8X DVD/CD Writer

[yenly]

I have a very stupid question and I'm probably posting this in the wrong forum too...

If I have a laptop with a 8X DVD/CD writer, can I use media CD or DVD that is 1X-4X to burn files from this laptop? Is there a compatible issue?

Can someone please explain what is the significance of the CD/DVD writer speed (e.g. 2X, 4X, etc) with the speed indicated on the CDs/DVDs?

Thanks!

[samijubal]

The higher the speed, the faster the burn. 4x burns should take about 15 minutes, 8x around 10 minutes. You can use 4x discs in a 8x burner. It's faster than 8x discs that you may need a firmware update to burn.

[psx_pirate]

speed indicated on the writer is the maximum speed that the writer can write to a disk ...(ie 8x dvdr = maximum writing speed of 8x)

speed on a disk is the speed that a disk can be written ie 1x-4x means that the disk can be written at any speed betwen 1x and 4x

therefor if you put a 1x-4x disk in your 8x writer then you can only write the disk at a maximum of 4x (maximum speed supported by the disk) .... if you put a 16x disk in your 8x writer then you can only write at a maximum of 8x (max speed supported by writer)

[dznutz]

If I have a laptop with a 8X DVD/CD writer, can I use media CD or DVD that is 1X-4X to burn files from this laptop? Is there a compatible issue?

you probably need:

1. a firmware upgrade. google "[your drive's name] firmware" and you should get to the manufacturer's download page. don't use hacks unless you know what you're doing.

2. check if you are using the proper ide cables.... dma vs pio

[AlanHK]

Most burning software will check the disk type before burning and try to burn at the disk's maximum speed if the drive is capable of that. You can usually find a setting to reduce the speed if you want, sometimes this makes a more compatible disk.

[oldandinthe way]

Burning 4x media is not likely to be a problem.

Following advice to update your firmware could be.

If your laptop manufacturer provides automatic software updates (many do), you will probably receive firmware updates for your drive if necessary.

If they don't provide automatic updates or you turned them off - check with your system manufacturer to determine whether you are current.

Unlike many drives for desktops, optical drives are typically supplied for laptops in OEM versions, the firmware for a Compaq would be different from that for a Dell, even with the same drive model. You can't go to the drive makers website for an upgrade. If you must upgrade and your system manufacturer cannot assist, you may have to pursue hacked firmware on sites like tdb.

To further complicate matters, some online retailers are supplying OEM versions of drives as add-ons for laptops without identifying whose system they are intended for. This makes firmware upgrading near impossible.