Failed to Write Sectors... my drive or my media?

[s_mack]

Hi, first post here.

 

I've been using IMGBurn for awhile now. Love it! I don't burn very much really. Over a year ago I bought a 50 pack of DVD-R 16x (Memorex brand) and I don't think I had a single bad disk. I was down to 2 left so I bought another 50 pack - this time Maxell brand, also 16x. I was curious why the Memorex said "16x" and the new one said "up to 16x" so I thought I'd use one of my last two Memorex's to do a little speed test. I burned the same image on both, and to my shock - what took 4:11 on the Memorex took 8:25 on the Maxell!!

 

Huh?

 

I tried another Maxell and it was 4:11.

 

Hmm..

 

tried another for the heck of it, and it was 6:20.

 

Ok, so why the variance? I looked at the log, and on both occasions where it took longer, I see this (of course times and sectors are different on each):

16:25:42 Failed to Write Sectors 721664 - 721695 - Reason: Unknown (Vendor Unique) (ASC: 0x80, ASCQ: 0x04)

16:25:43 Retrying (1 of 20)...

16:25:43 Writing Sectors...

 

Its now happened about 5 or 6 times. Each and ever time it is only one sector range and it only takes one retry and then its all good.

 

I can't say for certain that this never happened with my old discs.

 

 

Q1) Is it my discs or is it my drive? I searched for that error and the advice is usually to replace the drive. But in those cases, the person ws getting a failed burn after 20 retries.

Q2) Is it even a problem? Other than taking a couple extra minutes, is there a problem that it failed to burn that sector(s) the first time? Would this lead to skipping or extra artifacts, etc?

 

 

Thanks..

 

Steven

 

ps. I should mention that I updated the firmware on my device to the latest just in case... no difference, still getting this same "issue"

Edited December 10, 2009 by s_mack

[mmalves]

Where's the whole log of that burn?

[s_mack]

Where's the whole log of that burn?

 

Nowhere now. It was on my computer screen. Sorry if there's some sort of "always post your full log" rule that you guys live by... for one, I'm new here... for two I pasted the bit that seemed pertinent to me.

 

Its gone now. Next time I burn something and have it again, I'll remember to copy the whole thing.

 

Thanks.

[Cynthia]

Look here:

 

Main Menu -> Help -> ImgBurn Logs

[LIGHTNING UK!]

The 'post your log' rule is written in bold text in the pink box at the top. ( along with this )

[s_mack]

I haven't been burning much, but tried again today and it happened again. This time, I'm posting the full log Thanks.

 

I 12:49:51 ImgBurn Version 2.5.0.0 started!
I 12:49:51 Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition (6.1, Build 7100)
I 12:49:51 Total Physical Memory: 3,668,472 KB  -  Available: 2,561,684 KB
I 12:49:51 Initialising SPTI...
I 12:49:51 Searching for SCSI / ATAPI devices...
I 12:49:51 Found 1 DVD±RW/RAM!
I 12:50:04 Operation Started!
I 12:50:04 Source File: C:\Users\Steven Morehouse\Videos\MY_HOME_VIDEO.ISO
I 12:50:04 Source File Sectors: 2,190,496 (MODE1/2048)
I 12:50:04 Source File Size: 4,486,135,808 bytes
I 12:50:04 Source File Volume Identifier: Video
I 12:50:04 Source File Volume Set Identifier: 3B9264DC00216C80
I 12:50:04 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.0.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!
I 12:50:04 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn
I 12:50:04 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)
I 12:50:04 Destination Device: [2:0:0] HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H30N 1.03 (F:) (ATA)
I 12:50:04 Destination Media Type: DVD-R (Disc ID: RITEKF1) (Speeds: 4x, 8x, 12x, 16x)
I 12:50:04 Destination Media Sectors: 2,297,888
I 12:50:04 Write Mode: DVD
I 12:50:04 Write Type: DAO
I 12:50:04 Write Speed: MAX
I 12:50:04 Link Size: Auto
I 12:50:04 Lock Volume: Yes
I 12:50:04 Test Mode: No
I 12:50:04 OPC: No
I 12:50:04 BURN-Proof: Enabled
I 12:50:05 Filling Buffer... (40 MB)
I 12:50:06 Writing LeadIn...
I 12:50:23 Writing Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 2190495)
I 12:50:23 Writing Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 2190495)
W 12:55:24 Failed to Write Sectors 246496 - 246527 - Reason: Unknown (Vendor Unique) (ASC: 0x80, ASCQ: 0x04)
W 12:55:24 Retrying (1 of 20)...
I 12:55:24 Writing Sectors...
I 12:59:29 Synchronising Cache...
I 13:00:49 Exporting Graph Data...
I 13:00:49 Graph Data File: C:\Users\Steven Morehouse\AppData\Roaming\ImgBurn\Graph Data Files\HL-DT-ST_DVD-RAM_GSA-H30N_1.03_FRIDAY-DECEMBER-18-2009_12-50_PM_RITEKF1_MAX.ibg
I 13:00:49 Export Successfully Completed!
I 13:00:49 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:10:37
I 13:00:49 Average Write Rate: 8,023 KB/s (5.8x) - Maximum Write Rate: 21,834 KB/s (15.8x)

[mmalves]

Try burning at 8x or 12x and enable Verify as that's the only way you'll know if it was a good burn or not.

[s_mack]

Ok, thanks.

 

So back to my question. Is it the media or the drive do you think?

[mmalves]

I think it's the media: try with Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden blanks, and if you get errors with those then you can be sure your burner is bad.

[s_mack]

Thanks again.

 

Ok, to my amazement, the store took back their Maxell blanks!

 

So I picked up a 100 pack of Verbatim. Fired one in and tried the same image as above. It finished with no errors this time, but took longer than the Memorex ones used to.

 

I never use verify because... well... its never been an issue and it goes so bloody slow. Which brings up that question, why is verify so slow? I'm in the middle of verifying the Verbatim test, and its running at a whopping 4.6x. Shouldn't reading be faster than writing?

[s_mack]

Hmm... verify failed. So now... does this mean my burner? Or my image (that would be weird)? Log below:

 

I 16:59:00 ImgBurn Version 2.5.0.0 started!
I 16:59:00 Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition (6.1, Build 7100)
I 16:59:00 Total Physical Memory: 3,668,472 KB  -  Available: 2,717,756 KB
I 16:59:00 Initialising SPTI...
I 16:59:00 Searching for SCSI / ATAPI devices...
I 16:59:00 Found 1 DVD±RW/RAM!
I 17:00:29 Operation Started!
I 17:00:29 Source File: C:\Users\Steven Morehouse\Videos\VIDEO.ISO
I 17:00:29 Source File Sectors: 2,254,112 (MODE1/2048)
I 17:00:29 Source File Size: 4,616,421,376 bytes
I 17:00:29 Source File Volume Identifier: Video
I 17:00:29 Source File Volume Set Identifier: 3B9269200022650A
I 17:00:29 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.0.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!
I 17:00:29 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn
I 17:00:29 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)
I 17:00:29 Destination Device: [2:0:0] HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H30N 1.03 (F:) (ATA)
I 17:00:29 Destination Media Type: DVD-R (Disc ID: MCC 03RG20) (Speeds: 4x, 8x, 12x, 16x)
I 17:00:29 Destination Media Sectors: 2,298,496
I 17:00:29 Write Mode: DVD
I 17:00:29 Write Type: DAO
I 17:00:29 Write Speed: MAX
I 17:00:29 Link Size: Auto
I 17:00:29 Lock Volume: Yes
I 17:00:29 Test Mode: No
I 17:00:29 OPC: No
I 17:00:29 BURN-Proof: Enabled
I 17:00:30 Filling Buffer... (40 MB)
I 17:00:30 Writing LeadIn...
I 17:01:10 Writing Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 2254111)
I 17:01:10 Writing Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 2254111)
I 17:07:40 Synchronising Cache...
I 17:08:41 Exporting Graph Data...
I 17:08:41 Graph Data File: C:\Users\Steven Morehouse\AppData\Roaming\ImgBurn\Graph Data Files\HL-DT-ST_DVD-RAM_GSA-H30N_1.03_FRIDAY-DECEMBER-18-2009_5-00_PM_MCC_03RG20_MAX.ibg
I 17:08:41 Export Successfully Completed!
I 17:08:41 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:08:11
I 17:08:41 Average Write Rate: 11,559 KB/s (8.3x) - Maximum Write Rate: 16,893 KB/s (12.2x)
I 17:08:41 Cycling Tray before Verify...
W 17:08:52 Waiting for device to become ready...
I 17:09:12 Device Ready!
I 17:09:13 Operation Started!
I 17:09:13 Source Device: [2:0:0] HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H30N 1.03 (F:) (ATA)
I 17:09:13 Source Media Type: DVD-R (Book Type: DVD-R) (Disc ID: MCC 03RG20) (Speeds: 4x, 8x, 12x, 16x)
I 17:09:13 Image File: C:\Users\Steven Morehouse\Videos\VIDEO.ISO
I 17:09:13 Image File Sectors: 2,254,112 (MODE1/2048)
I 17:09:13 Image File Size: 4,616,421,376 bytes
I 17:09:13 Image File Volume Identifier: Video
I 17:09:13 Image File Volume Set Identifier: 3B9269200022650A
I 17:09:13 Image File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.0.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!
I 17:09:13 Image File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn
I 17:09:13 Image File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)
I 17:09:13 Read Speed (Data/Audio): MAX / MAX
I 17:09:13 Verifying Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 2254111)
I 17:09:14 Verifying Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 2254111)
W 17:13:13 Failed to Read Sector 662784 - Reason: Illegal Mode For This Track
W 17:13:13 Sector 662784 maps to File: \VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB
W 17:13:33 Retrying (1)...
W 17:13:39 Retry Failed - Reason: Illegal Mode For This Track
W 17:13:40 Failed to Read Sector 662784 - Reason: Illegal Mode For This Track
W 17:13:40 Sector 662784 maps to File: \VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB
W 17:13:46 Failed to Read Sector 662785 - Reason: Illegal Mode For This Track
W 17:13:46 Sector 662785 maps to File: \VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB
W 17:13:48 Failed to Read Sector 662785 - Reason: Illegal Mode For This Track
W 17:13:48 Sector 662785 maps to File: \VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB
W 17:13:54 Failed to Read Sector 662786 - Reason: Illegal Mode For This Track
W 17:13:54 Sector 662786 maps to File: \VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB
E 17:13:59 Failed to Read Sector 662786 - Reason: Illegal Mode For This Track
E 17:13:59 Sector 662786 maps to File: \VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_2.VOB
E 17:14:00 Failed to Verify Sectors!
I 17:14:06 Exporting Graph Data...
I 17:14:06 Graph Data File: C:\Users\Steven Morehouse\AppData\Roaming\ImgBurn\Graph Data Files\HL-DT-ST_DVD-RAM_GSA-H30N_1.03_FRIDAY-DECEMBER-18-2009_5-00_PM_MCC_03RG20_MAX.ibg
I 17:14:06 Export Successfully Completed!
E 17:14:06 Operation Failed! - Duration: 00:04:46
I 17:14:06 Average Verify Rate: 4,634 KB/s (3.3x) - Maximum Verify Rate: 7,220 KB/s (5.2x)

[Cynthia]

and it goes so bloody slow. Which brings up that question, why is verify so slow? I'm in the middle of verifying the Verbatim test, and its running at a whopping 4.6x. Shouldn't reading be faster than writing?

If I remember it right, LG writers have a "lock" on how fast you can read a DVD Video. It's possible to get around this issue and get "normal" high reading speeds.

 

[s_mack]

If anyone has a link to that unlocking procedure... I'm game.

 

Meanwhile, I tried another image and it burned and verified. On its own, that doesn't prove anything - it could have been the image or it could be a fluke and its my drive. This image took 7+ minutes... still slow compared to the 4ish I was getting previously. I don't get it. Is it possible my drive just started crapping out the moment I try a new brand of disc? Weird.

[Cynthia]

Attached is a speed patched firmware for your burner (W60T74LA_speedpatched.bin). It was not possible to edit the original .exe file directly so I had to extract the .bin file first. How on earth it's supposed to get this firmware flashed on your burner I have no idea bout. Couldn't find a flashing tool for LG burners.

 

As I don't have a LG burner I have no idea if you run the original firmware flasher (GSAH30N_103.exe) and you in that flasher can select the speed patched firmware or not.

 

I guess LG owners can give you better instructions on how to flash the burner with speed patched firmware.

 

LG.zip

[Cynthia]

Seems to be a new flasher in development.

 

http://club.myce.com/f36/how-disassemble-gsa-t21n-firmware-268792/index2.html

http://sourceforge.net/projects/flasher/files/

[s_mack]

I think I just ruled out being a bad image... just for the heck of it I tried again and this time it worked.

 

So I guess it must be my drive going a bit wonky? I mean... what are the odds I have two bad cakes from two different brands?