Do the same rules apply?

[Alien Bay]

When it comes to application upgrades, I am always a little hesitant to do so...at least right away. Especially, at my work where some apps are definitely 'mission critical'. But also at home where things aren't so critical. A non-functioning dvd burner, however, might be considered critical by a lot of us

Beta testing can often flush out a lot of issues, but it doesn't always mean a new release, once released and tested by the masses will be bug free. Occassionaly, the release will be worse or create more problems than the previous version. The idea that no one wants to be the first to use a new version upgrade of an application is nothing new. Let someone else find out what the problems are before I upgrade. I'm sure you are all familiar with the concepts I'm talking about.

So, that brings me to my point.

The conventional wisdom here, almost without exception, is to "Upgrade your firmware. Here's the latest version."

Is this always the smart thing to do IMMEDIATELY?

Has anyone out there upgraded their firmware only to be immediately sorry that they did so? Is upgrading my DVD firmware just as risky as upgrading to a new software release?

Your comments appreciated.

[Experi-Mentor]

** The conventional wisdom here, almost without exception, is to "Upgrade your firmware. Here's the latest version." **
the old factor still remains - "if it's not broken, don't try to fix it"

[setarip]

"The conventional wisdom here, almost without exception, is to 'Upgrade your firmware. Here's the latest version.'"

You won't hear me saying that, unless someone has just installed his/her burner and notes that it will only burn at 2X (which is often the case).

And, more importantly, you certainly won't hear me recommending that anyone obtain a firmware upgrade from anywhere other than an OFFICIAL manufacturer's website...

[jm1647]

I agree with the "If it ain't broke....Let sleeping dogs...etc."If you can do what you want to do and everything is ok and the the upgrade/update doesn't give anything you need....Hands off

[blutach]

Well, time for a contrary view.

If you are ALWAYS using the same sort of blank disks (with the same MICs), then I would agree.

However, if you change your disks, then a firmware upgrade might be the fix you're looking for.

Also, as we know, branded disks often change their manufacturers, and with that might come a MIC that your firmware doesn't support. A firmware update, which usually is only updating the write strategy table usually helps out.

Many many folks swear by "non-official" firmware - obtainable at herries for NECs for example, or rpc1 (including the Dangerous Brothers). I have never heard anyone come back and say a firmware found at these sites and properly installed, broke their drive.

Regards

[jm1647]

Not contrary, but in different and additional words and circumstances

I agree with the media thing. Updating the firmware or even modding the firmware to do something you want to do but can't.
There are modded firmware out there increasing read, write speeds and writing strategies. There is a load of 'em for LiteOns Omnipatcher along with Media Identifier can change writing strategies for any blank. If ya want to do it and can't ya gotta upgrade or tweak. LiteOn might be outta business if it wasn't for the codeguys, although their stock firwares have come a long way.

As noted the MIC is more important than the brand. E.g. the cheap staples dvd I just got, Fuji and CMC that don't burn bad at all. They should make the mfrs. put the MIC on the label. Instead of made in Japan, Taiwan or India to name a few.

[setarip]

To jm1647

http://forums.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=50761

[jm1647]

@Alien Bay it's gonna stay here In your original post "Is this always the smart thing to do IMMEDIATELY?" concerning firmware

No - unless you can go back to an earlier firmware at will and read what the update will do and can help you do something you want to do. Even if it is somethng you want to do, it pays to wait as is evident by the revisions to programs etc. Let the early adopters try it out and then wait a while for bug fixes/patches.
If you can go back to an earlier version and the new one don't work out.... if ya can always go back, try the new one, if it's no good for ya, go back.


@setarip - I musta skipped over that when when I seen the Don Q.....(sp) thing....Great Idea !

[blutach]

I have a gr8 online supplier who will tell me the MIC of the disks I buy. Now, that's great service!

As for the retailers, they wouldn't know an MIC if it hit them in the face. "Are these good disks?" you ask. "Yeah and they're cheap too", says the retailer. What a joke!

Regards

[setarip]

Gosh oh golly gee whiz - I do business with three nationwide retailers who will gladly pop the shrinkwrap on the DVD cakeboxes I want to buy and allow me to use DVDIdentifier or DVDInfoPro on one of their computers to determine the Manufacturer ID of the media! Now THAT's normal service!!

Whoopdeedoo - Any online dealer I've ever purchased problematic media from (which has happened a very few times over the years) has readily and willingly accepted return of the product in exchange for non-problematic replacements of at least the same quality and burning speed! Now THAT's normal service!!

[blutach]

I haven't come across a retailer here would have even heard of those programs much less pop their precious shrink wrap (gee, that might make the product unsaleable)!

Any Australian member please correct me, if I am mistaken.

As for return of defective material, our trade practices act mandates that - normal service here, too.

Regards

[setarip]

To Alien Bay

As opposed to your statement that, "The conventional wisdom here, almost without exception, is to 'Upgrade your firmware. Here's the latest version.'", based on the responses posted here it looks to be pretty much a "mixed bag".

Personally, I think the approaches suggested by jm1647 are the most reasonable - ranging from, if your present firmware does what you need it to do, stay with it. If it's somehow lacking, look for an update that's been "proven by early responders and (I think this is MOST important, if the update is not from an official site) make sure it's a reversible update...

[jm1647]

me - reasonable...wait'll my Mrs. sees this I gotta get her

As I call the bride "Yo babe, c'mere and read this.....I told ya I'm reasonable"

She looks at the monitor, reads the post...and faints...I'm gonna leave her on the floor

[blutach]

@jm - take advantage of that situation while it lasts

Regards

[setarip]

To jm1647

"She looks at the monitor, reads the post..."

Here's another one for her - and like a real man, you're willing to be held accountable for your own words ;>} ;>} ;>} ;>}