I know I should have come here first...I have never been able to get support from Sony. I purchased this DVD burner(model 500AX) and it's working OK. I usually try to check my drivers every one or two weeks to make sure they are up to date. I discovered that my burner's firmware is version 2.0c. Went to Sony online site, located by burner and clicked through. When I got to the info and download area, I could only find info that points to the 500A model. There is a firmware upgrade available (2.0e) but it says that it is for the model 500A DVD burner. Nothing references my model 500AX. This firmware (2.0e) is to allow the model 500A to burn at 4X. My model 500AX already burns at 4X. Has anyone install this firmware (2.0e) on their model 500AX with success? Does anyone know if there is a hardware difference in these two burners or is it just a software difference? I'm really trying to avoid hurting something. THX.