I just bought a Optorite DV0405. Using Memorex DVD R+ media I made a backup of a DVD. I've used Nero 6 and DVDShrink to copy. OS is Win XP Pro. The copy plays on my two pcs and plays on my notebook but on my Apex 600AD nothing happens. Does anybody know if there is anything that I could do to make my backups playable on my apex ?

I don't know if a bitsetting tool is available for your DVD burner, but that could be an option to make discs that are more compatible.

My Apex 600A would not read any burnt disks (-R/RW or +R/RW) until I used the bitsetting tool for my burnt to change the booktype of a +R to DVD-ROM. Still won't read a +RW even with a booktype of DVD-ROM, but the +Rs work.

My understanding is that this is mainly due to the DVD loader used in the Apex. It is possible to either upgrade the loader firmware or totally replace the loader with something more modern to allow recognition of a wider selection of burnt DVDs.

Try www.nerd-out.com for more details.

Callahan, thank you for your reply.

I actually had to exchange my optorite DV0405 for a Nec-ND2500. The reason being is because at the time I've bought the optorite it wouldn't allow me to change the bitsetting.

Even with the NEC I've had to upgrade the firmware to v.7 beta 9 which finally allowed me to change the bitsetting to DVD-ROM on DVD-R+ media.

Now I'm able to watch my burnt DVD's on my apex. My only problem now is that with the tools I'm using to backup my DVD's, Nero+DVDShrinker, it only burns at 2X, but I'm happy nonetheless. I'm sure eventually somebody will come up with a new firmware that will fix that too.

Rock on....

My Hiteker AD600 (Apex ad600) has been updated with the latest bios f/w and plays all DVD-R's and DVD+R's (and RW's) I've thrown at it. Ive had a Pioneer A05 and now a 107 for all my burning. From cheap crappy Princo's to Ritek to TDK, etc. They all play fine. Your solution, update the firmware in your Apex.

How do you upgrade the firmware on an APEX600AD ?

I am trying to find the answer on nerd-out.com but there are so many postings that it becomes confusing.

Since you've done it in yours, I though I'd ask you.

Tks.

Just wondering if Apex has firmware upgrades for other DVD players? I have excellent results with my ad1225w but I also have a ad1110 that is a bit picky.

All the info is at Darren Kings page at http://www.nerd-out.com/darrenk/600/600.htm and since he lives about 15min from me, it was VERY easy to upgrade. For others, I think he still offers a free service of you send him the appropriate EPROM for your unit (+ postage + something for his trouble) and he will burn what ever version of F/W you want. I'm running the GK600B f/w, does everything except miniDVD, I can live with that.

Check out DK's link at http://www.nerd-out.com/darrenk/, he has lots of other Apex/Hiteker models covered as well. He even has a few non-Apex f/w upgrades available as well.