LiteOn SHW 160P6S won't burn Memorex 8X Dual Layer

[Jackpine]

I have a LiteOn SHW 160P6S dual layer internal burner that I purchased in May 2006. I updated the firmware in March 2007 from the LiteOn website with the most current firmware version (September 4, 2006, DR16PS0B.) That version of the firmware still appears on the LiteOn website as the most current for this burner.

It has worked flawlessly since I purchased the burner and continues to do so today. I have burned Memorex 2.4X dual layer discs with almost 100% success. (Out of about 500 discs burned, I ended up with maybe 5 coasters.)

However, during the last week, I purchased Memorex 8X dual layer discs from Future Shop, which I have never seen on the market before. When I tried burning one of these, I got a message saying "illegal disc," and it wouldn't burn. I tried another disc and got the same result. I checked to see if there were any burner settings that I should adjust, but I didn't find anything.

I then contacted LiteOn and explained the problem. I asked if the reason that I couldn't burn these new discs was that maybe I needed a more current firmware version. They replied that I should install the current firmware and try again. (Even though I told them that I had already done that.) They also said to install the burner in another PC to make sure it can burn. Well, it can burn, just not at 8X. They then suggested that I take it to the retailer for servicing. I don't know about that.

There you have it. Does anyone have any ideas as to why I can't burn the Memorex 8X DVD9s, but I can burn Memorex 2.4 DVD9s?

Thanks

[creakndale]

Jackpine,
Over the years I've had these DVD writers:
TDK DVDRW420N
NEC ND-3500AG
NEC ND-3520A
HL-DT-ST GCA-4040N (in laptop)

I used all the above drives to burn Fujifilm DVD+RW 2.4X discs which worked flawlessly. I have about 10 of these discs and never a bad burn. Then I decided to upgrade to a LightScribe burner. I researched the market and choose to purchase a Lite-On SHM-165HS6 burner based on excellent user recommendations. This burner will NOT burn Fujifilm DVD+RW 2.4X discs. I get the same Illegal Disc error as you're getting. However, it reads them just fine. My Lite-On has the latest firmware. I think Lite-On burners will just not burn certain discs and I will look to another manufacturer whenever I purchase another burner.

[oldandinthe way]

I can't burn memorex DVD+RDL in my LG burners. Its a pretty common experience.

Get Verbatim DL media

[budz]

I can't burn memorex DVD+RDL in my LG burners. Its a pretty common experience.

Get Verbatim DL media

Use VERBATIM DL MEDIA then you'll have problems.

[Jackpine]

I am using Nero Ultra Edition. Is it possible that the software needs to be updated so that it will recognize the Memorex 8X media?

[oldandinthe way]

I am using Nero Ultra Edition. Is it possible that the software needs to be updated so that it will recognize the Memorex 8X media?

Unlikley. The software gets its information about the media from the drive firmware. If the drive has a write strategy for that media, Nero will use it.

[oldandinthe way]

If you are intent on trying to make this work - you should verify that your drive firmware actually has a write strategy for this media.

You will need the mediaID for the memorex media, the firmware file you downloaded from Lite-On and a copy of MCSE which you can download from www.cdfreaks.com.

MCSE can read the write strategies present in the firmware. If there is none for your media you will need to try hunting for the values which are appropriate for it and MCSE can patch your firmware. Visit the Lite-On burner forum on www.cdfreaks.com

[videohelpguy]

hi jack

i also have the same burner model with the latest firmware update vsoc. dont listen to the manufactuer because it is always the best thing you can do to any device when you update its drivers because they fix certain issues with patches and bugs, things like that etc.. firmware's usually unlock the full potential of your drives anways, especially the 3rd party hackers version of firmwares for the type of drives people have. back to the lite-on shw-160p6s. i have had the same problem with burning on memorex dl 8x media and not only me, my friend with a different type of pioneer burner and other people are experiencing the same with this media. reason is because its just a shit media to burn anything on. i can burn no problem at the highest speeds with any other media but memorex. no worries!, its not the drive. its simply the media. if i cant get my hands on verbatims which is hands down the highest quality media around, i use dynex. i hope this will help you not to worry. lite-on is a great drive and i would definitely buy another 1 if something ever happens to this one.

Mark Rizzo
NYC