What does firmware update do for CD-ROM ?

[redbaron_snoopy]

I have a Acer 52x CD-ROM and when checking it's site, a firmware update is available. Is there any benefit of an update ? What does it do ?

Thanks

[morriswindgate]

Firmware updates reprogram the chip inside the burner, much like Updating the BIOS on the motherboard. And like the Motherboard Bios Flash you can turn the drive into a standard CD-ROM drive with a bad one. Most of the Firmware updates I have seen are now adding a finer control over the laser power for burning. If the unit is working fine you really do not need to do it. The firmware update will not make it any faster.
If you do decide to update the firmware, READ EVERYTHING ABOUT HOW TO DO IT BEFORE YOU BEGIN! SOME BURNERS WILL REQUIRE YOU TO CHANGE SETTINGS BEFORE BEGINNING.