"Thought you might be interested in this.
http://forum.firmware-flash.com/viewtopic.php?t=16845
(Forum thread on slotted superdrive UJ-815 flasher to enable 2x DVD-R, also see the main page for the firmware at http://superdrive.cynikal.net/ for more info, warnings and screenshots.-Mike)
I just accelerated my mac to 2x DVD-R & 16x CD-R burning, for free.
Newsworthy, no?
Paul "

Read the warnings, etc. in the readme first (there's no guarantees on this - use at your own risk). After reading the linked page, reports, etc (and readme) - I took the plunge and flashed the UJ-815 (1x DVD-R model, with DWDB firrmware as noted in my recent review. It already supported DVD-RWs and allowed 16x CDR speeds, but was limited to 1x DVD-R writes, verified by Toast 5.x.).
After the reboot it's now reported as a "UJ-815A" (was just "UJ-815" previously) and the firmware (device revision) is now listed as "D101". After the reboot I ran Toast 5.2.1 and inserted a 2x rated DVD-R and it does allow selecting 2x as the write speed - although I have not yet burned at that rate. I always wondered if Apple (and pre-UJ-815-B models) limited DVD-R burns to 1x for heat reasons, but that remains to be seen.
I'll post back if I see any problems with 2x DVD-R burns. (But if the higher heat from 2x burns shortens the life only time will tell that.)

Update - I just tested for DVD-RAM support, not there, but the 2x option for DVD-Rs is welcome. Shortly after posting this the author of the firmware sent a mail also:

" Hi, I recently was playing around with a firmware flasher written for a PC to be used on the UJ-815-B, the 2nd revision of the superdrive that came with my Powerbook. I spliced it into an existing OS X UJ-815 firmware patcher using a hex editor and flashed my firmware for my superdrive.
The results are that it upgraded the drive to OEM capabilities.
The information is outlined on http://superdrive.cynikal.net/
I've been testing it over the last week and a few days ago released to a small group of people for testing. Here are some results:
http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?p=68197
I thought maybe your readers would find this interesting, but I understand if you feel this isn't newsworthy information as it has risks involved. Or maybe you may want to wait a few days and watch the above thread for any horror stories.

In any event, if you decide to post this on your site, please include a disclaimer (there's one on my page, the first link). If you feel it's too soon to post this, i'll understand.

It's the least I could do for the Mac community, hopefully it will save some fellow mac people some $$ who may have been desperate to purchase a 2x drive to replace their 1x drive from MCE/MacResQ. (MacResq currently doesn't sell the 2x DVD-R/DVD-RAM drive, only MCE.-Mike)
And thank you for your great source of mac news :)
Best Regards, Alex "

Thanks Alex - hopefully there are no downsides but for those that are not willing to risk it, wait awhile to see if there are any negative reports.

"The heat issue in the Digital Audio 1.2GHz Duals was solved in May - but 1.2GHz 133 Series for both QS and DA models have now been backordered for the last 3 weeks.

The 100MHZ Bus Dual 1.2GHz models have always been great and I know the Dual 1.4GHz for 100MHz had the snot tested out of it before they finally began shipping yesterday. On that note, I'd not expect the 1.4GHz Dual version for 133MHZ Bus until they are 1000% sure of it being heat ok in the Digital Audio and Quick Silver Models.
Larry
OWC"

" Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 6.1 Update
....Virtual PC for Mac version 6.1 marks the first release of the product since Microsoft acquired it from Connectix in February, 2003. Updating to Virtual PC for Mac version 6.1 enables users of Connectix Virtual PC for Mac to seamlessly transition product support to Microsoft. In addition, updating offers users the chance to receive future product updates and new bug fixes.
Applies to: Virtual PC for Mac version 6.0, 6.0.1, or 6.0.2 in English, French, German, Japanese
Released: 8/12/2003 12:00:00 AM "

I didn't notice it at first, but the main Microsoft Mactopia page also notes some new Office X editions (pro version bundled with Virtual PC):

" Standard Edition
New great price ($399 for the full version, or $239 for the version upgrade of Standard Edition.)
Professional Edition
Now with Virtual PC for Mac ($499 for the full version, or $329 for the upgrade)
Student and Teacher Edition
$149 for Qualified Educational Users "

"The remarks about Digidesign PCI card compatibility in the new Power Mac G5s are not entirely inclusive.
http://www.digidesign.com/compato/osx/g5/ (same page linked earlier today below)
Digidesign's ProTools 24|Mix Core and Mix Farm cards (discontinued) are listed as compatible, but not the older d24 (also known as Mix I/O) or DSP Farm PCI cards. This comprises the majority of high-end Digidesign systems typically found in commercial studio environments (as opposed to personal project studios).
David Dever, Creative Director
aka-librio / J. Warner Inc."

See the linked page for complete information but here's a clip:

"....MIX Core, MIX Farm, and all Pro Tools|HD cards are 3.3 volt-powered PCI cards which comply with the G5 PCI specifications. In addition to incorrect voltage, 5.0 volt PCI cards will not fit in the PCI slots on any G5 models. The affected Digidesign PCI cards are as follows:

Digidesign PCI Cards Incompatible with Power Mac G5

• Digi 001
• Pro Tools|24 system cards, in Pro Tools|24 or Pro Tools|24 MIX systems:
  d24 (core card on Pro Tools|24 systems) DSP Farm
• Pro Tools|24 MIX system card:
  MIX I/O (Note: this is different than the MIX Core and MIX Farm cards. See MIX I/O Overview)
• Audiomedia III (Toolbox)
• Pro Tools Project PCI
• Project II
• Disk I/O (Pro Tools III Core card)
• SampleCell II

(they later note)
Digidesign G5 Compatibility
Digidesign is continuing to work closely with Apple to add support for the new Power Mac G5's to both Pro Tools TDM and LE systems, (using compatible 3.3 volt-powered PCI cards as well as our host based systems). Complete compatibility information will become available when the new Power Mac starts shipping - currently set for later this month (August 2003)..."

See the linked page for info on some hardware exchange options.
(previous reader comments follow)

" i was browsing the mac audio forums at harmonycentral.com and I found something which may be of particular concern to people considering the purchase of a G5 for use with PCI cards. Apparently, the G5s will only accept 3.3V PCI cards... anyone with a 5v or 12v PCI card will be out of luck... like users of Digidesigns Digi001 system.

There is a document on digidesign's website discussing how asides from their ProTools HD systems, NO other PCI products of theirs will work on G5!!! I would imagine this to be true of many other manufacturers as well, but not many companies cough up specs on their PCI cards on their websites. Here is the link:
http://www.digidesign.com/compato/osx/g5/
(note - see that page for full details)
I hope this information is of some value. Please keep up the good work! Your site has been an invaluable tool for a long time and hopefully a while to come.
Take care, -henry r "

I've added this to the previous page here of G5 first impressions/tech info.

" Here are some screenshots of Diablo II and Jedi Knight II using the various options. SuperSampling AA is the only thing that works with DII. MultiSampling AA and Anisotropic filtering do not work (w/DII).
With the Diablo II shots, you'll probably want to view them at twice the resolution and switch between them. Some of the changes are subtle, but things like the flames are interesting. With Perspective on, some of the FSAA effects seem more pronounced.
With the JK2 screenshots I posted a few different ones so if you want to compare say 4xFSAA vs. 6xFSSAA/16xFSAA vs. no FSAA.
Hopefully, I can get a chance to take some more screenshots of other games
-a2daj"

• Other World Computing G4 1.4GHz in (DA 733) G4/AGP (rated 10)
• Powerlogix G3/800 in B&W G3 (rated 10)
  (My full reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades w/apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked here.)
• "Other" brand (fastmac) G4/450 ZIF in Beige G3 (rated 8)
• Apple Dual G4 DDR (MDD Dual 867) OC report

(Warning - Overclocking may not be reliable and could lead to hardware failure or corrupted data.) You can find the full reports by searching the database selecting the indicated Mac model and upgrade card brand/type. If you've upgraded the CPU on your Mac, please post an entry in the database. Search the database for entries from most every upgradable Mac model *before* you buy. (Searchable by mac model/upgrade brand). For detailed reviews with performance tests and install tips, see the CPU Upgrades page.)

DVD-ROM Drives:
• IDE Pacific Digital U-30115 16x/40x in B&W G3 (OS 9.2)
  (listed under 'other' brands, DVD disc problems noted)
  
  CDRW Drives:
• Firewire Lacie 52x24x52x used w/B&W G3 (OS X)
  (didn't comment on iTunes, etc. burn support - *please* note this info in reports. Didn't mention what actual drive mechanism in the Lacie case)
• Firewire (IDE drive in FW case) Liteon LTR-522246S (52x24x52x) used w/G4 AGP (OS X)
• Firewire Sony 1650L-A2 (16x10x40x) used w/G4 AGP (OS X)
  (noted no OS X itunes, etc. burn support)
• SCSI Yamaha CRW-4260t-NB (4x2x6) Ext. used w/Beige G3 (OS X)
  (not usable in OS X 10.2.x he said)
• IDE Memorex 52MAXX 2452AJ (52x24x52x) in Beige G3 (OS X)
  (listed under "other" brands - no native iTunes/DB burn support but FAQ here has plugin files for OS X 10.2.x and OS 9.)
  (FYI - Illustrated CD/DVD/CDRW drive install guide here covers G4 towers up to the Digital Audio Model, Beige G3 MT, B&W G3 and 8600/9600 Macs.)
  
  DVD-R + DVD-RAM Drives:
• IDE Panasonic SW-9571-CYY in Dual G4 DDR (OS X)
  (didn't test with itunes, etc. - but SW-9571 reports under "matshita" as brand name note native support.)
  
  DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
• IDE Pioneer DVR-106D in Dual G4 DDR (OS X)
  (iTunes burn support plugin for 10.2.6 in FAQ)
  
  DVD+RW Drives:
• IDE Ricoh MP5120A-DP in Dual G4 DDR (OS X)
  (no itunes, iDVD support, problems noted)

You can find full owner reports (latest shown first) by searching the database by drive/brand/interface/mac models (the latest reports are shown first in searches). For guides to installing CD/CDRW/DVD drives or Hard drives in many mac models, see the IDE Articles page. The Firewire articles page also has guides on case kits, installing drives, etc.
If you've added a IDE, SCSI, Firewire or USB hard drive, CDRW, tape drive, etc. make sure you add a report to the database. (If you post an updated entry - make sure you use the same name, etc. as you did before so I can find your past entry. Thanks.)
(Incomplete entries are deleted. Do not post questions in the database, it's for drive reports not questions on what drive to buy - for that try searching the database for reports from owners of your mac model on the drive type/brand/interface, etc. you're interested in.)

• 1 year ago today
• 2 years ago today
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