NEC ND-3650A DVD-/+RW does not burn DVD 16x, but burns 8x

Question

It's Dimension 8400, DVD-/+RW model is NEC ND-3650A. Firmware is 103C. Using Sonic RecordNow 7.   Before it used to burn DVD-R (and DVD+R) speed 8x, no problems. It is still able to burn CDs, but refuses to burn on DVR-R speed 16x. Recordnow sees the disk, shows its capacity, but when asked to burn shows error message with advise to wipe the disk or change it to another or use different producer's disk. First had problem with Sony, so went to shop and got Imation which it never had problem with. Still error...:( The only difference between two Imation's DVD-Rs is old ones had '8x label', new ones have '16x label'...   Please help.

osprey4 · Answer

Download and install DVD Identifier and post the identity of the discs. By the way, this is a great tool to have for many reasons.

cyberuz · Answer

Here is info on VERBATIM disk that also works with my DVD:

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Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:MCC 03RG20  ]
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Disc & Book Type :       [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name :      [Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.]
Manufacturer ID :        [MCC 03RG20  ]
Blank Disc Capacity :    [2,298,496 Sectors = 4.71 GB (4.38 GiB)]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier V5.0.1 - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

cyberuz · Answer

and this one is for IMATION:

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Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:MBI 01RG40]
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Disc & Book Type :       [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name :      [Moser Baer India Ltd.]
Manufacturer ID :        [MBI 01RG40]
Blank Disc Capacity :    [2,298,496 Sectors = 4.71 GB (4.38 GiB)]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier V5.0.1 - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

cyberuz · Answer

Strangely enough, old Imation disk (the one that works) shows another manufacturer:

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Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:FUJIFILM03]
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Disc & Book Type :       [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name :      [Fuji Film]
Manufacturer ID :        [FUJIFILM03]
Blank Disc Capacity :    [2,298,496 Sectors = 4.71 GB (4.38 GiB)]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier V5.0.1 - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

cyberuz · Answer

This one is for SONY
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:SONY16D1]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc & Book Type :       [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name :      [Sony Recording Media Co.]
Manufacturer ID :        [SONY16D1]
Blank Disc Capacity :    [2,298,496 Sectors = 4.71 GB (4.38 GiB)]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier V5.0.1 - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

cyberuz · Answer

Just in case, here is that error message that mt Sonic RecordNow! 7.3 gives me:

There was a problem writing to the disc. You can try again by clicking the Retry button. You will need another blank disk ready.

If now I click the Explain button it shows following advise:

Recording error

Recording errors often occur when the media contains dirt, fingerprints, or scratches.

If you are getting recording errors:

Try using a new disc.

Try using a different manufacturer's disc.

Ensure the disc is clean before recording:

Remove all fingerprints, dirt, and dust from the shiny side of your disc using a nonabrasive cloth with a mild, nonabrasive soap solution.

Wipe the disc from the center to the edge.

Dry the disc completely.

osprey4 · Answer

Sony are not good media. If you can write to those discs at 8x, I think you're ahead. Imation is a mixed bag. You never know what you're getting, which is why I never buy those. Verbatim, which is owned by Mitsubishi Chemical Corp (MCC), should be fine.

Since the drive correctly reads the discs, the problem is with Sonic. Have you checked for an update to this program or a firmware update for your drive?

cyberuz · Answer

Thanks, well noted. I tried to update Sonic drivers, but it's update checker says it's up-to-date. So I guess I should seriously consider getting Nero or something else... I'm having all sorts of problem with Sonic's RecordNow! from non-responding program to blue (death) screen...:(   P.S.: Just got 100 DVD pack from my friend with 8x, everything is a OK again!

Storage, Drives & Media

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