Failed to Write Sectors 0 - 31 (Power Calibration Area Error) & Write Speed Miscompare

[backtrack]

I had been using an old version of ImgBurn for burning CDs & DVDs, without incident. When I decided to take the plunge and jump into dual-layer disk burning, the online recommendations were to get and use the latest version of ImgBurn (which I did -- ver.2.5.2.0). I also bought "JVC DVD-R DL 2-8x Version 3.0/8x" (JVC is the new name for Taiyo Yuden -- well known as among "the best quality" recording DVDs).

 

The first disk burned fine (ImgBurn's AWS determined the best write speed) and played back fine on the same burner. An early model burner on another computer refused to recognize the disk at all. Then, in one stand alone DVD player, it played fine except at a certain area near the end of the disk (1st layer), where it stalled temporarily at several places right up to the end. (I've come to know this as a burn problem on cheap disks and is usually remedied with a slower burn rate.) Another stand alone DVD player had no problems at all.

 

Trying to burn a new disk at a slower rate (manually set to "2x" -- a legal speed for this disk according to ImgBurn) produced the "Failed to Write Sectors 0 - 31 - Reason: Power Calibration Area Error" and a coaster (ouch! my wallet!). Here's the log for a failed attempt:

 

 

I 23:34:12 ImgBurn Version 2.5.2.0 started!

I 23:34:12 Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional (5.0, Build 2195 : Service Pack 4)

I 23:34:12 Total Physical Memory: 228,708 KB - Available: 126,964 KB

I 23:34:12 Initialising SPTI...

I 23:34:12 Searching for SCSI / ATAPI devices...

I 23:34:12 -> Drive 1 - Info: LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-160P6S PS0B (G:) (ATA)

I 23:34:12 Found 1 DVD±RW!

 

I 23:36:52 Operation Started!

I 23:36:52 Building Image Tree...

I 23:36:52 Calculating Totals...

I 23:36:52 Preparing Image...

I 23:37:00 Using Layer Break LBA: 2071310 -> 2092896 (VTS_03_0.IFO)

I 23:37:00 Contents: 28 Files, 2 Folders

I 23:37:00 Content Type: DVD Video

I 23:37:00 Data Type: MODE1/2048

I 23:37:00 File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 23:37:00 Volume Label: DVD

I 23:37:00 IFO/BUP 32K Padding: Enabled

I 23:37:00 Region Code: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I 23:37:00 TV System: NTSC

I 23:37:00 Size: 8,398,135,296 bytes

I 23:37:00 Sectors: 4,100,652

I 23:37:00 Image Size: 8,442,970,112 bytes

I 23:37:00 Image Sectors: 4,122,544

I 23:37:00 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:07

I 23:37:21 Operation Started!

I 23:37:21 Building Image Tree...

I 23:37:21 Calculating Totals...

I 23:37:21 Preparing Image...

I 23:37:33 Using Layer Break LBA: 2071310 -> 2092896 (VTS_03_0.IFO)

I 23:37:33 Contents: 28 Files, 2 Folders

I 23:37:33 Content Type: DVD Video

I 23:37:33 Data Type: MODE1/2048

I 23:37:33 File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 23:37:33 Volume Label: DVD

I 23:37:33 IFO/BUP 32K Padding: Enabled

I 23:37:33 Region Code: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I 23:37:33 TV System: NTSC

I 23:37:33 Size: 8,398,135,296 bytes

I 23:37:33 Sectors: 4,100,652

I 23:37:33 Image Size: 8,442,970,112 bytes

I 23:37:33 Image Sectors: 4,122,544

I 23:37:35 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:13

I 23:37:35 Operation Started!

I 23:37:35 Source File: -==/\/[bUILD IMAGE]\/\==-

I 23:37:35 Source File Sectors: 4,122,544 (MODE1/2048)

I 23:37:35 Source File Size: 8,442,970,112 bytes

I 23:37:35 Source File Volume Identifier: DVD

I 23:37:35 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.2.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!

I 23:37:35 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn

I 23:37:35 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 23:37:35 Destination Device: [1:0:0] LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-160P6S PS0B (G:) (ATA)

I 23:37:35 Destination Media Type: DVD-R DL (Disc ID: TYG11) (Speeds: 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x)

I 23:37:35 Destination Media Sectors: 4,171,712

I 23:37:35 Write Mode: DVD

I 23:37:35 Write Type: DAO

I 23:37:35 Write Speed: 2x

I 23:37:35 Link Size: Auto

I 23:37:35 Lock Volume: Yes

I 23:37:35 Test Mode: No

I 23:37:35 OPC: No

I 23:37:35 BURN-Proof: Enabled

I 23:37:35 Write Speed Successfully Set! - Effective: 2,770 KB/s (2x)

I 23:37:35 Advanced Settings - Force HT: Yes, Online HT: No, OverSpeed: No, SmartBurn: Yes

I 23:37:35 Optimal L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,092,896

I 23:37:35 Optimal L0 Data Zone Method: File System File Start LBA

I 23:37:35 Filling Buffer... (20 MB)

I 23:37:36 Writing LeadIn...

W 23:37:51 Failed to Write Sectors 0 - 31 - Reason: Power Calibration Area Error

W 23:37:51 Retrying (1 of 20)...

W 23:38:03 Retry Failed - Reason: Power Calibration Area Error

W 23:38:03 Retrying (2 of 20)...

W 23:38:12 Retry Failed - Reason: Power Calibration Area Error

W 23:38:12 Retrying (3 of 20)...

W 23:38:23 Retry Failed - Reason: Power Calibration Area Error

W 23:38:23 Retrying (4 of 20)...

I 23:38:25 Abort Request Acknowledged

W 23:38:40 Retry Failed - Reason: Power Calibration Area Error

E 23:38:40 Failed to Write Sectors 0 - 31 - Reason: Power Calibration Area Error

I 23:38:40 Synchronising Cache...

W 23:38:48 User opted to skip the 'Close Track/Session/Disc' functions.

E 23:38:48 Failed to Write Image!

E 23:38:48 Operation Failed! - Duration: 00:01:13

I 23:38:48 Average Write Rate: N/A - Maximum Write Rate: N/A

 

 

Trying again after a shut-down and restart (just in case of Windows2000-SP4 and/or hardware glitches) produced another coaster. Finally, setting the write speed back to AWS allowed the burn to successfully complete. However, this time I saw assort error messages that I didn't notice after the first successful burn (who looks for errors on a successful burn?). The error was "Write Speed Miscompare!". Here's the log again:

 

 

I 23:45:26 Operation Started!

I 23:45:26 Building Image Tree...

I 23:45:26 Calculating Totals...

I 23:45:26 Preparing Image...

I 23:45:31 Using Layer Break LBA: 2071310 -> 2092896 (VTS_03_0.IFO)

I 23:45:31 Contents: 28 Files, 2 Folders

I 23:45:31 Content Type: DVD Video

I 23:45:31 Data Type: MODE1/2048

I 23:45:31 File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 23:45:31 Volume Label: DVD

I 23:45:31 IFO/BUP 32K Padding: Enabled

I 23:45:31 Region Code: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I 23:45:31 TV System: NTSC

I 23:45:31 Size: 8,398,135,296 bytes

I 23:45:31 Sectors: 4,100,652

I 23:45:31 Image Size: 8,442,970,112 bytes

I 23:45:31 Image Sectors: 4,122,544

I 23:45:34 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:08

I 23:45:34 Operation Started!

I 23:45:34 Source File: -==/\/[bUILD IMAGE]\/\==-

I 23:45:34 Source File Sectors: 4,122,544 (MODE1/2048)

I 23:45:34 Source File Size: 8,442,970,112 bytes

I 23:45:34 Source File Volume Identifier: DVD

I 23:45:34 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.2.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!

I 23:45:34 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn

I 23:45:34 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 23:45:34 Destination Device: [1:0:0] LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-160P6S PS0B (G:) (ATA)

I 23:45:34 Destination Media Type: DVD-R DL (Disc ID: TYG11) (Speeds: 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x)

I 23:45:34 Destination Media Sectors: 4,122,544

I 23:45:34 Write Mode: DVD

I 23:45:34 Write Type: DAO

I 23:45:34 Write Speed: MAX

I 23:45:34 Link Size: Auto

I 23:45:34 Lock Volume: Yes

I 23:45:34 Test Mode: No

I 23:45:34 OPC: No

I 23:45:34 BURN-Proof: Enabled

W 23:45:34 Write Speed Miscompare! - MODE SENSE: 11,080 KB/s (8x), GET PERFORMANCE: 4,432 KB/s (3.3x)

I 23:45:34 Write Speed Successfully Set! - Effective: 4,432 KB/s (3.3x)

I 23:45:34 Advanced Settings - Force HT: Yes, Online HT: No, OverSpeed: No, SmartBurn: Yes

I 23:45:34 Optimal L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,092,896

I 23:45:34 Optimal L0 Data Zone Method: File System File Start LBA

E 23:45:38 Failed to Reserve Track! - Reason: Command Sequence Error

E 23:45:39 Operation Failed! - Duration: 00:00:04

I 23:45:39 Average Write Rate: N/A - Maximum Write Rate: N/A

I 23:49:00 Operation Started!

I 23:49:00 Building Image Tree...

I 23:49:00 Calculating Totals...

I 23:49:00 Preparing Image...

I 23:49:08 Using Layer Break LBA: 2071310 -> 2092896 (VTS_03_0.IFO)

I 23:49:09 Contents: 28 Files, 2 Folders

I 23:49:09 Content Type: DVD Video

I 23:49:09 Data Type: MODE1/2048

I 23:49:09 File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 23:49:09 Volume Label: DVD

I 23:49:09 IFO/BUP 32K Padding: Enabled

I 23:49:09 Region Code: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

I 23:49:09 TV System: NTSC

I 23:49:09 Size: 8,398,135,296 bytes

I 23:49:09 Sectors: 4,100,652

I 23:49:09 Image Size: 8,442,970,112 bytes

I 23:49:09 Image Sectors: 4,122,544

I 23:49:10 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:10

I 23:49:10 Operation Started!

I 23:49:10 Source File: -==/\/[bUILD IMAGE]\/\==-

I 23:49:10 Source File Sectors: 4,122,544 (MODE1/2048)

I 23:49:10 Source File Size: 8,442,970,112 bytes

I 23:49:10 Source File Volume Identifier: DVD

I 23:49:10 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.2.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!

I 23:49:10 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn

I 23:49:10 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 23:49:10 Destination Device: [1:0:0] LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-160P6S PS0B (G:) (ATA)

I 23:49:10 Destination Media Type: DVD-R DL (Disc ID: TYG11) (Speeds: 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x)

I 23:49:11 Destination Media Sectors: 4,171,712

I 23:49:11 Write Mode: DVD

I 23:49:11 Write Type: DAO

I 23:49:11 Write Speed: MAX

I 23:49:11 Link Size: Auto

I 23:49:11 Lock Volume: Yes

I 23:49:11 Test Mode: No

I 23:49:11 OPC: No

I 23:49:11 BURN-Proof: Enabled

W 23:49:11 Write Speed Miscompare! - MODE SENSE: 11,080 KB/s (8x), GET PERFORMANCE: 4,432 KB/s (3.3x)

I 23:49:11 Write Speed Successfully Set! - Effective: 4,432 KB/s (3.3x)

I 23:49:11 Advanced Settings - Force HT: Yes, Online HT: No, OverSpeed: No, SmartBurn: Yes

I 23:49:11 Optimal L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,092,896

I 23:49:11 Optimal L0 Data Zone Method: File System File Start LBA

I 23:49:11 Filling Buffer... (20 MB)

I 23:49:11 Writing LeadIn...

I 23:50:48 Writing Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 4122543)

I 23:50:48 Writing Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 4122543)

I 23:50:48 Writing Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2092895)

I 23:58:38 Writing Layer 1... (LBA: 2092896 - 4122543)

I 00:06:17 Synchronising Cache...

I 00:07:19 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:18:08

I 00:07:19 Average Write Rate: 8,884 KB/s (6.4x) - Maximum Write Rate: 11,158 KB/s (8.1x)

I 00:07:19 Cycling Tray before Verify...

W 00:07:26 Waiting for device to become ready...

I 00:07:51 Device Ready!

I 00:07:55 Operation Started!

I 00:07:55 Source Device: [1:0:0] LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-160P6S PS0B (G:) (ATA)

I 00:07:55 Source Media Type: DVD-R DL (Book Type: DVD-R) (Disc ID: TYG11) (Speeds: 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x)

I 00:07:55 Image File: -==/\/[bUILD IMAGE]\/\==-

I 00:07:55 Image File Sectors: 4,122,544 (MODE1/2048)

I 00:07:55 Image File Size: 8,442,970,112 bytes

I 00:07:55 Image File Volume Identifier: DVD

I 00:07:55 Image File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.5.2.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!

I 00:07:55 Image File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn

I 00:07:55 Image File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)

I 00:07:55 Read Speed (Data/Audio): MAX / MAX

I 00:07:55 Verifying Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 4122543)

I 00:07:55 Verifying Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 4122543)

I 00:07:55 Verifying Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2092895)

I 00:16:54 Verifying Layer 1... (LBA: 2092896 - 4122543)

I 00:25:29 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:17:34

I 00:25:29 Average Verify Rate: 7,830 KB/s (5.7x) - Maximum Verify Rate: 11,263 KB/s (8.1x)

 

 

So, if I try a lower write speed for a more reliable burn, it makes a coaster, and if I let it burn the way it wants, it burns out of DVD spec (?) and cause playback problems on random players. Any recommendations? Perhaps a previous version of ImgBurn ... or a new version with a fix? Thanks!

[LIGHTNING UK!]

Nobody uses DVD-R DL and the TY dye is a new / rare one... I doubt your 'old' drive can handle the dye properly.

 

AWS doesn't determine anything. If you don't configure the 'Automatic Write Speed' feature then it just burns at MAX speed.

 

The Write Speed miscompare stuff is due to buggy firmware - that's LiteOn's problem, not mine.

 

There's a newer version available here - http://www.firmwarehq.com/Lite-On/SHW-160P6S/files.html

 

So all in all, you just need to read this:

 

http://forum.imgburn.com/index.php?showtopic=8000

[backtrack]

Thanks for the fast reply (and your work)! I will follow the links and recommendations. (I'll test the burns one step at a time to see what is affected along the way.)

[backtrack]

The first thing I did was upgrade the firmware to the newest version. The next will be to buy Verbatim's (DVD+R DL). Meanwhile, I thought to try more tests with my JVC's (DVD-R DL).

 

With the firmware updated and write speed set to 2x, the burn ended the same as before -- a coaster, due to "Failed to Write Sectors 0 - 31 - Reason: Power Calibration Area Error". Also, same as before, there was no apparent problem using the 2x write speed: "Write Speed Successfully Set! - Effective: 2,770 KB/s (2x)".

 

Next, I tried again with a write speed of 2.4x (the next higher write speed selection). Again, same results as with 2x -- a coaster.

 

Again next, as 3.3x was the lowest negotiated setting used for the "AWS (MAX)" selection that previously resulted in a completed burn, I tried the next setting OVER that magic number 3.3x -- write speed set to 4x. That did it! A completed burn at 4x! And there was no "Write Speed Miscompare!" message, as previously happened when selecting AWS (MAX). Also, it played perfect in both stand alone DVD players (no stutters or halting video)! A GOOD burn!

 

So:

--

Could it be that ImgBurn is not correctly handling DVD-R DL media? If TYG11 (disc ID) is identified as accepting "2x, 4x, 6x, 8x" speeds, why the problem setting anything below 3.3x? (My tests showed "2x" is NOT an acceptable burn speed for this disc on this burner.) Why should ImgBurn set AWS (MAX) down to 3.3x (an "illegal" setting?) ... rather than to 4x (a legal setting)?

 

Also, about BOOK-TYPE:

---------------------

I noticed in CHANGE BOOK TYPE, there are no DVD-R entries under LITE-ON (or most other drives). My successfully burned disc reads as a "DVD-R DL". Perhaps my older burner (NOT a DL burner, but is "DVD read compliant" with dual layer [PTP/OTP]) will not read this disc because it is not (set to) DVD-ROM? Any suggestions about book-type-changing "DVD-R DL" to "DVD-ROM"?

 

Something interesting:

---------------------

When the write errors caused a just-started burn to cancel, there always followed a request to "close" the session. Intrigued by this (and learning that 4x burning actually works), I put a "coaster" in the drive to see if I could now burn a complete disc (as long as it still had enough space for a new burn -- my data almost fills a disc). I received one "Failed to Write Sectors 0 - 31" error (maybe to close the previous open session?) ... and then it wrote & verified a complete burn (and, of course plays fine)!

[LIGHTNING UK!]

You aren't listening about the whole AWS thing. The speed ImgBurn will actually tell the drive to use is displayed to the right of the drop down box that shows 'AWS'.

 

If you haven't configured the 'Automatic Write Speed' feature (Read the guide!!!) then that speed will just be 'MAX'.

 

Telling your drive to write a MAX speed would just be the same as telling it to use 8x - as that's the fastest it supports on those discs.

 

Whether or not it actually reaches 8x is again down to the drive and the firmware - ImgBurn has no say in the matter.

 

Booktype doesn't apply to DVD- (minus) format media, it's for DVD+ (plus) only.

[backtrack]

Thanks again for your help!

 

Of course, I didn't know just how much control ImgBurn had over the process. I will definitely set AWS to "4x" for this media as a minimum (maybe more, depending on further testing), as "legal setting" 2x just doesn't work.

 

BTW, rather than call it "Automatic Write Speed" (which indicates an entirely self-operating process), how about something more like "Pre-set Write Speed" (because it is from user pre-sets)? Also, rather than have a "not set" pre-set default to MAX, how about having it indicate "not set" for the particular media. If a user tried to burn at a "not set" pre-set, ImgBurn would state that speed was not set and to select a write speed. Just an idea.

 

So, onward to DVD+R DL -- and to see if my older non-DL writer can read a DVD+R DL disc book-typed as DVD-ROM.

[dontasciime]

^ buy a new dvd writer they are so cheap