The Truth about how useful it is to Upgrade Your Drives
The truth is, it would be useful to have all our devices up to date, to see their features enhanced even if we did not actually buy a new device. A rough definition of the term upgrade tells us that it means to replace a certain thing with a new and improved version of it. An upgrade is supposed to bring in new functionalities, more comfort for the end user, more reliability, and why not – even more performance. Finally, an upgrade is generally something desirable, since it helps the end user get more out of the same device, by simply using an app that exploits more of its features. Basically, in theory, there are a great number of advantages when considering firmware updates, nevertheless, Murphy’s laws teach us something else, that some things are simply not meant to work like clockwork and firmware update is one of them.
Now, we shall discuss about several devices and the advantages that firmware upgrade brings to each and every of those particular devices.
Firmware Upgrade for DVDs
The Advantages
- Often, firmware upgrade for DVD brings more space for data, better audio quality (since this is directly controlled by the embedded firmware) and sometimes even better graphics.
- Firmware upgrades for DVDs also bring more flexibility – in other words, your DVD drive might be now equipped sufficiently to work on Linux OSes.
- After a firmware upgrade, a DVD should be able to run different types of media – from typical .avi to divx or xvid.
The Disadvantages
- Sometimes it can be pricey. Many DVD manufacturers ask for funds before you can download your firmware, and this is not particularly desirable.
- Damage risks – Just as with any other firmware update, if there is a bug in the updater, your DVD might be forever damaged.
- You cannot downgrade to a previous firmware version.
Firmware Upgrade for Digital Cameras
The Advantages
- Improves functions such as load time (the time required by the camera to load), improvements in the flash mode area (red-eye mode improvements)
- More functions for existent buttons – introducing new combination of buttons that will lead to new options and features.
- Compatibility with larger storage cards – for example, if the old firmware version only allowed you to go as high as 16GB the newer version might allow you to go as high as 32GB.
The Disadvantages
- Digital camera firmware upgrades appear quite often therefore you will find yourself upgrading rather often.
- Some manufacturers price their firmware upgrades a bit too high, and it can get a bit too pricey sometimes.
PSP Firmware Upgrade
The Advantages
- Wallpapers and themes might be supported by newer firmware versions
- Newer firmware versions might allow a certain device to have flash compatibility, therefore maximizing the number of games you can play on your device.
- Some firmware upgrades might bring new movie libraries in – in other words, more movie formats will be supported by the same device.
The Disadvantages
- The same issue with corrupted firmware file is present here too. Remember that since this is a device itself, repairing after such an encounter can be rather difficult.
- Often expensive.
MP3 Firmware Upgrade / MP4 Firmware Upgrade
The Advantages
- Audio and video quality might be heavily improved through a firmware update for both devices
- MP4 devices might now support new themes and wallpapers if they did not in the past.
- More support – in other words your portable device will now have a bigger library of formats – aside from the typical mp3 and avi which were embedded from the start.
The Disadvantages
- Possible bugs in the firmware update sequence that might ruin your device
- Possible prices that might be too high for what the firmware has to offer.