Firmware

Apokarteron said:
does anyone know about firmware updates for DVD RWs? What do they do?
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Some can increase the write speed of a drive. For instance my NEC 2500A was x4 write, but a firmware flash changed it to 8 (although id say it burns more at 6)
 
Firmware updates are improvements since the original. Mostly that will be new speeds (per elmarcorulz) and maybe new disk formats and brands. I would think other improvements may be better read error detection, making writing more reliable, removing bugs found since last version.

You get the firmware update as a file from the manufacturer (preferably) or one of the sites that post them. To install, shut down as many apps as you can, remove any media from the drive, run the update file. Do not touch or turn off the pc until the update is complete. There are some risks in updating firmware. I like to have the previous firmware update file handy just in case.

Starman*
 
Rip-lock is a speed limiter put in a drive by the manufacturer. If a media disk with a video_ts file (movie dvd) is put in the drive, the drive speed is limited. It's intended to prevent mass ripping of dvds. Removing the lock will result in faster data transfer for dvd video (useful only to those bulk-ripping dvds) and a much noisier dvd drive. Not great if you are trying to watch the video.

I made a point that it's best to use the manufacturer's firmware. Use a hacked version and roll the dice.

Starman*
 
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