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TICKET ARCHIVE -> dvds not read by pcs

fiddledeedee - Jan 3, 2007 - 10:26 am

After years of working fine, dvds that I burn on my mac now cant be read by pc users. They play fine on my computer. I have a Pioneer DVR-105 dvd-rw. Do I need a new dvd burner?

thanks
kathy

LovesMacs - Jan 3, 2007 - 9:24 pm

HI Kathy,

Try a different media. I normally use Apple's DVD to burn, but they can't be read by PC users. I use Sony -R and they work perfectly for Mac and PC and on every DVD Player I've tried so far. Try different media...... that usually is what makes the difference. If that doesn't do the trick, post back and we'll delve farther.

Thanks for choosing Macosx.com

Carolyn :-)

fiddledeedee - Jan 4, 2007 - 8:06 am

Thanks very much Carolyn, I will try that - certainly cheaper than a new burner..!

Kathy

fiddledeedee - Jan 4, 2007 - 11:39 am

I have now tried the Sony dvd's and they dont work either..
any further ideas?

Kathy

LovesMacs - Jan 4, 2007 - 1:07 pm

Hi Kathy,

Shucks... I was hoping the least expensive way would work. Just like you said, after years of working fine, your Pioneer ............ maybe it's time for a new CD/DVD burner. One other thing that comes to my mind before you invest in a new one is to install new drivers/software for the Pioneer. If you have the CD that came with the hardware, just reinstall from that. If not, go to the Pioneer site, search for your model number and download new software and install. Maybe it's just the drivers????? I hate to tell someone they probably need to spend money, I do try to avoid that but sometimes the hardware just wears out. Try new drivers and see if that helps any.

Carolyn :-)

fiddledeedee - Jan 4, 2007 - 1:32 pm

It says that I dont need new drivers or updates - so I guess its the new burner option. Any recommendations? Kathy

LovesMacs - Jan 4, 2007 - 4:31 pm

Hi Kathy,

Ok.. here's the thing. Even though it says you don't need new drivers or software doesn't mean your software hasn't got corrupted. It happens. To Windows, to Mac.. it's just happens. This is a way to eliminate what's causing the problem. Install new software for the Pioneer and see if it makes a difference. It's certainly better then $$$$$ for a new one.

As far as suggestions go, you might try www.consumerreports.com. And when searching for new hardware always make sure it's Mac compatible. Also, Kathy which Mac OS are you running? Make sure you have all your Software Updates. Go to the Apple Menu top left of your Desktop in the Finder, then click Software Updates. Let the Updater search to see if your Mac needs anything.

Run Disk Utility. It's located in Applications>Utilitiies. When DU opens, select MacintoshHD in the panel on the left, then click the button that says:
Repair Permissions. Do this once a week.

Also, get Onyx. It's FREE. It's for Mac 10.4.2 and later. It's the best system disk utility out there for Macintosh. Takes about 3 mins to download and install. Run the Maintenance and Cleaning scripts to keep your Mac running stable.

It's against policy on this site for me to suggest certain manufacturers, but since you had good luck with your Pioneer for 4 yrs, I can say... maybe a new one.

Carolyn :-)

TechSupport - Jan 10, 2007 - 8:10 am

fiddledeedee - Jan 10, 2007 - 8:30 am

I was having trouble with DVDs that I burned on my computer
they could be read by my computer but not by pcs.

However I have found that if I burn photos directly from iphoto - the dvds are readable by other computers.

It seems to be a problem when I use the burn icon that comes up with the blank cd. A different databox comes up when I burn in iphoto, it mentions the pioneer DVR105 burner by name.

Am I rash is hoping that this means I dont need to buy a new dvd burner - but that there is a software fix? I cant download software updates from pioneer because they dont support mac - they only sell to apple itself. (I am using OSX10.2.8. on a powermac G4) Thanks Kathy