Are FW upgrades above 1.03 recommended for all users? Or only those users experiencing problems w/ their drives. I noticed that the FW upgrade 1.05 is a self-proclaimed 'miracle' FW, assuming this means a miracle is needed in the first place. I always assume if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But I also don't want to miss out on any added benefits, upgrades, ect. to the latest FW's.

Rule of thumb all CD/DVD firmware upgrade are needed, because they usually at least correct, add burn strategies for new media.

I also usually do all the firmware upgrade I can on all of the product I own because of the following reason.

1- I like the trill of knowing that if there's a power faillure I will have the justification I needed to upgrade that damn thing to the latest coolest...

2- Firmware are software designed for the hardware and as such the company who release them do have some reason to release it (no it's not to keep the guy busy)

3- Could be that some revision in the product internal has changed and product need tweaking, often a product is rushed out to beat the competition and the final development is made in the few week between manufacture shipment and final customer packaging and distribution.

4- Could be that some hiden bug are found, some hardware incompatibility etc.. either way you may not need this firmware today but what about tomorow, will the firmware still availlable, will the cie still active

For all of these reason I say go ahead upgrade. If you are afraid of breaking it, do not touch it and if you did touch it, do not tell anybody...

What drive do you have? In my opinion if it ain't broken why upgrade to the latest firmware. I would only upgrade to the latest firmware if you're experiencing problems with the drive. I still use firmware 1.04 on my Plextor 708A drive.

I have the 712A. I assumed this section of the forum only dealt w/ the 712A. How selfish of me! =d

Well, given all the problems with the 712(S)A (my first one would generate such huge errors I couldn't even finish testing the discs it "produced") I would stick with something if it works. That's the policy I'm following on my PX-712SA. Firmware 1.04 shipped with the drive and works phenomenally. No way I'm pushing my luck with this drive. On the other hand with my PX-708A I am updated to the latest firmware because I could and they all worked fantastic especially the latest but then again that drive was typical Plextor quality.

I always upgrade when a new firmware is released. Don't ask me why because I don't know I just have a weird desire to always have the latest versions of everything, software and firmware wise that is. But your statement of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" is a very valid one. If you're not experiencing problems there is no need to upgrade. It would be wise to first read about the experiences users have with a particular firmware before upgrading.