DVD-/+RW Write and Recording Speed problem

[sabbyk]

I just got my new computer up and running, and I decided to try burning DVD+Rs and DVD+RWs for the first time in my Creative Labs 8x Dvd-/+RW (DR8420E). I burned about 4.24 gigs to a DVD+RW burning at a speed of about 2x and it burned fine. The drive specifications says it burns maximum at 4x and these DVD RWs are 4x, so why aren't they burning at the maximum speed? Also, I bought 8x DVD+Rs and the maximum the Nero Burning program said it can burn at is 4x. When it starts to burn at 4x, it hangs and does not go any further. When I tried burning at 2x or 2.4x or so, it burned fine. Why won't the DVD-RW burn the cds to their max specs, and if I try, why is there a problem? By mistake, I downloaded firmware for it and I think it upgraded with no problem to the same firmware. Could it be that causing a problem? Also I have Easy CD Creator 5 and I wanted to use that instead of Nero because it's easier to use, but when I try to install it , Windows says it does not support this version of Easy Cd Creator. I found some ways on the internet to get it to work but it won't let me. Are there any other suggestions to get it to work? I do have SP2 installed which I think is the problem.

Windows XP PRO SP2
AMD Athlon XP 2600+ 2.08ghz
512 Ram

 

[garebo]

I'm kinda lost with all the questions, lol. However, some burning media will burn at one speed with one burner and at another speed with another burner, depends on the media and the burner. Thats why they say to just buy a few of one type to see how well they do with your burner and if satisfied then buy them in bulk.
There is a prog out that you can get for free that will tell you who made your media for me, just cant think of the name of it offhand.
It seems you are saying that you flashed your burner but you feel its the same firmware that was already there. If so, then you likely wont see any problem or any benefit.

I cant comment on easy cd i stopped using that in favor of Nero a couple years back.
Between roxios website and google you should be able to verify if there is any problem with easy cd and SP2.
Hope this helps you a bit anyway.


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[cdogg]

Easy CD Creator 5 is compatible with XP with the latest update. This link might help you get started:

http://www.roxio.com/en/support/ecdc/ecdc_xpFAQecdcv5p.jhtml

However a while back, I've found problems with Easy CD 5 and XP in terms of the registry settings it tries to modify. You would be better off upgrading to version 6 or 7, or trying out Nero 6 Ultra Edition. At this point, it seems that either the software is the problem, or the media you're using as garebo pointed out.

~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[cdogg]

I actually just found the following:

http://us.creative.com/products/pro...=259&product=9599&nav=technicalSpecifications

If you look at the chart, you'll see that DVD-RW is only supported up to 2x. DVD+RW is supported up to 4x. That's your problem with the rewritable.

~cdogg
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[garebo]

You cant get a better answer than cdogg's!


Good advice + great people = tek-tips

 

[sabbyk]

I knew about the specifications from Creative, I went to the website to make sure I wasn't crazy ! Plus they are on the box too.
I have bought 4x +ReWritables and 8x DVD+R and I don't get those speeds with the media. 4x RW burns at 2x just fine, and 8x has to burn at 2x or there are problems.
I just want to try Easy Cd Creator to see if I could burn at faster speeds maybe. I found and heard there were several probs with Easy CD Creator 5 and XP with SP2..or I would have to go through some hassle to get it to work but I will try out the links and see what I can do. Thanks !

 

[cdogg]

Yeah, if different software doesn't help, go out to Creative's site and look for firmware updates on your drive. They often resolve conflicts with certain types of media.

Also, don't forget to try other brands of DVD+RW as well like garebo mentioned.

And finally, go into the IDE channel's properties in Device Manager and make sure it's set to "DMA if available" under Advanced Settings.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884