Sony DRU-500AX firmware upgrade

[hoverboard]

A dumb question about firmware upgrades....I've searched this before posting, but haven't found the exact answer to the question:

Is it necessary to upgrade the firmware to be compatible to 4x burns, if the dvd drive already does the particular media you are using...

For example, I have firmware 1.0f on my dru500ax, and that is what it had a year ago out of the box.... It is listed on the box as having these capabilities:

dvd+rw: 2.4x
dvd-rw: 2x
dvd+r: 4x
dvd-r: 4x

now, I'm using for the 1st time, Imation +R's that are 4x, and it has a warning of a firmware upgrade being necessary, or the drive could be damaged. Obviously, as listed above, my drive should handle +R at 4x no prob, but I don't want to screw anything up if I try to burn this w/out upgrading the firmware-----but I also don't want to upgrd the firmware if it's not necessary, and possibly bring up problems i hadn't had before.....

thoughts?

[jester1x]

I think the warning is particularly aimed at folks who own Pioneer dvd writers. I think the warning may be specifically for the AO4 model which could be damaged without a firmware upgrade.

I own a Sony DRU500AX with firmware 2.0c and can burn at 4x with no problems. I bought some Maxells DVD+Rs (with the sticker containing the warning) and was able to burn at 4x with no problems. Also, my drive has worked/burned with no problems afterwards.

I have no plans to upgrade my firmware since it performs as it should. Sometimes, media can be rated at 4x, but the drive will only burn it at 2x. This is something I attribute to the inconsistent quality of the media. Usually, you will find more inconsistent media (as far as the rated burn speed versus the actual burn speed) when the price is relatively cheap.