DVD Power Burner 2.1.7 - User Guide and FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - DVD Power Burner

1. The recording failed with a "Buffer Under-run" message. Why did it happen? What does "Buffer Under-run" mean?
   
   If the data in the data buffer is recorded into a blank disc, and other data to be recorded is not sent to the data buffer, "Buffer Under-run" message will be displayed because there is no data for the recorder to burn.
   
   
2. It is often said that if both writer and drive use SCSI interfaces, the system will be more stable than those use IDE interfaces. Is it true? Should I use SCSI or IDE interfaces?
   
   Old writers use SCSI interfaces. With the new technology developments, IDE interfaces are gaining popularity gradually. The cost of SCSI interfaces is relatively higher. Drives or writers with SCSI interfaces require SCSI cards and therefore cost more than those using IDE interface. Comparing to those with SCSI, IDE drives and writers cost lower and do not require any cards. If you do not have any special needs, those with IDE interfaces are good enough for common uses.
   
   
3. How long can the data on a recorded CD/DVD disc be kept?
   
   Most discs can be in good shape for more than one or two decades, if they are maintained well. Some disc manufacturers even claim that their products can preserve data for up to one century. Though there are years of life for most discs, their life will be shortened if you do not maintain them well.
   
   
4. How can I maintain a disc to avoid reducing its life?
   
   Please follow the precautions below:
   
   1. Take care to avoid scratches / fingerprints.
   2. Do not leave the disc where it can be exposed to direct sunlight / heat.
   3. Keep liquid / humidity away from the disc.
   
   
   
5. The specification of my writer says it supports up to 8X speed. Why I can only record at 4X speed?
   
   To record at a certain speed supported by a writer, the disc you are using must be compatible with that speed as well. If your disc supports up to 4X instead of 8X speed, the situation you mentioned will happen.
   
   
6. What's the difference between CD-RW and CD-R discs?
   
   CD-RW refers to "CD-ReWritable disc". The main difference between CD-RW and CD-R discs is if the data recorded on them can be erased or not. You can write to CD-R discs only once and they cannot be recorded again (except in some special cases). However, the data on CD-RW discs can be erased with proper burner software so that you can write data on them more than once.
   
   
7. Are discs with failed recording sessions not usable any more?
   
   When recording a CD/DVD disc, if you do not close the session at the end of recording, you are allowed to perform another recording operation on that disc. However, you cannot record any more data on it if you have the session closed. Well, many people use discs failed with recording as coasters, or make them into clocks, ornaments, etc. You can make good use of the damaged discs for any purposes you can think of.
   
   
8. How long dose it take to burn one CD?
   
   It depends on the amount of data you are burning, the speed of the recorder, and the speed supported by the disc. Assuming that the disc supports the highest speed of the recorder, it takes about 74 minutes to record data of 650 Mbytes at 1X speed. The time spent on closing one disc is about 1 or 2 minutes. That's the time needed for burning one CD under the 1X mode. You may get the time required according to the speed of your own writer. 1X stands for 150 kbps; 2X is 300 Kbps, and so on.