Pioneer dvd-rw dvr-103 power calibration error

[dannnyzz3]

I just updated my pioneer dvr-103 to firmware 2.0. It recognizes the 2x mode in Nero 5.5 latest update, but wont burn at 2x. It gives me a error message. It is

Pioneer dvd-rw dvr-103 power calibration error. burn process failed at 2x (2,760kbs)

I did a search on this forum and am more confused.

[lordsmurf]

Most likely your media is bad. What brand is it?

[JMcQueen]

Im getting the same error on my 104. Most people seem to think its a media issue but I was using the same type of disc (manufacturer dye etc) and then it started playing up.

[lordsmurf]

On a DVR-103, on 2.00, using Nero 5.5.x.x, that means the media sucks.

[JMcQueen]

I think your probably right lordsmurf. But Im using Ritek G4 discs which are normally very good. Mine will burn fine at 1x

[lordsmurf]

On a 104 or 105, it usually means the lens is dirty.

[JMcQueen]

Do you have any recommedations for a lens cleaner? I've been told in the past to avoid using the CD type with a small brush attached as this can actually damage the lens, but Im not sure what else there is. Thanks

[lordsmurf]

I've read this, had it recommended to me, and done it successfully more than once:

A "Power Calibration Error" is usually associated with a failing laser and starts first to occur at 2x speed. Power supplies have also been known to give this problem.

However, it may be simply just be an accumulation of dust or haze on the laser lens and it may just require cleaning which is quite a simple process. Take out your DVD-R writer.

These instructions are for the Pioneer DVR-A03/103 DVD-R burners. However, it should work just fine on other writers.

1. Unscrew 4 screws on both sides of writer, not the funny looking middle ones !
2. Take of the front mask and the top cover
3. unscrew 4 screw on top of the inside cover.
4. take of the inside cover.
5. Apply a small amount of Isopropyl Alcohol to a cotton bud.
6. Clean the laser lens GENTLY with the wet cotton bud.
7. Dry the lens GENTLY with a dry cotton bud
8. Reassemble the drive in the reverse order
9. BURN some MEDIA at 2X

Isopropyl Alcohol is a surgical spirit and is used as a cleaning fluid in the tv and electronics industry it is commonly used in tape head and VHS tape cleaning kits. It is commonly referred to a "rubbing alcohol" and can be bought for mere pennies at your local pharmacy.

Tryt to use a Q-TIP brand cotton bud. Others tend to be more coarse and can scratch your laser eye. The Q-TIP ones also tend to not be furry or leave cotton strings.

This originally came to me from www.firmware-flash.com and has floated around my video friends and online counterparts.

[dvdhelpr]

just to add something here. official sites say its the media. not the drive.

[garryheather]

Agreed - I service equipment which uses optical media and I've only ever had the need to clean an optical block on a couple of occasions. I have NEVER had to clean a block from a domestic environment. If you blow smoke into your drives or put filthy media in it and let centrifugal force spin the muck off inside the drive, then you may well have to clean the optics.

Sometimes just reinserting the media will work - the disc has a small area assigned for calibration of the laser power, which is a few sectors that the writer uses to find which setting works the best. There are usually a few spare after the recorder gives up, although I wouldn't trust a burn with anything important if you use this method to try and get around it.

What I have seen is one or two bad discs in a batch before now that have exhibited this, and as we know, sometimes some of the big name manufacturers don't make their own media and will defect to cheaper discs if they are offered a better deal. This does not always mean a disc that has worked before will still work now.

Be very wary if you decide to clean the optics. Use lint free swaps with just enough pressure to make the lens wobble (DO NOT PRESS DOWN ON IT), and use a circular motion on the lens from the inside outwards to draw any muck away from the center. Isopropyl is fine, but be wary of bottles of generic cleaner since these are often watered down or contain other contaminants that you don't want on the lens.

Don't forget this will also invalidate any warranty you may still have on the drive.

Oh yes - one final thing - beware lens cleaning discs. These can scratch the lens and knock the optics off center. Personally, I hate them - they do more harm than good in the most part.

[johnnyz]

DO I really should to clean my lens? I bougt my dru 500ax just 3 mounth and burned about 70 DVD-Rs . I don't think it needs to be cleaned.
I'm using a 250W power suply, if I change it to a 300W suply, anybody know will it do some help?

Oh, I'm using SONY DRU-500AX + 2.0H firmware+nero 6.3.0.2, I'm waiting for the next firmware because I think the problem is the firmware.or..or maybe it's NERO, I've no idea....I still don't believe it's
a physical problem.