>Three questions that I have for the list:
>
>1. Has anyone else experienced a failure where the audio is choppy and video
>running slow?

This can certainly be caused by a bad burner, but is usually caused by 
media compatibility, or sometimes just a particularly poor blank. One way 
you can avoid this, and increase compatibility with other stand alone 
readers, is to, simply, drop the burn speed. This is true of CDs, and DVDs.

>
>2. I contacted the manufacturer already, but has anyone had luck replacing
>the firmware in such a situation?

If you can't re-flash then the flash chip is probably burned out. This is 
why they warn you not to turn it off, and of all the associated risks 
before you agree to flashing.

>
>3. Most important - a recommendation for a new DVDRW drive?

I would stay with Sony, NEC, Lite-on, Pioneer, and maybe Ben-Q if you want 
to support Lightscribe. I am currently using a NEC 16X DVDRW DL 
ND-3540A  which has been great, and a DVD-/+RW 16X BENQ DW1625 BK RT, which 
I purchased to support Lightscribe, and I have had to return for replacement.

  Ben-Q is suppose to be the best for Light-Scribe. It hasn't been that 
good to me, but that is what I've read. Lightscribe is kind of expensive, 
and while it has it's uses, there is just no comparison to printing your 
DVDs out on something like a 50 dollar, after sales, and rebates, Epson 
R200 or 220 or above inkjet printer.

I also have  collection of older models, 4 speed, and 8 speed 
Lite-ONs  which have been trouble free, and a old 4 speed Sony which has 
been a fantastic workhouse. Never had a bad burn with the Sony, supports 
everything, looks great, and is currently still doing it's job in my Linux box.


Rode
The NOSPIN Group
http://www.freepctech.com/rode/

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
                 our special coffee mugs and mouse pads
              with the PCBUILD logo...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml