I own a toshiba dr-1 .I know its old but it still works kind of.I just can't seem to format new discs.It still records on old discs .If I put a new disc in of the same kind that previously worked it just won't complete formating.I realise its probably had its day .Just wondered if anyone new how to help the sick machine.Have dvd media changed .The new discs are the same. Cheers for having a read.

I don't own that machine, but if you can still record on discs it sounds like maybe your problem is the media, not the burner. Depending on the brand, Media is often very inconsistent because most brand names don't actually do the manufacturing. Try some different media like Verbatim or TY.

Besides trying different brands of media, check the speed of the new discs you're buying. People have reported relatively good success in the DR-1 with 1X-2X media, which is hard to find these days.

If you're now buying 4X, 8X or 16X discs, that may be the problem. Maybe the newer 1X-16X multispeed discs will work OK? (However, to get the higher speeds and multispeed capability, disc mfgrs are changing their formulas to extend their range, which your DR-1 may not like.)

If you haven't upgraded your firmware to keep up with the higher/multispeed media, you may need to do that, esp. if you can't find 1X-2X media? Check the Toshiba website for any firmware upgrades that might help your unit read the new disc speeds?

Thank you for your kind responses.I have tried different media with no success.I originally used maxell dvd-rw 1.1-2x speed discs which worked.I bought some more maxell discs of the same type .When i format it gets to 39% then fails.I live in england and the toshiba website has no upgrade.The only upgrade available is on the toshiba german website.I cannot translate this easily and am not confident upgrading this firmware.Has anyone used this upgrade ? .Anybody with a link to information in english or experienced similar problems with successfull resolution would be great to hear.My recorder will format old maxell discs i don't understand.It's spooky.