I need firmware update for a Sylvania DVR90VE DVD recorder/VCR combo to record 8x and 16x blank discs

> Do I need to update the firmware?
If you are lucky; Sylvania is a branch of Funai which is the 'bottom of the barrel' on quality so it may be just another case of Funai-ism.
Other brands belonging to Funai:
Symphonic, Emerson, Aventura, Durabrand, ESA, Magnavox, INSIGNIA, Philips and Misakai
I earned part of my income from servicing consumer electronics some years ago and historically, Funai gear has been among the worst built.

I not sure as to which type of Discs that you are refering to (ie DVD+R or DVD+RW). This player will only recognize 4x (max) DVD+RW and 8x (max) DVR+R discs. If the DVD+R Disc is 16x, the DVD recorder will not recognize it once you start to record. The player will read the blank Disc and give the impression that it will record on it. I have noticed that when a 16x speed Disc is in the Drive, The recordable hours for the disc seems to double. The normal 6 Hour recording length comes up as 12 Hours when you hit the info button. Since the 8x Speed (max) discs are not available any longer, I found it best to use the DVD+RW 4x Discs and make it compatible. I then copy the compatible DVD+RW disc to a 16X DVD+R disc using my computer DVD burner. The DVD+RW disc can then be erased so that it can be reused.

This unit is too old and too basic to handle 16x speed. However, there is a firmware update for this model DVD/VCR to record on 8x.

All you have to do is call the toll-free number in your manual and request it. They will send you an update disc.

Here is the basic procedure after you receive the update disc:

1. Turn on your TV and your combo unit. The tray should be closed. The unit must be in DVD mode.

2. Quickly press the sequence CM Skip, 6, 5, 4 (This will switch it into firmware update mode. The tray will eject automatically.)

3. Insert the disc and push the tray back in.

4. The update will begin. It will take approx. 2-3 minutes. It will tell you when it is complete and eject the tray.

5. When it is done, remove the disc, but DO NOT close the tray. It will go back in later. Turn the power off.

6. Wait a few minutes and when the tray goes back in wait about another 10 seconds and then you may turn the unit back on.

Firmware update procedure is now completed.

You can't use 16x or anything that says 1x-16x or 1x-4x.
The 4X speed DVD-R are difficult to find. (Tried Office Depot,OfficeMax, Staples, Microcenter,Best Buy and Walgreens!) Finally found Princo brand at checkoutstore.com
http://www.checkoutstore.com/Princo-4X-DVD-R-4-7GB-White-Top-p/prin4wt.htm
They worked great!

From comments posted on the Internet by other Sylvania users with a similar problem, I  learned that I had to use a 4X DVD-R (the ones I had been trying to record on were 16X). And I found that Office Depot sells the sometimes hard-to-find 4X format, so that's where I'm headed right after lunch.  Thanks.

Unfortunately without a firmware upgrade the only disks you can use are DVD-R or DVD-RW. The tricky part is that you can ONLY USE 2X speed. Per my conversation with Sylvania there is a firmware update that will allow you to use up to 8x disks, but they are charging $17.00 for it.

This unit only supports 2X -RW discs or 4X -R discs.

Try this download page to update your firmware from 25/10/05, so if you bought your writer before this date maybe this will work, otherwise buy 8x discs. http://sony.storagesupport.com/dvdrw/firmware.htm#710 The faster the discs are burned the more chance of errors there are, you should write at slower speeds for better quality.

get the maxell dvd-rw 4.7 gb ( 2x ) or the (4x) the 8x won't work , only the maxells worked no other brand would. you can buy em at sears 10/24/2011