Firmware for a DVD Writer

[Jason]

I just bought a new DVD Writer and I would like to know is there any way to
find out the version of firmware used ?

Thanks

 

[Jason]

It is a Iomega Super DVD Writer (USB External). From device manager, I find
that it is Lite On SOHW1673S.

I have been to Lite On web site but find that SOHW1673S is a ATAPI DVD
Writer.

Thanks

 

[Lil' Dave]

Esssentially, ATAPI=IDE. You have an ide connectivity type device in a USB
enclosure. This is normal.
Am not sure about how to update the firmware for the DVDRW 16X, double layer
unless it connected in its native ide connection on the PC. However, the
liteon site indicates that the firmware updates are for externals as well by
header title toward the bottom of this webpage.
http://www.liteonamericas.com/us/download.htm
Unlike a bios flash upgrade, you cannot undo this update. And, if there's a
power problem during the firmware update, this may render your DVDRW
useless. If you have any doubts about this firmware update, check with
Iomega support.

Word is between media quality and the firmware, be happy at 8X burn speeds
on DVD Reviews I've read either had special DVD media provided by LiteOn,
or have the latest firmware already installed by the manufacturer..

It is a Iomega Super DVD Writer (USB External). From device manager, I find
that it is Lite On SOHW1673S.

I have been to Lite On web site but find that SOHW1673S is a ATAPI DVD
Writer.

Thanks

 

[Alan Smith]

Open up the device manager, look at details in Device Properties. Firmware
revision is there- but the thing doesn't seem as reliable as in 98.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Jason,

Just a word of precaution: If it works with the existing firmware, there is
no need to change it. This applies to many things, but most definitely to
any hard coded devices (firmware, bios, etc.). Any rewrites have the
potential of rendering the eeprom controller chip (usually cmos) useless if
there is a failure or error during the write sequence.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[R. McCarty]

DVD-RW units usually get Firmware updates to resolve media
compatibility issues or to improve it's writing capabilities. Currently,
I have a Plextor PX-708A. When I bought the drive, it shipped
with Firmware Rev 1.04. The last time I updated, the Firmware
had reached version 1.10.
Flashing a DVD/CD unit isn't like Motherboard BIOS and is
usually done from within Windows. If you do Flash make sure
that you have it's current Flash code saved. If you do have an
issue you'll need a path back to a working version. There is some
danger with flashing, but most "Major" vendor updates can be
trusted. The utilities generally check that you are using the right
code modules and won't run against the wrong model, etc.
Before you ever undertake a Flashing - read the history log or the
Readme and see if any applicable issues apply to your situation.

Things move so quickly with CD/DVD burning that it's hard to
keep up with new technology & Media.

 

[Quaoar]

Esssentially, ATAPI=IDE. You have an ide connectivity type device in
a USB enclosure. This is normal.
Am not sure about how to update the firmware for the DVDRW 16X,
double layer unless it connected in its native ide connection on the
PC. However, the liteon site indicates that the firmware updates are
for externals as well by header title toward the bottom of this
webpage. http://www.liteonamericas.com/us/download.htm
Unlike a bios flash upgrade, you cannot undo this update. And, if
there's a power problem during the firmware update, this may render
your DVDRW useless. If you have any doubts about this firmware
update, check with Iomega support.

Word is between media quality and the firmware, be happy at 8X burn
speeds on DVD Reviews I've read either had special DVD media
provided by LiteOn, or have the latest firmware already installed by
the manufacturer..

It is a Iomega Super DVD Writer (USB External). From device
manager, I find that it is Lite On SOHW1673S.

I have been to Lite On web site but find that SOHW1673S is a ATAPI
DVD Writer.

Thanks

It is typically not possible to update firmware in an external USB
drive. It is possible to *attempt* the update, but most vendors warn
against it since an update failure will kill the drive.

Q

 

[MAP]

I just bought a new DVD Writer and I would like to know is there any
way to find out the version of firmware used ?

Thanks

I don't know if this program interest you or not but I use "DVD Decrypter"
to backup my DVD movies,one feature of this program is firmware updates.
Select the drive you want to update and right click (from the decrypter
program) the last option is "update firmware" click on it and the version
number for that drive is displayed and you will go to a site which will show
any newer versions for download. I have done this with no problems
(including a USB drive).
But as Rick noted, if it's not broke then don't fix it.
I only did this because I was getting the Blue screen of death everytime I
used another program and it was reading from any of my optical
drives.Thankfully it worked!


http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_rippers/dvd_decrypter.cfm

 

[Lil' Dave]

Esssentially, ATAPI=IDE. You have an ide connectivity type device in
a USB enclosure. This is normal.
Am not sure about how to update the firmware for the DVDRW 16X,
double layer unless it connected in its native ide connection on the
PC. However, the liteon site indicates that the firmware updates are
for externals as well by header title toward the bottom of this
webpage. http://www.liteonamericas.com/us/download.htm
Unlike a bios flash upgrade, you cannot undo this update. And, if
there's a power problem during the firmware update, this may render
your DVDRW useless. If you have any doubts about this firmware
update, check with Iomega support.

Word is between media quality and the firmware, be happy at 8X burn
speeds on DVD Reviews I've read either had special DVD media
provided by LiteOn, or have the latest firmware already installed by
the manufacturer..



It is typically not possible to update firmware in an external USB
drive. It is possible to *attempt* the update, but most vendors warn
against it since an update failure will kill the drive.

Q

Don't know who the vendor was. The maker of the unit is Iomega. The maker
of the internal unit is LiteOn per the OP.