disk image from Mac mini (Mid 2011)

Question

disk image from Mac mini (Mid 2011)

I'm trying to create a copy of a home video DVD on my (Mid 2011) Mac Mini, running Version 10.13.3.

I am using a brand new Apple USB SuperDrive (Model A1379)

After connecting the drive to my Mac Mini, I insert my home video DVD to be copied into the External Drive.

In Finder, I select the original DVD from the sidebar.

"AUDIO_TS and VIDEO_TS" will appear in the drop down window.

Back in Finder, I select "Burn <the desired filename> to disk."

Next, a pop-up window will prompt you "To begin, insert a blank disk."

I eject the original DVD, then insert a blank DVD.

The next drop down window asks if I'm sure I want to burn the contents of _____ to a disk.

The next drop down widow shows the burning process beginning and shows the State:"Finishing"

I can hear the the SuperDrive spinning, but after about 45 seconds I get the error message: "The disc can't be burned, because the device failed to calibrate the laser power level for this media."

I've tried a different DVD brand to see if the quality of the DVD was the problem, but I got the same result.

NOTE: On this Mac Mini, I wanted to create a .dmg to create a copy of my DVD using the Disk Utility on this Mac. There is no "New Image" feature in this version of the Disk Utility on this Mac. Is that because the Mac Mini does not have an internal optical drive?

Any suggestions on how to duplicate my home video DVD on from my Mac Mini with an Apple SuperDrive?

Mac mini, macOS High Sierra (10.13.3), Mid 2011

Posted on Feb 7, 2018 6:30 PM

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Answer 1

dwb

Level 7

33,244 points

Feb 8, 2018 6:54 AM in response to Louie The Photo Guy

When you burn a disc, the system performs a quick test to determine if the burner is working and you have good media. The error you are getting indicates it is failing. There are 3 basic reasons for a fail: 1) bad drive, 2) bad media, 3) dirty lens. In my work I start with option 3 and work up to 1. You can find lens cleaners at most big box stores. They aren't expensive. It sounds like you've already tried different media but I've found the SuperDrive to be very picky about media. I've had the best luck with Sony and Memorex. Note too that inexpensive media can go bad fast - in a year or less - and there's no telling how long the discs have been on store shelves. In other words, go to a store where you think media will sell and be replaced quickly.

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Answer 2

Feb 13, 2018 9:01 AM in response to Louie The Photo Guy

Thanks, dub. I inserted a lens cleaner disk and then used Memorex disks to make copies. The application that I used along with the Apple SuperDrive successfully was Toast.

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Answer 3

Feb 8, 2018 11:56 AM in response to Louie The Photo Guy

Thanks, dwb. I'll use a lens cleaner disk, since I can't get into the SuperDrive. Then if that doesn't resolve my problem, (which I don't think should exist on a brand new Apple SuperDrive) I go purchase the DVD brands sited in your reply. Please stay tuned for the results. Again, thanks for your advise. Oh! The errors I get result after what appears (by process status messages during the 'write' process) to be ALMOST a successful copy. I forgot to mention that the "Verify" process fails.

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Answer 4

dwb

Level 7

33,244 points

Feb 13, 2018 12:24 PM in response to Louie The Photo Guy

Great news. just for the fun of it, try one of the other media to see if Memorex was the key or the lens cleaner. Course it might have been both.

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disk image from Mac mini (Mid 2011)

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