Flashing firmware

[StoryDonut]

Could someone explain to a newbie the particulars of "flashing firmware"? Specifically, I have a Pioneer 111D with riplock, and I understand that the riplock can be flashed away. But this is another language to me. What does this process mean, and where would I find out the specifics for doing this for my particular drive?

[waheed]

Another term often used is hacked firmware. A firmware is a communication between the hardware (dvd writer) and the PC. more info here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firmware

Many manufacturers lock the read speed for ripping a DVD, mainly at 2X. When you flash your drive with a hacked formware, you remove that rippng speed restriction. A hacked firmware will also remove any region code restrictions making your dvd burner region free.

But be careful, using a hacked firmware will in all cases invalidate the warranty of the drive.

[Cobra]

I tried using a region-free rip-speed-unlock firmware for my Pioneer DVR-109 and it couldn't write a DVD or CD without loads of errors. I'd stick to Pioneer genuine firmwares if possible.

Firmware basically tells your DVD writer how to behave, and how to talk to the rest of your computer. It's important that you are careful when changing it.