LG GGC-H20L firmware discussion

[Tony1M]

I have used MCSE in the past and had previously checked to see if any patches existed for the LG GGC-H20L firmware and wasn't aware any had been added. I happened to download the latest version yesterday and patched the latest 1.03 firmware with a read speed increase that was added at some point. Normally I can rip a BD at 6-7 MB/s with my system. I reached speeds of 20 MB/s after flashing the drive with the patched firmware.

With this knowledge I think it's useful for people discussing ripping speed to also report if they are using patched firmware or not because that patch increased my ripping speed enormously.
Sounds good, but is there any down side to installing the new 1.03 firmware?

I freely admit that I'm more than a bit paranoid about installing any new software on our machine that already does what I want it to do. I would not put it past LG to cave in to whatever functionality "requests" are made of it by Sony, AACS, MPAA, or whoever.;)

In short, I want the reader to continue to read both HD-DVDs and BDs at least as well as it did before any firmware update. But maybe I'm being overly cautious on a simple firmware update.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Sounds good, but is there any down side to installing the new 1.03 firmware?

I freely admit that I'm more than a bit paranoid about installing any new software on our machine that already does what I want it to do. I would not put it past LG to cave in to whatever functionality "requests" are made of it by Sony, AACS, MPAA, or whoever.;)

In short, I want the reader to continue to read both HD-DVDs and BDs at least as well as it did before any firmware update. But maybe I'm being overly cautious on a simple firmware update.

You could probably patch the 1.02 firmware, too. My drive came already flashed up to 1.02 and I never had any reason to patch it.

I know of no reason to not flash using the 1.03 firmware. It's been out for a month or so, I believe, and I've heard of no reported issues and I've experienced none, myself.

[Tony1M]

Great. I've downloaded the v 1.03 firmware zip file from the LG site.

I've looked in device manager, but when I look at the ROM, all I see are the MS drivers - not a firmware version, so exactly how do I determine the present firmware version on the ROM and, if necessary, update, or "flash", to the new version?

Does the unzipped firmware file (I haven't unzipped it yet) contain an exe file that, when executed, installs the firmware update?

Can the firmware update be reversed, if necessary? (I doubt it.)

Thanks for the help.

[Tony1M]

I used Nero to determine that the ROM's present firmware version is 1.05

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

I used Nero to determine that the ROM's present firmware version is 1.05

If it's the LG GGC-H20L then I am confused. There is no firmware v1.05. Open your AnyDVD preferences and look at the status window. Click on the tab associated with your drive. Next to the drive model you'll see your firmware version. What does it say?

[Tony1M]

Here's the screen capture:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y35/Tony1M/capture-1.jpg
Presumably, the 1.05, to the left of the @ symbol that appears at the beginning of the long number, indicates a firmware version of 1.05 - the same number Nero reported.
______________________________________________

I unzipped the zip file and, sure enough, there was a readme that contained instructions for updating the firmware.

GGC-H20L Version 1.03 Firmware Update

To update the firmware of the GGC-H20L please refer to the following instructions:

Note: Not following the subsequent update instructions explicitly will result in
permanent damage to your drive, for which LG will not be responsible.

This firmware update is for drives with original firmware versions below 1.02.
The drives must be original LG branded drives with the DVD Writer model number
GGC-H20L(no OEM units).

If you have an OEM unit, branded with another manufacturers name,
please contact that manufacturer for support and firmware updates.

This firmware update is for use only on PC¡¯s with Windows Vista, Windows XP.

¡Ø Critical Instructions: (to be followed carefully)

1. Connect the drive as¡°master¡±by it self, on the secondary IDE controller
with no other device on the same IDE cable, making note to set the jumper
on the back of the drive to the¡°master¡±position.

2. Download the file GGC-H20L_1.03(EW).ZIP to a folder of your choice.
This download includes this¡°Read me(ew)¡±text file,
as well as the GGC-H20L_1.03.EXE program, which will auto-update your drive's firmware.

3. Close all other programs including: screen saver, antivirus and/or power-down programs.
(If these programs are not closed, they will try to engage the PC,
during the update process, thus interrupting the update and damaging the drive).

4. Check the drive to ensure that there is no disk in the tray before you start
the update procedure.

5. Go into the folder with the update file and double click the GGC-H20L_1.03.EXE program
and click the ¡°update¡± button. Once the update is complete,
you will see ¡°Firmware Update Complete¡± and then advise you to reboot the system.
You will need to reboot your PC.

The update will be complete, after you reboot your system.

WARNING: Do not open any programs or start any system functions during the update,
as they will interfere with data transfer and damage the drive.
Do not cancel the operation once it has been started or the drive will
become permanently damaged, as a result.

Fortunately or unfortunately, the ROM was an OEM part of an off-the-shelf HTPC. It is an HP model s3330f. I guess, as the instructions suggest, I should get a firmware update for the drive through HP.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Here's the screen capture:

Presumably, the 1.05, to the left of the @ symbol that appears at the beginning of the long number, indicates a firmware version of 1.05 - the same number Nero reported.
______________________________________________

I unzipped the zip file and, sure enough, there was a readme that contained instructions for updating the firmware.

GGC-H20L Version 1.03 Firmware Update

Fortunately or unfortunately, the ROM was an OEM part of an off-the-shelf HTPC. It is an HP model s3330f. I guess, as the instructions suggest, I should get a firmware update for the drive through HP.

Yeah, I'd get your firmware from HP. I'd be hesitant to screw around with the HP OEM firmware since I don't have enough information on it.

[Tony1M]

Thanks for the help, DLAD.:)

[Tony1M]

I just chatted with HP and downloaded a firmware update that is version 1.07.

The "person" I was chatting with told me that this firmware update was for the drive only, and nothing else. I asked if anyone had reported any problems with the update and I was assured that installation would go very smoothly. I was also told that the update is irreversible - not comforting.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

I just chatted with HP and downloaded a firmware update that is version 1.07.

The "person" I was chatting with told me that this firmware update was for the drive only, and nothing else. I asked if anyone had reported any problems with the update and I was assured that installation would go very smoothly. I was also told that the update is irreversible - not comforting.

Well, irreversible firmware upgrades aren't a new thing so while I can see it being less than comforting it isn't necessarily something to be scared of, either. You could do an online search for discussion on the HP 1.07 firmware and see if anyone is reporting issues. If you find issues reported then hold off on the flashing. If you aren't having any issues with your drive and the current firmware then you may not even want to update it.

[Tony1M]

The only reason I'd do it is for the reported improved ripping speed - with LG's own version 1.03, at least.

I won't do the update unless I am abosolutely convinced that doing so will only help. Therefore, I will indeed do some research on HP's 1.07 update.

Thanks again.

[andy o]

I already get 4.8x speeds at the highest (the max spec for dual-layer BDs for this drive), but I have this annoying high-speed noise when playing DVDs. I've mentioned this before, and I think someone else did too. Anyone noticed if 1.03 fixes this? Basically, with 1.02 and before, the drive isn't put in low-speed mode when playing a DVD movie.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

I already get 4.8x speeds at the highest (the max spec for dual-layer BDs for this drive), but I have this annoying high-speed noise when playing DVDs. I've mentioned this before, and I think someone else did too. Anyone noticed if 1.03 fixes this? Basically, with 1.02 and before, the drive isn't put in low-speed mode when playing a DVD movie.

I haven't noticed any noise issues with my drive. I'll have to experiment, though. My case has sound deadening in it and it has a closing front door so it really cuts down on noise. Add 2 small fans for air circulation in the room, itself, and I hear nothing from my drives.

I'll check on it later after I finish up cooking diiner.

[Bigrick]

Well, irreversible firmware upgrades aren't a new thing so while I can see it being less than comforting it isn't necessarily something to be scared of, either. You could do an online search for discussion on the HP 1.07 firmware and see if anyone is reporting issues. If you find issues reported then hold off on the flashing. If you aren't having any issues with your drive and the current firmware then you may not even want to update it.

this discussion made me currious so i check my drive and it also says 1.07 but i am also using an HP i bought this computer back in Decemeber and i havent updated it myself so it was th version that came with it

[BDMinus]

I added an underline for emphasis:

Pros: This drive is excellent. Plays everything out of the box. Included software should be ignored. PowerDVD Ultra had issues playing most Blu-Rays, but a recent update fixed it. Until then I was using Corel WinDVD for Blu-ray. Corel had a habit of screwing up the aspect ratio of HD's, so it was a perfect pairing, PowerDVD for HD's, and Corel for Blu-rays. That changed with the PowerDVD update though, and I didn't need Corel any more.

Cons: was getting ready to reinstall OS from XP-Pro to Vista 64 Ultimate. Got a notice of a firmware update (1.03). I installed it.. and now I can't play HD-DVD's. Blu-rays still play perfect, but HD's crash out no matter what player you use. I called Tech Support at LG.. they know about the issue and their IS NO FIX. Reflashing an older firmware fixes nothing. The drive is borked for HD's now, and they are sneding me prepaid shipping labels to replace the drive

Other Thoughts: Newest and freshest updates aren't always the best idea. if something aint broke... don't screw with it. :( . I just bought 40 HD-DVDs for like $3 a piece brand new and now I can't watch them till they send my replacement drive (cry). Leave the firmware alone unless the an update SPECIFICALLY addresses an issue you're experiencing.

[Webslinger]

Cons: was getting ready to reinstall OS from XP-Pro to Vista 64 Ultimate. Got a notice of a firmware update (1.03). I installed it.. and now I can't play HD-DVD's. Blu-rays still play perfect, but HD's crash out no matter what player you use. I called Tech Support at LG.. they know about the issue and their IS NO FIX. Reflashing an older firmware fixes nothing. The drive is borked for HD's now, and they are sneding me prepaid shipping labels to replace the drive
.

This is complete and utter nonsense. 1.03 does not break HD-DVD playback. I have no issues in XP Pro nor Vista 64 bit Ultimate edition.

There's certainly a problem when someone can't flash a drive properly, however.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Nope, no issues with 1.03 firmware on my LG GGC-H20L drive. HD-DVDs play just fine.

[ala42]

I have used MCSE in the past and had previously checked to see if any patches existed for the LG GGC-H20L firmware and wasn't aware any had been added. I happened to download the latest version yesterday and patched the latest 1.03 firmware with a read speed increase that was added at some point. Normally I can rip a BD at 6-7 MB/s with my system. I reached speeds of 20 MB/s after flashing the drive with the patched firmware.
The GGC/GGW read speed patch was added with the last release. It should just speed up DVD reads. Could you post a nero cdspeed transfer test graph ?
I just chatted with HP and downloaded a firmware update that is version 1.07.
I was also told that the update is irreversible - not comforting.
LG firmwares and flashers are fair, you can up- and downgrade as you like as long as you have the firmware. HP did release 1.07 only.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

The GGC/GGW read speed patch was added with the last release. It should just speed up DVD reads. Could you post a nero cdspeed transfer test graph ?

All I can tell you is I never broke 8 MB/s before patching the firmware. I was never hitting 2x read speed. After patching the firmware I easily got up to 4x. Another forum member can confirm reaching speeds of up to 21 MB/s after patching the firmware.

My LG GGC-H20L came with the 1.02 firmware. I have no idea why the patched firmware would help with BD read speeds but it definitely did something beneficial in my case.

Attached are three images:


Nero DiscSpeed Transfer Rate test
AnyDVD HD ripper
ImgBurn BD to ISO rip


http://www.postimage.org/gx23PcAA.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx23PcAA)
http://www.postimage.org/Pq1ReR9A.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1ReR9A)
http://www.postimage.org/gx23Pk40.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx23Pk40)

[ala42]

The read speed you have now is just normal for your drive as you can see at http://www.cdfreaks.com/reviews/LG-GGC-H20L-Super-Multi-Blu-ray--HD-DVD-ROM/Blu-Ray-Reading-Performance.html

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

The read speed you have now is just normal for your drive as you can see at http://www.cdfreaks.com/reviews/LG-GGC-H20L-Super-Multi-Blu-ray--HD-DVD-ROM/Blu-Ray-Reading-Performance.html

Yes, the drive is rated as 6x read speed. I'm now close to what the drive is actually rated as. My results pretty much mirrored what the review you linked to says. The real question is why did the speed increase? I patched the firmware and the read speed increased immediately. Going from 6-7 MB/s (< 2x) maximum to starting at 2x and peaking at close to 5x is a heck of a lot nicer. The drive is now performing as it was originally advertised but hadn't been.

Just to clarify, I had already been using the unpatched 1.03 firmware for awhile before patching the 1.03 firmware and reflashing the drive. I don't see why this should impact the drive at all but it did.

Attached is the results of the Transfer Test for a DL BD disc.

http://www.postimage.org/gx25j4Ei.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx25j4Ei)

[Webslinger]

The real question is why did the speed increase? I patched the firmware and the read speed increased immediately.

Do you have Daemon Tools installed, specifically SPTD?

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Do you have Daemon Tools installed, specifically SPTD?

I did at one time but I haven't had DT or SPTD installed since VCD 5.4.0.4 was released which was July 14th. The timing doesn't match up at all.

[ala42]

Flash again the unpatched firmware to test if that changes the read speed.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Flash again the unpatched firmware to test if that changes the read speed.

I reflashed with the official 1.03 firmware and can't see any difference. I would have liked to try the 1.02 (EW) firmware but I can't find it for download.

I'm at a loss for the huge difference. I didn't patch the firmware for the drive until August 4th, 2008 and I removed DT & SPTD on July 14th, 2008. That leaves over 2 weeks where I had unpatched firmware and slower than rated speeds. If the SPTD driver had been the cause then my speeds should have increased weeks ago but instead I noticed no boost until after I patched the firmware and reflashed the drive. The speeds of the drive were slow with both the 1.02 and 1.03 official firmware.

I guess I should be happy but I'm thoroughly confused which annoys me.

Below is the Transfer Test using the 1.03 official firmware from the same DL BD disc as used before.

http://www.postimage.org/gx27OiDA.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gx27OiDA)

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

I tried with the 1.02 firmware and, of course, there was no difference. The results were nearly the same as the unpatched 1.03 firmware.

http://www.postimage.org/aV1UaZR9.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1UaZR9)

I have no idea what caused my problem initially but it's gone now.

[Galileo2000]

This is complete and utter nonsense. 1.03 does not break HD-DVD playback. I have no issues in XP Pro nor Vista 64 bit Ultimate edition.

There's certainly a problem when someone can't flash a drive properly, however.

I flashed from 1.02 to 1.03 and I have no problems playing HD DVDs on XP Pro.

I'd like to know where to get HD DVDs for $3 apiece, BTW.

[Webslinger]

I'd like to know where to get HD DVDs for $3 apiece, BTW.

:confused: So would I.

[Galileo2000]

:confused: So would I.


So maybe BDMinus will share with us where he bought 40 HD DVDs for $3 each, no?

[Webslinger]

So maybe BDMinus will share with us where he bought 40 HD DVDs for $3 each, no?

Oh, sorry, I thought you were asking me for a source. :o

[Galileo2000]

Oh, sorry, I thought you were asking me for a source. :o

I wasn't clear and didn't quote the post I was referring to, apologies.

[Mark_A_W]

Guys, why does the text file accompanying the Firmware update refer to the drive being Master on a Secondary IDE channel when it's a SATA drive?

I just want to make sure it's good to go on my SATA GGC-H20L!

[Webslinger]

Guys, why does the text file accompanying the Firmware update refer to the drive being Master on a Secondary IDE channel when it's a SATA drive?

I imagine the text file hasn't been updated in years.

[BDMinus]

If I knew I would say :p, what I posted was from a customer review by "doggy" on newegg.com currently on the 2nd page of this link:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133

So maybe BDMinus will share with us where he bought 40 HD DVDs for $3 each, no?

[Tanquen]

I had the 1.02 and upgraded to the 1.03 some time ago. I have never had a read speed higher than 1.9 or so in ImgBurn (2.4.2.0)

I did have DAEMON Tools Lite but have uninstalled it but I still have the same read speed.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

I had the 1.02 and upgraded to the 1.03 some time ago. I have never had a read speed higher than 1.9 or so in ImgBurn (2.4.2.0)

I did have DAEMON Tools Lite but have uninstalled it but I still have the same read speed.

Did you uninstall the SPTD driver, as well?

[Tanquen]

Hey, thanks for the suggestion. Sorry, I had been looking into that. I had hoped/thought that it would be removed when I uninstalled the software. Where would I find the driver?

Thanks.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Hey, thanks for the suggestion. Sorry, I had been looking into that. I had hoped/thought that it would be removed when I uninstalled the software. Where would I find the driver?

Thanks.

The way to uninstall it is to get the setup file from the website of the SPTD developer which is SecureDuplex (http://www.duplexsecure.com).

You can download the setup file here: http://www.duplexsecure.com/downloads/.

Run the installer. It acts as an installer/uninstaller. Then tell it to uninstall the SPTD driver.

[Tanquen]

Thanks. I just found that site after a Google. :) I had been looking in Device Manager. I thought it would be in Storage Controllers like CloneDrive. :)

Thanks.

I uninstalled it and rebooted but I’m getting 2.0x in ImgBurn at the moment. :( I also looked at the DMA mode for the drvie and it's set at Mode 6. I had an isue a few years back with that.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Thanks. I just found that site after a Google. :) I had been looking in Device Manager. I thought it would be in Storage Controllers like CloneDrive. :)

Thanks.

I uninstalled it and rebooted but I’m getting 2.0x in ImgBurn at the moment. :( I also looked at the DMA mode for the drvie and it's set at Mode 6. I had an isue a few years back with that.

My speeds tend to vary based on whether it's a BD-25 or BD-50 original, of course, but it does also seem to fluctuate between discs. Some discs I can rip faster than others.

[Tanquen]

Ok, I’ll keep an eye open for a fast disc. The one I’m trying now looks to be a BD-25 as the ISO is 21GB. So you get from 2.0x to ??

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Ok, I’ll keep an eye open for a fast disc. The one I’m trying now looks to be a BD-25 as the ISO is 21GB. So you get from 2.0x to ??

I rip using the AnyDVD ripper to an ISO. I tend to think of speed in terms of MB/s rather than 1x, 2x, etc. I generally rip between 10 MB/s and 22 MB/s. The speed varies between discs and fluctuates during the actual ripping, of course.

So, referring to the information below I can reach speeds near 6x on BD-ROM and 4.8x on BD-ROM DL discs.

6x BD-ROM = 215.79 Mbits/s = 26.97375 MB/s
6x BD-R
4.8x BD-ROM DL = ~172.632 Mbits/s = ~21.579 MB/s
4.8x BD-R DL

[Tanquen]

I rip using the AnyDVD ripper to an ISO. I tend to think of speed in terms of MB/s rather than 1x, 2x, etc. I generally rip between 10 MB/s and 22 MB/s. The speed varies between discs and fluctuates during the actual ripping, of course.

So, referring to the information below I can reach speeds near 6x on BD-ROM and 4.8x on BD-ROM DL discs.

So I'm only getting like 9 MB/s. :(

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

So I'm only getting like 9 MB/s. :(

Speeds seem to vary between people even when they have the same exact drives. I think part of it simply comes down to system configuration and hardware even with high-end systems.

I wish I could give you an explanation but I can't. :(

[joshuahinckley]

How long did it take yall to install the firmware upgrade? Mine has been going for over an hour now, I'm kinda worried.

[ala42]

The firmware update is done in less than a minute. Switch off/on your PC and check if the drive is still found.
LG drives usually can not die during a firmware upgrade. The drive will enter a failsafe mode which allows reflashing in case flashing of the main firmware part failed. In such a case the drive identifies with firmware revision COR4 and does not react on the eject button.

[mcantu]

i just installed a retail version GGC-H20L last week that came with the 1.03 firmware. My HP Update program is now telling me that there is an update for the drive but does not give a version number. Could the HP program be confusing it for an OEM drive?

[ala42]

i just installed a retail version GGC-H20L last week that came with the 1.03 firmware. My HP Update program is now telling me that there is an update for the drive but does not give a version number. Could the HP program be confusing it for an OEM drive?
Seems so. the HP firmware has version 1.07, but is older than the 1.03 you have, so do not use it.

[damnskippy]

By the way, welcome to the forums ala42 and thanks for MediaCodeSpeedEdit.

[profcolli]

By the way, welcome to the forums ala42 and thanks for MediaCodeSpeedEdit.Ditto to that - this covers all my drives which don't provide updates anymore for new media!

Happy New Year to you, ala42! :rock:

[Peter_H]

What is this "patched firmware" you guys keep talking about.

I am new to this all and I bought this drive and have been using Anydvd.

Everything has been working pretty well but I recently ran into a few dvd's that were giving me problems and did a search and this thread came up.

Thanks,
Peter

[mike_r]

What is this "patched firmware" you guys keep talking about.

the links to mediaspeededit are in the previous threads http://ala42.cdfreaks.com/

[Peter_H]

I see. So this is only to remove speed cap restrictions on the burners that manufacturers implement?

[curtis-r]

Had my GGC-H20L for a couple of weeks and only seeing 6-7 MB/s read speeds, which is much slower than I should, and others, get. No Daemon Tools installed, nor SPTD. Upgraded to 1.03 firmware today w/ no improvement.

Any suggestions? I actually had 14MB/s reads w/ my 4x Lite-On (which often froze for an hour during rips, which is why I replaced it).

[Bluer]

I am a wee bit uncertain if I am supposed to update the firmware in my LG GGW-H20L as I get none of the firmwares discussed here.

Can anyone help?
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m164/tygerrstar/Anydvdhdbddrivefirmware.jpg

[Webslinger]

as I get none of the firmwares discussed here.

Of course not, since your drive isn't being discussed in this thread

Your drive's firmware is outdated. The latest is YL05

click http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=21602

[Bluer]

The GGC/GGW read speed patch was added with the last release. It should just speed up DVD reads. Could you post a nero cdspeed transfer test graph ?

LG firmwares and flashers are fair, you can up- and downgrade as you like as long as you have the firmware. HP did release 1.07 only.

:o
I guess I became irrationally exupberant at ala42's inclusion of "GGW" in his cool read speed patch posting.
Thanks for the link :)

[ShadeZE]

Just thought I would note to anyone currently purchasing or about to purchase the GGC-H20L, it seems to come with "ROM VER.: 1.03" already, now.

(I just purchased from Newegg 2 days ago, and that is what the sticker on top reads).

I looked this stuff up before installing the new drive, so I'm about to unplug the 2 year old LG DVD/RW, and fire this guy up. Let's hope I don't have any :bang:, because Dark Knight is sitting in the wrapper here.

[ala42]

The 1.03 firmware is available for more than 6 months, so there is nothing special about that.

[Tanquen]

I just tried this out and the read time of one movie was cut in half:

Video track 2 contains 146623 frames.
eac3to processing took 30 minutes, 22 seconds.
Done.

Video track 2 contains 146623 frames.
eac3to processing took 16 minutes, 59 seconds.
Done.

Nice little bump. :)