simple question: Can I burn 8x or 16x media with my LG GSA 40404B?

[alandla]

Hi all. Just a quick question on burning speeds and DVD media. After figuring out which DVD media plays on my Samsung S222 DVD player (Memorex-R 4x or Memorex +rw 4x), I am reluctant to switch media. The problem is that it is getting more expensive to buy 4x blank DVD's at the local Futureshop (5 DVD-r 4x for $8) compared to 8x or 16x (50 DVD-r 8x for $18).
Can I burn DVD-r's rated for higher speeds, assuming of course that I would not be able to actually burn at that rated speed.
Seems simple but thought that I would check with the experts. Thanks.

PS
My firmware is A300. I think that I am burning at close to 4x but am not positive.

[chas0039]

Your drive cannot go above 4X. I would suggest TYG02 or YUDEN000 T02 as both can be burned at 4X on newer LG drives with good results, so your chances are good. Given the low cost of drives, at least here in the US, it is time to move up. Here a drive costs less than a 100 stack of good media.

You should update to the newer firmware.

[hech54]

My 4040B has no problems with 8x - 16x media....it just burns them at 4x. The 4040B has proven to be a slow and steady workhorse for me.

[BCdave]

First, you should upgrade to the latest firmware, A304. Although the LG site no longer carries firmware downloads for the 4040B, luckily it's available at CDfreaks :
http://www.cdfreaks.com/drive/502

I've been using Taiyo Yuden Valuepack TYGO3's (rated at 16X) from blankmedia.ca, and they burn fine at 2X. I'm sure I could burn at 4X, but I burn everything at 2X because it's been successful.
Yeah, I'll get a new burner one of these days, maybe when DL media gets more compatible with DVD players, but my 4040B has burned over 1000 DVDs since 2003, and since I learned about TY media, I rarely get a coaster.

[alandla]

Thanks all. I assumed that I would still be burning at 4x but that's OK so long as the 8x or 16x media still works.
My problem has never been with the LG 4040B but with my DVD player. It took me a while to find media that seems to always play on it. I've found some that work today, not work tomorrow, then work again the third day.

[mstone321]

MY CDN$0.02,

Get a new stand-alone DVD player.
Upgrade your LG firmware.
Stop using Memorex mdia and switch to MIJ blanks, not that hard to find.