MacBook DVD-R compatibility

[rogersmj]

So I popped in a Verbatim DVD-R on my iMac, burned it, and put it into my MacBook later. The MacBook chewed on it for about half a minute, then spit it back out with no messages or anything. I tried again...same result. I put the DVD back in my iMac and it read it without a problem. I put an older Memorex disc in the MacBook, and it was recognized just fine. Tried another Verbatim disc, just in case the first was bad...nope, the MacBook will not read it.

I would understand if this was cheap stuff, but this is Verbatim 16x media, it's pretty good. I thought we were past this crap. I haven't had DVD/CD compatibility issues on other computers for years. This really irritates me, because I have over 50 of these Verbatim discs, and now I'm going to have to reburn things on the old, slow Memorex 4x media. It seems really odd that a modern computer would not be able to read major-brand media. Has anyone else had this problem? I don't supposed there's anything I can do about it, like some sort of undocumented firmware update for the SuperDrive?

 

[dalonso]

Verbatim DVD-R not recognized

I am having a similar problem. My MacBook will not even mount any of my Verbatim DVD-Rs (i.e., they do not apear on the desktop).

What's even more frustrating is that all my Verbatim DVDs work on both the PowerBook and on the MacBook Pro. According to the tech spec on Apple.com and according to Apple tech support (on the phone), the MacBook Pro and MacBook optical drives/Superdrives are the same. Logically, the MacBook should be able to mount and read Verbatim DVD-Rs if the MacBook Pro can... but it can't.

I even took my MacBook to my local Apple store's Genius bar where they also tried the Verbatim DVD-Rs on their MacBooks, MacBook Pros, and PowerBooks and the result was the same - the Verbatim DVD-R does not work on the MacBook but works on everything else.

Now I'm scheduled to have a repair on my MacBook which the tech at Apple mentioned may not even solve the problem... great... It seems to me that Apple didn't do all their homework before they released the new MacBook...

If this "repair" fixes the problem, I'll post on this thread again... This is very dissapointing coming from Apple...

 

[MaddieBrad]

I have a similar problem. Only my problem is with a 2.5 Ghz MacBook Pro.
It just will not read certain blank media. SO frusterating as I purchased over 200 of these TDK Printable DVD-R to use for clients as I am a photographer.

So now I have to print the DVD and then put the stuff I wont to burn onto it on a thumb drive, put it on my wifes macbook, and then burn it on hers. Uhhhg so annoying.

B

 

[destined2lead]

2.4Ghz Macbook Pro... Same Issue

I just tried several Verbatim 16x DVD-R blanks on my Macbook Pro and much to my surprise... they didn't work. I'd have to agree that I haven't seen disc compatibility issues in a while... so I was quite surprised by it... but I guess I'll have to burn these on a PC instead (I only have a 50 disc spindle :-( ). I wonder if there is a firmware upgrade for the drive to fix this? I have seen cases where that has been done in the past to fix compatibility issues. Hmm...

 

[Overkill]

I'm having the same problem - Macbook Pro won't recognize Memorex DVD+R. WTF? This is BS.

 

[strang]

Which drive do you have? Apple uses Optiarc (Sony), Matsushita (Panasonic), Hitachi-LG alliance or the Toshiba-Samsung alliance?

From past experience I've had the worst luck with Matsushita drives. They're usually in the MacBooks. I think the MBPs and others are either LG or Optiarc drives.

Anyways, the DVD-R support is lacking on the PC front as well. Most drives like the +R formats. Since you can only change booktype on DVD+R discs they're definitely the more prefered.

I would see if anyone have any Verbatim DVD+Rs and try those discs? Verbatim makes good quality discs, actually the best. I'm surprised to see any incompatiblity with them on Macs. On the other hand Memorex is the suck. But they're cheap.

Anything not Verbatim is basically a rebranded Ritek or Memorex.

 

[dalonso]

My system profile shows a "MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-867." I use Verbatim DVD+Rs all the time with this drive and never have a problem - its only the Verbatim DVD-Rs that don't work with this drive.

Apple replaced my DVD drive with a brand new one (i.e., the one listed above) a couple months ago to see if the Verbatim DVD-Rs would work, but...they didn't. The old drive was also a Matshita drive.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

That's odd. My drive burns anything I throw at it and the scans are pretty good, this includes Taiyo Yuden DVD-R (Premium), Maxell Pro CD-R (Made in Japan/Also TY), Verbatim DVD+R DL and Verbatim DVD+R

 

[harperjones99]

TDK DVD-R single sided are working in late 2009 15"uMBP with Matshita U-868 Drive. I don't have any other brand of discs to try.

 

[CountPollen]

DVD-R not burning

Same here. Thought that TDK was a good brand and bought DVD-R 1-16x.
They burn coasters in my MacBook Pro (early 2008).
Some DL DVD's can't be burned as well (Sony).

In the Tech spec sheet on Apple's site I just now saw that DVD-R can be burned only at 8x, not 16x. My burning application autodetects speed, so it should be correct.

 

[ttopp]

i have hp DL DVD+r discs and my macbook pro mid 2009 wont burn them..

i get them recognised in finder as blank media but wont let me burn to them...

it says there is two much data but i only try to put 6 gig on it. any help much appreciated.