dvd writer problem

bl30 · #1 August 24th, 2005, 05:18 PM

I have a G4, 933 w/ 512 RAM operating on 10.3.9. My driver is a PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104. Here's my problem:

I'm trying to use Popcorn to create a copy of a DVD and when I hit the record button, the window prompts me to put in blank DVD. When I do this and hit "close tray" it closes and then ejects the tray, makes a strange sound and spins the disc around after it ejects. I've tried repairing disc permissions and that didn't fix anything. I've tried using a couple different blank discs with the same result. I'm using Sony DVD-Rs if that would make a difference. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

ElDiabloConCaca · #2 August 24th, 2005, 09:56 PM

Does this happen only with Popcorn, or does it happen every time you try to burn any kind of CD/DVD (data, music, video, etc.)?

bl30 · #3 August 25th, 2005, 01:07 PM

This is the first time I've tried to burn a DVD. I burned an audio cd, an MP3 and a data disc this morning and they all worked perfectly. I tried to burn a DVD through iDVD and that didn't work either. I got an error message (which sadly I didn't write down and now I can't get it to show up again), then I tried it again and it said something about my writer not being supported by iDVD, which I don't understand because the superdrive came installed directly from the factory when I bought it. I'm thoroughly puzzled. Any ideas? Thanks.

ElDiabloConCaca · #4 August 25th, 2005, 03:51 PM

I would recommend trying with some higher-quality media, like Verbatim or Apple's own DVD-R media -- without trying with different media, we can't narrow down the problem.

The DVR-104 is a 2x writer -- what speed are the Sony DVD-Rs rated? I would suggest using only 1x or 2x media with that drive, although 4x media should work (but it will need to be burned at 1x, strangely enough).

bl30 · #5 August 25th, 2005, 08:56 PM

Thank you so much for your help. I've tried Sony and Imation DVDs with the same result. I haven't tried an Apple DVD-R yet. The Sony discs are rated 1x-8x. However, I haven't attempted the burn settings at 2x so I'll give that a try.

bl30 · #6 August 25th, 2005, 11:06 PM

I'm sorry by my last post, I meant to say "I haven't tried the burn settings at 1x". Anyway, I DID try that (1x) and it worked like a charm. Thank you for all your help.

albloom · #7 August 26th, 2005, 07:25 AM

The Sony 1-to-8 discs suck toads.

You need a lower X-ness with the 104, like 4X or lower.

I've had great luck with Samsung DigitAll 1X discs from
meritline.com (50 cents or so). I need to go that low
for compatibility with my old consumer DVD-writer.

bl30 · #8 August 26th, 2005, 09:29 AM

So when I buy blanks I shouldn't get any over 4x? I'll try those other ones. Thanks!