Should I up-date Firmware or not

[Movies_Mania]

Hi every one,

My DVD burner is Pioneer DVR-106D. My PC is P4 3G with WinXP Pro. I 'm using CloneDVD2 + DVD Region-Free v3.25.

Usually I need about 50min to copy a DVD movies.

I have download Pioneer DVR-A06.106D Firmware Update v1.08. And I am not sure if I need this up-date or not.

Thanks for the help!

[x21x]

I have a NEC 2500 and it takes me 40-45 minutes to rip a DVD. I have a P4 3.2 ghz, winXP Pro, and using DVD decrypter. I dont think updating the firmware makes a difference (anyone please correct if wrong) it just fixes some of the problems of the previouse version.

[Cobra]

I have the same burner as you, and I updated to V1.08 firmware. My ripping speeds jumped up a lot.

Be careful when flashing and don't touch your PC until it's finished. You don't want to even risk a crash for the few seconds it takes to flash the firmware!

You can find the updates and a firmware version checker on Pioneer's website. Using the checker, you can make sure it's updated fine.

Hope this helps,

Cobra

[Movies_Mania]

Thanks for the reply

My CloneDVD2 rip a DVD for less 15 min most the time. Then burn the DVD-R for 40min as all other DVD buring programs (CopyToDVD v3; InterVideo DVD Copy, Nero 6).

Thanks again

[Nilfennasion]

The best place to learn about firmware updates is rpc1.com - they also have a lot of firmware modifications that allow you to change your drive from Region Protected to Region Free (very handy if you live somewhere other than the USA).

Note that the latest firmware is not always the best firmware. I think they are up to A303 with my drive, but A302 is generally considered the best, and it is also the only one that they have Region Free firmware modifications for.

[Movies_Mania]

I am using DVD Region-Free to crack all region limite already.

I am just not sure that I need to 'up-date' my DVD-RW/+RW for some other reason rather than region crack.

Thanks



Just for the record. I have over 450 DVDs' movies now.

[Nilfennasion]

Of course, it is also advisable to update your firmware when read/write speeds are not up to specifications (which happens sometimes with 4X and 8X burners).

[redwudz]

I have a P106 and haven't messed with the firmware update because it burns with no problems, 15 min. or so. I have a DVD ROM for reading. I figure if it's not broke, don't fix it. No coasters since I bought it 3 months ago. I stick to -R media(No name brand), mostly use DVDshrink and a ADVC-100 for analog stuff.

[guns1inger]

I also have the NEC 2500A, with the factory firmware, and I can rip a disk in 20 - 25 minutes. AMD1800+, 768MB RAM. I'd check the IDE channel and make sure it is running in DMA mode if you are taking 40 - 50 minutes on a 3.2Ghz machine.

[Nilfennasion]

Thanks, guns1inger, you've just made up my mind for me as to what CPU speed I am upgrading to next.

[Cobra]

Movies_Mania,

I am addressing your problem directly here.

I went from V1.05 to V1.08 and this improved my ripping speeds drastically and I saw a slight increase in overall burning speed. Original firmwares, I believe, capped ripping speeds.

If you'll take my advice, you will get your firmware update and checker HERE:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/0,,2076_4249_2370258,00.html

Coming directly from Pioneer, it's guaranteed to be up-to-date and genuine. Notice that Pioneer state that this firmware gives improved speed.

This is the most likely solution to your troubles. Try it, if it works then great, if not then we can work on more complicated solutions.

Cobra