Need help with Pioneer DVR-109 write error

[Jim Williams]

I am suddenly unable to do DVD data copies using Toast 7. After verifying the files, the Pioneer DVR-109 returns two dialog boxes after starting the "writing lead-in" process.

1st dialog box:

"The drive reported an error:
Sense key = Medium error
Sense code = 0X0C (I'm not certain if the "0" is a letter or number)
Write error

2nd dialog box:

The drive reported an error:
Sense key = illegal request
Sense code = 0 X 21, 0X02
Buffer underrun

I've tried different DVD blanks to no avail. In the "Recorder Settings" I have checked "Enable buffer underrun prevention." I'm not doing anything differently from my usual backup routine.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Carm]

How much space is available on your Hard Drive?
What is your setup? I would get that error when my HD had less then 20GB left on it. This is on a 160GB boot drive.

Carm

[blusubaru]

Spooky! I was just on my way here to comment on the exact same situation with the same drive. From what I've read, it seems Firmware updates may help, but I'm leery.

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?s...2921534381

I had the sense key error on my internal superdrive on my iMac, but I have the DVR-109 in a firewire case.

[Markintosh]

Hmmm... Carm. Maybe that's the issue I had with mine reported yesterday: http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/281727. We were down to about 3G of 150G in HD space on the boot drive. It's time to move some more files to a backup drive and try again!

[blusubaru]

I don't think the space on the boot drive is the issue. I have 155gb+ available on the 250gb boot drive. It has to do with the burner. Other fixes have been PRAM resets and different branded media, but I wonder if firmware updates should be done.

[Jim Williams]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Additional info:

12 GB free on a 40 GB boot drive.

The DVR-109 is in an external firewire case.

I AM able to burn CDs, but don't want to go that route for backups.

[Carm]

It could be, until Jim says he has a lot of space available.
DVD Media and firmware can also be a culprit.
Another culprit could be a corrupt system.

Carm

[Jim Williams]

I've been using TDK 16X DVD-R media. No previous problems with the TDKs or with the Memorex DVD+R DL disks.

[blusubaru]

If it's anything like I'm experiencing, it happens at random times with different media, but only on DVD's. My system is not corrupt and has been stable for a few years now with no significant changes (other than Apple updates). It only happens when using Toast (7 and now 8). Today it happened as I was burning my first DL dvd with the machine. In the past it has happened while making multiple copies of a self-made DVD. It would make the first two or three fine, but then get that warning on the remainder. I do not burn at maximum speed, usually about half (8x) with buffer-underrun protection on. I suspected the drive was on its way out, but it works too often for that to be the case.

[blusubaru]

[quote Jim Williams]I've been using TDK 16X DVD-R media. No previous problems with the TDKs or with the Memorex DVD+R DL disks.
I'm using the Memorex DL's right now too, and my current spindle of -R's is Memorex also. I have used Sony, CompUSA, ProMedia, Dynex... and probably a few others depending on what is on sale at the time. It has happened randomly with all of them.