WHAT EXACTLY IS BUFFER UNDERRUN PROTECTION?

[i am x]

Ok, time for me to learn something new. I noticed that Nero has "buffer Underrun protection", and I always click on it to use as an option while burning. Also, I'm guessing that my burner (GSA LG 4040B) supports it, but I'm not sure. Can someone explain to me (in a not TOO technical manner) exactly what buffer underrun protection is, what it does in regards to burning a DVD, and how to tell if your DVD writer supports it. Any info would be appreciated!

[andkiich]

Almost all storage devices have a RAM buffer that stores data that is passed to it, so it can cache what it is given. This is very important in the cases of burning CD/DVD because they need a continual stream of data. If the stream of data is broken and there is no data to process, the underrun function will prevent the burner from stopping it's burning process and making a coaster. I'm not 100% on the specifics, but it keeps the burning session alive, so that when it does get more data, it will start writing again and prevent the ever popular coaster.

[bartman]

AFAIK Nero creates an aditional buffer in system memory to help with buffer underrun problems. It will do this regardless if your perticular burner has hardware underrun protection or not.

With your burners buffer underrun protection enabled then in the worst case scenario, i.e. nero's buffer runs out and your burners buffer runs out, your burner will be able to switch off its laser until such time that the buffer us full again then continue where is left off....in fact, switching the laser off and on again is exactly what happens when you burn a disc using zone CAV (i.e. anything over 16x for most burners).....it tends to work most of the time (I've had mixed results though using a 20x Acer, a 24x Sony, a 52x sony and my Pioneer 104)