Plextor 740 DL Prob...

[mngwdw]

Ok, it's been working fine for over a year. Now, no matter what burning software I use (imgburn, dvddecryptor, Nero) I get an error right after the layer change while burning. I'm using Fuji Dvd+dl, and have been for quite some time. Any ideas?

Thanks.

[VegasBud]

mngwdw,

Do you have a burn log you can post? That would provide the information needed to see what is causing the problem. If you don't have a log, it would cost you another disk to get one, but it would almost certainly pinpoint the problem. Without a burn log, it's all just guessing.

Welcome to VideoHelp.

[Jim44]

Having lurked here and at the ImgBurn forums for a while, one thing I've noticed is that there is a near-unanimous choice for DL media: Verbatim DVD+R DL.

In the absence of a log, that's my guess

Jim - embarking on first DL burning this weekend, if the Verbatim's show up on-time

[mngwdw]

Here's the log - thanks for your help





I 18:07:29 Source File Implementation Identifier: MEI
I 18:07:29 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)
I 18:07:29 Destination Device: [1:1:0] PLEXTOR DVDR PX-740A 1.02 (F (ATA)
I 18:07:29 Destination Media Type: DVD+R DL (Disc ID: RITEK-D01-01) (Speeds: 2.4x)
I 18:07:29 Destination Media Sectors: 4,173,824
I 18:07:29 Write Mode: DVD
I 18:07:29 Write Type: DAO
I 18:07:29 Write Speed: 2.4x
I 18:07:29 Link Size: Auto
I 18:07:29 Test Mode: No
I 18:07:29 BURN-Proof: Enabled
I 18:07:29 Optimal L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,061,984
I 18:07:29 Optimal L0 Data Zone Method: Copied From Original Disc
I 18:08:28 Filling Buffer...
I 18:08:30 Writing LeadIn...
I 18:08:38 Writing Image...
I 18:08:38 Writing Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2061983)
I 18:30:37 Writing Layer 1... (LBA: 2061984 - 3877960)
W 18:31:18 Failed to Write Sectors 2062304 - 2062335 - Write Error
W 18:31:18 Retrying (1 of 20)...

[VegasBud]

mngwdw,

You're absolutely right. It hardly writes anything to the second layer.

One thing that doesn't seem right is the layer break. It should be located close to half of the data to be written, but isn't. The log says the layer break location was copied from the original disk. It may have been in the right position on the original, but it's off on the copy. There are reasons why that would happen. I won't cloud the current issue by going into why, but if you're interested in the details, let me know.

The first thing I would suggest is trying a burn where you reset the layer break. ImgBurn can help you do that, or you can use PgcEdit-ImgBurn. Whatever you're comfortable with.

The way it is now, you're (needlessly) filling the first layer literally to the very edge, which is the area of the disk most prone to errors, and a dangerous place to put the layer break. By resetting the layer break, you'll move the layer break away from the edge, and into a little safer part of the disk.

In case you weren't aware of it, your fuji disks are really RITEK-D01-01.

[mngwdw]

Thanks for your help Vegasbud (I used to live there too). I was able to burn 1 disc this morning with no problems (without changing any layer-break settings).

My only problem is.... why now? I've been using the same media, methods & software for over a year. The only thing new is a brand new spindle of blank dvd+r dl (which is when the problem started). Do you think I have a bad batch of blanks? Of course my pc is in need of an overhaul as well.

Thanks again.

[classfour]

Possible bad media, or the firmware on the Plextor needs to be updated - you may want to check the Belgium Plextor site for firmware: They sometimes post it there a few weeks before posting it on the USA site. I went thru the same problems with a PX712A awhile back. After repeated emails to Plextor, uninstalling and reinstalling many programs at their request, I downloaded FW 1.07 for the drive. I haven't had a bad burn that wasn't my fault since. Plextor never admitted problems with the earlier firmwares, but that was the fix for me. One thing that stood out at the time was the buffer: before the fw update, it was really bouncing around; after, it's rock stable ever since.

[budz]

your PLEXTOR 740 is a rebadged BENQ 1640 drive. you could crossflash your drive to the official BENQ 1640 firmwares. check the BENQ FORUM at Cdfreaks.com.

[VegasBud]

mngwdw,

Several months ago I tried the RITEK-D01-01 since they were half the cost of the verbatim and I wanted to run experiments on dual layer. The first two spindles I didn't have a single problem, either burning or playing. The third spindle had two good disks mixed in with the 23 coasters. I just use the verbatim now. Since there isn't a coaster factor, they aren't that much more money per useable disk. Of course, it's a bonus to not have to deal with bad burns.

So, yes, it's definitely possible you could have a borderline batch of disks.

Especially in the case of borderline media, correctly setting the layer break can be the difference between a coaster and a keeper, but I understand if you'd rather not open that can of worms. Many people don't like playing with layer breaks. Personally, I enjoy picking just the right place to put it, but that way of looking at it appears to be not entirely embraced by the majority.

I used to live there too

Las Vegas says hello.