing Test. If it's similar to a cd/dvd burn test in a pc, wouldn't it check mostly for bandwidth and burner communication problems, and not necessarily be impacted by the actual media?

Yeah, I'd try a normal hi speed dub of a smaller recording and see if that will finalize.

I was having problems with my xs32. It wouldn't even read back the discs that I burned on it from a day earlier. I starting thinking - the laser that reads and writes on the disk is underneath the disc and could easily collect dust on the lens if it was designed poorly.

So I took a can of plain air (for cleaning keyboards) with the long straw that comes with it, and just started forcing air inside the dvd burner as far back as I could get the straw. I had to hold the DVD tray half way open in order to be able to get the straw inside, towards the back. You want to be careful not to scratch the lens, but you need to get the straw close enough to clean it.

Since I didn't see the lens in the front part of the unit, I'm assuming it's in the back of the unit. Your guess is as good as mine as to where in the back the lens will be since you can't really see anything when you're spraying the air. (If you're DVD drive isn't working, you're not really losing anything by trying this.) So I just sprayed left to right for 10 to 20 seconds.

Now that I cleaned it, the unit works like new. Before it wouldn't read or write anything, and before that, I would get the occasional error that the disc needed cleaning, but now I don't even get those errors anymore.

I hope this helps someone out.

I just replaced the original DVD drive with an LG GSA-H55LK from newegg for $26.99. The drive works great. Plays DVDs, burns fine on DVD-R and also plays audio CDs. All is well after one day. Thanks to all for valuable info on various replacements.

I just replaced the original DVD drive with an LG GSA-H55LK from newegg for $26.99. The drive works great. Plays DVDs, burns fine on DVD-R and also plays audio CDs. All is well after one day. Thanks to all for valuable info on various replacements.

What about unfinalized DVD-R & DVD-RW from the original drive?

Also, I admit I haven't tried on my replacement drive, but do various replacement drives handle > 2x DVD-RW discs? It's the firmware in the drive that's the issue, AFAIK.

I tried the drive replacement, but it didn't work out quite so well.....therefore, I have a D-R2 sitting in the corner along with TWO remotes. Would anyone be interested in the remotes at $20 each, and/or the old box for spare parts?

What about unfinalized DVD-R & DVD-RW from the original drive?

Also, I admit I haven't tried on my replacement drive, but do various replacement drives handle > 2x DVD-RW discs? It's the firmware in the drive that's the issue, AFAIK.
I don't have any unfinalized disks to test with. It does seem to read all of my previously recorded disks, buy they were all finalized.

How about RAM disks? I replaced my drive with an lg 22n, and it will not burn anything but it will read disks including RAM. If it will not do everything, I would rather be able to read RAM disks but would really like to be able to, again, burn disks.

I could never convince my XS32 to work with an LG H22N.

Works like a champ with the H22L, although it doesn't seem to work with RAM anymore, although I never used RAM much anyway... (every disc is either "write protected" or I get the "disk may be damaged or dirty" error).

(I should add, ages ago, it was discovered the LG computer drives did something to DVD-RAM discs that sometimes/often/always(?) somehow made them appear write protected to Panasonic and Toshiba set-top recorders.. I don't remember the details, but there was a lot of talk back in the 2005ish time period-- so I can only imagine whatever this incompatibility is/was is only made worse when an LG is put INTO a Toshiba! ;) )

Thanks JMSCOTT42. You’re right, the LG does something to the RAM disks. While it will not write to the RAM disk, it gives a message that disk authorization failed but I can either play or dub the contents to the HDD. However, the disk is not the same when I put it in another machine, so I now always reformat it in the other machine.

I just replaced the original DVD drive with an LG GSA-H55LK from newegg for $26.99. The drive works great. Plays DVDs, burns fine on DVD-R and also plays audio CDs. All is well after one day. Thanks to all for valuable info on various replacements.

Hi all!

First post, after reading numerous posts the last couple days regarding DVD Rewrite (Burner) replacement for the RD-XS32 it appears the aforementioned LG GSA-H55LK would be a VIABLE Replacement OPTION...

HOWEVER, would appreciate it if martin1833 would reply with what Software Version as well as DVD Drive Software was loaded on the RD-XS32 in which the LG GSA-H55LK was installed as well as a follow-up on functionality and operability results since installation.

Would also appreciate it if anyone else has confirmed martin1833's initial LG GSA-H55LK replacement findings and/or has any pertainent information to add?


I am very interested in replacing my RD-XS32's Rewrite in the immediate future, thus all TIMELY replies are very much appreciated.


.

Anyone with LG GSA-H55LK replacement experience in a RD-XS32? :confused:


Other than martin1833...Anyone?


Thanks.

short - I haven't tried an LG H55, but I've replaced the burners in at least six different XS32s with the LG models mentioned in my earlier posts with no major problems. The only problems are those described by all of us who've replaced burners - many original burner-unfinalized dvds can't be read, cds may or may not play, DVD RAM incompatibility, a little work to physically fit the burner on the mounting bracket (gaffer's tape/drill hole) and properly open the XS32 door, etc.

If you're able to finalize your dvds before the original burner dies, and don't play cds or use RAM discs, it seems that most of the LG models from the 4167B and newer will work as well as you can expect. My personal favorites are the 4167B (hard to find now) and the H42, since I've had them in the longest, and have had no coasters. But, they don't read older, unfinalized discs.

short - I haven't tried an LG H55, but I've replaced the burners in at least six different XS32s with the LG models mentioned in my earlier posts with no major problems. The only problems are those described by all of us who've replaced burners - many original burner-unfinalized dvds can't be read, cds may or may not play, DVD RAM incompatibility, a little work to physically fit the burner on the mounting bracket (gaffer's tape/drill hole) and properly open the XS32 door, etc.

If you're able to finalize your dvds before the original burner dies, and don't play cds or use RAM discs, it seems that most of the LG models from the 4167B and newer will work as well as you can expect. My personal favorites are the 4167B (hard to find now) and the H42, since I've had them in the longest, and have had no coasters. But, they don't read older, unfinalized discs.


Appreciate the feedback rickc5...

Ordered up a H55LK while initiating a back-up plan...

I'll be sure to post the experience HERE at a later date.

Anyone with any additional information regarding a Rewrite change-out on a Toshiba RD-XS32 is still appreciated.

FWIW: I contacted Toshiba Customer Support who apparently out-sources repairs to Tops Electronics. Tops wanted me to send the unit in with a $140 payment...An inquiry as to whether Tops could obtain a replacement Rewrite confirmed what was expected...none of their parts vendors had any replacements. Concluding, if your RD-XS32's Rewrite is BAD and you send your unit to Tops for repairs you will have the costly experience of not getting your unit repaired, with no alternatives.


BTW: I appreciate the information shared upon this forum and hope it continues.

-ciao

.

Currently testing a LG GSA-H55LK replacement in the RD-XS32...


Observations thus far:

-Plays CD's with very limited functions.
-Won't burn un-finalized -R DVD's [Maxell 16x]
-Will burn new -R DVD's [Maxell 16x]
-Won't "rate-convert" 4.0 (SP) to 2.2 (LP) from HD to DVD...immediately get Check Disc error. However this can be worked around, see below.
-When DVR is turned-off and back-on, Two Create DVD functions default to begin at TITLE and continue to NEXT TITLE from the MENU start as well as back to MENU following title play options. Unless there is only one title being recorder to disc the title start/continue is acceptable but with multiple titles I prefer to have the menu functions selected so that you can select which title you want to play after recording to disc.
-Editing titles/thumbnails on disc following recording no longer is an option.
-Rewrite plays all finalized previous recordings as designed.
-Jumper came installed on “MAIN” selection…be sure to leave it or move it to MAIN.
-The DVD Drive changed from 1416 to 1.03, while the Software version (ZL11) remained the same.
-Completion bar-graph when recording has a 5-min display delay, while the finalization bar-graph only indicates 10% but discs finalize as designed.

Strong desire to "rate-convert"...

Recording media to best utilize -R disc space at the expense of best quality is desirable...

-IF you want to fit a sporting event or movie on 1 -R disc in which the recorded content exceeds a little over 2-hours in length requires content to be recorded at the 2.2 bit-rate (LP).

There are a couple of ways to accomplish this...

1. Initially set recording of events/media expected to exceed 2-hours in length at a bit-rate of 2.2 (LP).

2. IF however, your HD has recordings that are already recorded at a bit-rate greater than 2.2 (LP) and longer than ~2-hours in length you must convert the recording(s) down to the 2.2 (LP) in order to fit on one disc...which requires the recording(s) to be dubbed from the HD back to the HD using the "rate-convert" dubbing option since the “rate-convert” option from HD to DVD is no longer available with rewrite replacement. To accomplish the HD to HD bit-rate convert, while highlighting desired content, access the "quick menu" using remote control’s selection button…select the dubbing option to same disc (i.e. HD to HD), press “quick menu” again to select 2.2 (LP) bit-rate. The display should indicate what bit-rate the recording is as well as what the copy will be (the 2.2 (LP) rate). Once the recording(s) is/are converted to the 2.2 (LP) bit-rate they will fit on a 4.7 GB -R disc as long as the converted contented does not exceed ~4-hours in duration.

Bottom Line: The LG GSA-H55LK replacement in the RD-XS32 will get your machine to produce discs again but some features/options (I consider non-vital) will no longer be available. Installation was an easy plug-n-play…although unit is currently in a “test” configuration I don’t anticipate any issues that cannot be resolved in permanently “fitting” the rewrite into the recorder. For less than $34.00 (newegg) my RD-XS32 was restored to operability.

Hope this information was useful…if anyone has any questions, just ask.


.

Interesting that you can't rate convert to DVD with the H55. It worked fine with my XS32/H4167B, but I don't remember if I did any HDD-DVD rate converts with the H42 or H44. You've answered the question that the H55 won't read previously unfinalized dvds. The DVD Drive Version in Setup should display the same info that's on the burner label (ROM version, I think). The Software Version stays the same as that's the XS32 firmware.

Don't forget that you can automatically or manually set the conversion bit rate to the highest rate that will fit on the dvd. That way, depending on the length of your recording, you might be able to maximize quality by re-encoding to a much higher rate than 2.2.

It's not a pressing need to me as I pretty much exclusively use -R media, but if you try RW or RAM, please post the results.

Interesting that you can't rate convert to DVD with the H55. It worked fine with my XS32/H4167B, but I don't remember if I did any HDD-DVD rate converts with the H42 or H44. You've answered the question that the H55 won't read previously unfinalized dvds. The DVD Drive Version in Setup should display the same info that's on the burner label (ROM version, I think). The Software Version stays the same as that's the XS32 firmware.

Don't forget that you can automatically or manually set the conversion bit rate to the highest rate that will fit on the dvd. That way, depending on the length of your recording, you might be able to maximize quality by re-encoding to a much higher rate than 2.2.

It's not a pressing need to me as I pretty much exclusively use -R media, but if you try RW or RAM, please post the results.

Thanks for the info on the convert rewrites...correct me if I am wrong, but I don't believe those H4167B are availble.

Have a couple different rewrites in transit I will be trying within the week to compare results. I'll report findings when results are obtained.

Sorry, won't be doing any RW or RAM formats...never did, don't have any discs that I am aware of, if so, they're not readily available...strictly use Maxell -R x16.

Regarding auto bit-rate setting...4.0 (SP) is good enough for media 2hrs or less, anything greater in length goes to the 2.2 (LP) rate...I'll stick with manual settings based upon projected program lengths and when in doubt just go with the 4.0 (SP) since it can be converted down on the HD if needed.

Looking ahead...Blu-ray...any thoughts?


.

Sorry for the no reply. Been swamped at work. I really haven't had the need to do anything more than record and finalize a few -R disks. Sounds like everything worked out reasonably well for you. The LG GSA-H55LK is not a perfect replacement, but better than a no-op machine.

is there a difference bewteen the xs32 and the RD XS32SU?

I'm just now doing tests with a LG GSA-4167B drive I swapped out from my main PC, which is replaced with another LG, the H55.

For now, I've got it resting on top of the old unit, cover off.
Tried:
DVD DL Playback - Check!
DVD-RAM Playback - Check!
DVD-RW Playback - Check!
DVD-RAM Copy from HDD - Check!
DVD-RW (DVD Video) creation - Check!
CD Audio - Fail (as expected).


I will continue more test (Burn DVD-R, DVD-RW) and edit/reply this post.

Now I have to figure out how to remove the old&busted DVD from the case. Instructions at: http://www.esbuilder.com/rdxs32/rdxs32-replace-dvd.htm

Now 2 1/2 hours later, the drive has been replaced and the Recorder is back online, with reduced functionality, but the important bit is : I CAN RECORD AGAIN! :)

I honestly forget if that's the exact same one that I have or not. But the one thing that really irks me is lack of unfinalized DVD-R support.

Actually, my current burner doesn't support unfinalized DVD-R *even from this drive*. I have to use the "make a DVD" function that burns and finalizes in one step.
But even more important, I have TONS of unfinalized DVD-Rs from the original burner.

I'm actually starting to think about doing more stuff on a computer (esp since I now have Tivos that can transfer recordings to a computer, though the Mac support is mostly via hacky third party software).. so I might even dump some of my burned DVDs to a computer to use them there..

but being able to finalize my old DVD-Rs would be useful. At some point I will try putting the ORIG drive back in, at the very least to see if I can copy back to the hard drive as a workaround (and/or possibly finalize a few of them if it works again, as other people have said).

But anyway -- info about whether you can use/finalize DVD-Rs from the orig burner on the new one would be very helpful. Thanks.

I thought my problems were over when I found this thread, but unfortuately, they are not. I have tried the LG gsa 54L, which did not want to read RAM or -Rw, and the Memeorex mrl-530, which cause the recorder to freeze up when I powered it up. Now I am stuck back with the original burner (doesn't read ram or -rw anymore), but at least I can use the hard drive for now. Any suggestions on what else to try?? Thanks for any input!!!!

Do you know if we unlock the region in the DVD drive if it will work to play PAL dvd (zone2) on my NTSC unit (zone 1)? or it's in the firmware of the XS32?

Is there a definitive list of compatible DVD drives?

After reading several treads of the topic, I purchased a H55N and installed it last night. It looked promising, but ultimately there were issues that I am not prepared to live with.

I did not test all features, it did create a disc and finalise, but it took a good 5 mins to start copying. It played DVD-RW content previously recorded and it played any Region All/Zero disc. It would not play any regionally encoded disc (I tried Region 1, 2 3 and 4).

I assume the region issues would go away if it already had a region selected; installing PC first and set it up, but I might try to find another more compatible model. Any other ideas?

From what I have read, these are the most compatible:
LG GSA 4163B
LG GSA-4167B
LG GSA-H10L

All these are pretty hard to find now. Does anyone have later models that work?

Cheers,

Steve....

Actually, one of the last drives found to be compatible was the Memorex - in particular, it did most of the CD playback functions, but not all.

I bot one of these and I'm still using it. I think I had a H-42N (I could be wrong) and I sold it because I was not happy with how it worked - too many functions didn't work. It's funny, but I simply cannot remember what was so bad about it. I do remember I thought it was unacceptable.

Actually, one of the last drives found to be compatible was the Memorex - in particular, it did most of the CD playback functions, but not all.

I bot one of these and I'm still using it. I think I had a H-42N (I could be wrong)

Maybe the MRX-510L ? Mentioned earlier (I must have missed that one!)

Hi all,

I just went through all the posts on this thread again, so to recap:

I have 2 XS-32’s and last year I was going to replace my dvd burner on my 1st one, when I found an old used XS-32 with a functioning dvd burner. I immediately finalized or watched all my old programs on previous dvd-R’s and ‘s. Mainly DVD-RW’s as I tend to save a lot of shows and watch them later but I also tend to not finalized them (big lesson learned here). Sometimes I do leave DVD-R’s unfinalized, but I learned not to trust the burner so I accumulate what I want on the HD and finalize all in one go if it is to a DVD-R.
Fortunately, I managed to find some extra LG 4167B’s and Seagate Hard drives. I also have an old 4163B. I also got a LG GSA-H55L. in my PC. I don’t know which one is the best to use.

Now I am ready to replace one or both my burners and maybe upgrade a hard drive. Since I am not experienced with electronics as stated before, I may get a repair shop person to do some or all of it.

My questions are:
As I understand the LG-4167B drive is a good replacement except it doesn’t do the following:
1. Recognize unfinalized DVD-R’s either from the old Toshiba or ones that are filled by the LG and then taken out. I presume this is not the case with DVD-RW’s? This is important for me to know the answer as I use a lot of DVD-RW’s and would like to know if I can leave some half full and finalize or watch later unfinalized. I guess I could leave the shows on the HD until I can fill out a DVD-R but the HD capacity is small.

2. Won’t play CD’s (Not important to me)

3. Additional modification has to be dome so the LG’s eject button doesn’t rub against the Toshiba door? Since I am all thumbs I might get a technician to drill the hole if necessary.

4. Some quirks with the information bars when finalizing?

5. On DVD creation if you chose the Menu option as the initial startup instead of the auto title plays it might not work.

6. DVD-RAM’s with previous recordings are not recognized. I got a Pioneer so I think I can read DVD-RAM’s as the format is universal. I have to try it before I think.

I got exactly 5 unfinalized DVD-R’s which are not so important be it would be nice to know where I can finalize these DVD’s now.
RICKC or anyone , if you can read unfinalized DVD-R’s(on the original Toshiba burner) with the LG-4167B, can you dub them back in the HD as a backup and then try to finalize?

LG GSA-H55L seems ok, but as “short” posted it still won’t leave unfinalized DVD-R’s intact if you try use again after power off.

I use the Newer Verbatim 16x DVD-R’s and some 16x Fuji DVD-R’s which worked ok on the original burner.
I use a lot of varied DVD-RW’s, Fuji’s Memorex, Office Depot, Staples, Sony 2 and 4x’s.

I seem to recall a company that will finalize unfinalized DVD-R’ on the Toshiba for you but I forgot where.

Please correct me if I am wrong on these understandings before I decide which DVD burner to use to replace.

Thanks

One other thing I noticed on my replacement LG drive is that it doesn't remember the last point played on a DVD when the unit is turned off and on again. Minor thing besides the CD non-playing and not recognizing DVD-R unfinalized shows after turning off.

Not just turning off -- does it recognize unfinalized DVD-Rs even if you eject them and insert them again? Mine doesn't.

Not just turning off -- does it recognize unfinalized DVD-Rs even if you eject them and insert them again? Mine doesn't.

I don't want to take that chance as I have a LG 4167B and it was pointed out that it doesn't recognize it's own unfinalized dvd's after ejecting them.

There are a couple of interesting reports (http://forum.videohelp.com/topic355664.html?sid=c97c5934c4a0e10cb7c6927f41c05cb2#188213 4) that NeroVision (http://www.videohelp.com/tools/NeroVision_Express) will recognize and let you import video from unfinalized discs to your computer so you can reauthor it.

Hallelujah Guys!!!!

I can report that the LG H54L does indeed read unfinalized DVDs previously recorded on the OEM drive (I seem to have more than my share)...or any other drive for that matter. This thing is reading everything I can throw at it including (but not necessary to me) CD play.

The only weird behavior I have come across thus far is the "cannot perform this function with prerecorded material' when pressing content menu with some discs. Only happens every so often with previously finalized -Rs but the Disc still plays and sometimes goes right to content menu anyway after hitting play. Also going into Easy Navi and scrolling to Play contents will do the same thing...right to the Disc Menu. Sometimes having empty Content Menu page already onscreen and then loading disc does the same thing...lots of workarounds for troublesome discs. :)

Back on page 13 last October, member Kaybee2 originally posted about having success with an LG H54LBRL or H54L here in the States. Success as in having it read everything including unfinalized discs from the OEM burner. I can now confirm that is my experience as well so a big shout out to Kaybee2. :):):)

Got my drive from Computer Geeks.com. Manufacturing sticker says May 2007 and the bar code is faded all the way at the end but otherwise it looks brand new in every respect though sold as a refurb with standard 90 day warranty.

Running it for now in my D-KR2 for testing. That machine also has same bad OEM drive (naturally:rolleyes:). I will do switchout to XS32 tomorrow and put the replacement LG 4167B drive from there into the D-KR2. Not anticipating any problems with operation in XS32...should be exactly the same as the D-KR2 results. Will notify of any issues

Cannot believe it after all this time! Will post a new thread as well so the interested parties can see it.

I got a 55 in my PC. I wonder if that will work as well? I like that fact that the 54 can read unfinalized -R dvds. Is that what you mean as the LG 4167B reads DVD-RW unfinalized but not DVD-R's?

Not being able to read unfinalized DVD-R's is not that big a deal as you can save the shows on a DVD-RW and later copy back to the HD to put on the DVD-R's. Of course, if you had previously recorded shows on DVD-R's on another XS-32 then it is greatly useful.

I have had pot luck with my unfinalized DVD-RWs and the LG 4167B. Some play, some don't...usually the latter. And yes, I still was speaking more of unfinalized DVD-Rs. But now the H54L has put all that in the past. It reads everything...including CDs.

I am also wondering what the H55N would do as it is still very available. If I hadn't found the 54 apparently just in the nick of time, I would likely have tried it.

Let us know what success you encounter if you decide to switch it out.

So far the rebuilt XS32 with the LG H54L and a new Maxtor 160GB is singing sweetly. No problems to report.

According to videohelp.com, both the 54L and 55L are based on Panasonic chipsets which have tended to have slightly better compatibility in XS32s than LG's Renesas based drives. Although I am not sure that's right and keep thinking the 55L was Renesas based..

It is too bad it only seems like we find good replacement drives after their commercial availability is on the decline!

I got a few DVD-Rams in a cartridge. How do you remove the disk from the case without destroying the case? I looked at it and it seems like you have to pry it open.

Oiler,

See my post yesterday under the XS32 Help thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14725162#post14725162

Oiler,

See my post yesterday under the XS32 Help thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14725162#post14725162

I'm trying as I am reading your instructions but am still having trouble. There is something on the side and I can see through the transparency that it is a plastic flexible spring like arm inside. I tried to press and hold it but the door would not budge more than a sight bit. I see there is a little round plastic thing like a door stop that is preventing the lid from swiveling. I poke a pen into it and it pops out from the plastic stem and now it is easy to remove. Thanks for the help.

Try this (http://www.mytechguide.com/18/removing-dvd-ram-disc-from-cartridge/).

Try this (http://www.mytechguide.com/18/removing-dvd-ram-disc-from-cartridge/).

Yes, I finally figured it out just before you posted :-) Thanks a million. I originally recorded the shows on the XS-32 but it also plays on my Pioneer 640. It doesn't on the Panny EH-55 for some reason.

New topic: Can one set the remote to play only one Toshiba when one has two in the same room?

Yes, on the RD-XS35 you can anyway, so perhaps the procedure is similar for your XS32. No need to glue tubes to your IR or other such workarounds you may have read here are necessary for other models that don't have this feature. It's on pages 50 and 51 of the RD-XS35's Installation Guide.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/p_l/ToshibaRD-XS35DR2p50.jpg


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/p_l/ToshibaRD-XS35DR2p51.jpg

Currently testing a LG GSA-H55LK replacement in the RD-XS32...

Bottom Line: The LG GSA-H55LK replacement in the RD-XS32 will get your machine to produce discs again but some features/options (I consider non-vital) will no longer be available. Installation was an easy plug-n-play…although unit is currently in a “test” configuration I don’t anticipate any issues that cannot be resolved in permanently “fitting” the rewrite into the recorder. For less than $34.00 (newegg) my RD-XS32 was restored to operability.

Hope this information was useful…if anyone has any questions, just ask.


What is the firmware version in this DVD burner? I just received a GSA-H55LK and get an immediate ERR-7000. I've gotten this error with 3 other brand new DVDs and so I'm beginning to suspect the firmware version is checked by the RD-XS32/54.

Thanks,
Bill

Hey guys, I am new here but am starting to have the same problems with my OEM DVD drive on the XS32. The only thing I really use it for is to record cable TV shows and rewatch them. I have been using RAM disks with no problem, but the drive is slowly deteriorating with REALLY long load times. I need a replacement drive but am not sure which to go with. I can care less about CDs playing, I just want RAM disks to work. Which drive should I get? I can pick up a GSA-H54N right now...

I can also get an H10L or H10N but they are going for quite a bit more. I would rather go with the H54N if it works as it is much cheaper...Thanks

Well, the DVD recorder just died. Anyone out there reccomend the best replacement? On my last post I listed a few that are available that worked for other people. I really only use it to record TV shows on DVD RAM. PLEASE HELP!

I think the DVD Drive in my RD-SX34 is on its way out and found this thread searching for info on a replacement. Lot of good info here.

I see a *lot* of posts regarding replacements for SX32 and SX54 but didn't notice anyone that had replaced a DVD drive in an SX34. I'm assuming the dvd drives recommended for those should work in mine but wondering if anyone has done a replacement in an SX34 and what they would suggest. I know it may not be easy to find, but it looks like a LC GSA-4167B would be good, if not the best candidate?

I have a new LG "Super Multi DVD Rewriter" GSA-H54N that I tried for about 1/2 hour in my old DVD player. It worked great, but the electronics were shot in my old Toshiba DVD recorder/writer so I removed it and it has been sitting in my collection awaiting another unit to put it into.

The unit is virtually brand-new with about 1/2 hour use on it.

Willing to sell for $35 including UPS shipment in the continental US......if anyone is interested. Shoot me a private mail.

I think the DVD Drive in my RD-SX34 is on its way out and found this thread searching for info on a replacement. Lot of good info here.

I see a *lot* of posts regarding replacements for SX32 and SX54 but didn't notice anyone that had replaced a DVD drive in an SX34. I'm assuming the dvd drives recommended for those should work in mine but wondering if anyone has done a replacement in an SX34 and what they would suggest. I know it may not be easy to find, but it looks like a LC GSA-4167B would be good, if not the best candidate?

I went into detail on another RD-XS thread about the differences between an LG GSA-4167B circa 2003 and an LG-GSA40N circa 2007 I tried. If you are using DVD-RAM a lot, the firmware programming was much different back in 2003.

The LG GSA-4167B works flawlessly with various brands of DVD-RAM on my RD-XS32. It has no trouble reading DVD-Rs finalized on any RD-XS recorder going several years back. You can see thumbnails and dub to HDD. The only problem is it can't recognize it's own unfinalized DVD-Rs, much less those from other burners. Not a big deal to me since I don't leave a lot of unfinalized DVD-R around and I just offload content from my HDD to DVD-R weekly, rather than daily (to get the most out of a disc before finalizing).

On the LG GSA40N and even on a recent Lite-on (22 something model) burner I got at Newegg, it works fine on the RD-XS32 but only with DVD-R. It will recognize unfinalized discs from other burners and content on DVD-R it finalizes. The LG GSA40N I believe worked OK with DVD-RAM but the Lite-On won't work with DVD-RAM at all. If you try to format a disc you destroy it. Worse yet, with both burners, finalized DVD-R discs I've created in the past can only be played back. You cannot access the disc to see the thumbnails so you can't dub them to HDD. So if all you are going to do is create DVD-R for playback on your current recorder/burner from now on, and don't need to access archived material or don't use DVD-RAM at all, I guess you can restore some function to your RD-XS unit. You can either choose to finalize or not finalize content you dub to DVD-R but you can always access it as long as you use the present recorder/burner combo. But if you leave the DVD-Rs unfinalized, you can't access the content on another RD-XS recorder or on your computer.

Since I use DVD-RAM a lot and I need to access archived material, it's a no brainer here. The older burners like the GSA-4167B is the only way to go. You can only find refurbs now, and they are not really cheap compared to the latest models since burners are so economical anyway, but at $20 a pop I've stockpiled half a dozen. These will extend the useful life of a Toshiba RD-XS32, RD-XS34, or RD-XS54 for quite a while.

I have tried adapting a GSA LG-4167B to the RD-XS35 using the IDE adapter thingie and it did not work. The proprietary burners use a special 6-wire power plug but you can tap into the regular 4-wire plug to the HDD to feed power to the LG-4167B but it was no go. I tried leaving power on to the proprietary burner as well (so the board knows a burner is connected) to no avail. The firmware on the RD-XS35, RD-XS55, and RD-XS52 will only recognize the proprietary burners the recorders came with, not burners for computer use.

Has anybody tried any of the replacement burners with faster than 2x DVD-RW? (I know, I'm a *fan* of DVD-RAM much more, but the speed and much lower cost of DVD-RW has gotten me using them less..)

Clevor, do you actually use all of those burners you have? It sounds like the GSA40N is the only one that will recognize unfinalized DVD-Rs. I have a ton of them. While I do have a replacement burner, the lack of being able to use unfinalized DVD-Rs is a pain for me... mostly because of my existing unfinalized discs. If you want to get rid of it cheap, I could imagine using it as a temporary replacement to finalize the discs I have.

Clevor, do you actually use all of those burners you have? It sounds like the GSA40N is the only one that will recognize unfinalized DVD-Rs. I have a ton of them. While I do have a replacement burner, the lack of being able to use unfinalized DVD-Rs is a pain for me... mostly because of my existing unfinalized discs. If you want to get rid of it cheap, I could imagine using it as a temporary replacement to finalize the discs I have.

I got them from Geeks.com and I promptly returned them. Had to pay a 15% restocking fee though. I think they still have them.

But remember what I said: the GSA40N will only play back your previously finalized DVD-Rs. You cannot see the thumbnails or titles on the disc. If you labeled your DVD-Rs well with the content than maybe that's OK. I recall it worked OK with DVD-RAM. The latest Lite-On units off Newegg I think will work OK with DVD-R too, but not DVD-RAM.

I went into detail on another RD-XS thread about the differences between an LG GSA-4167B circa 2003 and an LG-GSA40N circa 2007 I tried. If you are using DVD-RAM a lot, the firmware programming was much different back in 2003.

The LG GSA-4167B works flawlessly with various brands of DVD-RAM on my RD-XS32. It has no trouble reading DVD-Rs finalized on any RD-XS recorder going several years back. You can see thumbnails and dub to HDD. The only problem is it can't recognize it's own unfinalized DVD-Rs, much less those from other burners. Not a big deal to me since I don't leave a lot of unfinalized DVD-R around and I just offload content from my HDD to DVD-R weekly, rather than daily (to get the most out of a disc before finalizing).

On the LG GSA40N and even on a recent Lite-on (22 something model) burner I got at Newegg, it works fine on the RD-XS32 but only with DVD-R. It will recognize unfinalized discs from other burners and content on DVD-R it finalizes. The LG GSA40N I believe worked OK with DVD-RAM but the Lite-On won't work with DVD-RAM at all. If you try to format a disc you destroy it. Worse yet, with both burners, finalized DVD-R discs I've created in the past can only be played back. You cannot access the disc to see the thumbnails so you can't dub them to HDD. So if all you are going to do is create DVD-R for playback on your current recorder/burner from now on, and don't need to access archived material or don't use DVD-RAM at all, I guess you can restore some function to your RD-XS unit. You can either choose to finalize or not finalize content you dub to DVD-R but you can always access it as long as you use the present recorder/burner combo. But if you leave the DVD-Rs unfinalized, you can't access the content on another RD-XS recorder or on your computer.

Since I use DVD-RAM a lot and I need to access archived material, it's a no brainer here. The older burners like the GSA-4167B is the only way to go. You can only find refurbs now, and they are not really cheap compared to the latest models since burners are so economical anyway, but at $20 a pop I've stockpiled half a dozen. These will extend the useful life of a Toshiba RD-XS32, RD-XS34, or RD-XS54 for quite a while.

I have tried adapting a GSA LG-4167B to the RD-XS35 using the IDE adapter thingie and it did not work. The proprietary burners use a special 6-wire power plug but you can tap into the regular 4-wire plug to the HDD to feed power to the LG-4167B but it was no go. I tried leaving power on to the proprietary burner as well (so the board knows a burner is connected) to no avail. The firmware on the RD-XS35, RD-XS55, and RD-XS52 will only recognize the proprietary burners the recorders came with, not burners for computer use.

I think I'm more confused than before. My impression from prior posts was that the LG-4167B was a very good replacement for my RD-SX34. Your post makes it seems like it is not.

After reading this thread yesterday, and with the supply of a compatible DVD-Drive for my RD-SX32 dwindling to near nothing, I found a LG-4167B online and thought I'd snag it. I only really need the drive to be able burn to DVD-R and finalize. If the LG-4167B supports that (albeit with some minor limitations) I'm will be satisfied. Do you think I'll be OK?

I think I'm more confused than before. My impression from prior posts was that the LG-4167B was a very good replacement for my RD-SX34. Your post makes it seems like it is not.

After reading this thread yesterday, and with the supply of a compatible DVD-Drive for my RD-SX32 dwindling to near nothing, I found a LG-4167B online and thought I'd snag it. I only really need the drive to be able burn to DVD-R and finalize. If the LG-4167B supports that (albeit with some minor limitations) I'm will be satisfied. Do you think I'll be OK?

Yes, to summarize my perhaps too long post: the LG GSA-4167B will of course dub to DVD-R fine, but once you eject the disk, it will become a coaster. It won't even be recognized by the 4167B. If you check the lengthy burner thread, this is indeed a finding buried there early on by other posters.

If you are dubbing 1-2 hr long stuff, maybe not a big deal. If 30' shows, then just dub four titles over and finalize (I only record in SP). But if you have a lot of small titles, you'd need to burn them all over to fill up the disk before finalizing for economy, or you're wasting space on the DVD-R.

To me, this is a really a minor caveat considering you have almost full function of a burner on an otherwise crippled recorder. Pioneer I hear charges $223 or something to replace the burner and you have to send it in as it's a bear to work on.

But remember what I said: the GSA40N will only play back your previously finalized DVD-Rs. You cannot see the thumbnails or titles on the disc.

You mean the "XS32-specific" thumbnails, right? since when it's finalized, that data is just in regular DVD format.

i.e. I presume you mean when you go to the 'content menu' on a finalized DVD. I'm going into vaguer memory time here, but I think I've even said it in this thread.. even on my original burner, I could swear that some DVDs weren't able to go to the content menu and some were.

You mean the "XS32-specific" thumbnails, right? since when it's finalized, that data is just in regular DVD format.

i.e. I presume you mean when you go to the 'content menu' on a finalized DVD. I'm going into vaguer memory time here, but I think I've even said it in this thread.. even on my original burner, I could swear that some DVDs weren't able to go to the content menu and some were.

Yes, some posters (Citibear also chimed in on the phenomena) mentioned that on playback of a finalized DVD-R, as soon as the title plays back you can then press the MENU button and see the content. I had no luck no matter how many discs I tried. Tried accessing content using QUICKNAVI and no go. I had this problem with the LGA GSA-40N and the LiteOn unit I got 3 months ago off Ebay for my desktop computer.

One thing I will be trying soon is to reflash the firmware upgrade on my RD-XS32 with the LG GSA-4167B attached. Long shot, but I'm thinking if it also does a burner software update, maybe it will convert the burner over so that it will now recognize unfinalized DVD-Rs. Three caveats here: (1) the upgrade only includes an update for the recorder, not the burner, (2) even if it does upgrade the burner software, not sure it's on the burner itself or just on the DigiPC board, and (3) I could hose my DigiPC board if the OEM burner is not installed :D. I'm still contemplating whether to try it.

Has anyone done a firmware upgrade on any Toshiba RD-XS unit with a non-OEM burner installed, and did it do anything good or bad?

Yes, to summarize my perhaps too long post: the LG GSA-4167B will of course dub to DVD-R fine, but once you eject the disk, it will become a coaster. It won't even be recognized by the 4167B.

If you are dubbing 1-2 hr long stuff, maybe not a big deal. If 30' shows, then just dub four titles over and finalize (I only record in SP). But if you have a lot of small titles, you'd need to burn them all over to fill up the disk before finalizing for economy, or you're wasting space on the DVD-R.

To me, this is a really a minor caveat considering you have almost full function of a burner on an otherwise crippled recorder.

Thanks Clevor! That was my impression from before but then got easily confused.

I almost always do what you outlined anyways, i.e. collect/edit a playlist till it fills at most 2 hrs on the HD, then high-speed copy and finalize on the DVD-R. I have never used the 1 step option (something like "create DVD with compatible mode"???). Sounds like I will still be OK doing it in 2 steps as long as I don't eject before finalizing.

For what it's worth, my current DVD sounds like it going out on me, but yesterday it worked just fine. I don't have a ton of confidence opening the unit up so I'll probably leave it in there until it really becomes unusable.

I don't have a ton of confidence opening the unit up so I'll probably leave it in there until it really becomes unusable.

As Nextoo once said in another post, the Toshiba RD-XS units are easy to work on. I don't even bother removing the OEM burner. I just put a piece of cardboard on top it for insulation, and place the LG GSA-4167B on that. I unplug the IDE adapter and power supply plug and hook it up to the LG. Takes 2-3' to change burners.

I don't bother replacing the cover since I don't stack anything on my recorders (I use a TV hutch with lots of shelves). Leaving the cover off does wonders for cooling of the HDD, burner, and DigiPC board (which on some models sits below the HDD). No need to hassle with door clearance issues either since when you press the OPEN button, the door on the LG opens, not the fascia.

I looked into remote mounting of both HDDs and burners in an external rack, mainly to facilitate testing, but unlike Nextoo, I had no luck with ATA100 cabling and gender changers. Actually, what would work are really long 1.8" ZIF cables, but the longer the cable, the greater the data transmission issues.

I found quite interesting page originally in Japanese; however, google translation is sometimes not very good.

They put SW-9585-C into RD-XS models, and they are able to get it work with double-click Open/Close button on the remote comtrol.

I tried to replace original SW-9574-E with SW-9586-C (without cartridge.) The new burner was recognized, no error 7000 or similar when powering it on, no error message about "check disc, it might be damaged or dirty", etc..
The new burner can respond to open/close commands, accepts dvds and attempts to read them. However, it does not recognize contents on pre-recorded DVD or DVD-RAM media I put inside at first. It always pops an alert message that the disc is empty.
Here is the trick:
Double-clicking on Open/Close button (very quickly) after "loading" picture dissappers from the screen, makes the new burner work and be recognized. RD-XS54 can recognize DVDs. I tried DVD-RAM & DVD-R media. I was able to dub from HDD to DVD-RAM and back; however, once you take unfinalized DVD out of the unit, it is a coaster. Burned DVD-R must be finalized before taking the DVD out. Finalized DVD-R can be played on dvd recorder or any other dvd player.
With DVD-RAM media, it is more complicated. After taking it out and putting back, it pops up an error mesage that DVD-RAM (the one I formatted inside the new burner and dubbed a sample to and from it) was formatted on the other unit, and it asked me to format it again.

This type of burners can be a short-term solution (if you have some recordings on HDD that you need to save, and your OEM burner does not work anymore), but it is definitely not a perfect replacement for long time. You can buy it for $19 plus shipping.

Those guys (in Japan) made nice table chart, and good research. It is pitty that translation is not very clear sometimes.

For those interested in more info, the original site is:
http://y30.net/rdxs-e/rdwiki/wiki.php?DVD%B4%B9%C1%F5

and translation was made here:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fy30.net%2Frdxs-e%2Frdwiki%2Fwiki.php%3FDVD%25B4%25B9%25C1%25F5