Robert McClelland

Is it safe? I Have NEC 3500AG DVD RW -+ drive

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Tipstaff

Take it from a system builder. Someone who installs thousands of DVD burners a year:

It's a necessity.

Manufacturers constantly updated their firmware in order to fix compatiblity issues, such as with fixing or adding supported blank media, drive issues, and so fourth. You could have a drive that toasts 3 outta every 10 Ridata blank, and through a simple firmware update a manufacturer can sometimes fix the problem. However, the opposite can be true. I've had plenty of drives get worse after an update, and it then took them 2 more updates to fix the fix (you know who you are, LG).

Is it safe? Well, as with flashing anything, safe is as safe does. Almost all flashing utilities put out by the manufacturer will not upgrade a drive that isn't the same as the drive listed for the firmware you are trying to update to. Literally, if the flashing utility doesn't like it, it won't do it. If you use a different flashing utility, or don't follow the instructions as set by the manufacturer, it can be very risky. Also, as always, you should never turn off a PC until after the flashing is done.

NEC is pretty good with their updates. However, there is one thing to remember: read the information that comes with the update. I know NEC puts a winupdater.htm or txt file along with their updates, and they have very specific instructions for updating their drives. Also, most of NECs updates are almost always write speed adjustments for different blank media. For instance, with Princo 16x blank DVD-R the max write speed would be readjusted to 12x for compatibility/reliability sake.

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Erroneus

I have been doing it for years and it's highly recommendable, because as tipstaff says it adds better compatibility and remove bugs.

I've flashed my Pioneer 110d to a 110l hacked firmware, which makes it regionfree and adds dvd-ram support.

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Lowfat

I've flashed a few before. I made my GFs DVD+R to a DVD-+RW by flashing to a different firmware, although it is no longer a 'Phillips' drive . *My Samsung drive installs a firmware flasher with the software it comes with and automatically flashes to newest firmware. So yes i'd assume it is safe.

Vikingod

I've done it on both my computers to open functionality. Rule of thumb though, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. If you are fine with how your drive is performing, don't take the risk. If you are making a lot of coasters, you might want to look into it. Follow the instructions and you will be fine.

Judas

i've only screwed up a yamaha CD-RW while flashing, and i made damn sure everything was right. Hell it even seemed to work right at first, but everything just kinda fell apart after that, about 15 other drives i've flashed without a hitch.

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Customgamer1

I never have but my DVD drive is the best one I have ever used. i have burned tons and tons of dvd's and cd's and never once got a bad disk. I am so happy with it that if I would flash it I would fear of it not being as good!

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Judas

custom,

my thoughts exactly..

typically the same rule sticks, if it's not broke, don't flash it.

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temeteus82

I've flashed my current drive once. And one before it about 5 times. I think it's safe.

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Matth

Every drive I've had, flashed to latest firmware with zero losses - I don't have a UPS (really should get one) but avoid flashing during storms. Have also applied limited degrees of "Media Code Speed Edit" tweaking, to apply certain compatibility/performance tweaks.

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MIG-31

With all the changes in dvd/cd types and brands in todays market,My drives are always kept upto date..

I am yet to have a single problem with any firmware update,so i guess it is a good bet it's safe.

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Dyre Straits

If there's a new BIOS for mine, I flash them. So far, I've noticed nothing but improvements or at least the same performance.

I suppose whether you flash yours or not depends on whether you're having any of the problems listed in the updates.

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H3X4D3C1M4L

I run hacked firmware on my Toshiba drive and always the latest firmware on my Plextor.

Of course... I have a battery back up and never do it if my system is acting goofy.

As safe as it is these days its always good to be cautious

RoyBatty

I keep my drives (Pioneer and Liteon) up to date, they only got better (writing quality/reading performace) so far. I have never encountered any problems with flashing.

Robert McClelland

Whats wierd I brought this dvd rw drive for 40 bucks couple years back It was in 6x rewriterible speed now at 16x how can this be? Does have to do with intel infs updates?

__________________
"XTREME AUDIO IS CRAP!" "There no support for it. It's crapist card on face of the earth it should be throw into the sun"
http://www.speedtest.net/result/1949536385.png

mainman

Have done many times and it's very safe if you know what your doing. In worst case cenario you can always bring back a dead drive, done it before, but it's a freakin headache.

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H3X4D3C1M4L

Driver updates would never do that...

But it can happen, I've just never seen it on anything other than a Plextor (their firmware updates are so kick ass it isn't even funny).