Replacing the DVR-K12D, whilst retaining the faceplate

[Kei]

I know these DVD drive failures are a common topic in this forum, but is it possible to remove the faceplate from the DVR-K12D and put it on a, say, DW-Q58A?

Otherwise, which DVD drives out there are capable of having its faceplate removed/changed?

If it's possible, is the process of doing so, difficult?

[HITS-UK]

Generally speaking no.

[Blencogo]

Hi Lei,

Hits is right - the answer is usually no.

You stand the best chance of success using a replacement from the same manufacturer and preferably a similar series. The DVR-K12D is a Pioneer drive but the DW-Q58A is a Sony product.

For example, I think you can switch the faceplate from a Sony DW-D56A to a DW-Q58A.

[Kei]

I guessed that.

So I suppose it really has to be the Pioneer K models then.
I really checked up on the Pioneer K14, and since it's rare, the prices are terrifying expensive. US$250.

This sucks then. I either replace with a different manufacturer but have a big surrounding gap on the drive face, buy an external with the need of external power and trailing wires, or spend over £150 for another Pioneer rewriter.

"Wow, I really love VAIO notebooks"

[Thalamus.]

Hi Kei,

Have you checked out Nexttronics for a new drive...:smileyhappy:

[Blencogo]

$150 HERE - K12

$155 HERE - K14

[Kei]

Christ. NetcomDirect sells that K14 for $155. God knows how much the shipping would cost. I bet the total would be $170. That's £90 for a new slimline DVD writer.
At the moment, what is dying is the laser (obviously). The drive can write all formats, and successfully reads all written discs EXCEPT for DVD+R. Nor can it erase DVD-RW or DVD+RW.
Spending at least £90 for a replacement, just for having all formats back up to scratch isn't worth it to me. I'd just have to stick with writing and reading CDs and DVD-Rs.

I mean would any of you, if you were in my shoes buy a K14 replacement at that price?

[Blencogo]

You're probably right as you still have a working drive you can stick with it as long as it still reads your Recovery Discs (or have you still got HDDR?)

An External Drive may be better value 'just in case' but you won't be able to boot from it.