Optical drives: HLDS vs PCC. Is one better than the other?

[Vert.E.Gogh]

I'm looking to upgrade the optical drive on my R61. I see that the Systems service parts list shows two manufacturers for these drives: HLDS (Hitachi-LG) and PCC (Matshita/Panasonic).

Is one better than the other, HLDS vs PCC, in terms of 1) reliability, 2) operation, 3) noise (lack thereof), and 4) miscellaneous features/quirks?

Since there's always a debate on which display is better (LG vs Samsung vs whoever), which keyboard is better (Alps vs Chicony vs NMB), or which hard drive is better (Hitachi vs Seagate vs etc), I thought I'd ask about the optical drive offerings as well.

Also, how do I find the complete specifications on what formats are supported for an optical drive, such as the DVD-RAM/RW drive, 12.7 mm (HLDS GMA-4082N-Z 39T2723 and PCC UJ-850 LSI 39T2721)?

Many thanks.

[rkawakami]

I think this may be what you are looking for:

Notebook Super Multi-Burner Ultrabay Enhanced Drive - Overview

referring site: Notebook Super Multi-Burner Ultrabay Enhanced Drive - Service parts

[ms5133]

Also keep in mind that the Matshita/Panasonic drives are almost impossible to flash to region free status..not the case with the Hitachi/LG unit .

[Vert.E.Gogh]

Also keep in mind that the Matshita/Panasonic drives are almost impossible to flash to region free status..not the case with the Hitachi/LG unit .

I only had a vague idea of what this meant and how it would impact me as an average user, so I googled for more information. Anyways, for those who are not familiar with all aspects of DVDs, like myself, here's what it means:

"...make your PC-DVD system region-free, so you will be able to playback DVDs you have legally purchsed from anywhere around the world."

Here is a guide to do it:

The Complete Region-Free Guide

Hope somebody finds this useful.