Pioneer DVD 310 needs a firmware update to use 4x DVD-RW because its hard to find 2x DVD-RW anymore , can anyone point me to a link for this ? :)

These older Pio units generally cannot be updated successfully- those who try often end up worse off than when they started. The early Pioneer recorders use a modified version of their PC burners, the burner in the 310 has DRM firmware specific to the recorder and if you overwrite this with a PC-based firmware upgrade you can destroy your ability to burn discs in the recorder.

Enjoy the 310 for what it is: a superb unit for DVD-R recording. It is one of the few models from 2003 which can use many current 16x DVD-R blanks with no problem. But if you REALLY need the RW disc feature, sell the 310 on eBay and buy a newer recorder with the proceeds. The 310 fetches a very good second-hand price because of its unique firewire camera connection: there are people who prize this feature and will pay good money for it- often enough to buy you a newer machine at little to no extra cost out of your pocket. If you seldom use the iLink camera socket on the front of the recorder, sell it while its a "hot" model and buy a new recorder that burns every imaginable media.

The 310 fetches a very good second-hand price because of its unique firewire camera connection: there are people who prize this feature and will pay good money for it- often enough to buy you a newer machine at little to no extra cost out of your pocket. If you seldom use the iLink camera socket on the front of the recorder, sell it while its a "hot" model and buy a new recorder that burns every imaginable media.

What is so unique about the 310's firewire (DV) camera connection? Many recorders have a DV input. Does the 310's do something unusual?

What is so unique about the 310's firewire (DV) camera connection? Many recorders have a DV input. Does the 310's do something unusual?

The Pioneer 310 (and 510 with HDD) are apparently among the few models made with bidirectional iLink connectivity. Its sort of an undocumented feature, but if you have the right MiniDV camera or certain kinds of PC software, these recorders will export a video stream to the camera or PC as well as import from them.

I've never had equipment to test this feature so can't vouch that it works, but I can confirm I have sold both a 310 and an identical 210 on eBay in the past year for over $200 each, and these are models that don't even have HDDs! I started the listings at $49.95, which was what I had paid for them before word began circulating about their firewire potential. Bidding hit a frenzy within hours, and I have seen it repeat with many other auctions over time. It varies with demand, run a check of completed listings and if you see them trending up its a good time to sell.

OK. Good info. Thanks.