Important Firmware Update

DVD-R/RW RECORDERS and DRIVES REQUIRE FIRMWARE UPDATE FOR NEW HIGH-SPEED MEDIA

Consumers are called upon to implement a simple update to prevent potential recorder/drive malfunction when using new high-speed media.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Download firmware update utility for Pioneer DVR-A03 / DVR-103
• Download firmware update utility for Pioneer DVR-A04 / DVR-104
• Information for Apple Macintosh Superdrive Users
• Macintosh Updaters (aftermarket drives only)
• More DVD-R/RW High Speed Media Links at www.dvdhs.com
• Utility to check if the drive needs updating or if it is an OEM drive
• How to visualise the firmware version of your European Pioneer DVR-7000 DVD-R/RW Recorder

Introduction

September 17, 2002 - As the DVD Forum releases the specifications for high-speed media, Pioneer Europe NV announces that a number of its DVD-R/RW computer drives and DVD-R/RW recorders will require a firmware update in order to use the new media and avoid potential damage to the units and media. This problem is caused by a “bug” in the unit's firmware. The firmware update corrects internal code in the recorders and drives, which would otherwise malfunction when attempting to record to blank new high-speed media. The update process is simple and it is extremely important that consumers make sure it is completed prior to using the new high-speed media.

The DVD Forum has established new specifications for high-speed write-once and re-recordable media (4X for DVD-R and 2X for DVD-RW). This media will be available in the marketplace in the near future.

Recent tests conducted by Pioneer indicate that using the new high-speed media for recording without the firmware update will affect the following products:

• Pioneer DVR-A03 / DVR-103 DVD-R/RW Writer
• Pioneer DVR-A04 / DVR-104 DVD-R/RW Writer
• Pioneer DVR-7000 DVD-R/RW Recorder

Any consumer who owns one of the above listed products should conduct the free firmware update immediately - prior to using the new high-speed media.

The full text of the related press release can be found here.