Using Samsung SE-506CB Blu-ray/DVD writer on iMac

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Level 1

8 points

Using Samsung SE-506CB Blu-ray/DVD writer on iMac

Hi,

I have just brought a Samsung SE-506CB Blu-ray/DVD reader/writer. THis works fine on my Windows 7 laptop (at least for reading burning DVD data discs), but I am unable to get it working on my mid 2010 iMac (27" inch display, Mac OS X 10.6.8): if I insert a DVD data disc, the drive will make these noises, but the DVD disc icon does not appear. I have tried various different discs, including ones burnt by the drive when I used it on my Windows machine, and also a DVD data disc that can be read when inserted into the iMac's built-in DVD drive.

The drive does seem to be recognised by the system, when no disc is inserted -- the System Profiler list it as a Burning Device (under Hardware->Disc Burning) as TSSTcorp BDDVDW SE-506CB, and as 'MT1956' under USB (there is no description of what type of device this is). However, as soon as I insert a DVD data disc, then it is no longer listed under USB or Disc Burning. The internal DVD drive is still listed under Disc Burning, even if it also have a DVD disc inserted into it.

I would be grateful for any information on how to get this drive working on my iMac!

Cheers,

Kish

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Aug 21, 2015 12:37 PM

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Answer 1

ks108 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 25, 2015 2:47 PM in response to ks108

I have got the drive working on the iMac now. The problem seem to be the USB port I connected the drive to -- the USB cable for the drive is quite short, and so I did not connect it directly to the USB ports at the back of my iMac. Instead, I connected it to aUSB port on my keyboard (which is an Apple wired USB keyboard, and has two USB ports), and I also tried using a USB extension cable. Both these did not work with the drive.

I finally tried connecting the drive to the USB ports on the iMac directly, and also used a different USB extension cable, and the drive worked with this.

I have not had any other problems with the original extension cable and the keyboard's USB ports. Any ideas why the Samsung blu-ray/DVD drive has problems?

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,992 points

Aug 21, 2015 1:23 PM in response to ks108

OS X does not support Blue Ray however there are solutions available. These solutions are not supported by Apple, so you are pretty much on your own.

One reliable vendor that I know does offer Blue Ray solutions that work with OS X, however you need to speak directly to them to see if they will work with your computer and the reader/writer you just purchased. I suggest you contact OWC (www.macsales.com) and speak to them about what solutions they have and see if any are a match for your needs. You can either call them or do chats on their website.

Good luck.

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Answer 3

ks108 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 21, 2015 4:30 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for your reply.

I am not currently concerned about watching Blu-ray movies, which I think is what you are talking about. What I am mostly interested in at the moment is to use the Samsung as a reader/writer of DVD data discs, as a replacement for the built-in superdrive, which can no longer write DVD discs, and can only read DVD+R discs. As I described in my original message, I am unable to read DVD data discs with the SE-506CB, and the problem does not seem to be with the drive, as I can use it with my Windows 7 laptop, and I also exchanged the original drive with another one from the shop, in case there was a fault in the first one, but both had the same problem on my iMac. I assume the problem is a software/firmware issue on either my iMac or the drive -- does any one know what the problem might be, and how to fix/work around it?

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,992 points

Aug 25, 2015 4:04 PM in response to ks108

Any ideas why the Samsung blu-ray/DVD drive has problems?

The drive likely draws more power than the USB port on the keyboard provides. The ports on the back of the computer provide more power. In the event you begin running out of useable USB ports, buy yourself a high quality powered USB hub.

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Answer 5

Oct 2, 2015 2:43 PM in response to ks108

Hi folks, I have the same SE-506CB drive and changing the OEM usb cable to a higher quality fixed the same problem.

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