Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Best DVD-ROm drive replacement for 598?

Does anyone know what the model number is of the original DVD-ROM in the 598?

And what are the other possible replacements I could use?

Curiuos what comes in a G98/G91 and 800 these days as well.

I know there was talk about it before but I didn't know if there are better replacements since then.

Thanks

To add a couple of questions to this:

Do Meridian write their own firmware for the ROM drive?

What about region encoding - don't PC ROM drives limit you to 5 changes of region?

Hi,

I opened the box of a September 2000 vintage Meridian 596 to see that the DVD-Rom unit is a Korean made 19.99$ DVS DSL-710A. See atatched link at eBay: http://cgi.eBay.com/1-unit-DVS-DSL-...244QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
This is a common DVD-Rom Drive/Loader used in APEX made low-cost DVD Players.

There was a thread in this forum about a guy who found out that the 800 used the same exact Drive/loader. Here is the link:
http://www.meridianunplugged.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000086#000005

I am assuming that the DVD-Rom drive is similar. BTW, I talked to DVS and they say that way, Linn is using their products too.
Here is a link to the company's website:
http://www.dvs.co.kr/project/english/product/710a.htm

If you need to replace a DVD-Rom drive, all you do is take the cover off, release the drive's mounting screws unplug the data and power cable (when the unit's is un-hooked of course...:-)) same as you would do with a PC DVD-Rom drive.
Hook the new one to the power and data cable and voila!
This unit, unlik computer DVD-Rom drive does not even have Master/Slave termination.
The other thing you want to check is a firmware (it will be printed on the Drive/Loader). The one I bought on e-bay (the link above) is L008 firmware, from October 2000 so it did not require a firmware flush from Meridian.
The Meridian "motherboard" recognized it instantaneously and it plays like a charm.
I think Meridian write their own firmwares.

Regarding "region free" here is a thread:
http://www.meridianunplugged.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=000681;p=0

Good luck!

Doron

Is it that easy to replace the drive? What about firmware? If we buy a newer drive will it work?

Ron

I understand about region free on Meridian kit - I just thought that region coding was built into the ROM drive itself (I had to flash the region code on a DVD ROM that I once had otherwise I was limited to 5 changes if doing it via Windowz).

If you changed to a non Meridian spec drive I was wondering if this would affect region encoding built into the drive.

Many newer drives have this region code change restriction built-in, some has it a an option (for computers that check for this option set - probably Sony Computers...) - and some (older, many Asian) have no restrictions.

It is fairly easy to replace the drive and you can check in advance what Firmware Version you have.
Meridian could send you the firmware flush for the DVS drive you end up buying.

The guy with the 800 actually installed a DVS DSL-720A instead of the original DSL-710A and it worked just fine.
I am assuming all DVS drives will work and probably, if you could "communicate" with the motherboard, some other drives as well but the mounts that hold the Drive to the base will be differently located.
I personally tried a Philips DVD-Rom Writer/Reader from my Dell computer but the Meridian's motherboard did not recognized it even after different settings of the Master/Slave termination.

You know what? for 20$ + 10$ shipping over e-bay it is worth the try. Bear in mind the local rep in Canada wanted 400-500$ + labour(!?!) for replacing this drive.
What can you possibly lose?

Regards,

Doron

Hello,

Does somebody know where to find the DVS DSL-720A ?

PY

But I read in that 800 thread that the fellow that installed the 720A lost some functionality due to firmware issues (even though it did work).

For DVS DSL-720A, You can try contacting the company's sales office in USA (California) these are actually discontinued models but can still be purchased.
Here is the link:http://www.dvs.co.kr/project/english/aboutus/network.htm

Here are the company's details:
DVS Sales Inc.
1180 Aster Ave. Unit#F Sunnyvale, CA 94086 USA
Tel : 408-260-3301
Fax: 408-260-3305

I would not worry about using a DSL-720A if you have a DSL-710A in your unit. They seems similar from reliability stand point (there are reliability specs on the DVS website) so best choice is to use what you have. Here is a one on e-bay for 19.99$:
http://cgi.eBay.com/1-unit-DVS-DSL-...244QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and it has a Firmware Version No.: L008
from October 2000. My Spetember 2000 596 unit recgnized it without a need to flush the 596 firmware.


Good luck,

Doron

Ron suggested I look in the 598 Setup Menu and it lists a DSL-720A.

If that is the case perhaps call DVS' sales office and ask for a quote.

Best regards,

Doron