What is firmware?

DVD burners have a program have software hardwired into them that is called firmware. this firmware tells the machine how to handle certain situations, and in the case of DVD burners stores the information on how to burn a certain disc.

Because new types of discs are introduced all the time, faster speeds generally, this means optical drive manufacturers have to release new firmware otherwise the drive won't recognise the disc. When this happens the drive burns as a generic disc and as such the quality of the result can be lower.

Because of this it is always a good idea to keep the firmware of your burner updated to ensure the best results.

You can get firmware from either the manufacturers website, or by going to http://www.disc-info.com/content/view/12/28/ which contains all the popular brands.

Link:
www.medea.co.uk/medeasupport/index.php?action=kb&print=39