DVD dual layer write speed?

Question

DVD dual layer write speed?

Anybody know what the maximum write speed of the Superdrive is, for dual-layer DVDs?

I have a late 2011 MacBook Pro 15" and I want to buy some blank DL DVDs. I'm looking at Verabtim DVD+R DL blank media. They offer both 2.4X and 8X speeds. I've read that the 8X disks - which are more expensive, roughly 15 for the price of 20 of the slower disks - can be a problem for older drives that don't support that speed.

I already know that my Superdrive will write at 8X or more for a single-layer disk.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3), 15" Late-2011

Posted on Apr 12, 2013 9:01 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 12, 2013 9:13 AM in response to Wayne Henderson

Silly me, I see the specs are given by Apple at their usual place for tech specs:

8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Maximum write: 8x DVD-R, DVD+R; 4x DVD-R DL (double layer), DVD+R DL (double layer), DVD-RW, DVD+RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW

So let me refine my question: Will an 8X disk even work in a drive that supports a max of 4X?

Given the price difference, I'll probably go with the 2.4X disks anyway. But I'd still like to know.

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Answer 2

Apr 12, 2013 9:18 AM in response to Wayne Henderson

The 2.4x and the faster 8x disks are different technologies, and are NOT interchangeable.

You may get a really helpful error message such as "failed to calibrate the laser power" from using the wrong type.

Be sure to take full advantage of:

About this Mac > ( More Info ) > Disk Burning ...

...

"Media: To show the available burn speeds, insert a disc and choose View > Refresh"

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Answer 3

Apr 12, 2013 3:06 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

"Be sure to take full advantage of:

About this Mac > ( More Info ) > Disk Burning ..."

Yup, this showed me that my 8X (single layer) disk could in fact be burned at 8X, but without any DL disks for testing, ATM doesn't tell you anything about burning speeds.

Thanks for the confirmation that I do NOT want to buy the 8X disks. I've gone ahead and ordered the 2.4X Verbatim disks. I also saw some labeled as 2.4-6X, and I suppose those would work with my 4X drive.

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