flashing firmware - dangerous?

[VanZan]

Can someone tell me what degree of risk is involved with flashing/patching firmware ?

I've correctly identified the firmware version of my DVD/CDRW combo (Toshiba SD-R2102, firmware 1A15 rev B)

However I'm very put worried about all the warnings involved? Is this mere over caution on the part of those involved or is it a really risky process?

Any reassurance or clarification would be greatly appreciated....Cheers!

[txpharoah]

It is dangerous. Never use hacked firmwares. They CAN work, but often do not. Only use official firmwares backed by the companies.

In all cases, you are taking chances. I have had my Pioneer 103 DVD-R drive ruined. On the other hand, my Mintek and Apex players work great after the hack.

[Jeff]

Flashing firmware can be dangerous, but if you do it right, it should be alright. I flashed my cd-rw drive and my dvd drive to the lastest firmware. No problems. My dvd drive used to make these really annoying wavy sound coming out formt he speakers, but the firmware fixed it. Just becareful and try to use only official firmware. txpharoah is right!

[CaptainC]

If its from the manufacturer, lets say to update discs that your drive will except then update but follow the instructions the main thing is not to touch a thing while its doing it.

Recently i flashed my DVD+RW/+R drive so that i can use the new 4.X discs that have been produced and will replace 2.X discs this was advised by the manufacturer on their web site, since this was at the request of the manufacturer and essential for me to use my machine in the future i went ahead, without effecting the guarantee on my device.

If you've downladed a firmware from a non manufacturer or not off their web site and it hacks something like the region code and it FIUBR (Destroys it) your on your own.
Firmware updates will give extreme pop up messages yes to scare the life out of you and get you to ask questions like do i want to do this.
If the firmware is official and it will make a significant difference go ahead just read and double read the instructions.
If its a region hack its not worth it there are plenty of software hacks to do this.

[gll99]

One of my standalone DVD players had a firmware update which was 3rd party hack. I made sure that the site was genuine and that there was user feedback on the site. Then because the upgrades were highly desirable I went for it.

The instructions were clear and my model number was well identified. I burned the small file provided to me (I think it was in a bin format). I followed the instructions and it took about 10 seconds to read the info from a cdrw and worked great. They also had a copy of my original firmware version on the site so I could restore it if I wanted.

If the source of your patch is as good as mine was and the upgrade is something you really want then go for it.

If the thought of losing your hardware scares the heck out of you and you can't afford to replace it then don't do it. You could have a power failure during the upgrade and mess up the patch who knows?

None of my friends have ever had a problem. It's similar to updating your mainboard bios. If it's your manufacturer, you'll get the same kinds of warnings and the risks are similar. If its a 3rd party you have to do a bit more research to make sure it's safe.