DVD Burner Compatibility?

My Sony Superdrive on my G4 PPC finally died over the weekend.
I have a $40 gift card for Amazon that I wanted to use but I have no idea which burners will work with my MAC.
When looking for a new burner, how can I tell which ones will be compatible with my computer?

Pioneer drives generally work well with G4s.
Here's a collection of links, not all of them relevant, and maybe some old.
Pioneer-116D is probably a safe bet, from [OWC|http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Pioneer/DVR116DBK> or [Newegg|http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129023]
[Power Mac G4 (Digital Audio/Gigabit Ethernet): Replacing CD/DVD Drive|http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58698] (text only)
[Power Mac G4 / Macintosh Server G4CD/DVD Drive Replacement Instructions|http://www.info.apple.com/usen/cip/pdf/g4/g4qd-cddvddrive.pdf] (PDF)
[Optical drive installation videos|http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/installation.cfm]

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IDVD dvd burner compatibility

I seem to be having great issue with idvd and burning externally. Does anyone have any suggestions for hardware/software combination's that will streamline the burning process?
I have ilife 08 on the way and a liteone internal dvd burner in an external enclosure connected via firewire with the latest osX 10.5.4 with all updates.
kennjohn

I have personally tested several models of pioneer burners (from Dvr-103 and up to 112) in external FW enclosures and have had nothing short of excellent results. Sony also provides very good results. But I'm not sure about liteon models since I have had zero experience with them on a mac.

External USB DVD Burner Compatability

I have an ASUS SDRW-08D1S-U that will not work with wodim but does work with cdrdao. Since every GUI uses wodim, this drive is just a pain to use in Linux. Although I think the drive may just be defective because it powers off sometimes for no apparent reason (ruined a few discs like that.)
Anyway, I'm looking for a new drive but I'm having a hard time finding if any given drive works in Linux or not. I was looking at the LG GP08LU30, can anyone confirm if this drive works with wodim or have any other suggestions?

Well you can't exactly run XP on a 300 Mhz Pentium either.
The Lombard dates dates back from the days of the 300 Mhz Pentium. And 10.4.9 running on a Lombard is actually already out of the range of the possible. Read the specs on
http://www.apple.com/macosx/techspecs/
The fact you are running it at all on that machine, is a testament to the brilliance of people who wrote XPostFacto at http://www.macsales.com/
The Lombard does not have built-in Firewire, and therefore can't take advantage of many of the features of 10.4 through 10.4.9. The Lombard was sort of the last of a generation of Macs that came with built-in SCSI, but no built-in Firewire. As Apple went through their transition from 1997 to 2003 to getting all the Macs to most of the hardware features found in today's Macs that support Mac OS X there were several low to midrange models that didn't fit all the categories you find in today's Macs.
The only third party player which may work, and not on all drives is http://www.videolan.org/ 's VLC Client.
Macs are integrated units. Thus while you can upgrade the RAM, and frequently the wireless card, or hard drive, many of the other addons except on the PowerMac/Mac Pro/MacBook Pro/Powerbook lines are not available because most of the features one would need are already included. The iBook and MacBook have no Express/34 slot. The 12" Powerbooks strangely didn't have PCMCIA, but did have DVI and extended desktop capabilities starting with its DVI model.
It pays to take a close look at specs to find out if your model has support for the feature you want:
http://www.info.apple.com/support/applespec.html
Part of the reason for the Mac's stability is that the variables are more known than in the PC world because the specs are so well written.

How do I find out if my DVD burner is compatable???

I would like to buy iDVD 6 but the description says"Burning DVDs requires an Apple SuperDrive or compatible third-party DVD burner". How do I find out if my DVD burner (OWC Mercury Firewire/USB2 D109 DVD+/-RW) is compatable??? It shows up as a Pioneer in iDVD3 and is not supported. I don't want to buy iLife 06 and find out I cant use it with my burner.

The Pioneer 109 should work. My Pioneer 107D and 108
work fine; and the 108 is recognized as DL.
You should really upgrade to Tiger and 10.4.4 in
particular before installing iLife '06. Several new
features don't install on Panther. Ask my PowerBook.
I forgot to mention that I want to but my videos from my digital camcorder on to DVD. I currently can copy data and photos to DVD, no problem.

Disk Utility Burning CDs and DVDs Windows Compatibility

I don't burn many CDs or DVDs. However, a friend of mine recently switched to Apple, and he burns quite a few movies and CDs. He asked me how to copy DVDs, burn Audio CDs, and save files to CDs and DVDs. The only thing I knew how to do was to burn files to CDs. I know that CDs that are burned in the Finder will work on Mac OS and Windows. My question is about Disk Utility. I've read that Disk Utility does not create Windows compatible disks, however Apple's instructions for making a copy of a movie DVD are to use Disk Utility and create a CD/DVD master image to burn to a DVD. Disk Utility uses the .cdr format, which supposedly does not work with Windows. So, if I wanted to copy a Windows application CD, could disk utility make an exact copy of it or not? It seems to me that it should since I am making an exact copy using CD/DVD master, but will it do it or not? Also, if I made a copy of a Movie DVD using CD/DVD master (.cdr) will it only play on Macs or will it play on Windows also? When it comes to Audio CDs, I realize one must use iTunes to make Audio CDs. I have searched all over the internet for answers to these questions and most people say use Roxio Toast or they just don't answer these questions very clearly.

If you have two optical drives connected to your computer, you can just clone the disc. However, I'd recommend Roxio Toast, as others have, because it'll handle all the compatibility issues for you. Dealing with Finder and Disk Utility guarantees compatibility with macs, but not necessarily Windows, or even standard DVD/CD players depending on how you burn it.
If you have audio files, use iTunes to burn an audio CD. If you have movie files, use iDVD or Toast to burn a standard DVD (not a data disc).

IMac G3 hooking up External DVD Burner

Hey.
I'm trying to hook up an external DVD Burner to my iMac G3 to use with iLife '05 (I don't think the G3 is compatable with '06)
The problem is, my external USB 2.0 DVD burner I got for my Windows XP computer doesn't say it can be used for Mac OS X. I can take the wait of a movie being burned on a USB 1.1 connection.
Does Apple already have a generic driver for External DVD Burners like it does for Bluetooth?
I'd like to show off to my friends the awesome movie-making capabilities on a Mac, but it can't be done without a DVD burner.

Instead of using an external USB with iMacG3, I also recommend using a firewire one with it. iMac G3's are equipped with USB 1,1 and it is slow for cd/dvd burning. With a firewire case you can use all the speed of your writer.
On the other hand, some writers (CD-R or DVD-R) are not fully functioning with all applications. Toast can handle much of them but iTunes for example was not functioning with my old mitsumi CD-R. I prefered to buy an LG and now it works perfectly.

Choosing a DVD burner replacement

I would like to ask Steve Grisetti (and Chuck) and other members of this Forum to assist me in replacing the original DVD burner (internal) On this Dell Dimension 4700 5 year old computer. (8x21w61, Windows XP) The cable is a ribbon cable that connects to both dvd drives. I am not clear because there are so many configurations as to what to buy. Circuit City is one good source as it seems and I would like to find a good burner fo $40-$60. Here is one (SATA) that I have looked at. Please include any good links that could/would assist me. Thanks http://http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/searchtools/item_upsell.asp?EdpNo=4665188

I would not have a Sony burner at the top of my list, based on tests, where they were never a top-contender for a podium place, contrary to LG, Samsung and possibly Pioneer. Anyway, since they are so cheap nowadays, it does not really matter what the price is, it is more about compatibility with different formats, reliability and burn results. From that perspective in PATA burners, my preference would definitely be Samsung.

DVD burner help

Hi I bought this DVD burner And I just recieved it today but little did I know that its not compatable with my computer -_-. The plugins in the back aren't the same one as my computers. The one I bought has like "sata power and Sata Data" on the back and the plugin is significantly smaller. The plugins on my computer are the large ones that take up almost the whole length of the DVD burner. Sorry for the horrible descriptions. Is there some type of converter I can buy (perferbly at best buy) that can convert the burner plugins I bought to the ones I need for my computer? I really hope thats possible.

You could install a PCI SATA controller like this one here:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/PNY+-+2-Channel+SATA+II+RAID+PCI+Card/8552327.p?id=1188562133392&skuId=8...
It allows connection of these devices for computers without these ports.
So yeah, all you need is a PCI SATA Controller Card and you will be all set. You might want to pickup longer cables, too if it does not reach between the drive and the card.
*******DISCLAIMER********
I am not an employee of BBY in any shape or form. All information presented in my replies or postings is my own opinion. It is up to you , the end user to determine the ultimate validity of any information presented on these forums.

Qosmio G10 DVD Burner replacement

My DVD Burner failed out and needs to be replaced. It's a UJ-831S. I bought the same one but I got a CD-ROM Error at start up. I tried this new CD-ROM on another laptop (Toshiba Satellite 2800-300) and it worked fine. I think I have a problem with the configuration of my DVD Burner (c-select, master....). Do you know if can change the firmware of my DVD Burner ?
Thanks in advance,
Alain

A released firmware that is BRAND specific (like the one I have attached... (TOSHIBA OEM)) is made to run on a Toshiba model and has been configured with the correct Cable/Master/Slave settings. As you might already know, notebook CD-drives control the required CSM settings through the Firmware that is programmed on them rather than through a "jumper setting" like on desktop versions.
(The other improvements that are mentioned in the firmware documentary are irrelevant for us,... the important note that was meant to be read is the COMPATIBILITY statement to the G10 requirements)
I made several drives work on different notebooks after applying similar firmware upgrades like this one, and (to me) this would be the normal way to go in case I bought a drive with different settings than my notebook's requirements.
The only difficult part in the whole procedure is "WHERE to find a notebook?" that has access to the CD-drive BEFORE you apply the new firmware with the changing CSM setting. In our case, he does have access to the drive on a friends notebook, so he could easily apply the upgrade on his own.
I don't want to encourage anybody to do something he is not familiar with, therefore (for the sake of remaining in safe territories and keep the adrenalin levels normal during the flashing process) the best would be exchanging the drive with a "compatible manufacturer pre-flashed with correct settings" drive.
The procedure I describe should work, but is only meant to be followed by a person, who is taking up ALL RESPONSIBILITIES ON HIS OWN to proceed with this. My part in this thread is only to discuss and explain the process (and concept) of using this specific firmware upgrade that also changes the CSM.
Regards,
electrochain

External DVD burner for G4

Hi,
I was wondering if there are any external dvd burners for a G4 with a USB port that is under 2.0. Also, it's a 400 firewire. Thanks in advance.

Hi
If you're Mac profile is accurate, you will have problems with any new drive: OS9.1 will not natively support any new drive, and will not allow you to burn DVD's at all without third party software, such as Toast 5.2.3 (last version that can burn to DVD-/+R (no DL media), and run in OS9)
All USB2.0 drives are backwards compatable w/USB1.01, BUT USB1.01 will not support DVD burns, as it cannot run faster than 4X CD-R (way too slow to burn a DVD (1X DVD = 9X CD)).
You will want to go with a FireWire-based drive, if you go external, as WWJD pointed out.

Firewire problem with DVD burner

After update to snow leopard no support anymore for external dvd burner from lacie. the systemprofiler shows it, but I can not use it anymore. I'm so frustated!-(
Everytime the same: DO NOT CHANGE A RUNING SYSTEM!

HI,
Check out the vendor site for 10.6 updates for compatibility with your Firewire drive.
Also, use Apple feedback. http://www.apple.com/feedback/macosx.html
Carolyn

Samsung SH-222BB DVD burner to works with OS 10.4.11 ???

I have this internal SH-222BB DVD Burner connected to G4 Power PC Mac thru SATA to IDE adapter rear mounted. It came with original PC firmware SB00, it will plays movies disk fine, but will NOT burn anything, no CD, DVD, iTune crash if try to burn, etc. Can anyone please tell me if it is possible to install a firmware that will burn disk using a Mac? I try most current PatchBurn, still not working either. Here the profile on this burner:
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-222BB:
Firmware Revision:          SB00
Interconnect:          ATAPI
Burn Support:          Yes (Vendor Supported)
Profile Path:          /Library/DiscRecording/DeviceProfiles/PatchBurn-tsstcorpcddvdwsh222bb.drpr ofile
Cache:          1536 KB
Reads DVD:          Yes
CD-Write:          -R, -RW
DVD-Write:          -R, -RAM, -RW, +R, +RW, +R DL
Burn Underrun Protection CD:          Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD:          Yes
Write Strategies:          CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO
Media:          No
My G4 desktop info:
Hardware Overview:
Machine Name:          Power Mac G4 (AGP graphics)
Machine Model:          PowerMac3,1
CPU Type:          PowerPC G4 (3.3)
Number Of CPUs:          1
CPU Speed:          1.5 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU):          256 KB
L3 Cache (per CPU):          2 MB
Memory:          1.38 GB
Bus Speed:          100 MHz
Boot ROM Version:          4.2.8f1
Serial Number:          XB9460KXHNZ
Sales Order Number:          M7824LL/B
Thank you in advance for your time helping me.

"Have you able to make PC Burner works on a Mac?"
As BDAqua pointed out, many users have successfully replaced the original DVD drives with a third-party brand (Pioneer being the most-favored for a long time). Most (if not all) of the optical drives discussed for use in the older Macs have an ATAPI interface. I really think that your SATA burner connected with a SATA-to-IDE adapter is causing your problems. If possible, I'd recommend removing the TSST burner and installing a different brand (Pioneer, LG, LiteOn, etc.) ATAPI DVD±RW drive in your G4. Hopefully, this will eliminate the compatibility issues that you're experiencing.

Pc dvd burner on a mac?

can u buy a normal pc dvd burner and stick it in a powermac g4? please reply to this if u kno coz we need to kno soonish

Yes and No.
For maximum compatibility with OS X and the iApps (burning from the Finder and iDVD etc) it's best to stick with certain makes and models that are fully supported. These tend to be the ones that Apple themselves use as SuperDrives.
If you have a certain DVD burner in mind you could always check out the drive compatibility database at http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/ to see whether there are any reports on it. Alternatively there are a number of other threads on this same topic in this section of the forums.
The Pioneer DVR-10x seems a popular choice (109, 110 etc). OS X 10.4 seems to support a wider range of drives than 10.3, certainly newer drives that have only recently appeared on the market. However, PatchBurn can be used to add support for some http://www.patchburn.de/
I hope this helps.

Mac Pro DVD Burner

I am looking for a recommendation on which DVD Burner I should get to replace the one I got in my new Mac Pro. For some unknown reason I can't get a disc to burn that is viewable in my DVD player. My old G4 worked great!
I don't know if it is because I am using an older version of Toast (Toast 6.0) or if it is the DVD burner in my new computer. Any advice would be great as to next steps to resolve this issue.
Thanks!!!

I would suggest that you try burning a DVD with iDVD before you spend a lot of time looking for alternative drives. It could well be Toast, as Toast 6 is indeed quite old (as software goes) and may not be compatible with your Intel-based Mac. If iDVD successfully burns a video DVD, then you will know it's a problem with Toast. If iDVD also fails (use DVD-R disks for best compatibility with standalone players), then Apple should replace the drive under warranty.

Burn to Lightscribe DVD+R media on External LaCie d2 DVD burner fails

Recently the Superdrive in my iMac G4 has failed where it would no longer burn DVD's reliably. I purchased a LaCie external firewire DVD burner and have been very impressed with its speed and overall compatibility.
I have created several DVDs from iDVD 5.0.1 (written to disk images) and then burned them to DVD-R media using "Disk Utility" with no problems. When I tried to burn them to LightScribe DVD+R media, the burn occurs with no errors and the DVD mounts and plays fine from the LaCie burner. However, trying to play the DVD from my original SuperDrive or in my home DVD players, does not work.
Is there some incompatibility I am unaware of? I believe I created one lightscribe DVD from Toast 7 where I was playing around with duplicating an existing DVD I had and it worked fine. I think the media I used in that case was one provided with the drive and I burned it from toast.
My lightscribe media is Verbatim LightScribe DVD+R media (30 pack). I don't want to consider these coasters. Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.

My internal SuperDrive has this profile:
PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-104:
Firmware Revision: A227
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2000 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: No
=======================
My external LaCie drive has this profile:
TSSTcorp CD/DVDW SH-W162L:
Firmware Revision: LC00
Interconnect: FireWire
Burn Support: Yes (Vendor Supported)
Profile Path: /Library/DiscRecording/DeviceProfiles/LaCie.drprofile
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +RW, +R DL
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO
Media: No
It identified write restrictions, but my goal was to write a playable DVD and it fails in both my SuperDrive and off-the-shelf DVD players.
Thanks for the idea, but I'm not sure that this is the issue in this case. Is there some basic compatibility issue with using DVD+R media as a playable DVD for most off-the-shelf players?

DVD Burner Compatibility?

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