Hello everybody.

I have an 812s@832s that I have been using for a little over a year. After I found the right media (that worked well for me) I was able to burn over 1k dvds and not so many cds. Last few days I've been having some problems with it. Its been taking longer for the transition between write and verify, while making slight quiet clicks, and its been spitting out coasters (which I never had a problem with using the current media). I happened to look at one of the discs that were bad, and was amazed at how the dye looked (I'll post a pic at the end).

Just wanted some opinions, does it seem as tho this drive is indeed dying? I'd say I def got my moneys worth if it is, just wanted your input before I run out and get a new one.

TIA


NOTE: I use ZCLV but never have I noticed anything like this, not even close.

I think I've seen a similar burn pattern before. A reset of the learned media codes might help (backup your EEPROM before doing so, of course).

TY for the response, the EEPROM utility and its functions (mainly resetting learnt media) was all new to me. I found the util and reset the learnt media, and I am trying a new burn now. It might take a few burns to see if anything changed, as the problem was not happening with every burn.

I shall return.

Even if the drive has died........1,000 burns? That's just amazing. Would be great if the reset learnt media restores the burn quality, but if it fails...you -definitely- got your money's worth. I think anyone would love to get 1000'ish burns out of a drive.....

I've tried another burn after restting the learnt media, and it failed a verify right off the bat. I really dont want to waste any more media in this unit if I dont have to, theres no reason it should fail after resetting that, is there?

On another note, I seem to be able to burn cds without any problems, what this means I do not know. Is there a seperate laser for cds? Could this suggest that there is indeed something wrong with the dvd laser?

Thx again for the help.

Yeah it sounds like the drive is just worn out. My first LDW451 went out in pretty much the same way. It seemed that the laser had just had enough and it started just spitting out coasters for almost all DVD-R media.

Just like yours it still burnt CD's without any problems and curiously it continued to make passable burns on most good quality DVD+R media, though they weren't great quality burns.

Sure seems that way. Upon closer inspection it appears I've only burned closer to 700 dvds, but even so, thats not too shabby, I payed like $80 for this drive retail earlier last year. Looks like I'll be in the market this week, we shall see where I end up.

Thx fellas.