DVD-R Media ID - Rant!

[Chigu]

The different Media ID's for the same type of Disc pisses me off!!!! I use Maxell Dvd-R's to burn my DVD movies and I haven't had many problems with them at all. I assumed that Maxell was considered to be "1st class media" according to the website link I attached below, but when I put in the disc the media ID was ProdiscF02, which is actually "2nd class media". I didn't care as I was getting quality burns and didn't really have any major issues with the longevity of the media; so when they ran out I purchased what I thought was an identical Maxell DVD-R it had the same outer packaging, was 16x, and the top was gold, it was aesthetically identical to the other spindle that I had finished. But now when I put those into my computer the Media ID is RITEKF1, still "2nd class media" but a totally different manufacturer and according to the website below, there have been some issues with this manufacturer. Why don't they just state the media ID information on the packaging itself. I'm just hoping that these work out, I'm glad I only bought the 50 DVD spindle, rather than the 100. STUPID manufacturers, why do they do this with blank media. I'm sure a Sony LCD t.v is not manufactured by some no name brand company!!!

End of rant.

http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm

[ynchu]

I'm sure a Sony LCD t.v is not manufactured by some no name brand company!!!



I don't know about that.. :twisted: :twisted:

[trinh]

you won't get Maxell 1st class media anymore.
I think only Maxell 4x have the 1st class media only.

[willy]

Well, this Maxell is top-end stuff ... http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16377&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL

The Plus series is pretty good too ... http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16376&vpn=635032&manufacture=MAXELL

I believe they both are MIJ. However, I won't expect too much from all the rest MIT Maxell that you can found at FS/BB/Staples ....

[josipm]

I find that the Maxell 16x dvdr are not as good as the maxell 8x. Since I can't buy 8x anymore, I stopped buying them. Quality just isn't there anymore for the Maxell's.

[Chigu]

I haven't had any problems with the Maxell 16x I finished using, so had the mentality 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. So decided to get the identical brand, but even though I did get the identical brand, it is in fact made by a different manufacturer, which defeats the whole purpose of being loyal to the brand. It's basically me buying another brand. I think after this spindle is done, I will switch to Verbatims. Does anyone know of any type of DVD-R's that use 1st class manufacturers all the time.

I don't want to buy a verbatim spindle and then realize it was manufactured by a company in the 2nd class.

[board123]

Verbatim +R 16X is good value stuff right now if you get the CMC version. There was a thread here about how to tell between CMC and Prodisc based on the serial numbers on the disk.

[Chigu]

Verbatim +R 16X is good value stuff right now if you get the CMC version. There was a thread here about how to tell between CMC and Prodisc based on the serial numbers on the disk.

Can anyone provide a link to the thread??

[Takada]

If you want really get a good quality DVD for archival purposes or something, get the JVC ones from Canada Computers.

$1 for one is a bit expensive, but it's okay if you're only using a few of them. They are manufactured by Taiyo Yuden (TYG-02 I THINK, I forget), and are known as one of the best quality manufacturers of DVDs.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=008636&cid=719.88

[[buck]]

If you want really get a good quality DVD for archival purposes or something, get the JVC ones from Canada Computers.

$1 for one is a bit expensive, but it's okay if you're only using a few of them. They are manufactured by Taiyo Yuden (TYG-02 I THINK, I forget), and are known as one of the best quality manufacturers of DVDs.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=008636&cid=719.88
Sure, but $1 is way too expensive. You can get Maxell Broadcast Quality for not much more. Besides, I've lost faith in most TY media in general.

[board123]

Can anyone provide a link to the thread??
Just search for something like "verbatim cmc prodisc mcc004"

...without the quotation marks of course.

[josipm]

I haven't had any problems with the Maxell 16x I finished using, so had the mentality 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'. So decided to get the identical brand, but even though I did get the identical brand, it is in fact made by a different manufacturer, which defeats the whole purpose of being loyal to the brand. It's basically me buying another brand. I think after this spindle is done, I will switch to Verbatims. Does anyone know of any type of DVD-R's that use 1st class manufacturers all the time.

I don't want to buy a verbatim spindle and then realize it was manufactured by a company in the 2nd class.



If you have 8x maxells and 16x... scan them and u will see the difference.
PIF PIE errors are alot higher with the 16x.

[FrostedGlass]

IIRC - the good Verbatim +R discs (CMC) use times new roman font (i.e. with serifs) on the "Lock" and "Open" text on the clear spindle cover.

Staples has them for $16/50 DVD spindle. Sale ends today I think - in last weeks flyer.

[board123]

I've always bought the Verbatims at $14 per 50. Pricematch it with Staples/FS/BB when some other place has them on sale for $15 or so.

[Chigu]

If you have 8x maxells and 16x... scan them and u will see the difference.
PIF PIE errors are alot higher with the 16x.

Hi, what program can I use to scan for errors. i use the 16x Maxell (those are the only one's that i can find) but I burn at 8x. An extra 2 mins to ensure no errors is worth it for me.

[Jon Lai]

The different Media ID's for the same type of Disc pisses me off!!!! I use Maxell Dvd-R's to burn my DVD movies and I haven't had many problems with them at all. I assumed that Maxell was considered to be "1st class media" according to the website link I attached below, but when I put in the disc the media ID was ProdiscF02, which is actually "2nd class media". I didn't care as I was getting quality burns and didn't really have any major issues with the longevity of the media; so when they ran out I purchased what I thought was an identical Maxell DVD-R it had the same outer packaging, was 16x, and the top was gold, it was aesthetically identical to the other spindle that I had finished. But now when I put those into my computer the Media ID is RITEKF1, still "2nd class media" but a totally different manufacturer and according to the website below, there have been some issues with this manufacturer. Why don't they just state the media ID information on the packaging itself. I'm just hoping that these work out, I'm glad I only bought the 50 DVD spindle, rather than the 100. STUPID manufacturers, why do they do this with blank media. I'm sure a Sony LCD t.v is not manufactured by some no name brand company!!!

End of rant.

http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm


For the last time, that quite is extremely outdated and was not 100% accurate when it was not outdated.

Someone should get them to remove that guide.

[Chigu]

For the last time, that quite is extremely outdated and was not 100% accurate when it was not outdated.

Someone should get them to remove that guide.

I agree that the guide may be outdated. But it doesn't negate the fact that both spindles were made by different manufacturers (different Media ID). The reason why I repurchased what I thought was the exact same media was because I had no issues with the previous spindle, now that I know it's from another manufacturer, it doesn't mean that it was produced with the same dye or quality standards. Basically, I don't have any assurance that these will be of the same quality. The issue is the fact that the manufacturers dont' disclose the media ID on the outside label of the DVD. It's like buying Heinz ketchup, and realizing it was actually 'no name' ketchup with a Heinz label. Sure it has the Heinz logo, but it's definitely not Heinz quality.

Self realization: Sorry if it gets annoying, but i like using examples of everyday products :D:D

[Jon Lai]

I agree that the guide may be outdated. But it doesn't negate the fact that both spindles were made by different manufacturers (different Media ID). The reason why I repurchased what I thought was the exact same media was because I had no issues with the previous spindle, now that I know it's from another manufacturer, it doesn't mean that it was produced with the same dye or quality standards. Basically, I don't have any assurance that these will be of the same quality. The issue is the fact that the manufacturers dont' disclose the media ID on the outside label of the DVD. It's like buying Heinz ketchup, and realizing it was actually 'no name' ketchup with a Heinz label. Sure it has the Heinz logo, but it's definitely not Heinz quality.

Self realization: Sorry if it gets annoying, but i like using examples of everyday products :D:D

It is becuase manufacturers will outsource their consumer media to the lowest bidding factory. In the case of Maxell, sometimes it will be CMC, sometimes Prodisc, sometimes Ritek, and rarely MCC.

Although the MID is not posted on the outside, if you find spindles that say Made in Japan, then you can assure yourself that it is good quality media.

The only exception are Verbatim DVD+Rs, they are Made in Taiwan but with Verbatim's own dye.

Otherwise, pay a bit more and buy professional media, which are always made by Maxell themselves. The Plus series is only 60c each if you buy 50, and they're guaranteed to be made my Maxell themselves.

[Impossibles]

Just to clarify, you haven't had any quality problems, but you're still upset?

Sometimes we think we know too much about some things from what we read on the internet and take as fact.

[Chigu]

Just to clarify, you haven't had any quality problems, but you're still upset?

Sometimes we think we know too much about some things from what we read on the internet and take as fact.

I haven't had any quality issues with the first spindle I have purchased. I haven't burned enough media with the second spindle to compare. It's not the quality of the media that I am not happy with (at the moment I don't have any complaints), it's the lack of information available to informed consumers is what I'm concerned about. I dont' remember the last time I purchased a product whereby the manufacturer wasn't stated on the label or the product specifications. Also, it's not only the quality of the burn I'm concerned about. I don't mind burning at lower speeds (although my Ritek's (long time ago) were a piece of garbage), it's the longevity I'm concerned with as well. Also if I do encounter a problem with a certain manufacturers disk, I don't want to make the generalization that all Maxell media is bad. I want to be able to state that "Maxell media made by manufacturer 'x' is no good".

Note: I'm an accountant I like to reduce the unknown variables as much as possible. I'm risk averse.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Note: I'm an accountant I like to reduce the unknown variables as much as possible. I'm risk averse.

That pretty much means you would need to avoid buying name brand media almost entirely then...

[Chigu]

That pretty much means you would need to avoid buying name brand media almost entirely then...

So which ones should I buy?

[Delroy666]

I too got tired of searching for name brand discs with a certain serial number, packaging, MIJ sticker, etc. Now I always just buy the 100-packs of Taiyo Yuden DVD-Rs when they go on sale at NCIX.

[josipm]

Hi, what program can I use to scan for errors. i use the 16x Maxell (those are the only one's that i can find) but I burn at 8x. An extra 2 mins to ensure no errors is worth it for me.


You are misunderstanding what I am saying. Before the 16x dvd's came out ..Maxell had 8x dvd to purchase. The 8x rated dvdr are much better than the 16x which are in the stores now.


Yes lowering your burn rate may help a little..but what I am saying is it depends on who actually makes the dvd and how they make it is more important than lowering your burn rate.



If you have the full version of Nero.. there is a cd-dvd tools you can use.

There is a program call DVDinfo Pro as well.

[The Digital Dolphin]

So which ones should I buy?

Short Term Use (several months to a year or 2):
- Taiyo Yuden Value Line, TruBlu by Taiyo Yuden

Mid-term:
- Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs (3-5 years+) - Discs with MAP6 serial code are known to have bad batches
- Taiyo Yuden Premium 8x DVD±Rs (2-5 years+)
- Maxell Plus Series 8x DVD-Rs (3-5 years+) (it's made by Taiyo Yuden but with better quality control then "Premium" Taiyo Yuden these days)
- Verbatim 8x DVD±R (3-5 years+)
- Verbatim 16x DVD+Rs (3-5 years+)

Long Term:
- Verbatim Gold Archival 8x DVD-Rs (8-10 years+)
- Emtec Gold 4x DVD+Rs (10 years+) - probably impossible to find in Canada
- Maxell BQ/Mastering Grade 8x DVD-Rs (10 years+)

The above discs are listed in order of m personal feelings and experiences with their quality, from least to greatest. The lifespan listing is my personal opinion, it is entirely possible and not unlikely for any disc to last 2x as long as I've rated it for... but I am very careful with my lifespan listings, and prefer to err on the side of caution.

[Sprite_TM]

thanks for the site

[teknoluv]

it's the lack of information available to informed consumers is what I'm concerned about. I dont' remember the last time I purchased a product whereby the manufacturer wasn't stated on the label or the product specifications. Also ... it's the longevity I'm concerned with as well.
When a company chooses to bet their brand on it (by not differentiating between outsourced manufacturers), I'm sure that they ALL meet their production standards. (Of course, you could guess that those standards are not particularly high, esp. for cheap, disposable blank media.)

Moreover, I wouldn't worry too much about anything more than say 5 - 7 years from now, unless you have some really HUGE stock to archive. You WILL need to port (transfer) your files onto some other media a-n-y-w-a-y.

[Chigu]

Short Term Use (several months to a year or 2):
- Taiyo Yuden Value Line, TruBlu by Taiyo Yuden

Mid-term:
- Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs (3-5 years+) - Discs with MAP6 serial code are known to have bad batches
- Taiyo Yuden Premium 8x DVD±Rs (2-5 years+)
- Maxell Plus Series 8x DVD-Rs (3-5 years+) (it's made by Taiyo Yuden but with better quality control then "Premium" Taiyo Yuden these days)
- Verbatim 8x DVD±R (3-5 years+)
- Verbatim 16x DVD+Rs (3-5 years+)

Long Term:
- Verbatim Gold Archival 8x DVD-Rs (8-10 years+)
- Emtec Gold 4x DVD+Rs (10 years+) - probably impossible to find in Canada
- Maxell BQ/Mastering Grade 8x DVD-Rs (10 years+)

The above discs are listed in order of m personal feelings and experiences with their quality, from least to greatest. The lifespan listing is my personal opinion, it is entirely possible and not unlikely for any disc to last 2x as long as I've rated it for... but I am very careful with my lifespan listings, and prefer to err on the side of caution.


Thanks!! I think i'll switch to Verbatim's 16x DVD+R, since my burner is a Pioneer 111D, and from what i've read on this forum, verbatim's go great with Pioneer.

[Jon Lai]

Short Term Use (several months to a year or 2):
- Taiyo Yuden Value Line, TruBlu by Taiyo Yuden

Mid-term:
- Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs (3-5 years+) - Discs with MAP6 serial code are known to have bad batches
- Taiyo Yuden Premium 8x DVD±Rs (2-5 years+)
- Maxell Plus Series 8x DVD-Rs (3-5 years+) (it's made by Taiyo Yuden but with better quality control then "Premium" Taiyo Yuden these days)
- Verbatim 8x DVD±R (3-5 years+)
- Verbatim 16x DVD+Rs (3-5 years+)

Long Term:
- Verbatim Gold Archival 8x DVD-Rs (8-10 years+)
- Emtec Gold 4x DVD+Rs (10 years+) - probably impossible to find in Canada
- Maxell BQ/Mastering Grade 8x DVD-Rs (10 years+)

The above discs are listed in order of m personal feelings and experiences with their quality, from least to greatest. The lifespan listing is my personal opinion, it is entirely possible and not unlikely for any disc to last 2x as long as I've rated it for... but I am very careful with my lifespan listings, and prefer to err on the side of caution.

You forgot

Coasters (will not burn to 2 years):
All brand name outsourced to Ritek, Prodisc, and CMC crap such as but not limited to MIT Maxell, Memorex, MIT Fujifilm, etc..