Can a MacBook 1.83 C2D burn dual layer DVDs

Hi All

I've just swapped my combo drive with a Panasonic (Mashita) UJ-857C superdrive. Capable?? of burning Dual Layer DVDs.

My question(s): Can a MacBook 1.83 C2D burn dual layer DVDs?

Is there a firmware limitation, that only permits Single Layer burning, even if the drive's Dual Layer writing capable?

Is the Matshita UJ-857C Dual Layer writing capable?

Here's the system profiler: DISC BURNING

MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-857:

Firmware Revision: HBE4
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: Insert media and refresh to show available burn speeds

I have burnt a CD-R & DVD-R through iTunes both work fine. No DL option! I will have to travel into town to purchase a Dual Layer DVD and try that.

TIA

I'd have to answer no, under DVD Write if there's no DL there, it can't do dual layer. Yours just does +/-R and +/-RW but not dual layer I'm afraid.

The Superdrive that came with Core2Duo Macbooks can most definitely burn dual layer DVDs

This is the contents of the same panel from a penryn MBP. As you can see, it does specify DL.


HL-DT-ST DVDRW GSA-S10N:

Firmware Revision: AP12
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipping Drive)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO
Media: Insert media and refresh to show available burn speeds

Maybe it is the superdrive??

The place I purchased the superdrive. Claimed that it was Dual layer write capable. In fact they said it was the optical drive used in the latest MB pros.

As you can see from the photo in my original post. The drive is listed as a Matshita UJ 857C. But manufactured 2006?

The system profiler lists the drive as a Matshita UJ 857

Are these Superdrives Dual Layer Write capable?
Can my MacBook handle Dual Layer writing?

1.83GHz Core2Duo

tatt001 said:

The place I purchased the superdrive. Claimed that it was Dual layer write capable. In fact they said it was the optical drive used in the latest MB pros.

As you can see from the photo in my original post. The drive is listed as a Matshita UJ 857C. But manufactured 2006?

The system profiler lists the drive as a Matshita UJ 857

Are these Superdrives Dual Layer Write capable?
Can my MacBook handle Dual Layer writing?

1.83GHz Core2Duo

Click to expand...

Your drive is Dual Layer write capable. Check here (UJ 857C):

http://www.netcomdirect.com/pauj9suforno.html

And here for UJ 857:

http://www.pro-clockers.com/review.php?id=235

And yes, your MacBook should be able to handle dual layer burning.

Regards.

chscag said:

Your drive is Dual Layer write capable. Check here (UJ 857C):

http://www.netcomdirect.com/pauj9suforno.html

And here for UJ 857:

http://www.pro-clockers.com/review.php?id=235

And yes, your MacBook should be able to handle dual layer burning.

Regards.

Click to expand...

According to that link, the non-'C' version is not dual layer write capable.

Features

Slot-loading SuperDrive with read support (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW): writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 4x speed, writes DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs at up to 4x speed, reads DVDs at up to 8x speed, writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed, writes CD-RW discs at up to 10x speed, reads CDs at up to 24x speed

Click to expand...

Clearly states read support for DL, but does not list DL support for writing.

The 'C' version does indicate writing to DL and is a different drive with faster write speeds for DVD -R/+R and CD RW

Think the only way you'll know for sure is to try it.

I believe that if the drive is not being recognized as the 'C' version, it is not. I would take it back.

Good catch. I missed the part about DL read only. I agree, he should take the drive back.

Looks like I will be exchanging The Drives

Thanks for the replies

Even though the drive label says UJ 857C. The system profiler shows different.

I compared my optical drive part number with the one advertised. Mine has an earlier part number & was manufactured about an year earlier too.

Back it goes...

But thanks everyone. I needed to confirm my model MacBook can handle Dual Layer burning. No reason it shouldn't. Even iBooks could burn Dual Layer if loaded with a dual layer optical drive.

There is nothing in the hardware of your MacBook that would prevent dual layer burning.

It is merely a matter of a DL burner and appropriate burning software.

Bob is correct it is the superdrive that is the problem.

This is how the Profiler looks for a DL


PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-115D:

Firmware Revision: 1.06
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Generic Drive Support)
Profile Path: None
Cache: 2000 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -R DL, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO
Media: Insert media and refresh to show available burn speeds



Note the DL after -R and +R.

I will be exchanging the Superdrive

Yes it is the superdrive.

The Single layer DVD burning capable Matshita UJ-857C has an earlier part number 678-0525E & date of manufacture July 2006. Which is what I received.

The Dual layer DVD burning capable UJ-857C has the part number 678-0542E & is manufactured later May 2007.

So if you're after a Dual layer Matshita check the part number..

Thanks for the replies.
I hope this helps out people wanting to swap their combo drives.