How to initialize a DVD in an Apple DVD writer on MacBook Pro M1?

My apple dvd writer on my macpro m1. Mac asks me to inialise the inserted dvd. How do I do that.




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: How Dvd initialize

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jul 9, 2025 04:54 AM

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Posted on Jul 10, 2025 09:18 AM

When I connect the usbA to a C via an adaptor or a mutliple device reader sometimes the MacPro M1 says needs power.

The power message you experience is because the Apple USB SuperDrive draws more power that typical USB devices. Hubs (even powered ones) and some adapters do not deliver sufficient power. You can use Apple's USB-C to USB adapter, but I have found that simple dongle-type adapters work well with my SuperDrive. I have used this simple nonda adapter (Amazon link) for several years and it works reliably (when connected directly to a port on a Mac, and I have used it with many Intel and M-series MacBook Airs and Pros).


The prompt to initialize may be a separate issue but it may be linked to the inadequate power so I'd suggest solving the power problem first. I am able to insert blank DVDRW media and write to it just fine.

21 replies

Jul 16, 2025 05:57 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Thanks neuroanatomist (btw one of my favourite subjects when I studied medicine ...we had an amazing lecturer Tomlinson I think was his name)…I checked and the CD DVDs were ticked….I’d seen that before and it was ab initio.


I recall that right at the start a. DVD Icon DID appear on the desktop but one could not burn the MP4 to it whan I put it into the icon……never saw it again after that….got the power problem messager….that has now disappeared too…..so the problem may well have evolved ...


Tks so much for you and everyone else trying to help me…..perhaps we need AI help on this community????

Jul 16, 2025 09:36 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

First the amazing news. The MacPro suddenly started seeing the DVD and it wrote a 3Gig MP4 to it perfectly. Heaven knows why or if it will happen again.


Second AI

I have mixed feelings about AI.


Really coming along in photographic processing and I work in Beta testing with this (for free).


Very promising in medicine and evidence base analysis for guideline for example.


Music : very emotive area especially with Spotify using AI musicians. However, there are also some really good university tutorials on how to use AI creatively eg unblocking you when you are stuck musically or for lyrics.


Holocaust survivors: I have helped record their experiences and AI is being used to create AI versions of each survivor that future generations will be able to quiz. A lot of money has gone into it and it is improving but not there yet.


The key is how well it is managed.


This community is AMAZING and thanks so much. However, if one had the resources one could use ALL your advice historically to inform the algorithms that would be used to create a BOT that would HELP us provide possible answers that we would validate and be used to improve its advice. We are not here for ever so it would be a LEGACY which we be helping to inform. Hope helpful: very emotive area I know...

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How to initialize a DVD in an Apple DVD writer on MacBook Pro M1?

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