DVD Writer Problem/Question

[golfnut]

I have had a Plextor 708 for about 2 years now and have never had a problem. Now all of my DVD backups are coming up with errors at the 70-85% mark when checked with DVDINFO. I know the first thing you think is bad media, but this is not the case I do not think. I use nothing but TYs +R normally but I just bought a pack of Verbatim (MCC) +R and I am having the same problem.

Can anyone tell me how to check my burner to see if it is bad or could this problem be another issue such as hard drive, software, etc.

I use ripit4me, fixvts, decrypter, shrink, and imgburn for all my backs and yes they are all up to date. I would appreciate any help or advice on what to check and how to repair if possible. Otherwise I plan on purchasing a new burner today (any recommendations appreciated). Thank you for your reply.

8) 8) 8)

[blinky88]

I use DVD Shrink to Decrypt, Encode, Re-author and Shrink and DVD Decrypter to burn. I now burn at 6x regardless of the speed of the media. The media I am using is Verbatim (MCC+R) and have never experienced a problem of any description. You may just have a corrupt file in the hidden Shrink Folder. Goto folder options and select show hidden files. Then goto Documents and Settings >All Users > Application Data > DVD Shrink, open the folder then select all files within and delete. Then use Shrink and Decrypter as described above, this may solve your problem.

[budz]

golfnut those discs that have errors on them do they play okay in a standalone dvd player? If you really want to check those discs then scan them by using CD/DVD SPEED but you'll have to use either a BENQ or LITEON drive for scanning to get the most accurate results. I have my 708A drive sitting on the shelf and only use it when there's a disc I can't rip like a disc that has read errors on them.

If you're interested in buying a new dvd burner get the LG-H22N, LG-H42N or PIONEER 111D.

I'd also suggest getting a rebadged BENQ 1650 drive from COMPUSA. They have a COMPUSA branded drive on sale right now for $40.00 after mail in rebate. The BENQ drives are becoming scarce as they sold their optical division to LITEON. If you really want the BENQ you'll have to open up the COMPUSA brand box to see if it's a BENQ or LITEON drive. Some have been lucky to snag a BENQ 1640 drive under the COMPUSA brand.

[golfnut]

budz thank you very much for the reply. Yes/no some of the discs did play fine while others had freeze problems. However another problem happend today with my 708 that is going to force me to buy a new burner. When I finished backing up a disc today in the 708 the burner would not open. I used the tool supplied by Plextor to open the tray and get the disc out. Now after doing this the tray will no longer close properly nor will it play a disc. Guess it has just finally bit the dust. I will definitely get one of the burners you suggest, probably the pioneer since I do not have a CompUSA near me. There is one about 95 miles away but that is a stretch just to hope I might find the BenQ. Can you give me that web address to flash the Pioneer so that it will write to single layer. Thank you again for your replies and information, you have been a tremendous help to me on this subject. Have a great evening.

PS - Where can I download CD/CDV Speed, is it freeware?

[golfnut]

blinky88 thank you for your suggestions. I did as you described but no luck, think the 708 is just toast, now it won't even open or close or play a disc as of about 4 hours ago. Thanks again for trying to help.

[budz]

yes cd/dvd speed is freeware.
http://www.cdspeed2000.com/

download the Pioneer hacked firmware from the "THE DANGEROUS BROTHERS" website.
http://tdb.rpc1.org/#DVR111L

download the PIONEER 111L 8.19* INT (Buffalo-Internal) firmware & the PIONEER 111L 8.29 INT (Buffalo-Internal) firmware.

first flash with the PIONEER 111L 8.19* INT (Buffalo-Internal) firmware in safemode then reboot pc. then flash with the PIONEER 111L 8.29 INT (Buffalo-Internal) firmware in safemode then reboot pc. you'll now have bitsetting to dvdrom for single layer DVD+R media. the drive is factory set to bitsetting to dvdrom for DVD+R DUAL LAYER MEDIA.

btw flashing with the hacked firmware will void the original PIONEER warranty.

[golfnut]

budz what is the difference between buffalo internal and dangerous bros. downloads? Also for whatever reason my computer will not reboot in safe mode, will it still be ok to download both in regular windows? Thanks.

[budz]

the buffalo internal firmware allows the bitsetting to dvdrom for SINGLE LAYER DVD+R MEDIA. if you flash your drive with the official PIONEER firmware you aren't able to have bitsetting to dvdrom for SINGLE LAYER DVD+R MEDIA.

the hacked firmware from the dangerous brothers website will allow you to have the bitsetting to dvdrom. they've incorporated the buffalo firmware to allow the bitsetting to dvdrom for SINGLE LAYER DVD+R MEDIA as well as making the drive region free. If you're not planning on using DVD+R media and don't need the drive region free then just use the official PIONEER firmware.

i flash my drives in safemode because i'm paranoid.
flashing in windows should be fine but make sure you turn off any programs running in the background like virus and spyware software.

why can't you boot into safemode all you need to do is press F8 to boot into safemode. it has to be done quickly or it will just load windows.

[golfnut]

budz thank you. I do press F8 very quickly but it still will not come up to safe mode for some reason. Thank you Budz, don't know what I could do withou it.

[golfnut]

Budz I just ordered the Pioneer 111D (bare drive) from Rima. I have also ordered an 80 wire cable for it. Can you tell me where I can find a copy of the owner/installation manual? I have checked Pioneer site and did a google search with no luck. I need the jumper setting diagram as I am going to use this drive as slave.

Also did you update your firmware to 1.29 prior the hack flashings to 111dl, do you recommend this update. Reason I ask is that Pioneer says once you update you can not go back. Any other recommendations you may have that I should do while installing would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[budz]

I never did use the official Pioneer firmware with my drives. It's up to you whether or not you want to use the dangerous bros. hacked firmware. The hack is good to use if you want bitsetting to dvdrom for single layer dvd+r media.

The jumper setting will be the middle one for slave setting. Although most will recommend the Pioneer drive be set as master. I have one of my Pioneers set a slave which runs fine.

[golfnut]

Budz thank you. I definitely need the hacked firmware for SL burning as that is all I use at this point, DL still too expensive for my taste. Does the hacked firmware also make the drive region free or is there a way to do this?

[golfnut]

Budz have you found a good, reliable drive just for ripping and error scanning? I am currently using an old Pioneer DVD 105 which may bite the dust any day now. Thank you.

[budz]

Budz thank you. I definitely need the hacked firmware for SL burning as that is all I use at this point, DL still too expensive for my taste. Does the hacked firmware also make the drive region free or is there a way to do this? Budz have you found a good, reliable drive just for ripping and error scanning? I am currently using an old Pioneer DVD 105 which may bite the dust any day now. Thank you.

I don't do much scanning unless there's some problem with the playback of a disc. I use my BENQ 1640, 1650 & 1655 & LITEON 181AP drive for scanning. I use CD/DVD SPEED for quality scans, 8x spd when using the BENQ drives and LITEON one is at 4x. There's no exact science with these quality scans but they can be helpful.

[golfnut]

Thanks Budz, I really do appreciate all the help and advice. Have a nice evening.

[budz]

welx!