Need Firmware update for Optiarc BD Rom BC-5500A

[Slasherfan]

I don't know what happened to my last topic about this, I accidentally put in the wrong drive and went to edit it, then it went odd.
Anyway, I have the above mentioned drive, I got Futurama: Bender's Game on Blu Rayand it keeps telling me I need to update Firmware for it to play. I use InterwinDvd (Off topic, any better player you could suggest for Blu Ray on a laptop?). I check the websites, I have the most up to date firmware I think, I can't find any newer ones, mine appears to be 1.79.
My Laptop is a VGN-FW11M, it's internal drive, came with it.
I'd be thankful for any help, had this movie for about 2 weeks now and still nothing. I right clicked the driver and clicked Update Driver, it said mine is the most up to date.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Slasherfan

I don't know what happened to my last topic about this, I accidentally put in the wrong drive and went to edit it, then it went odd.
Anyway, I have the above mentioned drive, I got Futurama: Bender's Game on Blu Rayand it keeps telling me I need to update Firmware for it to play. I use InterwinDvd (Off topic, any better player you could suggest for Blu Ray on a laptop?). I check the websites, I have the most up to date firmware I think, I can't find any newer ones, mine appears to be 1.79.
My Laptop is a VGN-FW11M, it's internal drive, came with it.
I'd be thankful for any help, had this movie for about 2 weeks now and still nothing. I right clicked the driver and clicked Update Driver, it said mine is the most up to date.

Try TotalMedia Theatre at www.arcsoft.com and see if it works then. It may be a problem with InterwinDVD (I would go for WINDVD 9 Plus Bd if I wanted to use the windvd product) Try the trial version of TMT though (it will let you play BD). Tell me what happens.

[Slasherfan]

Originally Posted by prerich

Try TotalMedia Theatre at www.arcsoft.com and see if it works then. It may be a problem with InterwinDVD (I would go for WINDVD 9 Plus Bd if I wanted to use the windvd product) Try the trial version of TMT though (it will let you play BD). Tell me what happens.

I can't seem to find a trial version of TMT, also trial versions of WINDVD 9 don't support BLu Ray.

[Slasherfan]

I got WInDVD Plus BLu Ray, latest version, STILL getting Firmware update messages.

[CyberVisions]

Originally Posted by Slasherfan

I don't know what happened to my last topic about this, I accidentally put in the wrong drive and went to edit it, then it went odd.
Anyway, I have the above mentioned drive, I got Futurama: Bender's Game on Blu Rayand it keeps telling me I need to update Firmware for it to play. I use InterwinDvd (Off topic, any better player you could suggest for Blu Ray on a laptop?). I check the websites, I have the most up to date firmware I think, I can't find any newer ones, mine appears to be 1.79.
My Laptop is a VGN-FW11M, it's internal drive, came with it.
I'd be thankful for any help, had this movie for about 2 weeks now and still nothing. I right clicked the driver and clicked Update Driver, it said mine is the most up to date.

This is a common problem with HP Systems (mine included) and I've posted on this topic numerous times on this forum concerning it.

You can only get a firmware update from Sony - 3rd party vendors like HP haven't uploaded the update because that's not the problem, despite what the message tells you. Problem is, you can't use it since your system has likely been modified (like most vendor system components are) to work with your particular system. The firmware update on the Sony site is ONLY for OEM players that are not modified for use on 3rd party systems. Attempting to flash your drive with it will likely result in a program halt before it even begins - if it starts, it'll likely render the drive unusable.

The problem stems from the new Blu-Ray 2.0 disks having problems with players / programs not updated to play the newer update. HP solved the issue by updating their player's configuration, which is Quickplay, - QP is a HP OEM customized version of Cyberlink's Power DVD. For those wondering, version 3.7, updated from within QP, will take care of the problem.

If your system came with the BC-5500A, it should have its own installed customized player, just like all vendor bought systems do - ASUS uses a modified version of WinDVD, but unless it's updated to the most current configuration of the VENDOR program (not the OEM version) you'll likely still have problems.

If you're using a street purchased full version of WinDVD, check their forums - I guarantee this topic is a widespread one, as I help people with this same problem who have HP systems several times a week either here or other forums.

[Slasherfan]

Originally Posted by CyberVisions

If you're using a street purchased full version of WinDVD, check their forums - I guarantee this topic is a widespread one, as I help people with this same problem who have HP systems several times a week either here or other forums.

They don't seem to have forums.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Slasherfan

I got WInDVD Plus BLu Ray, latest version, STILL getting Firmware update messages.

If you bought the retail version of WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray, you can find the latest update here:

http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satelli...=1217273655849

Edit: The laptop model you lmentioned isn't listed by Sony on their support website.

http://esupport.sony.com/perl/select...6,66,9,70,5,72

Is it a typo? If not where did you purchse the laptop?

[Slasherfan]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

If you bought the retail version of WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray, you can find the latest update here:

http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satelli...=1217273655849

Edit: The laptop model you lmentioned isn't listed by Sony on their support website.

http://esupport.sony.com/perl/select...6,66,9,70,5,72

Is it a typo? If not where did you purchse the laptop?

got it in a sony store. This is it.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-VGN-FW1...6477389&sr=8-2

[CyberVisions]

Originally Posted by rdodolak;1298248
Edit: The laptop model you lmentioned isn't listed by Sony on their support website.

[url

http://esupport.sony.com/perl/select-system.pl?PRODTYPE=1,24,26,66,9,70,5,72[/url]

Is it a typo? If not where did you purchse the laptop?

It doesn't matter if the laptop is Sony or not, or if it's supported by them - the BD-ROM drive is, which is what the thread discussion is about.

Originally Posted by Slasherfan

They don't seem to have forums.

Well, I never did give Corel much credit for having good support. What really sucks is that compared to Corel and ASUS, HP is actually not bad....

It still makes no difference - you can't use the Sony firmware update because it's an OEM drive update only. The reason the 3rd party vendors haven't uploaded their version of it is because they fixed the problem with a software update.

I know that others have gotten through this with WinDVD updates. If you have a purchased copy of it, call Corel and tell them what the problem is, and ask them to point you to the right update - it's an automatic "NO" if you don't ask.

[Slasherfan]

Here is an E-mail response from Corel

Normally it is the AACS keys that are needed to be updated when you have the Bluray. AACS (Advanced AACS Content System) is applied to protect Blu-ray contents. For enhanced security, the AACS Key in WinDVD will require updating every 18 months. Updating your WinDVD 9 AACS Key is quick and easy, and allows you to continue enjoying your Blu-ray Disc movies. Please visit this site to learn how to update the AACS key.

I can't figure out how to update this on Win DVD. I tried to follow the instuctions but can't find and AACS key to download.

[Slasherfan]

Do you think if I went back to the shop I got this (A Sony Center) they would be able to update it for me?

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by CyberVisions

It doesn't matter if the laptop is Sony or not, or if it's supported by them - the BD-ROM drive is, which is what the thread discussion is about.

I was simply trying to help SalsherFan out with the problem.

If SlasherFan has an OEM copy of WinDVD that came with the Sony Laptop, it absolutely does matter because any patches released by WinDVD won't install. SlasherFan would need to receive an OEM patch update from Sony.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Slasherfan

got it in a sony store. This is it.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-VGN-FW1...6477389&sr=8-2

That explains it ... since you have a Sony laptop from the UK this would be the appropriate link for any software drivers/firmware updates from Sony. However, it doesn't seem that they have any posted.

I also had an OEM copy of WinDVD 8 and many users (including myself) had issues with discs playing that only a software update would fix. Unfortunatley, you at the mercy of the OEM company to release an update.

I'd recommend calling Sony UK to see if they have any updates for the WinDVD software that might not be posted to the web site yet.

http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-FW&m=3341

As far as I understand, those instructions are only relevant to WinDVD 9. Is your copy version 9 or the more prevalent version 8? Here are more instructions on the ACCS key update process:

http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satelli...=tab2&tabview=

EDIT:

Here is the number for Corel Technical Support:

US & Canada
1-877-662-6735
0900 to 1900 EST

UK
0800 376 9271
0900 to 1700 GMT & CET

[Slasherfan]

Firmware update released today, downloaded it, restarted computer and it is STILL NOT WORKING!!!!!!

[CyberVisions]

Originally Posted by Slasherfan

Firmware update released today, downloaded it, restarted computer and it is STILL NOT WORKING!!!!!!

I told you before it's not a firmware issue in the beginning - all fixes to the problem have been with software updates to the installed BD playback program that came with your system.

Looking at your system's information, it shows that the installed software for BD playback is WinDVD BD 8.0 for VAIO, not what you're using. I'm afraid to ask - if WinDVD BD 8 is the installed program, what happened to yours? Did you uninstall or delete it, or install version 9 over it?

When I first wrote about using the installed 3rd party (Sony) program, WinDVD BD 8.0 is the program for your system, and what needs to be updated. If you've removed it, you need to wipe whatever you've installed since and get it reinstalled or you'll never get it to work. Blu-Ray drives aren't in widespread use yet and as such don't have the kind of multi-software support that regular DVD movies do, which is why they need specific program customization for the program it's using to work on your system. If you didn't get a recovery set with your system you can probably download the program from Sony - HP has QuickPlay available and most other installed software available for download just in case something like this happens. Once you get back to you base BD software configuration, you can get it updated to deal with the problem.

All 3rd party installed programs are customized to work with the particular system it's installed in, so using an OEM copy of WinDVD won't work - you have to use the program that it came with for playing BD's.

[rdodolak]

I was tying to help the user to find the correct patch for Win DVD 8. The manufacturer is relevant because they do release patch updates for the OEM software they support; hence the connection of why I was asking.

I also had an OEM copy of WinDVD 8 and went through the same issues. The patches released by Corel will not install since it DOES detect that it's an OEM copy.

EDIT: To clarifiy when I say OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), any commercial software that comes with a computer when it's purchased from the computer manufacturer is considered an OEM software copy.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Slasherfan

Firmware update released today, downloaded it, restarted computer and it is STILL NOT WORKING!!!!!!

SlasherFan,

Did you mean a patch update for WinDVD 8 or did you actually mean a firmware update for the drive?

The reason I ask is beacuse Sony UK just released a patch update for WinDVD 8 yesterday. If you meant the later, try installing this update to see if it corrects the playback issue.

Link to all software updates:
http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-FW&m=3341

Direct link to WinDVD 8.0.9.617 - Releases 21/11/2008:
http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...0000166424.htm

EDIT: Also, have you tried updating through the VAIP Update software? If not, here is some future info provided by Sony.

Tip: if you want to keep track of which updates are already installed, and to make sure your computer is up-to-date, the best way to do this is to use VAIO Update, which comes preinstalled on all VAIOs sold since 2004. You can access VAIO Update through the icon in the taskbar.

[Slasherfan]

Originally Posted by rdodolak

SlasherFan,

Did you mean a patch update for WinDVD 8 or did you actually mean a firmware update for the drive?

The reason I ask is beacuse Sony UK just released a patch update for WinDVD 8 yesterday. If you meant the later, try installing this update to see if it corrects the playback issue.

Link to all software updates:
http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...=VGN-FW&m=3341

Direct link to WinDVD 8.0.9.617 - Releases 21/11/2008:
http://support.vaio.sony.co.uk/downl...0000166424.htm

EDIT: Also, have you tried updating through the VAIP Update software? If not, here is some future info provided by Sony.

Damn, it wasn't a upgrade, just the patch update, I still have DVD 8 and this didn't resolve the issue.

[rdodolak]

Originally Posted by Slasherfan

Damn, it wasn't a upgrade, just the patch update, I still have DVD 8 and this didn't resolve the issue.

Is you copy of WinDVD 8 now showing up as version 8.0.9.617? I really believe it's an issue with the software and until Corel fixes it nothing can been done on the user end.

This link shows another forum discussion, from a week ago, that discusses apparent issues with a new but more complex BD+ encryption found on Fox titles. According to this thread PowerDVD is also giving a similar type of error message. It mentions that Futurama: Benders Game is one of the titles with this issue.

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/...r/955000365931

Sorry, but I don't have that title otherwise I would try it to see if I would experience a similar problem.

EDIT: Here's a link to another forum stating even the latest version of WinDVD 9 Plus Blu-ray (9.0.14.91_63207), as well as AnyDVD HD, also has this issue.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post15013116

All I can say is that it appears that Fox needs to be blamed for this snafu.

[Slasherfan]

This may be a silly question and I don't feel like starting a new thread about it. I'm getting a proper Blu Ray player next week, any way I can just set my Laptop to play American Blu Rays only without buying extra soft ware and I can use my player for the UK ones.