Ok here is my problem. I baught a 30 pack of Memorex DVD+R's and i've used about 20 of them with perfect burns. I even burned a Backup DVD disc two days ago and it works perfectly. Now all of a sudden (with no changes to my computer or Nero) I get a Power Calibration Error. From my searches that means bad or incompatible medium (discs) but i know they work because i've used over half of this pack. So does anyone know what the deal is with this? I wouldn't think that Medium's just all of sudden become incompatible. Thank you anyone that can help.
Hi guitar23 Memorex uses different manufacturers -some okay and some not. Hard to tell which manufacturer you'll get. And yep the consistency even in the same spindle of discs might not be the same (been there done that). So see who made the discs - one of the worst they use is CMC. Pop a blank in the drive. Go to Nero ToolKit>CD-DVD Speed>Disc Info tab. Will give you the manufacturer. You might also need a firmware update for the burner. Here's a blurb from Nero on the power calibration error (applies to DVD's too) & other causes of it. Power Calibration is controlled by the recorder. Before any write operation, all recorders must do a 15 step power test to determine the optimum power for writing to the CD; this is called "Optimum Power Calibration"(OPC). During the write, it continues to do this test to get the best write throughout the whole CD; this is called "Running Optimum Power Calibration" (ROPC). This whole process is controlled by the recorder, though initiated by programs such as Nero. There is an area on the inner part of the CD for the test and test data info to be stored. You can use this area up to 999 times. If you receive the "Power calibration error" or "Power calibration area is (amost) full" error message, the cause will be either poor media, poor power, or a defective recorder. Please try the following solutions: * Update the firmware of your recorder. Please check the manufacturer's website for the latest version. * Try another brand of CD-R or CD-RW media. * Try different power connectors, and for recorders, do not share power with other devices. It needs its own power connector. If the error occurs with an external recorder, the power source in the chassis could be the cause. As a test, try to take the recorder out of the external chassis and connect it internal. * Try different configurations, such as taking the CD-ROM to the primary IDE bus as slave and have only the recorder connected to the secondary IDE bus as master. * Send the recorder in for service.
OK the manufacturer is RICOHJPN R03. I have updated my firmware. I am using a laptop so connecter issues are pretty much a dead end for me. Also i am using a Sony DVD+/- RW DW-P50A Burner. DMA is turned ON. I have up to date Aspi Drivers. Maybe that will help in the solution. By the way i also had the same exact problem with Sony DVD+R's so it has to be something with my drive or program. Most likey it is my drive because i've tried both Nero and DVD Decryptor with no avail.
Ok now I'm leaning more to the drive too. Older laptop one. Different good media and 2 burning programs - same error. Ricoh is a good manufacturer - got some decent one's from Memorex. You can try cleaning the lens of the drive with a q tip and rubbing alcohol. Might want to blow some compressed air in the drive and any vents in the laptop. When burning if you're not already no multi tasking and close any unneeded programs. But it might just be time to pick up an external burner or replace the internal one.
