I recently bought new dvd media (16x)and have had nothing but problems with burning my back ups. I went back to 8x dvd media and things seem to be Ok. I read on some of the packaging that i might have to update the firmware for my burners:
LG GSA-4040B
LG GSA-4160B
Can anyone offer advice? I am new to this, or any forum for that matter, hope I am not asking something obvious/stupid.
Hi moopes
Welcome to aD!
Firmware helps the drive with read/write strategies of media - esp the newer ones like 16x and dual layer. It's good to keep the firmware up to date. This may help you with the 16x media and 8x too.
To check which version of fimrware you have right click on 'my computer'. Click on the 'hardware' tab then 'device manager'. Under 'dvd/cd rom drives' right on each drive. Click on 'properties' then details. To the right is the version # of your current firmware.
Here's a pic for illustration - the firmware in this pic is version 1.02
What's versions are listed for your drives?
Thanks for the reply, I will follow up on the firmware.
As far as my media I was using TDK+R (8x)PrintOn from Costco, the reason being, I was told that media discs are as likely, if not more likely to fail from the top side, rather than the bottom. These discs come well coated for printing, and I figured better protected,(the price was good too). I ended up trying Memorex 16x DVD+R from Future Shop (on sale), never had a problem with Memorex before, but I think the 16x, maybe an issue. Went back to Costco and got some of those old 8x TDK's, and have not had a problem since.
I must ask, as I have previouly never had a problem. As far as media is it basicaly all the same, or do different manufacturers, do different things, to their media to make them behave differently.
You're welcome!
Here's a short version on media & firmware.
Your have 2 older drives that more than likely to handle newer media will need a firmware update (if not already up to date).
You can check which version you have than check either LG's website or here to see if there is a newer version.
http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_search.php
Unfortunately not all media is created equal. Some things involved - dye used, application, quality control process etc.
Look for discs that are made by quality manufacturers and use a superior dye - azo - like Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. Instore for Taiyo look for made in Japan Sony or Fuji.
Inferior dye and the application of it can lead to burning and or playback problems. The 2 you are using do not always use the best manufacturers or dye.
Hope this helps some!
CD-Rs are more susceptible to damage from the top, not DVDs because the data layer is sandwiched in the middle. Printable DVD discs, however, originally had problems with contraction of the printable ink that caused tilt problems--the discs ended up slightly cupped, invisible to the eye but not to the laser.
The LG drives need firmware updates to record properly to 16X discs. Azo-cyanine dye is a good choice for DVD discs--that's why almost everyone uses it, including CMC and Ritek (except for cases where oxonol dye is used for various reasons; the major brands using CMC--HP, Imation, Memorex--specify azo-cyanine for their discs). Those who blame poor performance on dye formulations often know very little about either chemistry or optical manufacturing.
