Apple Updates SuperDrive Firmware

mmarlett writes "(Potentially) In your software update panel: 'The Power Mac G4 SuperDrive Firmware Update installs new firmware on the SuperDrive which addresses an incompatibility with 4x DVD-R and 2x DVD-RW media, and the 2x SuperDrive in the Power Mac G4. You must perform this update if you intend to use 4x DVD-R or 2x DVD-RW media in your Power Mac G4. This update also enables you to eject audio CDs that are copy-protected or have mastering errors. This update is required only for the Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio), the Power Mac G4 (Quicksilver) and the Power Mac G4 (Quicksilver 2002) with an internal Apple SuperDrive.'"

Comments

Re:DRM

[Draoi]

Copy-protected (read 'broken') CDs had a reputation for getting stuck in Mac CD-ROM drives. Check out this old story for more detail. Why would you want to turn this off?

As for DRM - I'll believe it when I see it ....

Um, no

[daveschroeder]

No, it's not "sneaking" anything in. This is Apple's packaged version of Pioneer's firmware update fixing the now-well-known issue with not properly handling high speed media.

And uh, it ejects copyrighted CDs because it can't recognize them, since they don't conform to the Red Book Audio CD specification, not because it's trying to prevent you from using them. In fact, your premise is laughable, since if Apple really was in bed with the DRM crowd as you seem to suggest by your innane statement, then Apple WOULD support copy protected CDs, effectively furthering the potential for marketplace acceptance. By NOT recognizing copy protected CDs, it's actually doing the anti-DRM crowd a great service by refusing to bend over to support these "CDs".

And finally, Apple isn't "cozy" with the DMCA at all. It was the quickest path to get a vendor from illegally distributing iDVD, which is Apple proprietary material, with OEM CD-RW/DVD-RW drives. Though the DMCA may make us cringe, Apple was 100% in the right:

Reason enough is that there is no legal way for anyone to obtain iDVD without buying a system from Apple that has a SuperDrive in it. iDVD is not free; it is included ONLY with these systems and there is no other way to obtain it. Therefore, this vendor distributing (or encouraging the illegal acquisition of) iDVD at all is already illegal, and Apple had every right to stop it. (There are several other reasons, such as maintaining a single, predictable, known set of hardware that iDVD runs on to keep the best possible user experience for such a critical product, but the fact that no one else can legally distribute iDVD, nor can they ask customers to illegally obtain it, is reason enough.)

Re:Um, no

[dhovis]

I believe that ultimately the issue was one of patent licencing fees.

Apple has to pay a fee to include an MPEG-2 encoder in iDVD. Apple recoups that fee when you buy a Superdrive equipped Mac. Apple could sell iDVD, but that looks bad when all the other iApps are free. Plus it is a support nightmare for Apple. As far as Apple is concerned, if you want to burn DVDs on a non-Apple DVD-R drive, you can use Toast Titanium, or you can shell out for DVD Studio Pro ($1000).

This applies to Quicktime, too. If you want an MPEG-2 encoder for Quicktime you have to buy it ($20). That cost is above and beyond the Quicktime Pro cost (which includes MP4).

Re:Um, no

[dhovis]

Whoops, scratch that bit about Quicktime. There is a $20 decoder for MPEG-2 for sale, not an encoder.

Re:Um, no

[Twirlip of the Mists]

The DMCA is a bad law, and it gives any company fool enough to use it plenty of bad PR.

Not to start a flame war, but the DMCA isn't anywhere near as bad as most Slashdotters make it out to be. I've seen instances here of people saying things would or might be illegal under the DMCA that have nothing to do with that law. I'd suggest everybody-- opponent, proponent, whatever-- take a few minutes out and actually read the thing. It's not long. And while you're at it, you can invest a little more time and read all of Title 17. It's amazing to me how many people have the wrong idea about what the copyright laws actually say.

Just read the laws before forming an opinion, that's all I suggest.

Not for everyone

[ekrout]

I searched Google news and found some interesting information.

Apparently, for this firmware upgrade, Mac OS X 10.1 or later is required.

There is no indication from Apple of similar updates for SuperDrive-equipped 17-inch iMacs or Power Mac G4s. The company makes it clear in the documentation that this update is intended solely for 15-inch flat panel iMacs equipped with SuperDrives.

So, be sure to realize this update isn't for anyone and everyone with a SuperDrive.

Re:Not for everyone

[tbmaddux]

This is for PowerMac G4s (Digital Audio, Quicksilver, Quicksilver 2002). The flat-panel iMac update has been out for weeks. The 17" iMac already has the update, as do the Mirrored Drive Doors PowerMac G4s. You can get at them both, along with all the details, here:

http://www.apple.com/hardware/superdrive/

... as well as through Software Update. The update requires a reboot.