Dreamcast Having issues with burning CDi on Linux

[KenaiPhoenix]

Hello, a while ago I burned some DC games using Dcdib on some Sony CD-R Cds. Some games required more than one try, but overall it worked.

Recently I try to get some new games burned but my Dreamcast (V1 from march 2000) refused to read them:

- It would get stuck on the splash game screen
- Pass the DC Logo, the Sega logo, and then reboot endlessly
- Just not boot at all

I try my old burned disc and some original ones and they all worked fine, so I thought it probably was the quality of the CD, so i decided to get some Verbatim CD-R. The burn is successful again, but the games just refused to work.

What can it be? Any Linux Dreamcast gamer here that can give me hand on how do you burn your games?

Thanks

 

[RETRO-VETRO RETRO-VETRO]

The issue likely stems from burn quality, media compatibility, or subtle changes in your burning setup, not just the brand of CD-R. Even though Verbatim is usually reliable, recent batches may vary in quality, and Dreamcast drives are notoriously picky.

Several Linux users have reported similar problems when burning .CDI images for Dreamcast. You mentioned using Dcdib, which is a solid tool, but success often depends on a few critical factors. First, burn speed matters. Try burning at the lowest possible speed, such as 4x or 8x, to improve disc readability. Some drives default to higher speeds even when you specify lower ones, so double-check your burner’s actual output. Second, not all Verbatim CD-Rs are created equal. Older “AZO” dye variants tend to work better than newer ones, which may use cheaper materials. If you can find “Made in Taiwan” Verbatim discs, they’re generally more reliable than “Made in India” ones.

Also, check the .CDI image itself. If it boots fine in an emulator but fails on hardware, it might still be a bad rip or incompatible with your Dreamcast’s laser calibration. Try testing with a known-good image from a trusted source. Some users recommend using cdrtools or cdrecord directly instead of wrappers like Dcdib for more control over burn parameters.

Lastly, your Dreamcast’s laser may be aging, even if it reads older burns. Some newer discs require stronger calibration. Cleaning the lens or adjusting the potentiometer carefully has helped others in similar cases.