Optical Disc Drive suddenly stopped reading dual-layer DVDs and won't burn DVDs.

[d3fu5i0n]

New Question At The Bottom Of The Page. Please Read Post #12 and/or #14
What NEW Blu-Ray Drive To Get?

My 'LiteOn iHAS524-32 A' has suddenly stopped reading DVD9s/Dual-layer DVDs and will not correctly burn single-layer DVDs/DVD5s.

It will only read and burn CDs, and read single-layer DVDs. Although, even reading those disc media-types occurs slowly, and the ODD struggles.

Coincidentally, it failed exactly 1 year after purchase (although that is not one year after it's operation time).

I purchased it from Play.com, and sent a message to them from their website, although I only received, what seemed to be, an automated response.
Perhaps I should contact them directly, as I've had to deal with returns, with them in previous times, and they've been very pleasant.

Over recent times, I have been looking at BD-RW drives anyway, so if I am able to return it, I could perhaps pay the difference for one.

My main dilemma, is as to whether I am able to fix the drive. I've also contacted LiteOn themselves, yet I am still waiting for a response. The packaging and documentation doesn't seem to notify the consumer as to what the duration of the warranty is. It is a retail copy, yes... but the warranty may still only be 1 year. The longer this goes on, the more I feel as if I'm unlikely to have it refunded, replaced or exchanged with excess costs for a BD-RW drive that I've been looking at.

Any ideas? I've searched the net a bit, and haven't found any similar issues with ODDs not reading certain discs. I suppose it's to do with the lens, but that's just a guess, and I don't have strong understandings of ODDs.

Hopefully someone can shed some light on this issue... Thanks!

 

[stahlhart]

These things fail every so often -- as relatively inexpensive as they are these days, you're probably better off just replacing the drive if you don't have any extended warranty on it.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

These things fail every so often -- as relatively inexpensive as they are these days, you're probably better off just replacing the drive if you don't have any extended warranty on it.

Hmmh, a true point. Although I've spent a lot of money recently on other hardware and peripherals, so it'd be nice to get the money back that I spent on it.

The BD-RW drive I was looking at was the LG BH10LS30 [retail]

Any opinions on it? Seems a good price for a BD-RW drive, and has nice aesthetics.

 

[stahlhart]

I haven't upgraded to Blu-Ray yet here...

 

[corkyg]

Combo drives have separate lasers and lenses. I.e., CD and DVD. It is possible for one to fail and the other stays good. The DVD lens has to be more accurate. Anyone smoke in your computer room?

 

[d3fu5i0n]

Combo drives have separate lasers and lenses. I.e., CD and DVD. It is possible for one to fail and the other stays good. The DVD lens has to be more accurate. Anyone smoke in your computer room?

I don't smoke haha.

Well, I've been looking at some Combo BD-ROM/DVD-RW drives [with LightScribe] and for a 12x speed for reading BDs (as well as writing DVD+Rs at 16x, which is the maximum speed for common DVDs anyway. Also, burning/writing to DVDs at slower speeds is better for a quality burn anyway, especially with video playback.), I can get the Samsung SH-B123L for around £48.
Not bad, eh? Aesthetics are beautiful as well!

I'm mainly just interested in reading BDs, but writing DVDs with LabelTag or LightScribe.


Anyway, how to go about this return. No idea on the warranty duration of the product. It'll be a pain if it only does have one year on it, but there's nothing I can do about that, if that's the case. :\

 

[Blain]

* Go through the official LiteOn troubleshooting steps before anything.
* Toss the drive and buy a new one.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

* Go through the official LiteOn troubleshooting steps before anything.
* Toss the drive and buy a new one.

Thanks for the link.

I find it hilarious about the read errors, that the discs are either damaged or up-side down.
I repeat "up-side down".

They're the correct way up, and are brand new off of the stack. The DVD9s/Dual-Layer DVDs, are the films and they've got no scratches (I look after my discs).

Looking through every single one of those pages, they've basically blamed any issue on the user, and quite obviously try to avoid the fact that their hardware is failing (of course I don't deny that there will always be a small percentage of insufficient products [QC] released to the market from every manufacturer. Heck, I had a high quality PSU break after 5 months, quite recently.)

 

[d3fu5i0n]

* Go through the official LiteOn troubleshooting steps before anything.
* Toss the drive and buy a new one.

Also... if I were to get that BD drive, should I get the OEM version or the Retail copy.

Retail copy is about £2.50 more

 

[Blain]

Get a version where you can flash the firmware.
Check the LiteOn support download page for models with firmware updates.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

Get a version where you can flash the firmware.
Check the LiteOn support download page for models with firmware updates.

The SH-B123L you can flash the firmware. I'd already looked last night: http://www.samsungodd.com/eng/firmware/FWdownload/fwdownload.asp

See, "SH-B123L" is in the list! I believe it's Samsung themselves.
They also provide a firmware version [checker] tool.

I never said that I'd plan to get the same LiteOn drive.
Anyhow, LiteOn don't actually have the firmware downloads on their site.
You have to look elsewhere, from outside sources. My iHAS524 was on the latest firmware version anyway.

Anyway, I'm going to try and contact Play.com tonight and see if I can get a return and refund. Either way, I'm going to have to replace the drive.

But I found the OEM version of that Samsung BD drive for £45 direct from British Telecom (an obvious trusted source) [that £2.50 more for the Retail copy ~ because I was wondering if the warranty is better; of course, the software bundle isn't that great/a little old].

EDIT: I contact Play, although they're being a little picky, and say that I have to deal with LiteOn.
LiteOn have yet to reply, so I'm annoyed now. [I E-Mailed them last week I believe].

 

[d3fu5i0n]

Looking at some consumer comments on the Samsung SH-B123L, some people have reported that it does not read the Windows OS discs before install [as I'll be re-installing Windows in a few months on an SSD]; and also, does not read the Avatar BD. Have these issues been resolved in firmware updates, or can anyone else give me more information regarding these reports?

I also read reports of it being slower than some 8x BD [reading] drives; since this is a 12x [read] drive.

Hmmh, what to purchase? Now this has become a question of what drive to purchase.

 

[mfenn]

Anyway, I'm going to try and contact Play.com tonight and see if I can get a return and refund. Either way, I'm going to have to replace the drive.

EDIT: I contact Play, although they're being a little picky, and say that I have to deal with LiteOn.
LiteOn have yet to reply, so I'm annoyed now. [I E-Mailed them last week I believe].

I would be absolutely stunned if any retailer would allow you to return for a refund after a year. That's what the manufacturer's warranty is for.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

I would be absolutely stunned if any retailer would allow you to return for a refund after a year. That's what the manufacturer's warranty is for.

Well, it failed exactly a year after purchase [1 day less for operation], although I suppose for the time that I reported it, it's been a little more than that.

Anyhow, what about my new question regarding what new drive to get?
The issues that some people claim to have (from other sources) about the Samsung drive I mentioned.

The fastest reads would be nice [for BD-ROMs]. I still do like my product aesthetics to be good though!

I have found that Samsung drive for just under £40 now, so that's an astonishing price. But I want some help from the community on picking one!
...Especially as many reports/review on websites show that a lot of drives don't live up to their claimed access and read times.

Finding near to no bad consumer reports about the LG CH10LS20, I think that may be a good option. Yes it only reads at 10x, but when watching a film, I reckon it'd only read at 2x-ish anyway. The extra 2MB of cache [2MB -> 4MB] compared to the Samsung model may help. I'm not really knowledgeable in ODDs, so I need some advice here.
Neither has this drive actually had any reports of not being able to play back particular BD-ROMs from what I have found, and hasn't really gained much/(or) any criticism about not reaching its 10x speed, compared to the Samsung drive.

Would the LG CH10LS20 be an appropriate choice then?

 

[d3fu5i0n]

LiteOn have replied, saying flash the firmware...
Well, it's already on the latest, but oh well, I did that again. Of course, I know, you know, that it's a component fault.

They said that all of their products carry a 2 year warranty within Europe, and it's down to the online distributor to work through them. I quote: "Kindly be informed that we provide 2 year warranty in european countries starting from the date of purchase.
According to the local law in EU the endusers should always with proof of purchase go back to his retailer where he purchased the drive for service.
Your retailer should handle RMA returns with his distributor.
We will not provide warranty to you directly.
This is our standard RMA procedure.
Your understanding should be appreciated."

So, there you have it. I shall have to give Play.com a call back.
Unless the two companies are trying to deny responsibility.

 

[Blain]

Is this drive really worth your time and effort to get replaced?

 

[d3fu5i0n]

Is this drive really worth your time and effort to get replaced?

Well, if you're a teenager, and you've spent a lot of money on a large SSD [240GB Vertex 2], an LED IPS monitor, 6950 2GB card and a new Silver rated PSU within about a month, you're going to want to get anything back, eh?

Anyway, what about the choice of the new drive? That's what my MAIN focus is now.

The LG 10x with 4MB of Cache or the 12x Samsung with 2MB of Cache. The Samsung won't read Avatar (apparently) and has also gained reports of not reading the Windows OS DVD before the OS installation, as well as not being nearly as fast as 12x (slower than some 8x). Is the LG drive a better option? It's not really that much different in price. Or would you have another recommendation altogether?

 

[CZroe]

I have a notebook BD burner that can't burn or read DL BDs.

 

[Modelworks]

Here are a few things you can try to fix the drive.
Drives normally fail reading because of tracking or speed issues. Rarely do the laser diodes fail that is just something people assume .

Open the drive and locate the spindle motor. The round disc the cd sits on to spin. Clean that off so that there is no slipping of the disc. These gather dust with time and the slightest slippage can cause speed regulation issues. Make sure the spindle turns easily and is level as it turns.

Next locate the lens assembly . On the under side of the assembly see if you can locate any glass prisms. What you are looking for is just somewhere you can blow some air into the assembly where the laser diode is mounted. This is a big cause of poor performance on drives and no cleaning disc can clean it. Inside the assembly are a series of mirrors and prisms that reflect the beam, dust on these can cause bad performance.

Carefully wipe the lens with a clean dry soft cloth. Don't try to polish it, just take off any stray dust.

If none of that works then look on the drives chassis where it attaches to the frame of it's case. The slide the lens assembly moves on needs to be perfectly level. Usually there are adjustment screws on these rails that should have loctite or paint on them to keep them tight. Try adjusting these 1/4 turn to get better performance.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

Here are a few things you can try to fix the drive.
Drives normally fail reading because of tracking or speed issues. Rarely do the laser diodes fail that is just something people assume .

Open the drive and locate the spindle motor. The round disc the cd sits on to spin. Clean that off so that there is no slipping of the disc. These gather dust with time and the slightest slippage can cause speed regulation issues. Make sure the spindle turns easily and is level as it turns.

Next locate the lens assembly . On the under side of the assembly see if you can locate any glass prisms. What you are looking for is just somewhere you can blow some air into the assembly where the laser diode is mounted. This is a big cause of poor performance on drives and no cleaning disc can clean it. Inside the assembly are a series of mirrors and prisms that reflect the beam, dust on these can cause bad performance.

Carefully wipe the lens with a clean dry soft cloth. Don't try to polish it, just take off any stray dust.

If none of that works then look on the drives chassis where it attaches to the frame of it's case. The slide the lens assembly moves on needs to be perfectly level. Usually there are adjustment screws on these rails that should have loctite or paint on them to keep them tight. Try adjusting these 1/4 turn to get better performance.

If I open the drive up, I lose the warranty, from what the manufacturer said, I'm still under warranty and Play.com were just shoving the responsibility onto them.

But thanks for the information though; it'll help when trying to fix drives that are no longer under warranty. And I like learning new things.
I do think it is the lens that's the issue.

 

[CZroe]

Here are a few things you can try to fix the drive.
Drives normally fail reading because of tracking or speed issues. Rarely do the laser diodes fail that is just something people assume .

Open the drive and locate the spindle motor. The round disc the cd sits on to spin. Clean that off so that there is no slipping of the disc. These gather dust with time and the slightest slippage can cause speed regulation issues. Make sure the spindle turns easily and is level as it turns.

Next locate the lens assembly . On the under side of the assembly see if you can locate any glass prisms. What you are looking for is just somewhere you can blow some air into the assembly where the laser diode is mounted. This is a big cause of poor performance on drives and no cleaning disc can clean it. Inside the assembly are a series of mirrors and prisms that reflect the beam, dust on these can cause bad performance.

Carefully wipe the lens with a clean dry soft cloth. Don't try to polish it, just take off any stray dust.

If none of that works then look on the drives chassis where it attaches to the frame of it's case. The slide the lens assembly moves on needs to be perfectly level. Usually there are adjustment screws on these rails that should have loctite or paint on them to keep them tight. Try adjusting these 1/4 turn to get better performance.

I may have accidentally touched the laser lens inside a PS3 BD drive (rested a forearm across it). How do you suggest I clean it before putting it all back together? These things are notorious for failure as is, so I hate to think that I might have ruined a good one.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

I may have accidentally touched the laser lens inside a PS3 BD drive (rested a forearm across it). How do you suggest I clean it before putting it all back together? These things are notorious for failure as is, so I hate to think that I might have ruined a good one.

Don't know if this could be of any help: http://www.ps3laser.com/how-to-clean-your-ps3-laser/

Have you got an opinion or suggestion for a new drive [for me]?

 

[CZroe]

Don't know if this could be of any help: http://www.ps3laser.com/how-to-clean-your-ps3-laser/

Have you got an opinion or suggestion for a new drive [for me]?

I know that cotton swabs scratch, so I don't want to touch the lens with it unless there is no better choice. I'm hoping someone can point me to an optical-grade wipe.

I dunno where to buy replacements. I think iFixit dried up. I have a 20GB console with no video that I can salvage (still boots) but I had hoped to fix it.

 

[d3fu5i0n]

I know that cotton swabs scratch, so I don't want to touch the lens with it unless there is no better choice. I'm hoping someone can point me to an optical-grade wipe.

I dunno where to buy replacements. I think iFixit dried up. I have a 20GB console with no video that I can salvage (still boots) but I had hoped to fix it.

I meant a new BD/DVD+/-RW drive for my computer [that's what the thread is partially about; it's about desktop drives anyway].

No need to worry about getting confused.

 

[CZroe]

I meant a new BD/DVD+/-RW drive for my computer [that's what the thread is partially about; it's about desktop drives anyway].

No need to worry about getting confused.

Ah. Well, I purchased a 10x LG BD burner from Fry's for $70 and used that on my desktop. I never bothered to replace my slimline one that stopped reading/writing the scond layer on BD discs because it's IDE and still works fine as a DVD drive (two lasers). It came from a 2006 notebook and I threw it into an enclosure.