Problem with jumping buffer

[LosKyllos]

Hi. I have a problem with my DVD Burner.

When I try to burn a DVD, it burns fine for 5 minutes or so, but then the buffer starts to jump for 10 seconds, as if the burner can't get the data as fast as it writes it. This happens up to 3 times on every disc I burn.

The DVD works perfectly, but this is still a problem, because after it has done it the first time, it will only write at 6x on the rest of that disc. I am using Verbatim 16x DVDs. It happens at all speeds.

Does anyone know what the problem can be?

I know it isn't the burner, because I had the problem with my old burner and I just got a new one.

It is a LiteOn SHW-1635S burner. My computer is an AMD64 3200+ with ASUS K8N (nForce3) motherboard and 1GB RAM. I am using WinXP (SP1)

I have got this problem with all burning apps (ImgBurn, DVD Decrypter, Nero etc.)


I hope some of you know what the problem could be.

Thanks in advance
/LosKyllos



Edit: Ohh..and I am using DMA

[setarip_old]

Hi!The DVD works perfectlyIsn't that really all you should be concerned with?

[CWR03]

To minimize the likelihood of problems of that sort, you should defragment the drive as often as you can, preferably right before you burn, and if possible make sure the burner and the source hard drive are on separate IDE channels. You didn't mention at what speed you're burning, but even with a 16X burner and media you shouldn't expect reliable burns at that speed - it's best to never exceed half the rating of either the burner or media, whichever is slower. I personally never exceed 4X, even though I use 16X media and burner - I notice a significant increase in read and seek speed with the slower-burned disks, especially with a drive other than the one on which it was burned.

[LosKyllos]

setarip_old - I don't want to wait 10-12 minutes for a DVD to burn if my burner is supposed to to it in 5. :)

CWR03 - It is at all speeds. It can't even burn at 4x :( At the moment I am using 16x media and burner, but as I said, the problem was there with my old 4x burner. I have also tried with different discs.

[LIGHTNING UK!]

This is probably just WOPC performing some checks on the disc. My buffer drops right down sometimes too, it's perfectly normal.

Take a look at some write speed graphs produced by ImgBurn and displayed via DVDInfoPro. You'll soon see what I mean.

[LosKyllos]

okay, but why does the speed "lock" at 6x after this "check"? Is there anything I can do to stop it from doing it? None of my friends have this problem.

[CWR03]

Did you try defragmenting the source drive and check to see that the two drives were on separate IDE channels?

[LIGHTNING UK!]

Only if the buffer stays down after this time would be some sort of I/O interface problem - but typically, as I'm sure you've read, DMA problems generally limit you to 2x speed - way below what you're getting.

I'd guess the kickback to 6x is just a result of WOPC having determined that's a good speed to burn at.

It really would be helpful here if you could burn a disc (MMC 003 or 004 etc) and show us the graph ImgBurn produces.

[LosKyllos]

Okay :D Thanks for the help so far.. :)

I will burn and post the graph tomorrow.

[LosKyllos]

ohh...and how do i see if the drives are on separate IDE channels? :)

[CWR03]

As far as I know, you can only tell by opening the case. Most PC's, except low-end systems, have two main IDE ports to allow up to four devices on the main controller. If you have only one hard drive, it's best to have it on its own ribbon cable with CD- or DVD-ROM's on their own. If they're on the same ribbon cable, follow it back to the motherboard and see if there's an identical port right next to it. If there is, you'll need a second cable, and you should check the jumpers on the DVD drive to make sure it's set for Master when you add the second cable.

[r0lZ]

You can also have a look at the BIOS message when you turn your PC ON. If your hard disk is on the primary (master or slave) IDE channel, and the burner on the secondary (master or slave) IDE channel, or vice-versa, it's OK.

[LosKyllos]

ahh.... Didn't know what you ment with same IDE channel :)

Well, they are on different cables :) no problem there :>

[voo_doo99]

To minimize the likelihood of problems of that sort, you should defragment the drive as often as you can, preferably right before you burn, and if possible make sure the burner and the source hard drive are on separate IDE channels. You didn't mention at what speed you're burning, but even with a 16X burner and media you shouldn't expect reliable burns at that speed - it's best to never exceed half the rating of either the burner or media, whichever is slower. I personally never exceed 4X, even though I use 16X media and burner -

Best practice, right here! :)

I notice a significant increase in read and seek speed with the slower-burned disks, especially with a drive other than the one on which it was burned.
So very true. I had some problem with playing backups on ONE of my standalone for discs burned at 6X, 8X. Drop the burn speed to 4X and the disc read smoothly. :cool: