[shawp]

I am backing up some of my files to a DVD-RAM disk on a LG GSA-4163B (I am using 10.3.7). When I open the Disk Utility application to format the disk the unformatted capacity is listed as 4.3 GB, but the disk is sold as being 4.7 GB.

I also tried Toast, which recognised the disk as 4.3 GB. After formating the capacity is 4.12 GB. As this is the first time I have used DVD-RAM media can someone confirm if this is correct. If so, why is the disk not recognised as being 4.7 GB ?

[Cadaver]

4.7GB when 1K = 1,000 (marketing speak)
4.3GB formatted when 1K = 1,024 (computer speak)

This will happen anytime you use a hard drive, CD, DVD, flash RAM thumb drive, CF camera card, etc...

For example, take a close look at the hard drive in your computer. It may be advertised as a "60GB" drive, but as far as the computer is concerned, it is a 53GB drive (or thereabouts).

[osxrules]

Hey I got a LG GSA 4120B. Windows only, my a$$ .

I also get 4.12 GB space. Maybe you get less space on read/write volumes than read-only. Toast can't seem to write to dvd-ram properly for me - it reformats it every time. It did say 4.3 GB but I don't mind because I just use dvd-ram as temp backup and burn to dvd-r. It's probably what cadaver says anyway. I've tried to burn stuff in toast that the finder said was small enough but in toast is too big.

What I hate is how Apple still don't have UDF 2 or packet writing support.

[shawp]

Thanks for your help. I think you are right about the formatting. I didn't like the way toast worked with DVD-RAM so now I only use the Finder. Anyway, I haven't had any problems with the discs or the reading/writing data so it must be normal.