[MacDV] DVD-R 2x?

[Mark M. Florida]

The *only* DVD-Rs that I've found that actually burn at 2x with the 
latest firmware that you can apply on a Mac (v1.90 on my Apple/Pioneer 
103 that came with my G4/867) are Apple *2x* DVD-Rs TDKs.  The TDKs 
more expensive at about $2.60 each, but if you value your time, then 
they're worth it.  I haven't found any other "cheap" 2x-rated DVD-R 
media to actually burn at 2x on an Apple/Pioneer 103 (SuperDrive) or a 
Pioneer 104 (both with latest Mac firmware updates) -- you gotta read 
the fine print about compatibility on all the DVD-R media reseller 
websites...

There are two things you can do to get better burning speed with better 
media flexibility:

1. Invest in a new DVD burner (that's what I did).  The latest Pioneer 
drive (107/A07) burns at 8x, and supports all 4x media (which is sooo 
cheap now).  So the money you'll save on media over time will 
definitely add up (maybe not to exactly the $100 or so an A07 will cost 
you, but the time and frustration factor into the equation too, so take 
that into consideration).

- or -

2.  Find a friend or family with a PC that will let you upgrade the 
firmware in your drive (103 or 104 right?) to the latest available from 
Pioneer's web site.  I'm not sure if it will mess up an Apple-branded 
drive, though (even thought they're the exact same actual mechanism).  
Maybe there is some info on the web somewhere about flashing 
Apple-branded Pioneer "SuperDrives" with the Pioneer firmware on a PC.

Help any?

- Mark

On May 20, 2004, at 5:48 PM, David Cole wrote:

> It seems my internal SuperDrive will only burn DVD's at 2x. Yet, the 
> Apple Store sells only 4x media. From what I've learned on the Apple 
> website, burning 4x media in my 2x burner will proceed at a rate of 
> 1x. Any word on that? Any source for reliable 2x media?
>
> Thanks,
> -DC