Digital video recorder wide dynamic range optical power calibration

Abstract

A method and apparatus are presented for optimizing write operations for optical storage media. A determination is made, at least in part by iteration, of a next power range and a current score for a current power range. If it is determined that the current score is relatively equivalent to a maximum score, a plurality of final parameters is updated and provided, including an optimal power range and a final score. If it is determined that the current score is relatively greater than the final score, then the plurality of final parameters is updated. If it is determined that a maximum number of iterations has been performed, the plurality of final parameters is provided. Otherwise, the current power range is updated with the next power range. One or more of the returned plurality of final parameters are employed to optimize write operations for optical storage media. Determination of the score may also include determining validity of test data segments, selecting a score calculation criterion, and calculating the score based at least in part on the score calculation criterion and on a number and a sequence of valid test data segments. The score calculation criterion may be based on such criterion as beta criterion or modulation amplitude.