Lite-On SOHW-1213s + verbatim DVD-Rs = no joy

[John]

Hello,

I was recently given a pack of Verbatim DataLifePlus, Inkjet Printable,
16X DVD-Rs but cannot seem to successfully burn any on my Lite-On
SOHW-1213S (using Nero SmartStart).

If I attempt a burn, Nero will default to 4X (even though the
SOHW-1213S can write DVD-Rs at 8X, no option for 8X is given in the
dropdown box). The burn will fail (I've tried 4 different disks),
reporting an "illegal disk" error and "Could not perform start of
disk-at-once" or "Could not perform end of disk-at-once" errors. And
even though the Lite-On should be able to handle 8x, it cannot burn at
4X or even 2.4X.

I have had no problems using other media (just burned successfully with
a Taiyo-Yuden, 8X, DVD+R disk) and my system is plenty capable (3GHz
P4, 1GB memory).

If I run Nero's "Test Drive" s/w, Disk Info reports:
Disk type: DVD-R
Book type DVD-R
Manufacturer: Verbatim
MID: MCC 03RG20
Write Speed: 1X - 2X - 4X (they're labelled at 16X and the SOHW-1213S
allows 8X DVD-R writes)

If I try to run the "Benchmark" s/w, Nero pops up an error dialog with
the following text:
CANNOT WRITE MEDIUM - INCOMPATIBLE MEDIUM (023005)

The Disk Quality s/w reports: "Error initialziing test."

Also, it appears that neither the Disk Quality nor ScanDisk s/w
correctly recognizes the DVD (eg, the "Speed" setting is left blank).

Does anyone else have problems using the 1213S and Verbatim
DataLifePlus (with inkjet printable labels) DVDs? Verbatim seems to
have a fairly good reputation and I find it hard to believe that 5
disks pulled from a spindle of 50 would all be bad, so I assume it's
something I'm doing wrong.

Thanks,
J

 

[John Turco]

John wrote:

Does anyone else have problems using the 1213S and Verbatim
DataLifePlus (with inkjet printable labels) DVDs? Verbatim seems to
have a fairly good reputation and I find it hard to believe that 5
disks pulled from a spindle of 50 would all be bad, so I assume it's
something I'm doing wrong.

Thanks,
J

Hello, John:

It's not your fault; some blank discs are simply incompatible with
certain drives.


Cordially,
John Turco <[email protected]>

 

[Groucho]

Hello,

I was recently given a pack of Verbatim DataLifePlus, Inkjet Printable,
16X DVD-Rs but cannot seem to successfully burn any on my Lite-On
SOHW-1213S (using Nero SmartStart).

That model burner is getting on a bit now and may not have a writing
strategy in the firmware specific to the media ID (MID) of those discs (MCC
03RG20). Dropping to 4X speed without 8x and 12x being available is a good
indication of that. It's most likely using a generic writing strategy for an
unknown disc and doing a lousy job of it. I would look for the latest
firmware update and see if it helps. Otherwise try and stick with older 8x
media as chances are your burner has had more firmware development with the
slower rated discs and most will be listed in the firmware.