DVD burner drive firmware updates?

[Guest]

How safe is firmware updates for DVD burner drive? I've read that it could
make the dvd drive better or make it worse. Can i undo/uninstall the firmware
update once it installed or is it permanently installed on the dvd drive
memory.

 

[Guest]

LITEONIT has firmware updates for all thier products at the web site,you
have to think they dont come up with "updates" for no reason....

 

[Chuck]

1. If you don't have a problem, you don't need a firmware update.
2. If the firmware update fails for one of several reasons, you may be left
with a drive that is unusable. Firmware utilities may or may not allow you
to return to the older firmware version. (Vendor and model dependent)
3. A CD/DVD drive firmware update is similar to a BIOS firmware update,
although the process is somewhat simpler.
4. If the drive is a USB interfaced drive, it should be connected directly,
not thru a Hub.
5. In a few instances, usually involving OEM drives labeled with other mfrs
or distributor logo's, the actual drive P/N may not match the vendors P/N.
Even OEM's such as Sony have been known to do this. This complicates the
process of determining the correct firmware update.
6. In some cases, it is possible to obtain alternate firmware that is for an
OEM model other than the original, or "patched".
(At one time, a common patch was for "region free" use, or to "rollback"
region selection.)

 

[paulmd]

How safe is firmware updates for DVD burner drive? I've read that it could
make the dvd drive better or make it worse. Can i undo/uninstall the firmware
update once it installed or is it permanently installed on the dvd drive
memory.

I've seen 2 recent posts saying a firmware update hosed the drive. Or
at least caused a need to reinstall windows. I've never had this happen
to me, and I've done the firmware update thing a couple dozen times.

You want to do the firmware update for a couple of reasons.

If you need to be able to use a new type of media. THis is what more
than 90% of firmware updates do. Just that. No bugfixes, just
additional support.

You are having problems with the drive.

You want to improve the overburn support.

Many firmware updates are one way deals. You can only upgrade.

Most will let you re-flash to the current version.