Can't read DVD-R Dual Layer, everything else works fine

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Level 2

199 points

Can't read DVD-R Dual Layer, everything else works fine

I have a Matshita DVD-R UJ-846 in my Intel iMac 20" that works just fine except for one strange issue: I can't read DVD-R Dual Layer discs that are burned with my standalone Pioneer DVR-630 DVD recorder. I also tried burning a DVD-R Dual Layer disc with a different external burner, and my iMac can't read that one either.

I have absolutely NO problems reading or burning ANY single layer DVDs, and I have NO problems burning or reading DVD+R Double Layer discs. Commercial DVDs that are dual layer play fine too.

I know this drive does not support burning DVD-R Dual Layer but it should read it! It reads fine in Pioneer external drives, and HP internal drives I have tested on PCs.

Any suggestions? Known issue?

Intel iMac 2gHz/500/2GB/20" Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Oct 16, 2006 2:39 PM

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Answer 1

Wender. Author

Level 2

199 points

Oct 18, 2006 4:41 PM in response to Wender.

By the way - the media used are Verbatim DVD-R Dual Layer

I haven't found any other brand making DVD-R Dual Layer discs, only DVD+R Double Layer Discs, which I have had no problems with by the way. This is one strange issue!

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Answer 2

Oct 20, 2006 12:32 AM in response to Wender.

If I have my information correct, and by what is listed in the specifications DVD-R DL is not readable on this drive only because it is not writeable.
I fear that it is more a Firmware issue I would check Google and see if there is a Firmware fix to allow Read or Write options for -R Dl
Cheers Don
http://support.apple.com/specs/imac/iMacLate2006.html

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Answer 3

Oct 20, 2006 6:41 PM in response to Donald Morgan

Mine reads and writes Verbatim DVD +R DL media just fine, but only at 2x for writing. My old Pioneer Superdrive in my G4 tower wrote to that media twice as fast. But even with the Pioneer drive DL writing was a Verbatim-only thing. I'd burn coasters with any other brand I ever tried - even Ritek. And MANY DVD drives just can't read burn-your-own DL media reliably. It is not a shock that you would be having problems getting that -R DL media to be read by your internal drive. And I agree that a future firmware update could fix this as those discs become more common. I have yet to see any DVD -R DL media offered for sale in a retail store.

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Answer 4

Oct 21, 2006 9:05 AM in response to Wender.

http://www.videohelp.com/dvd
You must understand that not all Dual Layer is the same.
If you will take a little time and familiarize your self with the background and use of the all the different DVD formats from there beginnings and through the evolution.
Not all DVD Optical Drives are the same and thus DO NOT HAVE THE SAME CAPABILITY. Through Software and Firmware that will allow these capabilities to be enhanced to there potential.
So in a Nutshell your drive to date does not have the capabilities to burn DVD-R DL
Don

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Answer 5

Wender. Author

Level 2

199 points

Oct 22, 2006 4:10 PM in response to Donald Morgan

Okay, thanks for your help.

Again: This issue is only about READING DVD-R (not +R) Dual Layer discs.

I know this superdrive isn't supposed to BURN -R Dual Layer and as I said I can both read and write +R Double Layer discs.

I still think it's strange, because the DVD-R Dual Layer discs I make on my standalone Pioneer DVD recorder play fine in any DVD player I have tried (six in total now) and they are also read by any other DVD-rom unit in seven PCs I have tried. Even with a Pioneer 104 in an older iMac!

Again: No problems with any single layer DVD (+/-/R/RW) or +R Double Layer burn or read - everything is OK with those formats.

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Answer 6

Wender. Author

Level 2

199 points

Oct 22, 2006 4:15 PM in response to Donald Morgan

The link to the tech specs says:

17-inch model with 2.0GHz processor, 20-inch model and 24-inch model with slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Writes DVD+R DL discs at up to 2.4x speed
Writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed
Writes DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs at up to 4x speed
Reads DVDs at up to 8x speed
Writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed
Writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed
Reads CDs at up to 24x speed

...again, the writing of +R DL is OK. And then it only says "Reads DVDs at up to 8x speed"

Nothing about NOT being able to read -R DL discs. The really strange thing is that my -R DL DVDs are read with no problems on a strictly +R burn capability HP writer. Reading shouldn't be a problem, but it is...

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Answer 7

Wender. Author

Level 2

199 points

Nov 3, 2006 1:48 PM in response to Wender.

I just got a new MacBook Pro 15" Core 2 Duo...

Drive: MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-857D

This drive reads the same DVD-R DL with no problems.

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