Laser calibration error?

What computer are you using? What OS? What software are you using to burn the discs? What kind of media are you using? Have you tried other media? Have you called Apple regarding the issue?
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Shawn King
Host/Executive Producer
Your Mac Life
http://www.yourmaclifeshow.com

I'm using a Duo Core iMac running OSX v.10.4.9, and the failed burns have been attempts to burn an iTunes playlist to the DVD.

The discs I've been trying to use are Memorex DVD+Rs, from the same spindle that 5 discs had been previously successfully used. This evening I tried some other discs I had, different brand, and the playist was burned to the disc without any problem, but after the burn got started I noticed the older discs were DVD-Rs. The drive on my iMac is capable of burning to both + and - R discs, so it's interesting that -R discs but not the +Rs work. I'm still thinking it's at least possible it's the Memorex discs that might be a problem, so I'll get a pack of +Rs of a different brand to see if that works. I've still got a service call scheduled for later this week in case it is the drive.

Just hoping that this iMac doesn't get a fried motherboard like the other one did after every repair job.

Today I got another pack of DVD+Rs, and just now tried to do a burn, and got the same error message. So now this more interesting- apparently I can burn only to -R discs. It would make more sense if the drive just broke down, but to have only able to use one type of disc over another when the drive is supposed to be able to use both. Is it possible that the laser has somehow lost its ability to write to either type of disc?

Loading previously burned +R data discs, no problem, as well as playing movie DVDs.

At least I can back up files to the -Rs and copy them later to +Rs when the drive is fixed. Still it's irritating. I've got a project that I'm handing in for an animation class on Monday that has to be on 2 +Rs so it's extra hassle over the weekend borrowing a friend's computer

Have you called Apple regarding the issue?
--
Shawn King
Host/Executive Producer
Your Mac Life
http://www.yourmaclifeshow.com

Haven't had a chance to call Apple directly- last week of classes for this semester and I've been really busy, but I've got a service call pending with CompUSA (service plan will cover a replacement drived).

Thanks for the reminder to call Apple. I get busy and really aggravated and sometimes the more obvious thing to do gets lost in the noise. I'll have some time Friday (finally!) to get in touch with Apple directly.

I also had it explained to me that the difference between -R and +R discs is a physical difference with the discs themselves, and that explanation tells me that the problem I'm having isn't as odd as I though- laser can't write to the "thicker" +Rs.

Thanks again.

"Thanks again."

Well...no thanks necessary. Didn't do much except let you talk it out. :)
--
Shawn King
Host/Executive Producer
Your Mac Life
http://www.yourmaclifeshow.com

I was reading the postings on Apple's tech support forum yesterday and there were two different threads describing a similar problem with DVD drives on Macs, although the fix one user described (changing settings in System Preferences) didn't work for me, I'm glad it isn't just me having a drive problem after having the computer barely a year.

The replacement drive arrived yesterday and the technician from CompUSA will be here Monday afternoon to install it.

I'm still really paranoid about losing *this* computer after minor repair work the way I kept getting stuck with a fried G4 iMac anytime similar minor repair work was done. No one has every explained to me just why a replacement drive or fixing a monitor problem ends up ruining the main board, but I have to think that the current iMac is different enough that it's not going to happen this time.

"I have to think that the current iMac is different enough that it's not going to happen this time."

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

--
Shawn King
Host/Executive Producer
Your Mac Life
http://www.yourmaclifeshow.com

was delayed until Wednesday because the technician's tools wouldn't fit the screws on the iMac, so he was back Wednesday night with a smaller screwdriver. Slow but steady work to open the housing, carefully take the monitor out, and and remove the bad drive. Equally slow but steady work getting the new drive in and everything closed up.

Turned the computer on, popped in a previously burned disc to test the new drive, and it loaded.

But it wouldn't eject after multiple tries. After hitting eject and hearing the drive whir and click and not eject the disc several times, it finally came out. A second loading and attempted eject of the disc had the same result, taking many tries to get it to eject.

So this "replacement" drive is apparently defective. The technician is making his report to CompUSA, including letting them know that the malfunctioning drive removed from the computer had a label stated that it was manufactured in February 2006 (got the computer last June) and the "replacement" drive's yellow label showed a date of manufacture of January 2006.

Don't know if that means anything, but am I to assume that a possibly defective drive was on a warehouse shelf for 18 months before it was sent out for installation?

Ok, I know it looks like I post here with non-stop complaints that only seem to plague the Macs I've owned, but I insist the problems are all real, and seem to be a mystery- why the problems with the G4 iMac I had previously? Why the "replacement" parts that I'm sent seem to be defective right out of the box? With the G4, it was bad drives, and "replacement" motherboards that fried upon installation to replace the board fried when the new drives were installed. On this iMac, with a different type of drive, it's replacement drive also happens to be defective, and the original drive broke down after less than a year.

I understand that drives endure a lot of wear and tear, but come on- replacement shouldn't be such a hassle.