disk problem

[notever]

I have tried to burn a dvd using Nero but keep getting an error message 'disk invalid'
The disks are Maxwell DVD-R 1-16 speed. I usually use Maxell disks up to 8 speed but this new pack of disks are 16 speed, would that make a difference? Does it mean my burner won't do anything over 8 speed I thought that 1- 16 would mean it would burn at any speed up to 16. Any comments/suggestions would be gratefully received

Cheers

[hech54]

Check for a firmware update for your drive/burner.

[TooLFooL]

nero has a drop-down box above where you pick the project type. be sure DVD is selected here, and not CD

[notever]

Thanks for your quick responses. I apparently have the most up to date firmware (whatever that is) and DVD is selected when I'm burning. Is there anything else I should look for?


Cheers

[hech54]

Are you burning an .iso image or DVD folders?
Best way to check it to switch burning programs.
There are plenty of free burning programs available...especially if you are using .iso images.

[FulciLives]

ImgBurn is the best way to burn a DVD Video and it is freeware. I know that may seem amazing but it is true that the best DVD Video burning program is actually FREE.

So try ImgBurn and when using ImgBurn you can set the recording speed to MAX or a specified speed. In your case try setting it to 8x instead of MAX.

Although my DVD burner supports 16x burning I never burn faster than 6x on 8x or 16x media since 6x is the fastest you can burn and get a constant burn rate. Once you jump up to 8x or faster the speed "ramps up and down" and I hate that ... I just can't see how that gives a "quality burn".

However some people agree with that 6x burning speed thing while others think I am nuts about that so ... take that bit of info as you like.

Although I will say this ... the disc invalid thing usually means your DVD burner cannot use that type of media. In other words are you sure your DVD burner supports DVD-R discs? It could be that your DVD burner is a DVD+R only type burner. Sounds obviously but people have made that mistake before.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[TooLFooL]

yes this sounds like a media incompatibility problem. is your drive supposed to be able to use these disks? what burner is it?

Although my DVD burner supports 16x burning I never burn faster than 6x on 8x or 16x media since 6x is the fastest you can burn and get a constant burn rate.

i totally agree.. i actually just stick with 4x

[notever]

I usually use Maxell 8 speed DVD-R and have had no problems. The choice of speed changes once the blank disks in place to 2.4 max. I always burn a DVD Video. I have just borrowed a Imation DVD -R 8 speed disk and it burnt without a problem. The new
1-16x speed disk are only different from my usual Maxells on the speed front. Is there something I need to alter within Nero so I can use these new disks?

Many thanks

[FulciLives]

2.4x is a burn speed used by DVD+R discs.

Are you sure you didn't buy DVD+R discs???

Also have you tried burning with ImgBurn instead of NERO???

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[notever]

No they actually show on them DVD-R and are Maxell. My burner is a NEC ND2500A
I've not tried ImgBurn but I will give it a go

Thanks for the quick response

[olyteddy]

From: http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h550.htm

ND-2500A, which is the first DVD-R/+R drive capable of writing to both formats at 8x speed

[FulciLives]

That model NEC is a bit older now ... are you sure that you checked on the firmware? I seem to recall a lot of NEC hacked firmwares back in the day ... often times the hacked firmware is better than the official.

Your response earlier to firmware did not seem overly optimistic (it almost sounded like you had no idea what it was) and now that you mentioned the model number ... and now that I realize it is an older but "well supported" drive (when it comes to hacked firmware) it just seems appropriate to ask the question again.

Have you checked and made sure that you have the best and newest firmware for your DVD burner?

I don't have that model so don't expect me or anyone else to look for you.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[TooLFooL]

ahh yes, i do believe that drive is only compatible with 8x disks. and even if firmware did allow it to "use" 16x discs, you would still be limited to 8x burning.

also, the fact that they only let you pick a max speed of 2.4x is an indication of incompatibility, as they are not being properly recognised. if the burner can't tell what type of disc is in the drive, it can't burn properly.

i have 2 new pioneer burners that are both capable of 16x, but very often behave the same when i use the cheap media... they will show a max speed of 2.4x or 4x. sometimes if i open/close the drive it will read it properly, but about 50% of the time the burn will fail anyhow.

this isn't an exact science... you always have some trial & error finding what works best for you. my advise is to splurge on some 8x TY's. i don't think you will be disappointed!

[FulciLives]

You can order Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R discs at RIMA.COM

In fact here is a direct link ---> CLICK HERE

That's the best 8x DVD-R media you can buy and RIMA.COM is very reliable.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman