I just started building my first computer. I recently baught a OEM Pioneer 107D. I didnt know that a OEM product didnt come without any kind of installation software. Where can I get the installation software? I here a lot of talk about firmware, is this what I need for the install? If so where do I find it? The pioneer website does not have any downloads for the 107D. I also baught a DVD X Gold, will this be good enuff, or do I need other software?
Hi spee, If you are running Windows XP you don't need any install software. Windows will see the drive and install the proper driver for it. All you need is a good burning program Like Nero 6 Ultra. If your going to backup dvd's, you will need to download DVDShrink(free), and DVD Decrypter(free). These will decrypt and rip the dvd to your HD so it can be burned back to a blank dvd. If you need instructions, the guides can be found off the guide tab at the top of the page. Good luck. Forgot to mention about firmware. If you think you need to update it, go here. http://www.rpc1.com. Jerry
OK, still a little lost. I now understand that the drivers will be found by XP, and I will need some other programs to make copy's of DVD's. But what I dont understand is firmware. currently I do not have any firmware, at least that I know of. What is it? Why do I need it? And why would I want to upgrade it? And where can I find q copy, not just an upgrade? I am sure there are instructions on how to install this firmware, but if you know off hand were I could find some instructions that would be great. My lack of computer knowledge is truley shining
firmware is like a driver for hardware. firmware kind of upgrades the features to the product. although i do not have a dvd burner i understand that updating to the most rescent firmware could be risky because problems could arise that could even make your dvd drive useless??? i guess yo should just stick with the microsoft default things except if you want hacked firmware which is firmware thats.....hacked, but then your warranty for your burner will be void.
Firmware is called firmware because it's a cross between software and hardware, or rather a combination of the two. It is the software that sits inside your hardware component (a set of operating instructions for your DVD-R drive for example.) The only time you should really worry about updating firmware is if you are having problems with your drive. If you're not having problems then you should just leave it alone. If you do decide to update the firmware, make sure that you only get it from Pioneer's website, never from another source (i.e. hacked firmware) because there's no guarantee that it will function correctly. Like m4a1 said, if you flash (update) the firmware incorrectly it could damage the drive. If you're not experienced with it, then just leave it alone.
the latest firmware for the 107 speeds up the ripping speed and also allows you to burn 8X on media that is rated 4X. I didn't get the hacked firmware, but i got the original that is endorsed by pioneer so it doesn't void my warranty. I think the latest version is 1.16 (it might be 1.18).
you can get the latest firmware (v1.18) here: http://pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/0,,2076_4249_39099161,00.html