DVD+RW Alliance - Product Upgrade Portal

Support for High Speed Media - FAQ

Upgrade for:
- "first generation" 2.4x DVD+RW drives to allow usage of 1-4x DVD+RW media
- "second generation" 2.4x DVD+R/+RW drives to allow usage of 1-4x and 1-8x DVD+R media and 1-4x DVD+RW media
- "third generation" 4x DVD+R/+RW drives to allow usage of 1-8x DVD+R media

Frequently Asked Questions

Which drives are affected by this issue?
What problems can I expect when I decide not to install the upgrade?
Do DVD+R/+RW consumer recorders (stand alone DVD video recorders) also need an upgrade?
Will I be able to write at 4x or 8x speed when the upgrade is installed?
My manufacturer is not listed, can I use an upgrade intented for a different manufacturer?
How can I check whether my drive is already equiped with the latest firmware version?
Do I need to upgrade my drive if I do not plan to use 1-4x or 1-8x DVD+R or 1-4x DVD+RW media?
Can I still use existing 2.4x DVD+R or DVD+RW media when the new firmware is installed?
I've already updated my drive's firmware in the past. Is a new update required?

Which drives are affected by this issue?
This issue affects all so-called "first generation" 2.4x DVD+RW drives and "second generation" 2.4x DVD+R/+RW drives, as well as some 4x DVD+R/+RW drives. Refer to the web sites of the manufacturers mentioned on the previous page to see if your drive is listed.

What problems can I expect when I decide not to install the upgrade?
When you decide not to install the firmware upgrade for your DVD+RW or DVD+R/+RW drive, you will not be able to reliably record onto the new 1-4x or 1-8x media. Attempting to do so might cause read or write errors, and hence result in the loss of data. It will however not damage your drive! As more and more High Speed DVD+R and DVD+RW media will appear on the market (and even replace current 2.4x media over time), we strongly advice you to install the upgrade now.

Do DVD+R/+RW consumer recorders (stand alone DVD video recorders) also need an upgrade?
No. DVD+R/+RW consumer recorders (stand alone DVD video recorders), for example from Philips and Yamaha, are not affected by this issue, as they use a different writing strategy at a lower speed. You can use 1-4x and 1-8x media without any problems on these recorders. However, also for these machines it is recommended to upgrade to the latest firmware version if available. Refer to Philips Customer Care for more information about Philips recorders.

Will I be able to write at 4x or 8x speed when the upgrade is installed?
No, the upgrade is solely intented to allow some of the media meant for next generation drives to be used on older drives. The media will be recorded at your drive's maximum writing performance of 2.4x or 4x.

My manufacturer is not listed, can I use an upgrade intented for a different manufacturer?
No. Each manufacturer has to offer its own firmware upgrade file. You will not be able to install an upgrade which is intented for a different drive. An attempt to do so might even render the drive unusable. We have put many efforts in creating an up to date listing of all manufacturers which offer(ed) a "first" or "second generation" drive, however when a manufacturer is not (yet) listed, we suggest you to refer to the support web site of this particular manufacturer directly. It is expected that most of them will be listed here in a few weeks time.

How can I check whether my drive is already equiped with the latest firmware version?
Currently, no "first" or "second generation" drives have been shipped with the new firmware version factory installed. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that your drive will already be equiped with this new version. However, the firmware installation utilitity will check and display you current firmware version, and will notify you when your firmware is already up-to-date.

Do I need to upgrade my drive if I do not plan to use 1-4x or 1-8x DVD+R or 1-4x DVD+RW media?
When you solely use 2.4x media, you do not need to upgrade your drive. However, it is expected that most media manufacturers will phase out the production of 2.4x media, and only offer high speed discs in the future. It is therefore highly recommended that you upgrade your drive now with the latest firmware. Doing so will still enable you to use 2.4x media.

Can I still use existing 2.4x DVD+R or DVD+RW media when the new firmware is installed?
Yes! The upgrade allows you to use both 2.4x and 4x media (which will both be recorded at your drive's maximum recording speed).

I've already updated my drive's firmware in the past. Is a new update required?
Support for 1-8x media was not covered in a previous upgrade that allows for the usage of 1-4x media. Furthermore, as support for an increasing amount of 1-4x and 1-8x media brands is constantly added to the firmware, it is recommended to check your drive vendor's web site regularly to see if a new firmware version is available.