Disable backround Programs to Burn DVD's ???

[mrcairo99]

I've heard before that it is better to not have anything running in the backround when you burn to CD's, and DVD's. I have been getting different forms of read and/or write errors during burning DVD's, and making coasters about half the time. I feel it is my burner for the most part, but not sure. I use either DVD Decrypter, and either Imgburn, or Roxio. My burner is a Lite-on SOHW-1633S (double layer) with up to date firmware supplied by Lite-on. I usually disable Norton Internet Security, and disconnect my modem from the PC, but leave windows (xp pro) running normal otherwise.
Does it matter, or do I need to shut down everything I can that may be running in the backround?
or----- Can I do things like surf the net, etc. while burning runs in the backround?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
I just ordered the Pioneer 111D burner (great deal from Newegg $29.99/free shipping !!!) and want to make sure I know more about what I'm doing before I get it installed.
Thanks in advance.

[aedipuss]

burning dvdrs isn't really a background type task, even though it doesn't consume many processor cycles, too much data has to pass through. better not to use anything that will interrupt the data stream from the h.d. burn good blanks at 16x and take a break for the few minutes it takes to burn.

[Bjs]

Well ... not telling us what brand of media you have tried in the past isnt going to help ...

As for the Lite-on SOHW-1633S ... chuck it ... the liteon dvd burner's always had problems ... it's why the company is dropping the range .

The pioneer should workout fine , but consider verbatim "dvd-r" at 4x burning , and no more than 4.3gig to be written to disc .

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Only true IDIOTS burn at 16x , because they dont give a rat's if the files dont exist tommorow ... better fixation of data to media is achived at 4x .

[mrcairo99]

Sorry....I've been using Fujifilm DVD+R DL (2.4x), and some older Phillips DVD+R (2.4x)..before the Fujifilm I was using some Memorex DVD+R DL(2.4x). I've only burned a couple times with the Fujifilm...and did get a coaster.

Part of what I was wondering is if something like a screensaver coming on during burning, or a simple thing like Norton Internet Security checking for an update, little things like that......would that cause burning errors/issues??

[redwudz]

Norton could cause problems if it decides to check the file you are burning. Screen savers could cause problems if they use a lot of CPU power, which would defeat some of the purpose of a screensaver. BTW, most screens don't need saving, just set the monitor to blank out and that will do a lot better job of screen and power saving.

But you may have other problems. I have never unplugged or shut anything off. I don't run anything CPU intensive while burning, though. But no coasters, even with DL media.

If you are burning DL media, I would try some Verbatim DL and see if that cures the problem. That's the only brand that seems to work consistently for most people. A newer burner may help though, with your present media. If not, change the media.

[AlanHK]

For a good burn the burner has to have enough data ready to burn to complete it continuously.

Burners have a cache memory to smooth out interruptions. Most burning apps will display this during a burn: I get one indicator showing the percent done, another showing the status of the burner's cache. This usually stays well over 90% during a burn.

I avoid disk and memory intensive things like encoding to MPEG or transferring large files from one disk to another, I see the burner's cache running low if I do that.

I've got a Liteon and what would be considered a low-end system these days, I've never had a coaster in the last 6 months.

Might help to defrag the disk with your source files.
Try a slower burn speed, prob 4X is the minimum.

[mrcairo99]

Update: I got my Pioneer111D burner from Newegg 2 days ago. Installed it without a hitch, using an 80 pin cable I put it in as a Master to the Lite-on burner I was using. I began burning the DVD ISO's with Roxio, and have finished 8 DVD's so far, no problems at all I even burned several ISO's I had not been able to burn no matter which program I used (Roxio, Nero, Imageburn) before!!! Here's the thing also....I used the same media I was using (Fujifilm, TDK, and some old Phillips). Also leaving PC same as I did before while burning.
So, I'm pretty convinced my Lite-on 1633s burner was the main culprit....
I haven't even upgraded firmware on the Pioneer yet and it's performing outstanding!!!

Performance aside.....Should I upgrade to the latest firmware anyways??

I've read about the 3rd party firmware updates in these forums, but not sure if I want to take the chance.....I'm not concerned as much with sheer speed as I am with pure quality.

[Krispy Kritter]

If you aren't having any issues with the drive, I would let it be for now. The only time it is really a consideration, is if a newer firmware corrects a reading/burning issue you are experiencing, or if you experience any issues with new or different media.

Many of the older drives have issues similar to yours. Usually, once you find which brand/type of media they work with, they are very dependable. I had similar issues with my older Lite-On. I don't use it for burning any longer, however, I have found it will often read many discs that my other drive has problems reading.