The device failed to calibrate the laser power level for this media - Page 5

MrngNeom · 06-21-2008, 01:45 AM

I'm burning an iso of Xubuntu. Using disk utility (although Toast also displays a burn error), and its the same one about the laser. I tried burning to a CD (maxell) then a DVD (Playo). Neither worked, same error.

I tried the International thing twice and same message. Repeated the international thing again and it didn't work again. Restarted again and zapped the PRAM.

Next thing I did was use my mouth to blow to blow into the slot drive on my Mac Book Pro (yea, I know its dumb, but I was really angry and it seemed better than breaking it in half). Entered the maxell CDR again and it still didn't work. I picked a CDR off the bottom of the stack and put it in and it worked like a charm. My vote goes to media problems.

MacBook Pro Intel Core Duo 2.16
OS 10.4.11

Drive info:
MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857:

Model: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857
Revision: HAEA
Serial Number:
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
Low Power Polling: Yes

PfionaBW · 06-24-2008, 02:25 AM

I have a macbook duo core with the same problem.

MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857E:

Model: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857E
Revision: ZB0E
Serial Number:
Detachable Drive: No
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
Low Power Polling: Yes

I read through this forum and here is my result:

I tried rebooting - still got the error
I tried messing with the languages as posted earlier - still got the error
I turned my macbook upside-down while open and sprayed canned air across the DVD opening and put in a different dvd disc and then it worked.
Then I tried again, using a dvd disc that I had gotten the error message on, and it didn't work.
Then I blew more air into the dvd drive and put my laptop on top of my laptop cooler and used a new dvd disc and it worked.

So? Dirty? Hot? Bad DVD disk? That's all I got.

dimis · 06-25-2008, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeBKK


	It wasn't entirely obvious. I was about to post the same question that johngpt asked. Next question: Is the new SuperDrive the same model and brand as the previous one?

Yes. The new SuperDrive is the same model and brand as the previous one.
Just as a friendly reminder to the other guys above: check the error logs you have as I describe in the previous page. This, most likely, will suffice so that they can change your drive in an apple-store.

xvimbi · 06-25-2008, 04:19 PM

I just stumbled upon this thread, because I had the same error message. I was using Memorex DVD-R media, and they all failed. I tried the voodoo thingy, and it didn't work. I finally tried a DVD+RW from another brand (I don't even know what brand it is, because it is not stamped on the disk). It works fine now. It looks to me as if it is a media problem, perhaps combined with the laser getting weaker over time. In any case, I would urge people to first check out their media. Best - MM

AussieDee · 06-26-2008, 04:51 AM

Does anyone think that it could have anything to do with Leopard? I've read elsewhere that alot of these problems have arised since the upgrade. Thoughts?

Regardless... I'm stumped. I've tried everything but sing to it!

I still get the error "The burn to the MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-857 drive failed. The device failed to calibrate the laser power level for this media."

crutex · 06-29-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landrick


	I cannot believe it, but this crazy fix (on a 24" Core 2 Duo iMac) worked for me: Open System Preferences. Click on "International" Under "Languages": Drag any of the other languages to the top, then drag English back to the top. Set "Order for sorted lists" to English Set "Word Break" to English (United States, computer) Close System Preferences Restart computer Incredible! It works! This is now at the top of my list for unbelievably arcane fixes...

Hi guys. My girlfriend's laptop was having this laser power level warning and I found this thread on the problem. I just did this process and it worked... I don't even care why, just adding another confirmed success.

crutex · 06-29-2008, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieDee


	Does anyone think that it could have anything to do with Leopard? I've read elsewhere that alot of these problems have arised since the upgrade. Thoughts? Regardless... I'm stumped. I've tried everything but sing to it! I still get the error "The burn to the MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-857 drive failed. The device failed to calibrate the laser power level for this media."

I have tiger and had this error. In fact I was burning a Leopard disk though

sndp · 07-06-2008, 03:54 AM

I arrived via google (search term "device failed to calibrate the laser power level for this media")

The drive is OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5630A in a 24" aluminum iMac running 10.5.3.

I have had problems burning discs since early on so I've been using Burn.app without a problem.

Today I tried burning through Finder, it failed with the above error so I googled and arrived here.

Even before reading the replies here I was already a skeptic. This must be a case of a random string of things making one small change that goes unnoticed. Anyone who's hacked around with computers long enough knows there's no magic wands.

I can confirm a few things to try and get to the bottom of this.

-A reboot alone after the error does not fix it.
-The error persists even when cleanly formatted (with OEM 10.5 DVDs)
-The workaround did allow me to burn. I did nothing extra between going through the motions listed in the fix and attempting another burn.

The OP of the fix seems to have gotten this info from a mac tech in the know. Has anyone gotten any other info from a tech about why this would work?

If this truly is a case of the drive's beginning to fail I'm sure there are plenty of folks who would like to know about it.

It's within a year of purchasing so on Monday I'm planning on calling in and seeing if it qualifies for a repair (even though the problem no longer exists).

I also plan on formatting back to 10.5 and running some tests (such as, how consistently does this fix work, and does it last beyond a format, among others).

I will post back with any info I can get.

Blood Stache · 07-11-2008, 05:17 PM

I read up to page two on this thread and i had not heard of anyone having any problems with the random language fix. Anyhow, it did not work for me BUT i was trying to burn a cd with Imitation CD-R's... I used about half of a stack of 30 before my computer decided to stop burning. I switched to a Memorex CD-R and the problem was solved.If anyone has had a problem with there drive not being able to calibrate enough power to burn i would suggest trying a different CD-R if the language trick does not solve anything.

Like i said i only read up to 2 pages on this thread so i am unsure if this issue has been addressed. Thanks for your help.

keymaster · 07-26-2008, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landrick


	I cannot believe it, but this crazy fix (on a 24" Core 2 Duo iMac) worked for me: Open System Preferences. Click on "International" Under "Languages": Drag any of the other languages to the top, then drag English back to the top. Set "Order for sorted lists" to English Set "Word Break" to English (United States, computer) Close System Preferences Restart computer Incredible! It works! This is now at the top of my list for unbelievably arcane fixes...

Landrick, thanks for this fix. It works for me. Just burnt the first data DVD onto TDK DVD-R. I have a Optiarc AD-5630A with firmware: 1AHN
Cheers

ThreeBKK · 07-27-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keymaster


	Landrick, thanks for this fix. It works for me. Just burnt the first data DVD onto TDK DVD-R. I have a Optiarc AD-5630A with firmware: 1AHN Cheers

I take it that's an external burner.

Does reverting the settings back to what they were cause you to lose burning capability?

xerenthar · 07-27-2008, 11:03 PM

Completely and totally bizarre, but this fixed my problem. I was unable to burn in Toast, Disk Utility, Nero(Parallels or VMWare) all with MEDIUM ERROR(toast) or Laser Calibration errors(other 2.)

I did this and it burned in Toast flawlessly. I did NOTHING else (other than the restart prescribed in the fix.)

I have an Optiarc DVD RW AD-5630A and I bought this iMac less than a week ago New.

seanster55 · 07-29-2008, 11:25 PM

Dual 2.5, running OS 10.5.1

My Disc is Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-117D

I'm using (and have been for about 8 months) crappy Staples media, 100 to a spindle DVD-R.

Macs don't care.. right?

I have used the "burn from a disc image" method for over 2 years, and taught others how to build a disc image to do so.

Under 10.4. It worked to a T. Everytime. 20 discs, no problem.

I've only recently upgraded to 10.5 (4 or so months)

I don't think I've burned a disc since then. I tried one tonight. I got this stupid (new, to my recollection) error.

Disc started.
Disc finishing.

Failed to calibrate laser level.

I typed into Google "Failed to calibrate laser level" and came upon this thread.

I looked at the "voodoo magic" and thought.. "that's so dumb, no way"

So I did it.

Works like a champ!!

I think the problem lies in the upgrade.

For example. I have DVD Studio 3 (2 years old, before Final Cut Studio)

It worked great under 10.4 .

10.5... Starts up.. Freezes on Title screen. Doesn't go past that.

So I would theorize that it's an unadressed issue in the upgrade.

With luck, maybe it'll fix my Studio Pro too????

Also, yes. I have to rerun the "magic fix" everytime.

But yes, as is the message in the Sys Pref's. "Changes upon Logout"

You don't have to restart.. Thanks for that posting btw.

If anyone finds a permanant fix on this, or hears from apple,

please post..

Thanks for all your help.

johngpt · 07-30-2008, 06:20 PM

seanster55, if I remember from way back at the beginning of this thread, the original problem and fix had surfaced during 10.4.11.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThreeBkk


	Does reverting the settings back to what they were cause you to lose burning capability?

Excellent question, has anyone recently tried this?

ehb007 · 07-30-2008, 07:19 PM

I have to agree with previous suggestions that overheating is at least one cause of the "failure to calibrate laser" error.
Just wanted to share my experience from today:
Burned one Data CD.
Burned one dual-layer DVD.
Failed to burn a second dual-layer DVD (different .dmg file) 5 times in a row - got the laser calibration error each time.
Downloaded smcFanControl from VersionTracker.com and used it to max out both fans on my MacBook Pro until temp dropped from 53 C to 43 C.
Failed to burn a dual-layer DVD a few more times.
Unplugged the mag-safe charger in case battery heat was slowing down the cooling (probably irrelevant).
Finally succeeded in burning dual-layer DVD once temperature was stable at 35 C for about 10 minutes and case was cool to the touch top and bottom. Left the fans running at max for the duration of the burn.

Other Tidbits:
I have not fiddled with my language settings at all.
Running 10.5.4

I read somewhere that manual fan controls void warranties (so be careful if you try it), but if cranking the fans works for others, perhaps Apple can patch the SuperDrive drivers to cool off some models before the burn starts...

FYI, I posted most of this on Apple's forum as well before finding the macosxhints thread: http://discussions.apple.com/thread....sageID=7756162

I don't burn many discs but if I have to resort to the fan thing a couple more times, I'll be taking the book back to Apple for a drive swap under warranty.

johngpt · 07-30-2008, 10:03 PM

Lifting the notebook, blowing compressed air. The compressed air, as well as possibly blowing schmutz off the lens, also cools the innards. Running the fans harder.

All these sorts of fixes have heat in common.

Makes one wonder if the voodoo fix of language settings can possibly have an effect on how heat is recognized/interpreted? I, in my infinite ignorance, can't think of a way it could, but perhaps someone else can?

cocotu · 08-01-2008, 05:23 PM

i'm amazed by the response to this thread. i haven't being in here for many months. bad news is i'm still having the issue. i'm able to burn CD-R, but not DVD-R. the DVD-R gets ejected with no error messages. i tried that "I cannot believe it, but this crazy fix works"....thanks

rebecca_kostya · 08-07-2008, 01:32 PM

Well, I have been following this thread for the last 6 months, since I changed around my international language settings and was able to burn discs again, and Im pleased to report that I still haven't had any recurring issues. This may also have something to do with the burned offerings I set out in front of my imac each night. Seems to make about as much sense if you ask me. Knowing that each disc I burn could be my last keeps me at the end of my seat, but the instant it acts up again, Ive decided to make my first call to AppleCare and will likely replace the drive to be safe. (Im pleased to report it'll be my first call because all of you on macosxhints have been so incredibly helpful. THANK YOU!)

ThreeBKK · 08-14-2008, 12:09 PM

Here's another vote for cleaning the lens as a fix. I found this on an unrelated blog.

kslim · 08-14-2008, 01:43 PM

I'm having the same problem. Language thing didn't work for me. Tried a cleaner disc (4x), didn't help. Was using the same media for some time before the problem developed.

Is there any consensus as to which brand(s) of DVDs have a lower incidence of the problem?

Interstingly (to me at least), the problem first came up about a year ago, then mysteriously cleared up, and now has come back.

In going through this thread, it appears the problem occurs with different brands of drives and different media. It also doesn't appear to be a problem in the Windows world. All that indicates to me that OSX is the most likely culprit. Too bad Apple support is so poor.

Looking forward to reading future posts on the thread

2 Ghz Intel Core Duo
OSX 10.5.4
2 GB SDRAM
Matshita DVD-R UJ-846
Maxell DVD+RW, Memorex DVD-RW

07-29-2008, 11:25 PM	#93
seanster55 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1	Just joined, because it worked for me. Dual 2.5, running OS 10.5.1 My Disc is Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-117D I'm using (and have been for about 8 months) crappy Staples media, 100 to a spindle DVD-R. Macs don't care.. right? I have used the "burn from a disc image" method for over 2 years, and taught others how to build a disc image to do so. Under 10.4. It worked to a T. Everytime. 20 discs, no problem. I've only recently upgraded to 10.5 (4 or so months) I don't think I've burned a disc since then. I tried one tonight. I got this stupid (new, to my recollection) error. Disc started. Disc finishing. Failed to calibrate laser level. I typed into Google "Failed to calibrate laser level" and came upon this thread. I looked at the "voodoo magic" and thought.. "that's so dumb, no way" So I did it. Works like a champ!! I think the problem lies in the upgrade. For example. I have DVD Studio 3 (2 years old, before Final Cut Studio) It worked great under 10.4 . 10.5... Starts up.. Freezes on Title screen. Doesn't go past that. So I would theorize that it's an unadressed issue in the upgrade. With luck, maybe it'll fix my Studio Pro too???? Also, yes. I have to rerun the "magic fix" everytime. But yes, as is the message in the Sys Pref's. "Changes upon Logout" You don't have to restart.. Thanks for that posting btw. If anyone finds a permanant fix on this, or hears from apple, please post.. Thanks for all your help.

07-30-2008, 07:19 PM	#95
ehb007 Prospect Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 1	Burning causes high temperatures I have to agree with previous suggestions that overheating is at least one cause of the "failure to calibrate laser" error. Just wanted to share my experience from today: Burned one Data CD. Burned one dual-layer DVD. Failed to burn a second dual-layer DVD (different .dmg file) 5 times in a row - got the laser calibration error each time. Downloaded smcFanControl from VersionTracker.com and used it to max out both fans on my MacBook Pro until temp dropped from 53 C to 43 C. Failed to burn a dual-layer DVD a few more times. Unplugged the mag-safe charger in case battery heat was slowing down the cooling (probably irrelevant). Finally succeeded in burning dual-layer DVD once temperature was stable at 35 C for about 10 minutes and case was cool to the touch top and bottom. Left the fans running at max for the duration of the burn. Other Tidbits: I have not fiddled with my language settings at all. Running 10.5.4 I read somewhere that manual fan controls void warranties (so be careful if you try it), but if cranking the fans works for others, perhaps Apple can patch the SuperDrive drivers to cool off some models before the burn starts... FYI, I posted most of this on Apple's forum as well before finding the macosxhints thread: http://discussions.apple.com/thread....sageID=7756162 I don't burn many discs but if I have to resort to the fan thing a couple more times, I'll be taking the book back to Apple for a drive swap under warranty.

07-30-2008, 10:03 PM	#96
johngpt MVP Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 1,093	Lifting the notebook, blowing compressed air. The compressed air, as well as possibly blowing schmutz off the lens, also cools the innards. Running the fans harder. All these sorts of fixes have heat in common. Makes one wonder if the voodoo fix of language settings can possibly have an effect on how heat is recognized/interpreted? I, in my infinite ignorance, can't think of a way it could, but perhaps someone else can? __________________ John My Flickr

08-01-2008, 05:23 PM	#97
cocotu Triple-A Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 200	i'm amazed by the response to this thread. i haven't being in here for many months. bad news is i'm still having the issue. i'm able to burn CD-R, but not DVD-R. the DVD-R gets ejected with no error messages. i tried that "I cannot believe it, but this crazy fix works"....thanks __________________ Mac OS X Leopard.

08-14-2008, 12:09 PM	#99
ThreeBKK MVP Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bangkok Posts: 1,626	Here's another vote for cleaning the lens as a fix. I found this on an unrelated blog. __________________ ➤ Think it's a good idea to put your most intimate data on someone else's server? Macmini5,2 ❖ 2.7 GHz Core i7 ❖ Snow Leopard ❖ Mtn Lion

06-21-2008, 01:45 AM	#81
MrngNeom Prospect Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4	I'm burning an iso of Xubuntu. Using disk utility (although Toast also displays a burn error), and its the same one about the laser. I tried burning to a CD (maxell) then a DVD (Playo). Neither worked, same error. I tried the International thing twice and same message. Repeated the international thing again and it didn't work again. Restarted again and zapped the PRAM. Next thing I did was use my mouth to blow to blow into the slot drive on my Mac Book Pro (yea, I know its dumb, but I was really angry and it seemed better than breaking it in half). Entered the maxell CDR again and it still didn't work. I picked a CDR off the bottom of the stack and put it in and it worked like a charm. My vote goes to media problems. MacBook Pro Intel Core Duo 2.16 OS 10.4.11 Drive info: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857: Model: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857 Revision: HAEA Serial Number: Detachable Drive: No Protocol: ATAPI Unit Number: 0 Socket Type: Internal Low Power Polling: Yes

06-24-2008, 02:25 AM	#82
PfionaBW Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1	I have a macbook duo core with the same problem. MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857E: Model: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-857E Revision: ZB0E Serial Number: Detachable Drive: No Protocol: ATAPI Unit Number: 0 Socket Type: Internal Low Power Polling: Yes I read through this forum and here is my result: I tried rebooting - still got the error I tried messing with the languages as posted earlier - still got the error I turned my macbook upside-down while open and sprayed canned air across the DVD opening and put in a different dvd disc and then it worked. Then I tried again, using a dvd disc that I had gotten the error message on, and it didn't work. Then I blew more air into the dvd drive and put my laptop on top of my laptop cooler and used a new dvd disc and it worked. So? Dirty? Hot? Bad DVD disk? That's all I got.

06-25-2008, 04:19 PM	#84
xvimbi Prospect Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 4	I just stumbled upon this thread, because I had the same error message. I was using Memorex DVD-R media, and they all failed. I tried the voodoo thingy, and it didn't work. I finally tried a DVD+RW from another brand (I don't even know what brand it is, because it is not stamped on the disk). It works fine now. It looks to me as if it is a media problem, perhaps combined with the laser getting weaker over time. In any case, I would urge people to first check out their media. Best - MM

06-26-2008, 04:51 AM	#85
AussieDee Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1	Does anyone think that it could have anything to do with Leopard? I've read elsewhere that alot of these problems have arised since the upgrade. Thoughts? Regardless... I'm stumped. I've tried everything but sing to it! I still get the error "The burn to the MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-857 drive failed. The device failed to calibrate the laser power level for this media."

07-06-2008, 03:54 AM	#88
sndp Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1	I arrived via google (search term "device failed to calibrate the laser power level for this media") The drive is OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5630A in a 24" aluminum iMac running 10.5.3. I have had problems burning discs since early on so I've been using Burn.app without a problem. Today I tried burning through Finder, it failed with the above error so I googled and arrived here. Even before reading the replies here I was already a skeptic. This must be a case of a random string of things making one small change that goes unnoticed. Anyone who's hacked around with computers long enough knows there's no magic wands. I can confirm a few things to try and get to the bottom of this. -A reboot alone after the error does not fix it. -The error persists even when cleanly formatted (with OEM 10.5 DVDs) -The workaround did allow me to burn. I did nothing extra between going through the motions listed in the fix and attempting another burn. The OP of the fix seems to have gotten this info from a mac tech in the know. Has anyone gotten any other info from a tech about why this would work? If this truly is a case of the drive's beginning to fail I'm sure there are plenty of folks who would like to know about it. It's within a year of purchasing so on Monday I'm planning on calling in and seeing if it qualifies for a repair (even though the problem no longer exists). I also plan on formatting back to 10.5 and running some tests (such as, how consistently does this fix work, and does it last beyond a format, among others). I will post back with any info I can get.

07-11-2008, 05:17 PM	#89
Blood Stache Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1	I read up to page two on this thread and i had not heard of anyone having any problems with the random language fix. Anyhow, it did not work for me BUT i was trying to burn a cd with Imitation CD-R's... I used about half of a stack of 30 before my computer decided to stop burning. I switched to a Memorex CD-R and the problem was solved.If anyone has had a problem with there drive not being able to calibrate enough power to burn i would suggest trying a different CD-R if the language trick does not solve anything. Like i said i only read up to 2 pages on this thread so i am unsure if this issue has been addressed. Thanks for your help.

07-27-2008, 11:03 PM	#92
xerenthar Prospect Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 7	Completely and totally bizarre, but this fixed my problem. I was unable to burn in Toast, Disk Utility, Nero(Parallels or VMWare) all with MEDIUM ERROR(toast) or Laser Calibration errors(other 2.) I did this and it burned in Toast flawlessly. I did NOTHING else (other than the restart prescribed in the fix.) I have an Optiarc DVD RW AD-5630A and I bought this iMac less than a week ago New.

08-07-2008, 01:32 PM	#98
rebecca_kostya Prospect Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Pole, Alaska Posts: 14	Well, I have been following this thread for the last 6 months, since I changed around my international language settings and was able to burn discs again, and Im pleased to report that I still haven't had any recurring issues. This may also have something to do with the burned offerings I set out in front of my imac each night. Seems to make about as much sense if you ask me. Knowing that each disc I burn could be my last keeps me at the end of my seat, but the instant it acts up again, Ive decided to make my first call to AppleCare and will likely replace the drive to be safe. (Im pleased to report it'll be my first call because all of you on macosxhints have been so incredibly helpful. THANK YOU!)

08-14-2008, 01:43 PM	#100
kslim Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 1	I'm having the same problem. Language thing didn't work for me. Tried a cleaner disc (4x), didn't help. Was using the same media for some time before the problem developed. Is there any consensus as to which brand(s) of DVDs have a lower incidence of the problem? Interstingly (to me at least), the problem first came up about a year ago, then mysteriously cleared up, and now has come back. In going through this thread, it appears the problem occurs with different brands of drives and different media. It also doesn't appear to be a problem in the Windows world. All that indicates to me that OSX is the most likely culprit. Too bad Apple support is so poor. Looking forward to reading future posts on the thread 2 Ghz Intel Core Duo OSX 10.5.4 2 GB SDRAM Matshita DVD-R UJ-846 Maxell DVD+RW, Memorex DVD-RW