memorex 16x dvd-r help

[sox2112]

i got the pioneer dvr-k14 burner a while ago, i just upgraded to the 1.10 medion firmware. i just got a 100 pack of memorex 16x dvd-r's but when i go to burn something it only says i can burn a 2x, any idea what the problem could be? im using nero to burn as well, if that is any help

[koolaidwa]

8xDVD-R ZCLV
4xDVD-RW ZCLV
8xDVD+R ZCLV
4xDVD+RW ZCLV
2.4xDVD+RDL CLV



thats your dvd burner specs, so the most u would be able to burn at would be 8


download a Program called dvd identifier and post the media code

[Sabro]

I believe this happens sometimes when the dvd drive can not exactly identify the disc being used so it sets
it to the lowest speed possible to ensure it will burn.

I have seen this happen alot when people have AUTOPLAY enabled and the 'what do you want to do with this disc' dialog box is open in the background. The burning pgm / drive gets confused since it cant id the disc correctly.

Make sure the dialog box is closed (autorun deal), allow the drive to 'spin down' with the dvd disc before running the burner pgm, or try another pgm with the same disc to see if it reports the same thing.

If your getting the same results on the same discs from different pgms, mostlikely its the drive/disc (fake?).

Sabro

[sox2112]

this is what i got from that program:


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:CMC MAG. AM3]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc & Book Type : [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name : [CMC Magnetics Corp.]
Manufacturer ID : [CMC MAG. AM3]
Blank Disc Capacity : [2,298,496 Sectors = 4.71 GB (4.38 GiB)]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
** INFO : Drive = PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-K14L [FW 1.10]
** INFO : Write Capabilities = DVD+R DVD+R-DL DVD+RW
** INFO : Write Capabilities = DVD-R DVD-RW
** INFO : Disc = [DVD-R:CMC MAG. AM3]
** INFO : Reference Speed : 1x DVD = 1385 kBps
** INFO : An Writeable Disc Is Recommended For Accurate Results
** INFO : Write Speeds (Supported By This Drive On This Disc) Listed Below

** INFO : GET PERFORMANCE Write Speed Descriptor(s)
Descriptor #1 = 2770 kBps ( 2.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #2 = 1385 kBps ( 1.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]

** INFO : MODE SENSE Write Speed Descriptor(s) [Legacy Command]
** WARNING : MODE SENSE Is Obsolete And Not Always Properly Supported
Descriptor #1 = 2770 kBps ( 2.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #2 = 1385 kBps ( 1.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Media Code'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'Media Code'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 0Eh - Pre-Recorded Information In Lead-In
0000 : 01 40 c1 fd 9e d8 52 00 02 84 0d 12 98 99 90 00 .@....R.........
0010 : 03 43 4d 43 20 4d 41 00 04 47 2e 20 41 4d 33 00 .CMC MA..G. AM3.
0020 : 05 88 80 00 00 00 02 00 06 09 0d 14 98 88 90 00 ................
0030 : 07 88 80 00 00 00 00 00 08 07 17 0a 0e 09 04 00 ................
0040 : 09 95 07 0d 0b 88 88 00 0a 80 00 00 00 00 10 00 ................
0050 : 0b 06 17 15 b8 99 85 00 0c b8 9a 32 03 20 32 00 ...........2. 2.
0060 : 0d 00 00 d0 00 00 00 00 00 00 ..........

** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Control Data Zone'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'CDZ'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 10h - Physical Format Information Of Control Data Zone
0000 : 25 0f 02 00 00 03 00 00 00 26 12 7f 00 00 00 00 %........&......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ebenton]

Aha! I see the problem. It's called "CMC". Stands for Crappy Media Company.
But seriously folks - It's obvious your burner's firmware can only recognizea 2X write strategy for these disks. Either see if there is some later firmware than what you have, or settle for 2X.
Just because the label on a stack or box of disks says 16X doesn't mean every burner canburn those disks at that speed.
I have some TYG02 disks that my LG burner will burn at 8X and my Pioneer 109 will burn at 12X. I also have some Verbatim disks that say 16X on the cake box label, and my Pioneer will burn them at 16X, but my LG will only do 4X. Both burners have the latest firmware.

[sox2112]

should i just return them and go for some verbatim dvd's then? is there a brand that usually works at the rated speed all/most of the time?

[thevoelk]

Your burner can only burn 8X, period. If they existed, 48X DVD-R will only burn at 8X.

You can search for it here and see for yourself. If you stick to good media, as others suggested, such as Taiyo Yuden, Maxell, or MCC, you should be able to burn at 8X reliably. Trust me, and everyone else here giving you help, a reliable burn is much more important than a fast one.