The Dolphin tells it like it is....

[Reaper Man]

How can I be certain (a proggy?) that my drive is starting to fail?
I have the L.G. 4040B. firmware ver. A304

I didn't notice any strange noises from the drive when it was new. But recently, I throw in a blank (any manufacturer) and the initialization is slightly noisey. It seems that the read/write arm moves to position there is a slight "huffing" sound.

Most programs proclaim "burn is successful". But to verifiy after burn (ex. Nero) I get sector errors? 3 out of 10 may be readable..

Possibly bad blanks ...Princos and Prodisc from Blankmedia.ca (friendly service)

Possibly bad cats....cat hair(lol) dust on lens? ( Is it still unwise to use a cd disc cleaner?)

Any hint would be appreciated

P.S. A Merry *HO*HO*HO to all here at Redflagdeals. :D

[Deal_Myster]

First of all I would like to thank you (DD) for all you’re input within this thread and all others. I have recently purchased the BenQ 1620 and I am impressed. This bad boy burns everything I throw at it including generics, it has excellent media compatibility. I have a few questions that hopefully you could provide me some answers for.

1) I currently have firmware B7P9, what is the best firmware version to go with?

2) What is the best way to have the BenQ 1620 installed to take advantage of its full capabilities?

Note: I currently have my Hard Drive as the Master on the Primary Controller and a DVD Combo drive as a Slave on the Primary Controller. I have the BenQ installed as the Primary on the Secondary Controller and the Slave is not being used.

3) I read in several places that people are over clocking media, can I do this using Nero version 6.6.03 and how? If not what software will allow media over clocking?

Note: I have been successful over clocking 4x to 6x media using DVD Decrypter, but would love to do it with Nero. I would like to over clock 4x media to 6x and 8x to 12x if possible using second grade media or is this possible only with Ty Yuden media? (I like to keep grade A Ty Media for masters and don't over clock master copies in order to maintain the highest quality and archival life cycle possible)

I would like to thank DD and everyone in this thread ahead of time for any input regarding my above questions.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey dolphin

I'm wondering if you have any links on determining burn quality using Nero CD/DVD Speed 3.55 utility. I looked at some of the posts you made about CDSpeed, and mostly you refer to 'dips and skips', but I was wondering if you have anything a bit more expansive for a newbie.

Thanks

I'm planning on putting something together early in the new year regarding this sort of thing. I don't know of anything that currently exists unfortunately... although if I did, I probably wouldn't bother doing it myself :razz:

[Pavel]

Just curious on the info posted here. When you guys mention that you are impressed with a burner and have "thrown everything at them", it would be helpful to know what kind of media such as -R and/or +R everyone is burning as well as the firmware version. From what I understand many "flaky" issues surround burning at -R. Such info, for me, would be very helpful.

Thanks

[Deal_Myster]

Just curious on the info posted here. When you guys mention that you are impressed with a burner and have "thrown everything at them", it would be helpful to know what kind of media such as -R and/or +R everyone is burning as well as the firmware version. From what I understand many "flaky" issues surround burning at -R. Such info, for me, would be very helpful.

Thanks

I have yet to ever burn any +R media in the present or past. I had several old -r 2X and 4X media generics that would never ever burn on my old Sony DRU500A and the BenQ 1620 burns them fine. I have yet to experience any issues with playback of any of 23 DVD's in -r media that I have burned with the BenQ 1620 and this includes 3 PS2 games. I do understand that the BenQ 1620 can change the book type of +r media to ROM to increase compatibility playback in DVD players and that seems like a great feature however I'll stick with what's working for now. I guess I believe in the old saying, "If it ain't broke, then in don't need to be fixed"!

[The Digital Dolphin]

If you want an idea of what kind of media I'm using when I say "everything I've thrown at it" check out my review on the BenQ DW1620 at www.cdrlabs.com, that's more or less my consistant list of everything I can throw ;) Well.... not entirely true, but good enough :razz:

The only DVD-R media that I ever had really big problems with was Prodisc DVD-R media. I also had problems with the super crappy Kodak brand P.O.S. DVD-Rs, but that's pretty much normal for that media.

By the way, this thread has now surpassed over 1000 replys... wow!

And in honour of that fact, here's some news:

Optodisc 16x DVD±R media will be available retail sometime in late January or early February 2005. Currently supported at 16x on the BenQ DW1620. The NEC 3500a also supports the 16x DVD-Rs at 16x as of firmware 2.18, and I think it might support the DVD+Rs as well, but I need to double check. I'm still working on finding other drives that support them ;)

[Pavel]

I have yet to ever burn any +R media in the present or past. I had several old -r 2X and 4X media generics that would never ever burn on my old Sony DRU500A and the BenQ 1620 burns them fine.

I wonder if it matters what firmware one uses that makes a difference in reliably burning -R's?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I wonder if it matters what firmware one uses that makes a difference in reliably burning -R's?

At least with BenQ, always use the latest firmware ;)

[Deal_Myster]

I wonder if it matters what firmware one uses that makes a difference in reliably burning -R's?

Most definitely yes, one of the main purposes of firmware revisions is to specify specific instructions for media compatibility to work or not regardless or +r or –r media type. From my experiences firmware updates could add or even take away support for media, so I would get in situations when I would have to downgrade my firmware revision in order to write to a specific media type that the latest would no longer support! I just follow the rule that if everything is working fine then don’t fix something that doesn’t need to be fixed unless a new feature is added that you desire.

[Deal_Myster]

First of all I would like to thank you (DD) for all you’re input within this thread and all others. I have recently purchased the BenQ 1620 and I am impressed. This bad boy burns everything I throw at it including generics, it has excellent media compatibility. I have a few questions that hopefully you could provide me some answers for.

1) I currently have firmware B7P9, what is the best firmware version to go with?

2) What is the best way to have the BenQ 1620 installed to take advantage of its full capabilities?

Note: I currently have my Hard Drive as the Master on the Primary Controller and a DVD Combo drive as a Slave on the Primary Controller. I have the BenQ installed as the Primary on the Secondary Controller and the Slave is not being used.

3) I read in several places that people are over clocking media, can I do this using Nero version 6.6.03 and how? If not what software will allow media over clocking?

Note: I have been successful over clocking 4x to 6x media using DVD Decrypter, but would love to do it with Nero. I would like to over clock 4x media to 6x and 8x to 12x if possible using second grade media or is this possible only with Ty Yuden media? (I like to keep grade A Ty Media for masters and don't over clock master copies in order to maintain the highest quality and archival life cycle possible)

I would like to thank DD and everyone in this thread ahead of time for any input regarding my above questions.

Just a bump can someone help me out please!

[The Digital Dolphin]

attn: Deal_Myster

1) I currently have firmware B7P9, what is the best firmware version to go with?

1a) I would stick with B7P9 until I can find out more about B7S9... it looks like B7S9 might NOT be the better choice, as it appears to be made for different grade media then we get in North America.

2) What is the best way to have the BenQ 1620 installed to take advantage of its full capabilities?

Note: I currently have my Hard Drive as the Master on the Primary Controller and a DVD Combo drive as a Slave on the Primary Controller. I have the BenQ installed as the Primary on the Secondary Controller and the Slave is not being used.

2a) That sounds fine... that's probably how I'd set it up if I was in your position (actually, no probably about it, that *IS* how I'd do it).

3) I read in several places that people are over clocking media, can I do this using Nero version 6.6.03 and how? If not what software will allow media over clocking?

3a) Overclocking is dependant on your firmware and the media. With the BenQ, some media will be able to be overclocked, and others will not be able to. If the media IS able to be overclocked, then the software you are using will automatically choose the highest speed, even if it is beyond the certified speed of the disc. Basically you don't have to do anything special to enable it.

[Deal_Myster]

Thank you for the info DD.

I just checked Nero and you were right DD, Nero automatically detected higher write speeds. I just never used to check the drop down to select the write speed due to the limitations of my previous burner having a max write speed of 4X. Maxell branded 4X Ty Yuden burned at 8X without any problems or issues with PS2 or DVD playback.

DD sorry I have another question for you. What +R media is equal in quality to the high grade -R Ty Yuden discs?

I would love to take advantage of the DVD Rom book type feature only available when using +R or +RW media. I will not however use +R media if it means sacrificing the excellent quality of the -R Ty Yuden that I am so accustomed too!

[spike-spiegel]

I'm noticing some BenQ DVD+/-Rs on boxing day sale.. Are they any good? For either the BenQ 1620 or Pioneer DVR-108?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thank you for the info DD.

I just checked Nero and you were right DD, Nero automatically detected higher write speeds. I just never used to check the drop down to select the write speed due to the limitations of my previous burner having a max write speed of 4X. Maxell branded 4X Ty Yuden burned at 8X without any problems or issues with PS2 or DVD playback.

DD sorry I have another question for you. What +R media is equal in quality to the high grade -R Ty Yuden discs?

I would love to take advantage of the DVD Rom book type feature only available when using +R or +RW media. I will not however use +R media if it means sacrificing the excellent quality of the -R Ty Yuden that I am so accustomed too!

What's wrong with Taiyo Yuden DVD+Rs?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm noticing some BenQ DVD+/-Rs on boxing day sale.. Are they any good? For either the BenQ 1620 or Pioneer DVR-108?

BenQ media is ok... not sure how it'll react on the Pioneer DVR-108 however. Personally, I'd recommend Optodisc for the BenQ DW1620, but that's just me ;)

[Deal_Myster]

What's wrong with Taiyo Yuden DVD+Rs?


Cool! I didn't know that there were "Ty Yuden" +R media.
Can you please list some brands of DVD+R with "TY Tuden" manufacture ID?

Thanks in advance DD.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Cool! I didn't know that there were "Ty Yuden" +R media.
Can you please list some brands of DVD+R with "TY Tuden" manufacture ID?

Thanks in advance DD.

Fuji 8x DVD+Rs (made in Japan), and they are also available from www.blankmedia.ca, and www.ncix.com.

Personally, I'd check out <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=37 target=_blank>NCIX's</a> boxing week sale for them since I think they're going to be really cheap... but I'm not 100% sure.

Oh, and beware of fake Taiyo Yuden's being sold by tiny stores, or on e-bay. I recommend these two places specifically because I can personally verify the authenticity of their Taiyo Yuden media. Of course "made in Japan" Fuji media is also not a problem when it comes to authenticity.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I apoligize for raising your hopes there... I was under the impression that there would be more DVD+R media on sale as well as the DVD-R media @ <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>. I'll look into this, but even my influence only goes so far.

[Amourek]

DD, how do you feel about the generic Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs? Should I stick to the Arco Circle? I'm on a Pioneer 108.

[Evil Techie]

Fuji 8x DVD+Rs (made in Japan), and they are also available from www.blankmedia.ca, and www.ncix.com.

Personally, I'd check out <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=37 target=_blank>NCIX's</a> boxing week sale for them since I think they're going to be really cheap... but I'm not 100% sure.

Oh, and beware of fake Taiyo Yuden's being sold by tiny stores, or on e-bay. I recommend these two places specifically because I can personally verify the authenticity of their Taiyo Yuden media. Of course "made in Japan" Fuji media is also not a problem when it comes to authenticity.


bestbuy has them for cheap on 26ths for 50 spindles
looks like they beat <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and futureshop this year

i think the fuji and maxells are the best deals we can get in vancouver so far

just cant find any MIJ fujis or maxells here easily though
so rare especially on the west coast

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, how do you feel about the generic Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs? Should I stick to the Arco Circle? I'm on a Pioneer 108.

Hrm... well, let me let you in on a little secret ;)

This last shipment of Optodisc Generic 8x DVD-Rs came in from Optodisc Taiwan to Optodisc America with some oddly suspicious looking model numbers on the boxes, which *SEEM* to indicate that the Generic 8x DVD-Rs *MAY* in fact be the same quality disc as the Acro Circle, in this ONE PARTICULAR INSTANCE quite likely by utter mistake on someone's part in Taiwan. I can't confirm this, and neither can Optodisc America, since it's pretty hard to eyeball disc quality and consistancy.

How much you want to risk the possability that I'm wrong on this one should really depend on what you intend to do with the media. In theory, the Acro Circle is going to be the better disc for compatability and lifespan, but it's possible <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> (and others) lucked out with an extra good quality Generic Optodisc shipment this time.

Anyways, the Pioneer DVR-108 should be able to burn them at 12x if they are the TYG02 code discs, and 8x if they are the OPTODISCR08 code discs (The Generic SHOULD ALWAYS be TYG02 at the moment, but Acro Circle could be either I think).

Merry Christmas!

[The Digital Dolphin]

bestbuy has them for cheap on 26ths for 50 spindles
looks like they beat <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and futureshop this year

i think the fuji and maxells are the best deals we can get in vancouver so far

just cant find any MIJ fujis or maxells here easily though
so rare especially on the west coast

Well, I'm pretty much broke after Christmas anyways :razz:

But yeah, for one day, BestBuy seems to have the best price on potential Taiyo Yuden media... but you need to go instore to be sure of what you're getting, and you're a MUCH braver person then I if you are going to Best Buy on Boxing day!

Personally, I'm staying at home with the G/F and watching anime all boxing day :D

[Mike71]

Alrighty, question about the BenQ DVD+R's,the Fuji DVD+R and DVD-R and the Sony DVD+R's. What is the likelihood of all these working well with my Pioneer DVR108? Any ideas or confirmation Mr. DD? I ordered some of these from BB and FS respectively on the boxing day online sales. Also a little offtopic but the only media I have ever had major problems with is PINE and that was CDR's. They were such junk. My dad bought me some from Walmart for Christmas quite a few years back and out of 50 like 4 worked. Maybe someone can tell me who made PINE so I can stay away from them?

[CanuckGod]

Alrighty, question about the BenQ DVD+R's,the Fuji DVD+R and DVD-R and the Sony DVD+R's. What is the likelihood of all these working well with my Pioneer DVR108? Any ideas or confirmation Mr. DD? I ordered some of these from BB and FS respectively on the boxing day online sales. Also a little offtopic but the only media I have ever had major problems with is PINE and that was CDR's. They were such junk. My dad bought me some from Walmart for Christmas quite a few years back and out of 50 like 4 worked. Maybe someone can tell me who made PINE so I can stay away from them?

I can't tell you for sure who made those CD-Rs you had, but for DVD-R and +R, Pine seems to package generic media from lower-grade Taiwan manufacturers, and I assume they probably did the same switcheroo deal with their CD-Rs back in the day. As far as the Benq DVD+R, Fuji discs, and Sony DVD-R, all I can tell you is that you shouldn't have any problems with the Fuji discs, they're the 'caviar' of DVD media - the Benq and Sony I'm not as certain of with your DVR-108, but my NEC ND-3500 burns them all superbly (16x for the Fuji 8x DVD+R, 8x stable with the Benq 4x DVD-R, and 16x with the 8x Sony DVD-R).

[Mike71]

Just what I wanted to hear, thanks:)

[Evil Techie]

Well, I'm pretty much broke after Christmas anyways :razz:

But yeah, for one day, BestBuy seems to have the best price on potential Taiyo Yuden media... but you need to go instore to be sure of what you're getting, and you're a MUCH braver person then I if you are going to Best Buy on Boxing day!

Personally, I'm staying at home with the G/F and watching anime all boxing day :D

no way im going to bestbuy tomorrow
im staying clear of all those stores
gonna be mad over there

i guess no deals for me then
when can we expect to see some pricedrops for TY02s to come in vancouver again?
i think its almost time that i buy a 1620
but can it be firmware modded to do DL 4x?

[fozzey]

TAIYO YUDEN DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 50DISC SPINDLE SILVER TOP

$39.98 CAD

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12675&vpn=TY4-8X/50S&manufacture=Taiyo%20Yuden&promoid=1022&affiliateid=472595

Are there any burners that will not like these?
Are these the top quality DVDs on the market?

I'm looking at getting the BenQ 1620, Pioneer 108, or the NEC (I forget the model number).

Thanks.

[Mike71]

Alright, new question, does anyone know if the Pioneer DVR108 supports bitsetting or not? Just curious as I ordered some +R DVD's and I'm hoping there won't be compatability issues.

[Pavel]

I understand it does, but with hacked firmware. So, it's dicey if you will NOT get any issues. :confused:

[NG]

I just online ordered a 200 count of the Benq dvd-r discs but for some reason in my order status page it lists Mitsumi 200 pack. Is there some sort of association between Benq and Mitsumi?

I guess this is more of a wondering question since, although I have been looking for some low grade dvd discs to compliment my TY Maxell spindles, BenQ may be too low of a grade anyways so I might cancel the order.

Thanks for any info

[Evil Techie]

TAIYO YUDEN DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 50DISC SPINDLE SILVER TOP

$39.98 CAD

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12675&vpn=TY4-8X/50S&manufacture=Taiyo%20Yuden&promoid=1022&affiliateid=472595

Are there any burners that will not like these?
Are these the top quality DVDs on the market?

I'm looking at getting the BenQ 1620, Pioneer 108, or the NEC (I forget the model number).

Thanks.


BENQ 1620 will work very well with it
so will Pioneer 108
but DD said BENQ works superbly well with the TYs

theres gotta be some crappy burners that cant burn anything at all
lol

[The Digital Dolphin]

Alrighty, question about the BenQ DVD+R's,the Fuji DVD+R and DVD-R and the Sony DVD+R's. What is the likelihood of all these working well with my Pioneer DVR108? Any ideas or confirmation Mr. DD? I ordered some of these from BB and FS respectively on the boxing day online sales. Also a little offtopic but the only media I have ever had major problems with is PINE and that was CDR's. They were such junk. My dad bought me some from Walmart for Christmas quite a few years back and out of 50 like 4 worked. Maybe someone can tell me who made PINE so I can stay away from them?

Pine is usually either Princo or Postech I believe.

As for what will work on your Pioneer DVR-108... I don't have one, so I can't confirm. And I don't know anyone with a Pioneer DVR-108 that has been using BenQ brand media... so all I can say is that the Fuji and almost certainly the Sony DVD+Rs will work fine.

[The Digital Dolphin]

no way im going to bestbuy tomorrow
im staying clear of all those stores
gonna be mad over there

i guess no deals for me then
when can we expect to see some pricedrops for TY02s to come in vancouver again?
i think its almost time that i buy a 1620
but can it be firmware modded to do DL 4x?

I'm not aware of any price drops at this time... but I wouldn't be surprised if there was one in late January or early February.

Actually, late January / early February is going to be CRAZY for changes in the blank media industry. We will see much more 16x media available, and dual layer media come down in price quite a bit.

As for the BenQ DW1620, you don't even need to mod/hack the firmware to get 4x DVD+R9 recording, it's just part of the standard firmware now ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

TAIYO YUDEN DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 50DISC SPINDLE SILVER TOP

$39.98 CAD

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12675&vpn=TY4-8X/50S&manufacture=Taiyo%20Yuden&promoid=1022&affiliateid=472595

Are there any burners that will not like these?
Are these the top quality DVDs on the market?

I'm looking at getting the BenQ 1620, Pioneer 108, or the NEC (I forget the model number).

Thanks.

They are the best DVDRs that I'm aware of yes! The DVD+Rs work better on the BenQ DW1620 then the DVD-Rs do, just fyi. Not that the DVD-Rs are bad in any way on the drive!

I'm not aware of any drives that have huge compatability problems with Taiyo Yuden, but if I was looking to find one, I'd start by looking at BTC made drives, and Artec made drives. Those two drive makers can't get ANYTHING right!!

[Pavel]

As for the BenQ DW1620, you don't even need to mod/hack the firmware to get 4x DVD+R9 recording, it's just part of the standard firmware now ;)

What's DVD+R9 recording? Is this bitsetting?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I just online ordered a 200 count of the Benq dvd-r discs but for some reason in my order status page it lists Mitsumi 200 pack. Is there some sort of association between Benq and Mitsumi?

I guess this is more of a wondering question since, although I have been looking for some low grade dvd discs to compliment my TY Maxell spindles, BenQ may be too low of a grade anyways so I might cancel the order.

Thanks for any info

Nope, no association between BenQ and Mitsumi... I'd call them and get it fixed RIGHT AWAY! The quality difference is huge between those two disc types.

[Mike71]

What's DVD+R9 recording? Is this bitsetting?

I believe that DVD+R9 means dual layer, as in 9 gig DVD's(or 8.5 or whatever;))
Another question does anyone have an LG-GSA4040B DVD burner? My brother got one for Christmas and I am wondering about what media to recommend for him. It says its a dual format burner. If anyone has any thoughts or can confirm media compatibility with this drive please post.:)

[Deal_Myster]

I apoligize for raising your hopes there... I was under the impression that there would be more DVD+R media on sale as well as the DVD-R media @ <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>. I'll look into this, but even my influence only goes so far.

Thanks for you imput DD.
I was in line at BB for about 45 minutes this morning and was rewarded with FujiFilm +R made in Japan on the label just like the -R.


** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Media Code'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'Media Code'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 11h (Method 1) - ADIP Information
0000 : a1 0f 02 00 00 03 00 00 00 26 05 3f 00 00 00 00 .........&.?....
0010 : 00 00 03 59 55 44 45 4e 30 30 30 54 30 32 00 38 ...YUDEN000T02.8
0020 : 23 54 37 10 02 4e 72 02 8c 63 16 16 0b 0b 0a 0a #T7..Nr..c......
0030 : 01 19 1b 0c 0c 0c 0d 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0040 : 01 00 38 38 02 34 63 13 05 22 22 10 0e 12 12 01 ..88.4c.."".....
0050 : 00 00 02 34 63 13 05 22 22 10 0e 12 12 01 00 00 ...4c.."".......
0060 : 02 00 54 70 02 4e 64 4a 20 11 08 08 01 18 00 00 ..Tp.NdJ .......
0070 : 00 00 02 67 64 4e 20 10 08 08 01 18 00 00 00 30 ...gdN ........0

I successfully burned one at 16X just over 6 minutes and the playback was excellent on my crappy test DVD Rom when almost nothing except quality media plays back and even then sometimes fails. This is by far the highest quality media I have ever owned. This media burns at 16X while running applications in the background. I had a peer to peer downloading client going.

Thanks for the info DD.
This thread ROCKS!!!!!

[Riflem@n]

Ok anyone just purchase a 1620 OEM? an plans on flashing it to retail firmware? I'm still deciding, I think it's worth it but it voids warranty? Anyway someone need convince me of the benefits :cheesygri

[Pavel]

Hey, Season's Greetings!! How easily we forget ;)

Do you know anything about this external burner and if it's actually a 1620?
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10049694&logon=&langid=EN&dept=0

I am hoping this baby burns decent -R's. If it doesn't at least I can return it to FS.

Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

I believe that DVD+R9 means dual layer, as in 9 gig DVD's(or 8.5 or whatever;))
Another question does anyone have an LG-GSA4040B DVD burner? My brother got one for Christmas and I am wondering about what media to recommend for him. It says its a dual format burner. If anyone has any thoughts or can confirm media compatibility with this drive please post.:)

the LG4040B is a 4x dual format burner. It's slow, and cumbersome, but ok. Don't be surprised if most 8x and 16x DVDRs only burn at 2x on it. RITEKG04 and RICOHJPNR01 will both work quite well on it... but are both getting hard to find.

It's not a burner I'd recommend anymore, since compatible media for it is getting hard to get.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for you imput DD.
I was in line at BB for about 45 minutes this morning and was rewarded with FujiFilm +R made in Japan on the label just like the -R.


** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Media Code'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'Media Code'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 11h (Method 1) - ADIP Information
0000 : a1 0f 02 00 00 03 00 00 00 26 05 3f 00 00 00 00 .........&.?....
0010 : 00 00 03 59 55 44 45 4e 30 30 30 54 30 32 00 38 ...YUDEN000T02.8
0020 : 23 54 37 10 02 4e 72 02 8c 63 16 16 0b 0b 0a 0a #T7..Nr..c......
0030 : 01 19 1b 0c 0c 0c 0d 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0040 : 01 00 38 38 02 34 63 13 05 22 22 10 0e 12 12 01 ..88.4c.."".....
0050 : 00 00 02 34 63 13 05 22 22 10 0e 12 12 01 00 00 ...4c.."".......
0060 : 02 00 54 70 02 4e 64 4a 20 11 08 08 01 18 00 00 ..Tp.NdJ .......
0070 : 00 00 02 67 64 4e 20 10 08 08 01 18 00 00 00 30 ...gdN ........0

I successfully burned one at 16X just over 6 minutes and the playback was excellent on my crappy test DVD Rom when almost nothing except quality media plays back and even then sometimes fails. This is by far the highest quality media I have ever owned. This media burns at 16X while running applications in the background. I had a peer to peer downloading client going.

Thanks for the info DD.
This thread ROCKS!!!!!

Glad you like them! You won't find better media out there then Taiyo Yuden :cheesygri

[Mike71]

Thanks as always DD, I just stocked up on mass quantities of that Fuji that was on at BB so that should do me for awhile. I think I'll give my brother some of these Ritek G04's I have and see if they will work with his LG. Thanks again:)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Ok anyone just purchase a 1620 OEM? an plans on flashing it to retail firmware? I'm still deciding, I think it's worth it but it voids warranty? Anyway someone need convince me of the benefits :cheesygri

Well, I didn't really "purchase" the OEM DW1620, but the two that were given to me, one had the retail firmware already on it, and the second flashed to the retail firmware VERY easily. I didn't even give "hacking" it a second thought ;)

[vtachy]

I've been checking in on your thread for the longest time DD and just wanted to say thanks for the grrreat insight. I had planned on getting a DVD burner but since Boxing day has seemingly brought a laptop with a burner, I'm holding off for now. It's a compaq laptop with a +R/RW drive (it's under extended warranty so I don't mind burning the drive out)

So just a few questions:
1) any guesses as to the manufaturer of a laptop drive?
2) Besides TY, what other brands would ou suggest based on (1)?
3) I was thinking of picking up a few RW to practice on, blankmedia.ca has ritek and optodisk, thoughts?
4) In the longterm for compatibility with standalone dvd players is there any major advantage of -R vs +R? I've understood that -R might have better compatibility with certainDVD players. I've also read about bitset and how +R supposed is close to a DVD rom but don't know what the practical difference is.

Thanks for the tips.

[NG]

Nope, no association between BenQ and Mitsumi... I'd call them and get it fixed RIGHT AWAY! The quality difference is huge between those two disc types.

Thanks for the heads up. The Mitsumi's were a replacement for the BenQ's so I just cancelled the order.

[d_jedi]

The 200 pack of Benq DVD+Rs for $59.99 @ FS is looking awfully tempting.. what kind of quality can I expect from these disks?

[CheaperByTheDozen]

TAIYO YUDEN DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 50DISC SPINDLE SILVER TOP

$39.98 CAD

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12675&vpn=TY4-8X/50S&manufacture=Taiyo%20Yuden&promoid=1022&affiliateid=472595

What do you use to label these discs? My understanding is that it is not advisable to use paper labels on DVD media. Can you use a sharpie on these? Will it show up well against the silver surface? I've bought silver topped TY CD-Rs in the past, but that is only because I was able to use paper labels on those. Any advice? Thanks!

[pkphilip]

The 200 pack of Benq DVD+Rs for $59.99 @ FS is looking awfully tempting.. what kind of quality can I expect from these disks?

The media code from the BenQ is SONY

The <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> Optodisc Generic 8X media code is TYG02

Philip

[The Digital Dolphin]

1) any guesses as to the manufaturer of a laptop drive?


What laptop? It probably won't help, but it *might* help if I know the brand and model number.


2) Besides TY, what other brands would ou suggest based on (1)?


(1) doesn't really help me, but I always suggest Taiyo Yuden, and non-overclocked Maxell (japanese) media, because they are almost universally compatible. Next would be Ritek for compatability. If I knew the burner, I'd be more inclined to suggest Optodisc, but only if I knew it would be compatible


3) I was thinking of picking up a few RW to practice on, blankmedia.ca has ritek and optodisk, thoughts?


Optodisc 4x DVD-RWs are Pioneer Certified. Ritek 4x DVD+RWs are the most compatible DVDRW media available.... but also the most variable in quality I've run across (I've had utterly useless discs, and excellent quality discs).


4) In the longterm for compatibility with standalone dvd players is there any major advantage of -R vs +R? I've understood that -R might have better compatibility with certainDVD players. I've also read about bitset and how +R supposed is close to a DVD rom but don't know what the practical difference is.


Some players can't play even a bitset DVD+R, but generally a bitset DVD+R and a DVD-R are equally compatible. Yes, bitsetting makes a DVD+R (or DVD+RW or DVD+R9) look to the DVD Player like it is actually a DVD-ROM.

[The Digital Dolphin]

The 200 pack of Benq DVD+Rs for $59.99 @ FS is looking awfully tempting.. what kind of quality can I expect from these disks?

Different burners produce different results. Some handle them greatly, others don't.

[The Digital Dolphin]

What do you use to label these discs? My understanding is that it is not advisable to use paper labels on DVD media. Can you use a sharpie on these? Will it show up well against the silver surface? I've bought silver topped TY CD-Rs in the past, but that is only because I was able to use paper labels on those. Any advice? Thanks!

Paper labels on DVDRs will really hurt the disc. Personaly, I use sharpies, and similar style pens. If you want to be extremely cautious, then you can use a sharpie and only mark the very centre of the disc, on the plastic centre hub, where there is no silver laquer or dye, and no risk of data corruption in even the worst circumstances.

Yes, black sharpie markers show up very nicely on shiny silver laquer ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

My latest hardware review is now available at CDRlabs.com:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=251

The drive is a LaCie 16x d2 DVD±R, which is an NEC 3500a OEM using a specialized oem firmware.

I'll be working on some media reviews for CDRinfo.com next (mostly European media, so I'm not sure most Canadian's will care :razz: ) and then I'll be continuing early January with work on another drive review.

[CSR]

Kool, will check it out..My latest hardware review is now available at CDRlabs.com:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=251

The drive is a LaCie 16x d2 DVD±R, which is an NEC 3500a OEM using a specialized oem firmware.

I'll be working on some media reviews for CDRinfo.com next (mostly European media, so I'm not sure most Canadian's will care :razz: ) and then I'll be continuing early January with work on another drive review.

[vtachy]

Thanks for the pointers DD. The laptop is an HP dv1040ca. I remember reading somewhere that HP sony and phillips were among the manufacturer's supporting the +R format. I'll wait for a bit till you post as to whether I get optodisc or ritek. Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for the pointers DD. The laptop is an HP dv1040ca. I remember reading somewhere that HP sony and phillips were among the manufacturer's supporting the +R format. I'll wait for a bit till you post as to whether I get optodisc or ritek. Thanks.

Man... I can't find any info on the drive in that laptop... can you tell me what firmware version you're running? That'll at least give me SOMETHING to work with!

[vtachy]

Looked up the device name and revision

HL-DT-ST DVD-RW GWA-4080N
revision
0C09

Does that mean it's likely a LG drive?

[The Digital Dolphin]

yup, it's an LG... and it looks like HP is giving it NO firmware support :(

Here's some info you might like though, including details on how to flash it with other firmwares, and possibly get better use out of it:
http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=31095&highlight=GWA-4080N

good luck :)

[apvm]

DD,

May I ask which firmware you think is best for the 1620, I use a mix of media from cheapo like Yi Jhan 001 to Maxell but have a bunch of Prodisc and Benq Sony Code disk.

TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

Well, so far all I can say about B7T9 over B7P9 is that it's slower in a lot of cases... but seems to use the WOPC a lot more. So for crappy media, I'm thinking B7T9 might be the better way to go. It's also the first firmware to give me actual 16x recording speeds on DVD-R media (although the disc didn't fair too well.... it was a BenQ 8x DVD-R).

by the way, for those interested, London Drugs now seems to have Fuji 16x DVD+Rs in stock, on sale @ something like $2.20/disc in a 10pk IIRC.

[Canadianpsycho]

DD, real quick question...

1. Which dual format dual layer burner would you recommend? 8 or 16 speed. LG? BenQ? Sony? Pioneer? NEC?

Thanks.

[apvm]

Thanks DD, I have around 50 Yi Jhan 001 code cheapie stuff which only S9 can burn them without skipping/pasue, P9 only 3.5G after that skipping and pausing, T9 won't even start burning them, lead in forever.

I'll switch to T9 once they're used up, think T9 should be friendly to my Prodisc 8X +R and Benq 8X -R

Thanks again.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks DD, I have around 50 Yi Jhan 001 code cheapie stuff which only S9 can burn them without skipping/pasue, P9 only 3.5G after that skipping and pausing, T9 won't even start burning them, lead in forever.

I'll switch to T9 once they're used up, think T9 should be friendly to my Prodisc 8X +R and Benq 8X -R

Thanks again.

Hrm... yeah I wasn't thinking about B7S9 which was made specifically for crap chinese media. It's only available for download from the BenQ China webpage too! So yeah, that one probably *is* the best for your needs for the moment.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, real quick question...

1. Which dual format dual layer burner would you recommend? 8 or 16 speed. LG? BenQ? Sony? Pioneer? NEC?

Thanks.

Recommendations:

#1: BenQ DW1620
#2: Pioneer DVR-108 (DVR-109 is coming out late this month in Japan I believe)
#3: NEC 3500a

I'll be looking at the LG 4163B soon, but from what I can tell, it still has some 16x recording issues, but performs well at 8x/12x. I'll know more probably by the end of the month.

[fozzey]

Recommendations:

#1: BenQ DW1620
#2: Pioneer DVR-108 (DVR-109 is coming out late this month in Japan I believe)
#3: NEC 3500a



Besides TY media, what would you say the best media for each of those drives is? I'm getting on of those three in the next couple of days and I'm trying to decide what media to get.

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Besides TY media, what would you say the best media for each of those drives is? I'm getting on of those three in the next couple of days and I'm trying to decide what media to get.

Thanks.

BenQ DW1620:
Optodisc 4x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD+Rs, Optodisc 16x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 16x DVD+Rs, Prodisc 8x DVD+Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, Ritek 16x DVD+Rs.

Pioneer DVR-108:
Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD+Rs, Ritek 8x DVD-Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, (not sure on Prodisc?)

NEC 3500a:
Optodisc 4x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD+Rs, Optodisc 16x DVD-Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, Ritek 8x DVD-Rs. (not sure about Prodisc?)

Please note the following:
I have 2 BenQ DW1620's and have spent *MUCH* time working with them. I have only had my NEC 3500 for a couple of weeks (previously a had an OEM running a crappy firmware, but that doesn't count), and haven't tried as much media, or as thouroughly. And I do not have a Pioneer DVR-108 (nor will I ever, since the Pioneer DVR-109 was *JUST* announced today, and will be shown at CES next week in Vegas), so I'm going on what I've learned from various reviews and quality scans posted by people who do have the drive.

[spike-spiegel]

I just got the BenQ 1620 OEM (http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12651&vpn=DW1620-BK&manufacture=BENQ&promoid=1022) from <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and tried to flash the firmware to B7T9. But it said the "drive not supported".

Am I doing anything wrong?

[spike-spiegel]

This is weird, my BenQ 1620 can play DVDs, write CD-Rs, CD-RWs but can't read blank DVD-R or DVD-RWs.

I tried using Fujfilm DVD-R 8x 4.7 and Optodisc DVD-RWs and WinXP says there is a CD in there but can't copy anything onto it. Alcohol 120% doesn't even recognize the disc when I try to burn something onto the DVD-R/RW.

[jimmyzaas]

I've been checking in on your thread for the longest time DD and just wanted to say thanks for the grrreat insight. I had planned on getting a DVD burner but since Boxing day has seemingly brought a laptop with a burner, I'm holding off for now. It's a compaq laptop with a +R/RW drive (it's under extended warranty so I don't mind burning the drive out)

So just a few questions:
1) any guesses as to the manufaturer of a laptop drive?


I have a HP equivalent of a Compaq notebook, the dv1040ca. It came with a TEAC drive. So it could be a TEAC. Even though it says it is +R/+RW only, Nero shows it is able to write -R and -RWs. I haven't tried it out yet so I can't really help you in judging burn quality. This is and should be the 4x version of the drive.. I'm not sure what is the make of the 8x.

[spike-spiegel]

I just got the BenQ 1620 OEM (http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12651&vpn=DW1620-BK&manufacture=BENQ&promoid=1022) from <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and tried to flash the firmware to B7T9. But it said the "drive not supported".

Am I doing anything wrong?


Figured it out, had to flash using the hacked firmware version. Works fine now!

[Riflem@n]

It's not really the hacked version, just the retail version of the firmware.

[Riflem@n]

Wow that's great, I have a 1620, great recommendation...even over the Pioneer or is it a bias thing?

Recommendations:

#1: BenQ DW1620
#2: Pioneer DVR-108 (DVR-109 is coming out late this month in Japan I believe)
#3: NEC 3500a

I'll be looking at the LG 4163B soon, but from what I can tell, it still has some 16x recording issues, but performs well at 8x/12x. I'll know more probably by the end of the month.

[Matrx]

Recommendations:

#1: BenQ DW1620
#2: Pioneer DVR-108 (DVR-109 is coming out late this month in Japan I believe)
#3: NEC 3500a

I'll be looking at the LG 4163B soon, but from what I can tell, it still has some 16x recording issues, but performs well at 8x/12x. I'll know more probably by the end of the month.

OT, but what are your impressions of the benq dw1610?

[Mike71]

I'm sure its in here somewhere but I did a search and glanced through the thread and didn't find it. Does anyone know what the media code is on the the BenQ 200 DVD+R packs that FS was selling for Boxing Day for $59.99? Also has anyone used any of these and what is the general impression of the media quality? I am deciding whether to keep the ones I ordered or return them to FS.

[Matrx]

According to bafflebrain the media code is DAXON

See posts #80 & #104 in THIS (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showthread.php?t=127119&page=3&pp=30) thread.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Wow that's great, I have a 1620, great recommendation...even over the Pioneer or is it a bias thing?

The BenQ is faster, has better firmware support, more features, and has easier to access quality testing abilities that are MUCH more useful then the Pioneer's. When it comes to quality, I'm not sure I'd say the BenQ is better, but I'd at LEAST say they are about equal. If I'm biased, it's for good reasons :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

OT, but what are your impressions of the benq dw1610?

Weird drive.... supposedly the same hardware as the DW1600 and DW1620, but not officially upgradeable to the DW1620 like the DW1600 is. I haven't used one personally, but I would sooner buy a DW1600 over the DW1610 simply because the DW1620 is my personal favourite drive, and I'd be pissed if I couldn't find a way to turn the 1610 into a 1620. (I haven't looked TOO hard to find a hack for it, so maybe it is possible?).

[Pavel]

DD or anyone. Here is a question:

If I get the OEM 1620 and I can't get it to burn -DVR can I readily get the firmware here from y'all to get it work?

[The Digital Dolphin]

The OEM model is pretty good as it is, but I do suggest switching it to the retail firmware.

It can be done with the help of files from this webpage:
http://dvdpro.club.st/firmware/BenQ_FW.htm

Just download their flasher, and their firmware file, and then use the two together on your drive. After the drive is flashed, you can use official retail firmware upgrades without the need of a special flasher :D

Takes about 3min in total, from the start of downloads, to the reboot done after the flashing ;)

[Riflem@n]

You save money on not buying retail for something that'll work just as well as retail.

[Cleveland612]

What are the advantages of flashing the 1620 OEM drive with the retail firmware?
Is the improvement for disk compatability only?

I stocked up on the Fuji MIJ 8X "+" disks on boxing day (Best Buy). I haven't had any problems at all. I expect that my supply of Fufi disks will last through the remainder of the year.
I don't have any reason to use the Retail flash unless there are other benefits. Reading accuracy? Drive longevity? etc...

[Riflem@n]

Retail firmware is always released before the OEM firmware, so you have an advantage. You get fixes much faster that way and it says BENQ instead of some ATAPI thing.

[The Digital Dolphin]

What are the advantages of flashing the 1620 OEM drive with the retail firmware?
Is the improvement for disk compatability only?

I stocked up on the Fuji MIJ 8X "+" disks on boxing day (Best Buy). I haven't had any problems at all. I expect that my supply of Fufi disks will last through the remainder of the year.
I don't have any reason to use the Retail flash unless there are other benefits. Reading accuracy? Drive longevity? etc...

Because all the testing and reviews are pretty much done with the retail firmware, so you will better know what to expect if you have the retail firmware.

By the way, for OPTIMAL results with your media, use B7P9, not B7T9 (I have *NO* idea what OEM firmware to suggest!) ;)

[Deal_Myster]

Hello DD,

I noticed the mention of the BenQ DW1650 which is Serial ATA version of DW1630 somewhere within the web. I have recently upgraded my MOBO and it is Intel 925XE chipset based. Any of Intel’s new 9XX based boards support only a single IDE controller and are leaning toward Serial ATA devices. This limits the user to only 2 IDE devices so I am considering the possibility of selling my 1620 which I love and upgrading to the BenQ DW1650 however I have no personal experience with serial optical drives.

How stable are serial optical drives such as the BenQ DW1650 when compared to IDE optical writers?

Will a serial optical drive like the BenQ DW1650 benefit any perforce increase due to the higher bandwidth of the serial ATA when compared to the IDE BenQ DW1630 drive?

When performing Disc to Disc copying will there are any problems if you use a serial ATA optical drive and another on IDE channel?

Note: If you can please add in any relevant information that my questions may have not covered I would be grateful.

Thank you in advance DD you are doing a great job!

[The Digital Dolphin]

BenQ has not mentioned their new burners to me yet... and there is no official word on them that I'm aware of. I haven't worked with an SATA drive yet, so I can't comment on performance differences, but I've been told that the PX-712sa and PX-716sa just have built in bridge boards, and aren't really native SATA drives. So it remains to be seen what will happen.

Rumours have said that that BenQ DW1650 will not appear until sometime in March... but again, BenQ has not informed me of their new drive yet, or a release date.

[Riflem@n]

You really can't tell the difference between SATA and PATA, PATA Harddisks nowadays can't even reach their max speeds. So those with Maxtors and think ATA-133 is an advantage, it's not.

[The Digital Dolphin]

So BenQ has now announced the BenQ DW1625, which appears to be a BenQ DW1610 with HP's Lightscribe ability. Nothing too impressive there unfortunately since the burn speeds are all still restricted (8x DVD-R recording, 2.4x DVD+R9 recording).

They also announced an SATA/USB2.0 external version of the BenQ DW1620... that looks pretty sweet, but no new specs.

Still waiting for BenQ's drive with 8x DVD+RW and 6x DVD-RW (and 6x DVD±R9) Support!

[Deal_Myster]

You really can't tell the difference between SATA and PATA, PATA Harddisks nowadays can't even reach their max speeds. So those with Maxtors and think ATA-133 is an advantage, it's not.

With the new Maxtor Serial ATA Diamond Max 10 with 16 Meg cache and full support for command queuing (NCQ) when installed on an Asus P5AD2 mobo with Intel 925XE chipset using DDR2-533, I experienced a noticeable performance increase especially with doing multiple tasks. I previously had a WD250JB IDE and now use Serial ATA Diamond Max 10 with 16 Meg cache to free up the IDE channel for an extra optical drive. I also noticed I could run a lot more applications while burning on the BenQ 1620. Everything runs smoother with the Maxtor drive then when I used the WD for a couple of weeks prior to upgrading to the Maxtor. I’m thinking that the 16 Meg cache is the reason and perhaps the NCQ support for my smoother operation. I would love to get my hands on the IDE version of Maxtor Serial ATA Diamond Max 10 with 16 Meg cache and see if it runs as well as my Serial ATA version. I can say thou that on the same setup my WD250JB doesn’t hold a candle to the Maxtor.

[Deal_Myster]

So BenQ has now announced the BenQ DW1625, which appears to be a BenQ DW1610 with HP's Lightscribe ability. Nothing too impressive there unfortunately since the burn speeds are all still restricted (8x DVD-R recording, 2.4x DVD+R9 recording).

They also announced an SATA/USB2.0 external version of the BenQ DW1620... that looks pretty sweet, but no new specs.

Still waiting for BenQ's drive with 8x DVD+RW and 6x DVD-RW (and 6x DVD±R9) Support!


The 6x DVD±R9 support would be really nice. Would that mean about a 15 minute average burn speed for DVD±R9?

[The Digital Dolphin]

The 6x DVD±R9 support would be really nice. Would that mean about a 15 minute average burn speed for DVD±R9?

If it's CLV then it would be probably 18min-19min or so.... if it's Z-CLV or P-CAV then it would be 21min-22min or so I would guess. It depends on a lot of things though.

[fozzey]

BenQ DW1620:
Optodisc 4x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD+Rs, Optodisc 16x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 16x DVD+Rs, Prodisc 8x DVD+Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, Ritek 16x DVD+Rs.

Pioneer DVR-108:
Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD+Rs, Ritek 8x DVD-Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, (not sure on Prodisc?)

NEC 3500a:
Optodisc 4x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs, Optodisc 8x DVD+Rs, Optodisc 16x DVD-Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs, Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, Ritek 8x DVD-Rs. (not sure about Prodisc?)

Please note the following:
I have 2 BenQ DW1620's and have spent *MUCH* time working with them. I have only had my NEC 3500 for a couple of weeks (previously a had an OEM running a crappy firmware, but that doesn't count), and haven't tried as much media, or as thouroughly. And I do not have a Pioneer DVR-108 (nor will I ever, since the Pioneer DVR-109 was *JUST* announced today, and will be shown at CES next week in Vegas), so I'm going on what I've learned from various reviews and quality scans posted by people who do have the drive.

How about Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs (minus) (TYG02). Is there something you can tell me about those and why they do not work well with the BenQ 1620?

The reason I ask is because I've heard that the - have better compatibility with outside player. A friend has told me that bitsetting can help with that. There is also a sale on the - right now so I was wondering if I will run into problems if I get them.

The - are 100 for $70 and the plus are 100 for $80 at blankmedia.ca, its not that much, but its something.

Thanks

[Riflem@n]

With the new Maxtor Serial ATA Diamond Max 10 with 16 Meg cache and full support for command queuing (NCQ) when installed on an Asus P5AD2 mobo with Intel 925XE chipset using DDR2-533, I experienced a noticeable performance increase especially with doing multiple tasks. I previously had a WD250JB IDE and now use Serial ATA Diamond Max 10 with 16 Meg cache to free up the IDE channel for an extra optical drive. I also noticed I could run a lot more applications while burning on the BenQ 1620. Everything runs smoother with the Maxtor drive then when I used the WD for a couple of weeks prior to upgrading to the Maxtor. I’m thinking that the 16 Meg cache is the reason and perhaps the NCQ support for my smoother operation. I would love to get my hands on the IDE version of Maxtor Serial ATA Diamond Max 10 with 16 Meg cache and see if it runs as well as my Serial ATA version. I can say thou that on the same setup my WD250JB doesn’t hold a candle to the Maxtor.

I doubt SATA is the reason you can do all that, I'm thinking it's the 16 meg cache.

[The Digital Dolphin]

How about Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs (minus) (TYG02). Is there something you can tell me about those and why they do not work well with the BenQ 1620?

The reason I ask is because I've heard that the - have better compatibility with outside player. A friend has told me that bitsetting can help with that. There is also a sale on the - right now so I was wondering if I will run into problems if I get them.

The - are 100 for $70 and the plus are 100 for $80 at blankmedia.ca, its not that much, but its something.

Thanks

It's not that the Taiyo Yuden DVD-Rs don't work well... they just don't seem to work as well as the Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs. Bitsetting will solve 95% of you problems with DVD+R media, so I wouldn't worry about the format affecting compatability.

The problem is, TYG02 is used by many MANY different manufacturers for their media, and drive makers need to tune their firmware to try to make playable discs from all the different types, even though they all say the same thing for their MID code. So the firmware can't be as fine tuned as it otherwise could be. Now since TY media is so good quality, this doesn't affect them as much as the same problem affects some MCC media.... but TY's 8x DVD+Rs are affected even less (because less plants seem to abuse the YUDEN000T02 code I think).

Both media types will work... but the plus will work a little better I believe.

[Deal_Myster]

It's not that the Taiyo Yuden DVD-Rs don't work well... they just don't seem to work as well as the Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs. Bitsetting will solve 95% of you problems with DVD+R media, so I wouldn't worry about the format affecting compatability.

The problem is, TYG02 is used by many MANY different manufacturers for their media, and drive makers need to tune their firmware to try to make playable discs from all the different types, even though they all say the same thing for their MID code. So the firmware can't be as fine tuned as it otherwise could be. Now since TY media is so good quality, this doesn't affect them as much as the same problem affects some MCC media.... but TY's 8x DVD+Rs are affected even less (because less plants seem to abuse the YUDEN000T02 code I think).

Both media types will work... but the plus will work a little better I believe.

Thanks for the info DD,
I'm glad I picked up the Fuji +R 8X rather then the -R spindles from BestBuy on Boxing Day. If it helps at all these have been working great for me using bit setting on the BenQ 1620 without any compatibility problems after about a spindle and a half.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for the info DD,
I'm glad I picked up the Fuji +R 8X rather then the -R spindles from BestBuy on Boxing Day. If it helps at all these have been working great for me using bit setting on the BenQ 1620 without any compatibility problems after about a spindle and a half.

Glad to hear it! I love how the BenQ DW1620's retail firmware has automatic bitsetting for all DVD+R/RW/9 media... it really makes it easier! :cheesygri

[chump]

CD-R media in the Lower Mainland.

My apologies if it's been asked and answered before, but I've gone about 10 pages back, and I couldn't find an answer.

Is there a place to buy TY CD-r s in the Lower Mainland? Other than online? Otherwise, what would be the best CD-r media for audio in the 50 cent or less territory? I see that you recommend <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> but which CD-r s?

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

CD-R media in the Lower Mainland.

My apologies if it's been asked and answered before, but I've gone about 10 pages back, and I couldn't find an answer.

Is there a place to buy TY CD-r s in the Lower Mainland? Other than online? Otherwise, what would be the best CD-r media for audio in the 50 cent or less territory? I see that you recommend <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> but which CD-r s?

Thanks.

Well, for Taiyo Yuden you're looking at paying about $0.60ea generally speaking. <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> doesn't have Taiyo Yuden, and probably won't. You can sometimes find really good deals on Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs under Fuji's brand name, when the packaging says "made in Japan". If you are out of luck finding a good deal on Fuji's, you can probably get Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs from Precision Sound Corp. in Burnaby (www.precisionsound.com), for about $0.58-$0.60. It's better to mention where you were recommended from, or you'll probably get quoted their regular price, which is more like $0.66ea

As for Ritek, they are an ok disc, but not as good as Taiyo Yuden. You can probably find them for $0.20ea or so if you look hard enough. Most computer stores carry Ritek CD-Rs, so you'll be able to find them easily.

[fozzey]

http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=304

http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=73

http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=404

Those are the TY CDs at www.blankmedia.ca. They have some other TYs I did not list. Hope that helps.

[The Digital Dolphin]

fozzey: You'll notice he's located in Greater Vancouver, so buying Taiyo Yuden's from blankmedia.ca with shipping will come out to about $58/100pcs anyways... not considering the shipping time at all. The only exception is those white topped (unprintable) Taiyo Yuden's they have at blankmedia.ca which are much cheaper then the rest.... I don't quite feel right about those though... something seems wrong with that price, and that description. I am not aware of Taiyo Yuden making media like that :confused:

Maybe I'll ask Tom about it later...

[fozzey]

Oh sorry, I did not know it cost so much more to ship out there, my bad.

[chump]

Thanks for the quick response Digital Dolphin. Found your website and your reviews and now have a followup question. Where in the lower Mainland can I find the branded Ridata disks, rather than the unbranded Ritek disks that I've seen everywhere? Thanks again.

[fozzey]

Just wondering, when is https://thedolphinreview.com/ going to be up. I'm getting a 404 error if I try right now so I'm guessing its not done yet.

[chump]

Try http://www.thedolphinreview.com instead. Is the new website supposed to be at the security enabled site?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for the quick response Digital Dolphin. Found your website and your reviews and now have a followup question. Where in the lower Mainland can I find the branded Ridata disks, rather than the unbranded Ritek disks that I've seen everywhere? Thanks again.

Hrm... probably no where actually.... I haven't seen them, and I don't know anyone who imports them. No body really wants the branded ones, because everyone wants to label the discs in some way usually. Sorry!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Try http://www.thedolphinreview.com instead. Is the new website supposed to be at the security enabled site?

Hrm... I'm not sure on the security part.

Anyways, thedolphinreview.com is about to go down indeffinately. I'm sorry to have to do this, but the fact is, I don't have the time to update it anymore, and it's costing me money to keep it up all the time, essentially doing nothing.

*HOWEVER* the good news is: I *WILL* be doing blank media reviews again! both for CDRinfo.com and CDRlabs.com.... in fact, I'm working on a blank media review for CDRinfo right now ;) I'm not sure when it will be done, I'm about 2/3rds done the testing... but I'm not sure how much writing will go into it. I'll be reviewing 3 different media types under the DataWrite brand. The brand is European, but the media is pretty universal, so it will probably be of interest to people here too.

[chump]

Hrm... I not sure on the security part.


I knew that sounded funny when I was writing it. It's just fozzey had an "s" in the URL (which usually indicates a secure site), when I'm guessing there shouldn't have been. I guess it's all a moot point anyways.

[chump]

Okay. Thoughts on the Optodisc DVD-RW at NCIX? And what's the difference between the Optodisc $13.99 for 10 vs the Optodisc Generic $10.99 for 10? If you would avoid these, what woud you recommend for an DVD+-RW. Currently working with a BenQ 1610, but may change it for a 1620.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Okay. Thoughts on the Optodisc DVD-RW at NCIX? And what's the difference between the Optodisc $13.99 for 10 vs the Optodisc Generic $10.99 for 10? If you would avoid these, what woud you recommend for an DVD+-RW. Currently working with a BenQ 1610, but may change it for a 1620.

Links please? I'm not even going to try to look for products based on price... I don't even know if you're quoting a sale price or regular :confused:

[chump]

Optodisc DVD-RW 4x ($13.50 / 10 discs)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13080&vpn=OP-DVD-RW4X-10&manufacture=Optodisc%20Technology

Optodisc Generic DVD-RW 4x ($10.50 / 10 discs)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13657&vpn=SW470-C10-040-41-600A&manufacture=Optodisc%20Technology

Thanks!

[mprielozny]

I know it could have been discussed.

but

could someone order depending on quality these drives
Plextor 712A
Pioneer 108D
NEX 3500A
BENQ 1620
FOR

4 x DVD-R
4 x DVD+R
8 x DVD-R
8 x DVD+R

dont need anything else.

I currently have 107A 1.21 and lately been burning lot of "costly" coaster TY, Maxell, etc. mostly +Rs.

personally I cannot make myself trust BENQ still fells like el cheapo, I am waiting till something falls off.

thx

[The Digital Dolphin]

Optodisc DVD-RW 4x ($13.50 / 10 discs)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13080&vpn=OP-DVD-RW4X-10&manufacture=Optodisc%20Technology

Optodisc Generic DVD-RW 4x ($10.50 / 10 discs)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13657&vpn=SW470-C10-040-41-600A&manufacture=Optodisc%20Technology

Thanks!

Should be the same product.... I'll point it out to them when I get a chance ;)

[chump]

So are they any good? Or is it a case of you get what you pay for? Should I pick some up before they consolidate it into the $13.50 price? Thanks.

[Gold Monkey]

Hey, just wondering if someone can give me a hand here.

I'm trying to burn a movie, using:
OEM Benq 1620 flashed to retail firmware B7P9
Nero 6.6.0.3
fuji 8x dvd -R (ty's)

I try to burn the movie in nero and immediately receive the error 'DVD-Video files reallocation failed'. Does anyone know what this means and can it be fixed?

Here's a list of the files I was trying to burn:
Video_ts.bup
Video_ts.ifo
Video_ts.vob
Vts_01_0.bup
Vts_01_0.ifo
Vts_01_0.vob
Vts_01_1.vob
Vts_01_2.vob
Vts_01_3.vob
Vts_01_4.vob
Vts_01_5.vob

I actually finished burning the dvd and it can play in my computer and in the dvd player I have. Anyone know if this is a major problem?

Thanks!

[shadowfighta]

The only DVD-R media that I ever had really big problems with was Prodisc DVD-R media. I also had problems with the super crappy Kodak brand P.O.S. DVD-Rs, but that's pretty much normal for that media.



Have you had a chance to test this media with newer firmware (s9/t9)? These discs seem ok to me on P9 firmware but I don't do any extensive testing :p Also, any updates on Maxell 8x dvd-rs? Seems you were disappointed in their performance in your original review of the dw1620. Unfortunately I just bought 200 of these to burn at 12x. Is 12x performance on this media not worth it and should I stick to 8x?

[Montague]

Hey, just wondering if someone can give me a hand here.

I'm trying to burn a movie, using:
OEM Benq 1620 flashed to retail firmware B7P9
Nero 6.6.0.3
fuji 8x dvd -R (ty's)

I try to burn the movie in nero and immediately receive the error 'DVD-Video files reallocation failed'. Does anyone know what this means and can it be fixed?

Here's a list of the files I was trying to burn:
Video_ts.bup
Video_ts.ifo
Video_ts.vob
Vts_01_0.bup
Vts_01_0.ifo
Vts_01_0.vob
Vts_01_1.vob
Vts_01_2.vob
Vts_01_3.vob
Vts_01_4.vob
Vts_01_5.vob

I actually finished burning the dvd and it can play in my computer and in the dvd player I have. Anyone know if this is a major problem?

Thanks!
tried "burning" as an image on the hard drive first?

then burn the iso image to actual dvd media.

[The Digital Dolphin]

So are they any good? Or is it a case of you get what you pay for? Should I pick some up before they consolidate it into the $13.50 price? Thanks.

That depends on what burner you're using ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I try to burn the movie in nero and immediately receive the error 'DVD-Video files reallocation failed'. Does anyone know what this means and can it be fixed?


Sounds like too little HDD space either on your windows partition, or on the partition holding those files.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Have you had a chance to test this media with newer firmware (s9/t9)? These discs seem ok to me on P9 firmware but I don't do any extensive testing :p Also, any updates on Maxell 8x dvd-rs? Seems you were disappointed in their performance in your original review of the dw1620. Unfortunately I just bought 200 of these to burn at 12x. Is 12x performance on this media not worth it and should I stick to 8x?

Which media? Prodisc or Kodak? I've been testing PRODISCF01 media recently, and so far I can't find a single drive that *CAN* burn it... it's utter crap. I haven't tried any Prodisc 4x DVD-Rs, or any ProdiscS04 code media in a while... but I'm too busy right now to give it a whirl, I'm in the middle of another review, so I don't have the time.

As for the Maxell media... I would NOT recommend overclocking it. At 8x I think it'll be fine though, but I haven't tested it with that firmware or speed.

[Pavel]

DD, thanks again for your info. As I am not in any hurry to get the Benq 1620 and my friend is going to Taiwan next month and may pick me up an external drive enclosure, when would be a good time to get the 1620?

P

[Gold Monkey]

Another question: I'm trying to burn a dvd movie, it's aprox. 4 gigs and as of right now it's 51% done and it's been burning for 1 hour, 10 minutes. Something is definitely out of wack. It burned quickly up to 31% and since then it's been going so slow. Any suggestions on how to fix this? Also, nero is really the only program I'm running.

This is what i'm using:
OEM Benq 1620 flashed to retail firmware B7P9
Nero 6.6.0.3
fuji 8x dvd -R (ty's)

I'm not sure if this is the problem or not but what drives should be set as master/slave? Here's what I have:
Main 160gb HD
dvd burner
dvd reader/cdrw
other 40gb HD (barely used)



P.S. I fixed the previous problem, it was in fact low hard drive space. Thanks!!

[fitbrit]

Another question: I'm trying to burn a dvd movie, it's aprox. 4 gigs and as of right now it's 51% done and it's been burning for 1 hour, 10 minutes. Something is definitely out of wack. It burned quickly up to 31% and since then it's been going so slow. Any suggestions on how to fix this? Also, nero is really the only program I'm running.

This is what i'm using:
OEM Benq 1620 flashed to retail firmware B7P9
Nero 6.6.0.3
fuji 8x dvd -R (ty's)



This has hapened to me a few times before. It's annoying. Even if you quit frce Nero, the red light on the 1620 will keep flashing, you won't be able to eject the disc and your computer will be slow/weird until you restart. It's only happened 3 times to me, but is very irritating. It may have to do with CPU activity/hard disk activity, because I was always using a lot of resources when this happened.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, thanks again for your info. As I am not in any hurry to get the Benq 1620 and my friend is going to Taiwan next month and may pick me up an external drive enclosure, when would be a good time to get the 1620?

P

Well, they're pretty much the cheapest drive on the market now, as far as I've seen (I haven't looked THAT hard mind you). I don't think BenQ is in a rush to replace the drive too quickly (end support) since they haven't really finalized a new main unit. So pretty much anytime I think. I'm not expecting any price drops, but then again, BenQ is so aggressive in pricing, it's VERY hard to know if they'll just spontaneosly drop their prices :razz:

[The Digital Dolphin]

It's only happened 3 times to me, but is very irritating. It may have to do with CPU activity/hard disk activity, because I was always using a lot of resources when this happened.

That is very likely the case...

[The Digital Dolphin]

I learned something yesterday that surprised me greatly. A company who up until quite recently has been quite in touch with the optical media wholesale industry, especially the grey market (think Richmond Night Market), has just opted to leave the blank media industry. Basically, they got tired of making only one penny per disc, even on DVDRs. This company often sold a million or more discs a month, but just couldn't justify such low profits even at a high volume.

I feel sad in a way... the owner of this company taught me a lot of things, and was my best contact in the grey-er areas of the blank media market. Although we often sat on opposite sides of various fences, he always had integrity, and never misled or deceivingly marketed his products.

Anyways, I guess it's just another casualty of the pricing war that exists in the blank media industry.

[AldebaranTech]

I have to say that I have read this whole thread, and the many reccomendations for the Benq1620. I can't tell you how dissappointed I am in it. Perhaps I am doing something wrong but I doubt it.

Previously I had an LG 4082B that burned two different media I purchase.

Manufacturer: VDSP-SAB 01
Code: (blank)
Starmedia branded 4x DVD-R

Manufacturer: CMC
Code: CMC MAG.AF1
Memorex branded 4x DVD-R

No problems with these media on the LG 4082B or my Toshiba burner in my notebook,

I get nothing but coasters with these media on the 1620. The burn freezes part way through and then dies. Firmware is B7P9.

So I went and got a stack of Maxell
Manufacturer : Maxell
Code: MXL RG03
Maxell branded 8x DVD-R

and it burns no problem at 8x.

So what can I expect? What can I do to get this drive to be as good as everyone says it is?

Thanks for any input.

[money1]

the first two manufactures of media you mention are utter garbage so there is your main problem....maybe the LG had a higher tolerance for crappy media?

[ilfsoy]

I have to say that I have read this whole thread, and the many reccomendations for the Benq1620. I can't tell you how dissappointed I am in it. Perhaps I am doing something wrong but I doubt it.

Previously I had an LG 4082B that burned two different media I purchase.

Manufacturer: VDSP-SAB 01
Code: (blank)
Starmedia branded 4x DVD-R

Manufacturer: CMC
Code: CMC MAG.AF1
Memorex branded 4x DVD-R

No problems with these media on the LG 4082B or my Toshiba burner in my notebook,

I get nothing but coasters with these media on the 1620. The burn freezes part way through and then dies. Firmware is B7P9.

So I went and got a stack of Maxell
Manufacturer : Maxell
Code: MXL RG03
Maxell branded 8x DVD-R

and it burns no problem at 8x.

So what can I expect? What can I do to get this drive to be as good as everyone says it is?

Thanks for any input.

Probably doesn't like the poor quality media check the lists to see what media is recommended (or not). You could also try the "s" firmware apparently targeted at the abundance of crappy media that originates in greater China.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Manufacturer: VDSP-SAB 01
Code: (blank)
Starmedia branded 4x DVD-R


Unlike many drive manufacturers, BenQ has released a firmware JUST for people who like to use crappy discs like the above. It's called B7S9 and it's available from BenQ China's webpage, or probably from www.rpc1.org if you can't find it on BenQ's page. This firmware will likely solve your problems with this media... or come as close to solving them as can be expected.


Manufacturer: CMC
Code: CMC MAG.AF1
Memorex branded 4x DVD-R


Yeah, this media was problamatic for me as well back when I did my review using B7H9 firmware... B7S9 might do a better job of these as well, but since this disc is not even being MADE any more (and hasn't been for some time) it's not a huge priority for most drive makers to support anymore. It's like a lot of 1x media... most people have stopped using it, and are moving on to 8x media now.



So I went and got a stack of Maxell
Manufacturer : Maxell
Code: MXL RG03
Maxell branded 8x DVD-R


This media is 100x better then the ones you mentioned above! But yeah, don't burn it faster then 8x, it's not really made for recording faster then 8x.

Good luck!! :)

[AldebaranTech]

Thank you for the information. I originally purchased that "crappy" media about 6 months ago, did some data backups for an OS re-install and didn't really do much since. So I guess the logical conclusion is; Don't buy more media than you can use in a couple of months.

So how good is the BenQ media being sold at FS for $60 for 200 discs compared to the Maxell?

Thank again

[Riflem@n]

Benq DVD+Rs are Daxon while the DVD-Rs are Sonys.

[spike-spiegel]

Is the BenQ 1620 supposed this loud when in use? I mean it's pretty loud, it sounds like a fan spinning really fast with the sound of the disc spinning too.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Is the BenQ 1620 supposed this loud when in use? I mean it's pretty loud, it sounds like a fan spinning really fast with the sound of the disc spinning too.

To be honest, I never notice it... I have so many fans going in my room that they easily dwarf the noise made by just about any optical drive ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thank you for the information. I originally purchased that "crappy" media about 6 months ago, did some data backups for an OS re-install and didn't really do much since. So I guess the logical conclusion is; Don't buy more media than you can use in a couple of months.

So how good is the BenQ media being sold at FS for $60 for 200 discs compared to the Maxell?

Thank again

The BenQ DW1620 burns the BenQ 8x DVD-Rs at 12x quite well, and the Maxell only at 8x quite well.... HOWEVER, the Maxell will almost certainly outlast the BenQ media over time.

[Madcatmk2]

Benq DVD+Rs are Daxon while the DVD-Rs are Sonys.

The DVD-Rs are in fact Daxons and use sony ATIP.
Benq and Daxon is owned by Acer group.


The BenQ DW1620 burns the BenQ 8x DVD-Rs at 12x quite well, and the Maxell only at 8x quite well.... HOWEVER, the Maxell will almost certainly outlast the BenQ media over time.

How long? do you have any info on this? Benqs life time is more than 30 years (i expect the worse at 14 years). Last time i checked on taiyo yudens i saw 70 years. I use my old kodaks (all gold with mitsui patented Phthalocyanine) that i got from 2001 for important data and backup my moms music cds. My mother don't understand why those kodaks are more resistant then pressed discs when stored in her car dashboard. hehe

Madcat

[The Digital Dolphin]

The DVD-Rs are in fact Daxons and use sony ATIP.
Benq and Daxon is owned by Acer group.


Are you sure about that? I've never heard about that before (not saying they aren't, but I'm a little surprised if it's the case).



How long? do you have any info on this? Benqs life time is more than 30 years (i expect the worse at 14 years). Last time i checked on taiyo yudens i saw 70 years. I use my old kodaks (all gold with mitsui patented Phthalocyanine) that i got from 2001 for important data and backup my moms music cds. My mother don't understand why those kodaks are more resistant then pressed discs when stored in her car dashboard. hehe

Madcat

There is no way of knowing how long a disc will last, until it actually dies. I don't like guesstimating exact time frames. What I CAN tell you, is the manufacturing quality of a Maxell made disc is superior to the manufacturing quality of a Daxon disc.

[Madcatmk2]

Are you sure about that? I've never heard about that before (not saying they aren't, but I'm a little surprised if it's the case).


take a look at this :
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10048425&atab=4
"
Sony manufactured by BenQ, 1/5/2005
Reviewer: Spencer, Vancouver
These are great discs! They were all sold out in store a few days ago, but I grabbed the last box today on Broadway! The name BenQ might be unfamiliar to many of you, but it was actually part of the Acer group. And Daxon, part of the BenQ group, manufactures high-quality discs. So these discs are actually manufactured by Daxon, not Sony. :) The discs appear to be Sony because Daxon also manufactures some of the Sony discs! (my cousin works in Daxon, Taiwan.) Anyway, too much story telling here. My recommandation is: get these discs asap when they are still available at this price!!! as the price is lower than the employee price my cousin can get!
"

also
http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/159/6+FUJIFILM03+daxon&hl=en
Search for the word daxon.


I asked Benq Canada why they use FUJIFILM03, and sony SONY08D1 codes on benq dvd-R last saturday and still waiting for an answer.

Madcat

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hrm... interesting! Well, that explains why BenQ uses them for their own brand of media then doens't it? :cheesygri

As for why BenQ used the FujiFilm03 code.... I doubt you'll get an answer from BenQ Canada. Even if they DID know, they don't exactly discuss these internal details with just anyone who e-mails in to them. If I get around to it, I'll see if they'll lend an answer or two to their friendly neighborhood Dolphin ;) (I'll probably ask BenQ Taiwan though... since I'm closer with them then BenQ Canada... just not PHYSICALLY closer :razz: )

[Madcatmk2]

I went to futureshop one day and i saw some kodak cds. I said to myself: "wth, they don't make those anymore". Seeing there was no info about the discs i asked a clerk if i can open it. The cds is dark blue on the recording side. I knew that dark blue equal cheap azo crap. Unlike verbatim and Fujifilm that has light green blue. I thought they were fakes and i searched for them on the internet. I saw that people were unhappy about them so i asked kodak directly on what plastic it is made and on what reflective metal.

The reply i got from them:
"
KODAK Branded Media Products. Kodak has licensed the rights to
manufacture, brand, and sell media products and accessories with the
Kodak brand name to KMP, Inc.

Kodak does provide product specifications to which the products are
manufactured. The products are randomly/statistically tested by the
Licensee to ensure that they meet the specifications set for each
product.
"

Translation: We sold our name to them. The products are tested by the
'LICENSEE' so they can say that crappy media pass the
specifications even if it fails it.

The answer was quite evasive so i asked for specifications.

"
We have been informed that the standard Kodak branded CD-Rs (silver
reflector) are not archival quality. However, they are a high quality
product that will work quite well in standard CD-R applications.

You will need to contact KMP, Inc. LL, directly with your questions.
"


I seached for KMP then contacted them by email. Asking them for specifications.

"
Happy to open a dialog with you - but who are you? Why not just call
me.

Steven L. Mizelle
President
KMP Inc.
300 State St., Suite 404
Rochester, NY 14614
smizelle@kmpmedia.com
(Licensed Dist./KODAK Media Prods.)
(800) 314-9990, ext. 222 Switchboard
(585) 279-9087, ext. 222 Office
(585) 317-3467 Cell
(585) 279-9097 FAX
"

LOL! on the first email i got contacts to the president of those discs. I was too shy so i didn't followed up. I wonder if i call him during the night ill wake him up. If your kodak dvds started a fire in your house or exploded in your player you can get him. ;)

Madcat

[The Digital Dolphin]

Madcatmk2:

Wow! I'm impressed with the level of effort you are putting in to your posts. You obviously like to research your data before passing it on, and you seem to have a way with companies! I think you deffinately have some of the traits needed to be a good reviewer (or a reporter). Keep up the good work!

....also, I get the feeling that there is more to you then the average newbie around here ;)

[xb0xb0y]

I have a question about stuff I backed up on DVD-R. Originally when I first got my burner, I just went for the cheapest media I could find, which would be bulk no-name stuff.

Now if the discs I used are crap, and I were to copy them back onto my hard drive to re-burn on to better discs (be it creating and ISO image, copying specific tracks or directly just copying the individual files from the disc), if they read and copy over fine, then is it safe to say that my files didn't get corrupted?

What can I use to test the integrity of my discs I used? I read about Kprobe but that seems to be only for Lite-ON drives. I have a Pioneer 107.

Is it also safe for me to assume that currently, if I purchase discs that are made in Japan, that I won't have to worry too much about the quality of the discs? And the current list of brands to look for in big department stores that have made in Japan discs are Maxell, Fuji, Verbatim TDK, and Sony?

[akito925]

I have a question about stuff I backed up on DVD-R. Originally when I first got my burner, I just went for the cheapest media I could find, which would be bulk no-name stuff.

Now if the discs I used are crap, and I were to copy them back onto my hard drive to re-burn on to better discs (be it creating and ISO image, copying specific tracks or directly just copying the individual files from the disc), if they read and copy over fine, then is it safe to say that my files didn't get corrupted?

What can I use to test the integrity of my discs I used? I read about Kprobe but that seems to be only for Lite-ON drives. I have a Pioneer 107.

Is it also safe for me to assume that currently, if I purchase discs that are made in Japan, that I won't have to worry too much about the quality of the discs? And the current list of brands to look for in big department stores that have made in Japan discs are Maxell, Fuji, Verbatim TDK, and Sony?

the quaily of the discs the cheaper you pay.. the quaily of them lasting won't be there..

I got a few discs from my friend that my burner refuses to burn them cuz the quailty of them is that crappy..

so you get what you pay for in media.. so don't cheap on your media if your data is important.

I use my crap media like disposible plates, spoons, cups, etc.. in that way.. lol. use it once.. throw it out.

I'd mostly bought the best media... the cheapests media I currently have is benq's and memorex's

[Madcatmk2]

Madcatmk2:

Wow! I'm impressed with the level of effort you are putting in to your posts. You obviously like to research your data before passing it on, and you seem to have a way with companies! I think you deffinately have some of the traits needed to be a good reviewer (or a reporter). Keep up the good work!

....also, I get the feeling that there is more to you then the average newbie around here ;)

Just giving some infomation and also to say if you don't get an answer from benq taiwan ill contact daxon directly: http://www.daxontech.com/pro_a_en.htm

Its not the first time that i contacted kodak, i did it in 2001 when i ordered some bulk kodak gold media and found there was unbranded and no bar code.
Only a serial number. like http://www.tapeduplicationsupply.com/CD_s/CDR-74/kodak-30-no-brnd-gold.jpg
I also thought they were fakes. I ended up contacting the kodak manufacturing plant in mexico and got a lab technician to check the serial.


There are many rumours lately about kodaks ultima failing out. After searching for that on the web i found these are some kodak formazan(digital science) , many kodak silver, and (one) kodak silver+gold. No kodak 100% gold that came from mexico failed after storing them properly.


Do you still have some old kodaks or mitsui? Did you got them for free?

Madcat

[The Digital Dolphin]

I have a question about stuff I backed up on DVD-R. Originally when I first got my burner, I just went for the cheapest media I could find, which would be bulk no-name stuff.

Now if the discs I used are crap, and I were to copy them back onto my hard drive to re-burn on to better discs (be it creating and ISO image, copying specific tracks or directly just copying the individual files from the disc), if they read and copy over fine, then is it safe to say that my files didn't get corrupted?

What can I use to test the integrity of my discs I used? I read about Kprobe but that seems to be only for Lite-ON drives. I have a Pioneer 107.

Is it also safe for me to assume that currently, if I purchase discs that are made in Japan, that I won't have to worry too much about the quality of the discs? And the current list of brands to look for in big department stores that have made in Japan discs are Maxell, Fuji, Verbatim TDK, and Sony?

If you can copy the data back to your HDD, then burn it again, then it should be fine. It's not like analogue media which degrades noticably over time. With DVDRs it either will work or it won't (although this isn't the same with the DVD-Video format...).

To test the integrity of your discs, it's best to use a high speed DVD-ROM and use Nero CD/DVD Speed to do a transfer rate test on them. If there are no dips or drops in the speed, the disc is probably fine.

Japanese media is usually quite good, but watch out for some no name crap that SAYS it's Japanese, like ProMedia. Also, keep an eye out for Unifino brand media, which ALSO claims to be Japanese (I think it might be actually) but seems to be lacking in the quality area.

Big brands, like Maxell and Fuji, when made in Japan, are quite good! :) But for optimal results, don't overclock your media (don't burn it faster then its' rated speed).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just giving some infomation and also to say if you don't get an answer from benq taiwan ill contact daxon directly: http://www.daxontech.com/pro_a_en.htm


I'll try to remember to e-mail them tonight! (I keep falling asleep :razz: )


Its not the first time that i contacted kodak, i did it in 2001 when i ordered some bulk kodak gold media and found there was unbranded and no bar code.
Only a serial number. like http://www.tapeduplicationsupply.com/CD_s/CDR-74/kodak-30-no-brnd-gold.jpg
I also thought they were fakes. I ended up contacting the kodak manufacturing plant in mexico and got a lab technician to check the serial.

There are many rumours lately about kodaks ultima failing out. After searching for that on the web i found these are some kodak formazan(digital science) , many kodak silver, and (one) kodak silver+gold. No kodak 100% gold that came from mexico failed after storing them properly.


Heh, sounds like how I started out! But be warned, the more you get into this industry, the more time it will suck away from your day, and the more money it will take from your pocket! ;)


Do you still have some old kodaks or mitsui? Did you got them for free?

Madcat

Yup! Well, sort of. I have some Verbatim brand, Kodak Ultima Gold media. I have a VERY small amount, and needless to say, I don't use it almost ever! ;) I also have some MAM-A Gold CD-Rs... but I don't have the original Mitsui Gold CD-Rs, before they were bought out.

And unlike most of the media I can get, for these I paid a VERY high price! :eek: But I have no regrets :cheesygri

[Madcatmk2]

Yup! Well, sort of. I have some Verbatim brand, Kodak Ultima Gold media. I have a VERY small amount, and needless to say, I don't use it almost ever! ;) I also have some MAM-A Gold CD-Rs... but I don't have the original Mitsui Gold CD-Rs, before they were bought out.

And unlike most of the media I can get, for these I paid a VERY high price! :eek: But I have no regrets :cheesygri

I would have been jealous otherwise. :lol:
They don't have to prove themselves so they charge everyone.
Another question, does your verbatim kodaks and MAM-A gold smells like coconut milk when you open those spindles?

edit: got a reply from benq canada:
Replied at 1/20/2005 6:48:19 AM ----------
I will have to ask a product specialist in order to know for sure. I will have to get back to you on this issue.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I would have been jealous otherwise. :lol:
They don't have to prove themselves so they charge everyone.
Another question, does your verbatim kodaks and MAM-A gold smells like coconut milk when you open those spindles?

edit: got a reply from benq canada:
Replied at 1/20/2005 6:48:19 AM ----------
I will have to ask a product specialist in order to know for sure. I will have to get back to you on this issue.

Hehe, well.... I *CAN* get MAM-A media for free, but only small quantities and only once per item. That's how I get all my MAM-A DVDRs ;) But since Kodak is no longer be sold (I'm talking ORIGINAL *GOOD* Kodak) I have to go (ick!) retail for it.... and I *HATE* going retail... I'm very much not used to that kind of pricing :razz:

As for Coconut Milk... yeah, that's pretty common for some types of CD-Rs. I don't know many people who can tell the difference between media by their smell, and even fewer who will admit to it. I have to say, you're really impressing me here (and kinda scareing me too!).

Hrm... depending on who you contacted at BenQ Canada, that question may actually come my way before they send it to BenQ Taiwan! LOL I'll go send my e-mail to BenQ Taiwan RIGHT NOW while I'm thinking about it! ;)

[xb0xb0y]

thanx for the tips ... btw, what is your opinion on the Sony 8x "made in japan" dvd-r discs? these are the geniune Sony packaging, not the BenQ taiwanese/malaysian ones that were recently posted on sale. rumour has it that they may be made by TY? picked up 50 of them at a local best buy. i'll be transfering all the stuff i want to keep from the crap stuff that i had put them on.

[The Digital Dolphin]

thanx for the tips ... btw, what is your opinion on the Sony 8x "made in japan" dvd-r discs? these are the geniune Sony packaging, not the BenQ taiwanese/malaysian ones that were recently posted on sale. rumour has it that they may be made by TY? picked up 50 of them at a local best buy. i'll be transfering all the stuff i want to keep from the crap stuff that i had put them on.

Hrm.. I've heard the same rumours, but I know of no reason to believe them as of yet. Taiyo Yuden has serious problems meeting the demand for their own media as it is, and does not have the production capabilities to meet OEM order requirements. However, that does not mean it is impossible that it isn't true.

I'd be interested in learning the MID code of the Sony Made in Japan media, and I'd also be interested in learning the serial numbers on the discs, to compare with other Taiyo Yuden and Sony media ;)

[sanity_clause]

After reading through this great thread (first time DVD-/+RW buyer) I was pretty set to go look at getting a BenQ DW1620. I just called Canada Computers and they tell me they don't have them, they have the *new* 1622. Have you heard of this? I can't find any mention of them anywhere else, so I don't know what to think of it.

(as my follow-up below says, it appears to have been a CC mistake. - it's just a 1620)

To ask my more general question, I'm looking to get a burner/media match that will allow me to burn my home movies/etc.. to an archive disc that will play in my Xbox (still my primary DVD player). From my reading, a BenQ 1620 + TY 8x +R set to DVD-ROM would be the best if I want to play these anywhere, and have them last, correct?

[Riflem@n]

Which CC did you call?

Pcvillage has the 1620 for 73 bucks

http://pcvillagecanada.com/WebDeal.asp

[sanity_clause]

Which CC did you call?

Pcvillage has the 1620 for 73 bucks

http://pcvillagecanada.com/WebDeal.asp

Downtown Toronto CC. Of course, two phone calls later, and the story changes. I did ask the first guy to double check, and he was insistent that it was a 1622, but Head Office and a second call back downtown says there's no such thing. Must have been a slow day at CC.

Riflem@n - you recommend PCVillage? I'd be going to their downtown store if I went..

[Madcatmk2]

Hehe, well.... I *CAN* get MAM-A media for free, but only small quantities and only once per item. That's how I get all my MAM-A DVDRs ;) But since Kodak is no longer be sold (I'm talking ORIGINAL *GOOD* Kodak) I have to go (ick!) retail for it.... and I *HATE* going retail... I'm very much not used to that kind of pricing :razz:

I was talking about MAM-A archive gold cds(you have them free too?), i don't think that the mam-a dvds are as good as the phthalocyanine gold...
You have a supplier for kodak golds? where?

As for Coconut Milk... yeah, that's pretty common for some types of CD-Rs. I don't know many people who can tell the difference between media by their smell, and even fewer who will admit to it. I have to say, you're really impressing me here (and kinda scareing me too!).

I never said that i can differentiate media by their smell, lol. I was only thinking that phthalocyanine cds all smells like coconut milk. I should had mention it earlier, sorry.

[xb0xb0y]

Hrm.. I've heard the same rumours, but I know of no reason to believe them as of yet. Taiyo Yuden has serious problems meeting the demand for their own media as it is, and does not have the production capabilities to meet OEM order requirements. However, that does not mean it is impossible that it isn't true.

I'd be interested in learning the MID code of the Sony Made in Japan media, and I'd also be interested in learning the serial numbers on the discs, to compare with other Taiyo Yuden and Sony media ;)

is that request for MID code and serial numbers to me? cuz i have no clue what you are asking for. if you'd explain and i can get it off my discs, i'd accomodate you.

[The Digital Dolphin]

To ask my more general question, I'm looking to get a burner/media match that will allow me to burn my home movies/etc.. to an archive disc that will play in my Xbox (still my primary DVD player). From my reading, a BenQ 1620 + TY 8x +R set to DVD-ROM would be the best if I want to play these anywhere, and have them last, correct?

Yup! You won't be dissapointed! :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

I was talking about MAM-A archive gold cds(you have them free too?), i don't think that the mam-a dvds are as good as the phthalocyanine gold...
You have a supplier for kodak golds? where?


Well, I know MAM-A is working on their new MAM-A Gold Phthalocyanine DVD-R, which I'm looking forward to! And yes, I can get a couple archival Gold CD-Rs for free... but only once ;)

No, I don't have a current supplier for Kodak Gold's... I wish!! ;)


I never said that i can differentiate media by their smell, lol. I was only thinking that phthalocyanine cds all smells like coconut milk. I should had mention it earlier, sorry.

Well, that is to say that you think that other CD-Rs do NOT smell like Coconut Milk right? That's a start :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

is that request for MID code and serial numbers to me? cuz i have no clue what you are asking for. if you'd explain and i can get it off my discs, i'd accomodate you.

Well, just look at the face of the disc. Look to see if there are any numbers in the clear plastic hub of the disc, or maybe on the bottom in the edge of the inner part of the recordable surface.

As for the MID code. You can use Nero CD/DVD Speed to check the "Disc Info" for the media, and just post what it tells you.

I'm looking forward to it!! :cheesygri

[xb0xb0y]

okay, i thought those were the things you were looking for ... here goes:

Media Information
Region information N/A not a DVD-VIDEO
Media code/Manufacturer ID SONY08D1
Format Capacity Blank Disc
Free Blocks 411107328
Free Capacity 4.38GB(4.71GB)
Book Type DVD-R
Media Type DVD-R
Manufacturer Rated Speed Unknown
Available Write Descriptor CLV 8.0x 11080KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 6.0x 8310KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 4.0x 5540KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 2.0x 2770KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 1.0x 1385KBps
Write Strategy Speed 4.0x 5540KBps
2x Speed OPC beta 09
2x Speed OPC power 0C
2x Write Strategy field 1 12 A8 88 90
2x Write Strategy field 2 88 80 00 00 00 00
4x Speed OPC beta 06
4x Speed OPC power 16
4x Write Strategy field 1 0A 0E 09 04
4x Write Strategy field 2 98 06 0C 0B
4x Write Strategy field 3 80 00 00 00
4x Speed OPC beta multi-pulse 08
4x Speed OPC power multi-pulse 16
4x Write Strategy field 4 18 97 88 75
4x Write Strategy field 5 B7 9B B8 83 00 30
4x Write Strategy field 6 0F FF D0 00 00
Data area starting sector 30000h
Linear Density 0.267um/bit
Track Density 0.74um/track
Number of Layers 1

Complete Media Code
00000000 00 6C 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 85 0E 10 .l...@....R.....
00000010 87 88 80 00 03 53 4F 4E 59 30 38 00 04 44 31 00 .....SONY08..D1.
00000020 00 00 00 00 05 88 80 00 00 00 01 00 06 09 0C 12 ................

As for physical info on the hub of the disc themselves, on the top the code visible on the top of the disc, but backwards is (can't read it clearly from the bottom):

DRM5GB0001 V

It's also branded in blue type with:
DVD-R Ver2.0/1X-8X
Sony Corporation

How's that? :cheesygri

[Madcatmk2]

Well, I know MAM-A is working on their new MAM-A Gold Phthalocyanine DVD-R, which I'm looking forward to!


When? They should hurry because "i think" sony's blueray will be in the recording (data) industry soon. Is it stable enough to have files on them yet?


No, I don't have a current supplier for Kodak Gold's... I wish!! ;)


I only found someone who auctions some 10 pack of kodak golds for 5$ US for each box. The site looks like a scam...

[Riflem@n]

Downtown Toronto CC. Of course, two phone calls later, and the story changes. I did ask the first guy to double check, and he was insistent that it was a 1622, but Head Office and a second call back downtown says there's no such thing. Must have been a slow day at CC.

Riflem@n - you recommend PCVillage? I'd be going to their downtown store if I went..

I bought two 1620s there on boxing day, no problems

It's cheaper than CC anyway.

[The Digital Dolphin]

When? They should hurry because "i think" sony's blueray will be in the recording (data) industry soon. Is it stable enough to have files on them yet?


I'm on the list of people waiting to find out when the media will be ready ;) But I'm not even the slightest bit concerned about Blu-Ray yet (or HDDVD). I think DVDRs will be around strong for at least another 2-3 years. Blu-Ray won't even be an option until the end of this year (roughly) and probably won't reach even most businesses as an option until mid to late 2006.

Another thing is, how many people want to switch over to Blu-Ray? I've got a hefty collection of DVD movies, and don't want to have to re-buy them (yes, I really buy my movies :cheesygri ). Blu-Ray will NOT take off like DVDRs did, because we just don't have as much need for them as we did for DVDRs... and for the people who DO need them, it will be for large data storage mostly, which is not the driving force behind most of the consumer use for DVDRs (let's face it.... a lot of people pirate).

Of course, I could be wrong.... but we'll just have to wait and see :D


I only found someone who auctions some 10 pack of kodak golds for 5$ US for each box. The site looks like a scam...

Ugh... yeah, I don't trust those sort of things! I bought my last bunch from a guy I met online, and insisted on verifying the authenticity personally before completing the purchase. All the media sold to me was still in the original jewel cases AND shrinkwrapped. One was then opened (in my presence) and I inspected the disc (no need for ATIP checking ;) ) and then completed the purchase. Very friendly fellow! I met him off of a newsgroup actually! Which is VERY unusual for me, since I never even read them... but someone pointed the offer out to me, and of course I was interested! I think I paid $2/disc, but like I said, no regrets!! :cheesygri

[Madcatmk2]

I'm on the list of people waiting to find out when the media will be ready ;) But I'm not even the slightest bit concerned about Blu-Ray yet (or HDDVD). I think DVDRs will be around strong for at least another 2-3 years. Blu-Ray won't even be an option until the end of this year (roughly) and probably won't reach even most businesses as an option until mid to late 2006.

Another thing is, how many people want to switch over to Blu-Ray? I've got a hefty collection of DVD movies, and don't want to have to re-buy them (yes, I really buy my movies :cheesygri ). Blu-Ray will NOT take off like DVDRs did, because we just don't have as much need for them as we did for DVDRs... and for the people who DO need them, it will be for large data storage mostly, which is not the driving force behind most of the consumer use for DVDRs (let's face it.... a lot of people pirate).

Of course, I could be wrong.... but we'll just have to wait and see :D



I don't think that mitsui archive cds and possibly phthalocyanine dvds is used in the black market industry much. More for big businesses who have multi layered backups. Any prediction on when the mitsui phthalo dvds will be released? I think ill take 5 at 5 bucks each. Hoping they wont be 20 bucks each....

Ugh... yeah, I don't trust those sort of things! I bought my last bunch from a guy I met online, and insisted on verifying the authenticity personally before completing the purchase. All the media sold to me was still in the original jewel cases AND shrinkwrapped. One was then opened (in my presence) and I inspected the disc (no need for ATIP checking ;) ) and then completed the purchase. Very friendly fellow! I met him off of a newsgroup actually! Which is VERY unusual for me, since I never even read them... but someone pointed the offer out to me, and of course I was interested! I think I paid $2/disc, but like I said, no regrets!! :cheesygri

No need for ATIP checking? You searched for K04 on the side of the disc or you did what i think you did?

Thanks for the PM BTW, I wouldn't have visited if it weren't for that (I don't check EVERY thread ALL the time )

I am still a newb on dvd media and i needed the information for me too. :razz:

[WLJ101]

DD, Sent you a PM but haven't got any reply from you.

still waiting~

[HeatSeeker]

No, I don't have a current supplier for Kodak Gold's... I wish!! ;)

If you're interested I have these (http://img164.exs.cx/img164/2808/kodakgold7ya.jpg) for sale. Two boxes of 35 on spindles.

[Madcatmk2]

If you're interested I have these (http://img164.exs.cx/img164/2808/kodakgold7ya.jpg) for sale. Two boxes of 35 on spindles.

And you would sell those for? and shipping?
There mexican too...

[The Digital Dolphin]

I don't think that mitsui archive cds and possibly phthalocyanine dvds is used in the black market industry much. More for big businesses who have multi layered backups. Any prediction on when the mitsui phthalo dvds will be released? I think ill take 5 at 5 bucks each. Hoping they wont be 20 bucks each....


Well, normal Mitsui DVDRs are already about $1/each in spindles (not jewel cases) so their Gold DVDRs will probably be like $3 or more per disc. Regular Mitsui DVD-Rs are already available (although they OEM some of their production to DDDessau) and their DVD+Rs and DVD±RWs are often OEM'd to Optodisc. If you check my review on cdrlabs.com for the BenQ DW1620, you'll see I includes most of this media in the review ;) I have no idea when the Gold's will be ready... but I'll make a post here when I find out! :cheesygri


No need for ATIP checking? You searched for K04 on the side of the disc or you did what i think you did?


Well, basically yeah ;) I don't know any other manufacturer who puts a serial number on the OUTER edge of the media. It's pretty rare!

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, Sent you a PM but haven't got any reply from you.

still waiting~

According to my inbox, it's been less then 24hours since the PM arrived... for good answers, sometimes I can't reply as soon as I get it, since my visits on this site tend to take a while, and I *DO* have other things that I do you know ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

If you're interested I have these (http://img164.exs.cx/img164/2808/kodakgold7ya.jpg) for sale. Two boxes of 35 on spindles.

I think I have enough, but thanks for the offer! I'm sure someone here will be interested though :D

[WLJ101]

According to my inbox, it's been less then 24hours since the PM arrived... for good answers, sometimes I can't reply as soon as I get it, since my visits on this site tend to take a while, and I *DO* have other things that I do you know ;)

:cry: Alright, DD, I will wait. :cry:

[Mike71]

DD, I have a question about DVDRW media. Which has the best compability with home DVD players? Is it -RW or +RW. I noticed that -RW seems to be a bit more expensive. Is there any difference in general compatibilty between the two types or is it pretty much if the player will play a -R or +R that it should play a -RW and +RW? I am generally going to use these DVD's to burn .avi files converted with DVDSanta into DVD format files. Thanks for your help as always:)

[HeatSeeker]

I think I have enough, but thanks for the offer! I'm sure someone here will be interested though :D

No problem! Can I ask you to PM me and tell me what you think would be a fair asking price on these, either individually or as a spindle? Thanks in advance.

[HeatSeeker]

And you would sell those for? and shipping?
There mexican too...


I'll get back to you on that! They were made in Mexico.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, I have a question about DVDRW media. Which has the best compability with home DVD players? Is it -RW or +RW. I noticed that -RW seems to be a bit more expensive. Is there any difference in general compatibilty between the two types or is it pretty much if the player will play a -R or +R that it should play a -RW and +RW? I am generally going to use these DVD's to burn .avi files converted with DVDSanta into DVD format files. Thanks for your help as always:)

Both DVD-RW and DVD+RW are not very compatible... and assuming that a player can play one type or both because it can play DVD-R or DVD+RW is not a good idea either. What I can say is, DVD+RW with bitsetting is MUCH more compatible then DVD-RW. Without bitsetting, they are probably on equal footing I think.

From my own experience, DVD+RW is more popular and widely used then DVD-RW.

[xb0xb0y]

hey DD, so any insight you can share on the info i posted on those Sony "japan" discs? was it of any use?

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, so any insight you can share on the info i posted on those Sony "japan" discs? was it of any use?

Well, I compared them to my Sony 8x DVD-Rs, and my BenQ 8x DVD-Rs, and the serial number appeared to be very similar (to BOTH!). What that says to me is that it's the Sony official stamper being used... but that other companies also use this stamper, so it's pretty much impossible to tell if Taiyo Yuden is making them or not... which bugs me! I'll ask around some of my sources, and see if I find anything.

[Madcatmk2]

Well, I compared them to my Sony 8x DVD-Rs, and my BenQ 8x DVD-Rs, and the serial number appeared to be very similar (to BOTH!). What that says to me is that it's the Sony official stamper being used... but that other companies also use this stamper, so it's pretty much impossible to tell if Taiyo Yuden is making them or not... which bugs me! I'll ask around some of my sources, and see if I find anything.


The media code is a little different than of benq's. The sony one have 6C in its code.

Benq -8x

00 00 00 00 01 40 c1 fd 9e d8 52 00 02 85 0e 10 .....@....R.....
87 88 80 00 03 53 4f 4e 59 30 38 00 04 44 31 00 .....SONY08..D1.
00 00 00 00 05 88 80 00 00 00 01 00 06 09 0c 12 ................


Sony's -8x

00 6C 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 85 0E 10 .l...@....R.....
87 88 80 00 03 53 4F 4E 59 30 38 00 04 44 31 00 .....SONY08..D1.
00 00 00 00 05 88 80 00 00 00 01 00 06 09 0C 12 ................


Both yuden -4x and -8x have the 6C code there too.
Yuden -4X

00 6C 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 86 0D 13 .l...@....R.....
66 78 80 00 03 54 59 47 30 31 00 00 04 00 00 00 fx...TYG01......
00 00 00 00 05 88 80 00 00 00 01 00 06 08 0F 11 ................


Yuden -8X

00 6C 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 87 0D 10 .l...@....R.....
66 78 80 00 03 54 59 47 30 32 00 00 04 00 00 00 fx...TYG02......
00 00 00 00 05 AA A2 22 22 20 02 00 06 08 0E 11 ......."" ......


I really think that would be a good idea to ask Sony directly. xb0xb0y, did you tried to contact them?

[The Digital Dolphin]

For anyone interested, BenQ Taiwan has confirmed for me that Daxon *IS* a sub-company to themselves. Not that I actually doubted the previous statements of this, but it's also nice to have official confirmations ;)

I'm still working on the whole "why is BenQ brand using FUJIFILM03 MID Codes on their 8x DVD-Rs" question... but it looks like I'm going to get a new contact very soon... the Project Manager of Daxon Taiwan! So I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes :cheesygri

Off topic:
I was a little scared today. I was putting together a blank media care package for a new reviewer for CDRlabs. Picking 5pcs of this media, 10pcs of that media, 2-3pcs of the really hard to get stuff.... you know, just sending along some of the media that is good to use in reviews. Before I knew it, I had accumalated ~150 DVDRs, mostly 8x and 16x and a handful of RWs. Then I looked back at my own collection of media and realized that I couldn't even notice anything was missing.... I don't know when I got to the point that dropping 150 DVDRs didn't even faze me, but it's rather frightening to notice it now! And no, this does not mean I give out free DVDRs to just anyone who asks ;)

[Madcatmk2]

For anyone interested, BenQ Taiwan has confirmed for me that Daxon *IS* a sub-company to themselves. Not that I actually doubted the previous statements of this, but it's also nice to have official confirmations ;)

I'm still working on the whole "why is BenQ brand using FUJIFILM03 MID Codes on their 8x DVD-Rs" question... but it looks like I'm going to get a new contact very soon... the Project Manager of Daxon Taiwan! So I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes :cheesygri


Damn, i knew that i should have asked Daxon directly. :evil:
Oh well. ;)

[xb0xb0y]

I really think that would be a good idea to ask Sony directly. xb0xb0y, did you tried to contact them?

Me, contact Sony? hahaha ... i wouldn't even know how to start! :-0

I'm just a NOOB trying to figure out what's good media to buy! :P

What i'm trying to find out is if there's any difference in the BenQ Sony media that doesn't seem to be made in Japan which everyone seems to be buying and the one's i picked up that actually from Sony and does say made in Japan.

[Madcatmk2]

Me, contact Sony? hahaha ... i wouldn't even know how to start! :-0

I'm just a NOOB trying to figure out what's good media to buy! :P

What i'm trying to find out is if there's any difference in the BenQ Sony media that doesn't seem to be made in Japan which everyone seems to be buying and the one's i picked up that actually from Sony and does say made in Japan.

I sent an email to BP_Help@Sony.ca.


http://www.sony.ca/sonyca/view/english/warranty/consumer_support_contact.shtml
you could call
Telephone: 1-800-961-SONY
or
http://www.mediabysony.com/NASApp/ctsc/customer_support.jsp
Sony Electronics Customer Information Services:
(800) 222-SONY (7669)

The question is simple.
Using the model number of the dvds what you have from this site
http://www.mediabysony.com/NASApp/ctsc/personalSubcat.jsp?pSubCatId=375&pCategoryId=865
just ask if the sony dvd-r 8x that are made in japan are from Taiyo Yuden. If they don't answer just say that question over and over again until you get a response.

[xb0xb0y]

just ask if the sony dvd-r 8x that are made in japan are from Taiyo Yuden. If they don't answer just say that question over and over again until you get a response.

hahaha ... oh gawd ... i can see that one line question taking HOURS of my time! and probably would end up not even getting an answer! :P

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm still working on the BenQ media with FujiFilm03 code thing... but I'm now in contact with Daxon directly (took a little time for things to go back and forth getting the contact info) and I HOPEFULLY will have an answer early next week.

[Madcatmk2]

Personal log: Someone received some benqs dvd-r 4x with the 6C code.
Complete Media Code
00000000 00 6C 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 86 0E 11 .l...@....R.....
00000010 66 78 80 00 03 53 4F 4E 59 30 34 00 04 44 31 00 fx...SONY04..D1.
00000020 00 00 00 00 05 A8 82 00 20 00 02 00 06 09 11 11 ........ .......
end log


xb0xb0y, i think you will never know if they are taiyo yuden unless you call sony.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Ok... I've received word from Daxon Taiwan now.

It was pretty limited, but they were able to confirm a couple things for me:

#1: Daxon does NOT make FUJIFILM03 media
#2: Daxon has purchased FUJIFILM03 media in the past
#3: Daxon ONLY purchased FUJIFILM03 media because they didn't have enough of their own media to fill an order
#4: Daxon is confident that the media is of equivilant quality to their own

They did not confirm that it was purchased from Prodisc... it may have been purchased through Fuji actually (although, it might still be Prodisc media then).

Personally, if the media WAS made by Prodisc (still not 100% sure) I do not believe it is of equivilant quality, but that was a marketing statement on their part I think anyways. Prodisc is becoming quite well known for their 8x DVD-R screwups, and I would rather use Acro Circle (Optodisc) media then Prodisc for 8x DVD-Rs any day!!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Wow... according to some of my sources, in Alberta, the following levy will be put in place, as of tomorrow (feb 1 2005):

> Television (18" screen and smaller) $15.00
> Television (19"-29" screen) $25.00
> Television (30"-45" screen) $30.00
> Television (46" screen and larger) $45.00
> CPU's (including peripherals) $10.00
> Printers/printer combos $ 8.00
> Laptops/electronic notebooks $ 5.00
> Computer monitors $12.00

I don't know as of yet WHO is collecting it (obviously not the CPCC!), and as far as I know, it's ONLY in Alberta.

[othy]

Bizarre.. Oh well, still better than paying 7% PST most of the time..

[xb0xb0y]

Personal log: Someone received some benqs dvd-r 4x with the 6C code.
Complete Media Code
00000000 00 6C 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 86 0E 11 .l...@....R.....
00000010 66 78 80 00 03 53 4F 4E 59 30 34 00 04 44 31 00 fx...SONY04..D1.
00000020 00 00 00 00 05 A8 82 00 20 00 02 00 06 09 11 11 ........ .......
end log


xb0xb0y, i think you will never know if they are taiyo yuden unless you call sony.

yeah i know about 4x/8x media from BENQ having Sony codes, but they're not made in Japan, at least that's what i've read in the BENQ thread here. i've only found Sony brand discs that says made in Japan that's rumoured could be made by TY. oh well.

[The Digital Dolphin]

There is *NO* chance that BenQ brand media would be made by Taiyo Yuden.

[Madcatmk2]

yeah i know about 4x/8x media from BENQ having Sony codes, but they're not made in Japan, at least that's what i've read in the BENQ thread here. i've only found Sony brand discs that says made in Japan that's rumoured could be made by TY. oh well.

xb0xb0y, in fact because some Benq have the 6C code there is even less chance that those discs are from Taiyo Yuden. Since your time is precious you will never know for sure.

There is *NO* chance that BenQ brand media would be made by Taiyo Yuden.

Sorry, if my posts looked otherwise i didn't do it on purpose.

[Mike71]

Hey DD or anyone else. Whats the word on the new Pioneer DVR-109 drives? Good drive? better than the 108's and the NEC's? Enquiring minds want to know.:)

[sstackho]

Hi DD,

I just purchased some TY DVD-R 8x from blankmedia.ca (http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=303)

I have a question about recommended write speeds for these discs, in terms of getting the best quality.

I am fairly new to the world of DVD burning. I remember reading people who backed up PS2 discs suggesting to burn discs at low speeds (1x or 2x) for the best quality.

My first purchased discs were the cheap Boxing Day BenQ Daxon 8x DVD+Rs from Future Shop. However, when burning these discs at the lowest possible speed (2.4x on my BenQ EW162I), it would have the occasional unreadable sector. It appeared to have better success at 4x or 8x.

Can you please provide advice on what is a recommended write speed for most discs? Is it whatever speed the discs are rated at? Is slower ever better?

One reason I was concerned about using a very fast write speed is because I have a slow hard drive (no matter how often I defragment), which can't always keep up to a fast burning speed.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Pavel]

for DVD writers? I read some info on the Afterdawn website: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/1/102002 and there are issues with the USB and being able to burn. I may have posted previously, I would like to use the Benq 1620 in an enclosure and hook that up to my <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=167 target=_blank>Dell</a> Laptop as it is more powerful than our Desktop Celeron 1.8G with 256 Ram.

Do you have any comments on the enclosures and it not working? Do u think the Celeron is fine to burn -DVDrs?

Thanks

P

[Shearer]

Hey DD,

I just purchased a Benq DW1620 based on your recommendations. I was wondering what's the best firmware to use for the drive right now.

Please let me know. Thanks in advance!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD or anyone else. Whats the word on the new Pioneer DVR-109 drives? Good drive? better than the 108's and the NEC's? Enquiring minds want to know.:)

The Pioneer DVR-109 is a much faster drive... also the quality looks to be quite good ;)

But it's still too new to know a lot of stuff for sure.

The DVR-108 is good with a lot of media, but painfully slow...

The NEC 3500 is a good drive as well ;)

My suggestion is: If you want the DVR-109, wait for a review or two. If you want a Pioneer DVR-108... DON'T buy it, wait for a review on the DVR-109.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD,

I just purchased some TY DVD-R 8x from blankmedia.ca (http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=303)


Congratulations ;)


I have a question about recommended write speeds for these discs, in terms of getting the best quality.

I am fairly new to the world of DVD burning. I remember reading people who backed up PS2 discs suggesting to burn discs at low speeds (1x or 2x) for the best quality.


Hrm yes, I remember those days as well ;)


My first purchased discs were the cheap Boxing Day BenQ Daxon 8x DVD+Rs from Future Shop. However, when burning these discs at the lowest possible speed (2.4x on my BenQ EW162I), it would have the occasional unreadable sector. It appeared to have better success at 4x or 8x.


Not too surprising... it's similar to how CD-Rs work.


Can you please provide advice on what is a recommended write speed for most discs? Is it whatever speed the discs are rated at? Is slower ever better?

Hrm... it's pretty dependant on the disc. For instance, PRODISCF01 media is supposed to be a code for 8x DVD-Rs, but most burners will make a horrible disc out of it at 8x, but at 4x it's not too bad. OPTODISCR008 is also an 8x code, and burns well at 8x, but when it's burned at 4x in most drives, the quality scan will rival that of even Taiyo Yuden (YMMV, I'm talking from my own experiences). *HOWEVER* take Taiyo Yuden 8x DVDRs, in many cases, burning these at 4x may even increase their error rate (don't even ask about 1x or 2x...). A good rule of thumb is not to underclock media more then one step below their rated speed. This is *NOT* true for ultra crappy media, like most stuff from China or HongKong however... sometimes that sort of media is really more like 2x or 4x media, with an 8x or 16x MID code attached :evil:


One reason I was concerned about using a very fast write speed is because I have a slow hard drive (no matter how often I defragment), which can't always keep up to a fast burning speed.

Thanks in advance for your help.

well, for the time being, as long as you can burn at 4x, you should be ok. Most 8x media will be fine at 4x. If you can't burn at 4x properly, it's time to get some new hardware for your system.

By the way, this has become an issue for some stand alone DVD Writers (for home entertainment systems) as well... since they record in real time, a lot of media is not going to work well with them in the near future.

[The Digital Dolphin]

for DVD writers? I read some info on the Afterdawn website: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/1/102002 and there are issues with the USB and being able to burn. I may have posted previously, I would like to use the Benq 1620 in an enclosure and hook that up to my <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=167 target=_blank>Dell</a> Laptop as it is more powerful than our Desktop Celeron 1.8G with 256 Ram.

Do you have any comments on the enclosures and it not working? Do u think the Celeron is fine to burn -DVDrs?

Thanks

P

Celeron's have never been a great CPU... well, that's not true, the Celeron 300A was an awesome chip for its' day, and arguably better then it's pentium counterpart... but that's a long time ago :P

Anyhoo, at that kind of speed, even a Celeron should be fine for burning I would think. A lot of it has to do with how much you've bogged down your system with other things running in the background. You want as little running in the background as possible while burning.

As for DVD Burner enclosures... they are HARD to get to work right. I don't know of any that will work properly at speeds of up to 16x... so I can't make any recommendations. One of these days I'll pick one up, but it may be a while. Check out CDRlabs.com and CDFreaks.com, both sites have a review on a drive enclosure which are worth taking a look at. Neither enclosure worked properly for a DVD Burner however >:(

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD,

I just purchased a Benq DW1620 based on your recommendations. I was wondering what's the best firmware to use for the drive right now.

Please let me know. Thanks in advance!

I'm using B7T9, but some people prefer B7P9. My suggestion is, try B7T9, and if you have a problem with it, revert to B7P9. Unlike many other manufacturers, BenQ allows people to revert to older firmwares without any kind of hacking.

Actually, if you *DO* have any problems, also let me know, and I'll pass it along to BenQ Taiwan for you ;) (assuming I can't help you with them myself).

[Sgt_Strider]

Hey Dolphin, I was just wondering, what is the "best" 4x DVD-RW/+RW media for a Pioneer DVR-A06 and NEC 3520A? Thx.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey Dolphin, I was just wondering, what is the "best" 4x DVD-RW/+RW media for a Pioneer DVR-A06 and NEC 3520A? Thx.

Probably Verbatim would be the very best.

Optodisc 4x DVD±RWs are supposed to be supported well on the 3520 also, but I haven't tried them yet.

[sstackho]

Congratulations ;)

Well, I was proud of my quality media purchase, until my first burn. I burned my TYG02 at 4x, and found some repeated audio skipping on a full-motion video sequence when I tested a PS2 burn. (Of course, PS2 have notoriously poor lasers, but I figured this is the best test for the media)

So then I did a Disc Quality Scan using Nero, and I was shocked by the number of PI Errors (average over 100), although PIFs were low. I was expecting beauty results with TY media!

So I did some more research, only to come across one of your own reviews on the DW1620 (which I am assuming is virtually identical to the EW162I):
http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=245&page=Performance

And I notice that your quality scan of TYG02 media was not too dissimilar from mine (high PIE / low PIF). I know that these BenQs aren't the best at -R burning, but the final results saddened me. There is a new firmware upgrade for the EW162I which states "new writing strategy for -R", so I'll give that a go, and I'll try burning at 8x.

I know that you've stated that PIE/PIF tests don't tell the complete story about the quality of a burn. But if I can burn the cheap Daxon +R media with PIE averages in the 10s (and low PIFs), does that generally mean it is a "better burn" than TYG02 -Rs with PIEs in the 100s? Or are PIEs not that important (as long as they are below 280), and PIFs should get more focus?

I feel it's a bit of a shame that I spent money to get quality media, only to find that it doesn't burn well in the BenQ 1620/162I. Does that I mean I should seek out media that has good results in your review, like Ritek 4x DVD-R (RITEKG04)?


well, for the time being, as long as you can burn at 4x, you should be ok. Most 8x media will be fine at 4x. If you can't burn at 4x properly, it's time to get some new hardware for your system.

Good point. I think I'll be OK burning at 8x. It's just that occasionally the hard drive will churn and the Nero/DVD Decrypter buffer will run out and the burn speed drops temporarily. How bad is it for disc quality when this occurs?

Thanks again for all your help on this board. It is very much appreciated.

[QBert]

Hi DD,

Do you have any particular feelings about the TY Silver Laquer 100pc Bulk Pack DVD-R (4X) currently on promotion at Blankmedia.ca? I have a bunch of Maxells (TYs) from FutureShop that worked really well with my LG4040B, so if there were in the same league, I was thinking about picking up a pack. I did hear a while back about the "fake" TYs that were being sold, so I was a bit concerned about that too - hopefully these are the real things.

Thanks in advance!

[BigFoot]

Wow... according to some of my sources, in Alberta, the following levy will be put in place, as of tomorrow (feb 1 2005):

> Television (18" screen and smaller) $15.00
> Television (19"-29" screen) $25.00
> Television (30"-45" screen) $30.00
> Television (46" screen and larger) $45.00
> CPU's (including peripherals) $10.00
> Printers/printer combos $ 8.00
> Laptops/electronic notebooks $ 5.00
> Computer monitors $12.00

I don't know as of yet WHO is collecting it (obviously not the CPCC!), and as far as I know, it's ONLY in Alberta.

Yeah it's our new recycling fee.
http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/ewaste/faq.html

[Shearer]

I'm using B7T9, but some people prefer B7P9. My suggestion is, try B7T9, and if you have a problem with it, revert to B7P9. Unlike many other manufacturers, BenQ allows people to revert to older firmwares without any kind of hacking.

Actually, if you *DO* have any problems, also let me know, and I'll pass it along to BenQ Taiwan for you ;) (assuming I can't help you with them myself).

Thanks a bunch! ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Well, I was proud of my quality media purchase, until my first burn. I burned my TYG02 at 4x, and found some repeated audio skipping on a full-motion video sequence when I tested a PS2 burn. (Of course, PS2 have notoriously poor lasers, but I figured this is the best test for the media)

So then I did a Disc Quality Scan using Nero, and I was shocked by the number of PI Errors (average over 100), although PIFs were low. I was expecting beauty results with TY media!

So I did some more research, only to come across one of your own reviews on the DW1620 (which I am assuming is virtually identical to the EW162I):
http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=245&page=Performance

And I notice that your quality scan of TYG02 media was not too dissimilar from mine (high PIE / low PIF). I know that these BenQs aren't the best at -R burning, but the final results saddened me. There is a new firmware upgrade for the EW162I which states "new writing strategy for -R", so I'll give that a go, and I'll try burning at 8x.


Here's a more recent BenQ scan of some Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs burned at 12x, using firmware version B7T9

http://www3.telus.net/dolphinreviews/Redflagdeals/TaiyoYuden8xDVD-R_BenQ1620(Burn12x)(BQ8x)(PI8PIF8)(B7T9))5.png

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD,

Do you have any particular feelings about the TY Silver Laquer 100pc Bulk Pack DVD-R (4X) currently on promotion at Blankmedia.ca? I have a bunch of Maxells (TYs) from FutureShop that worked really well with my LG4040B, so if there were in the same league, I was thinking about picking up a pack. I did hear a while back about the "fake" TYs that were being sold, so I was a bit concerned about that too - hopefully these are the real things.

Thanks in advance!

Well, Maxell media usually has an extra layer of protection added to the media (like Verbatim), so Maxell's TY will probably be a little better then the silver laquer version you can buy at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> or Blankmedia.ca. Now, I say a little better, but what I mean by this is a little more resistant to sunlight and in some cases humidity. The actual error rate that shows up on a test should be roughly comparable.

As for the TY in specific at blankmedia.ca, I know the 8x DVD-Rs are for sure legitimate Taiyo Yuden. I also know that if Blank media advertises it as Taiyo Yuden, they are 100% under the impression that the media *IS* 100% Taiyo Yuden. However, I have not personally used the 4x Taiyo Yuden from them, so I can't be 100% that it is actual 4x Taiyo Yuden media... I know for a while that one supplier was selling 'B Grade' 8x DVD-Rs from Taiyo Yuden as 4x DVD-Rs from Taiyo Yuden, although I have no knowledge of if they are the same disc as being sold at blankmedia.ca. But you know, you *can* ask them. Tom (the owner) is a very nice person, and probably the most honest supplier of blank media in Canada! Which is exactly the reason why I do Q&A services on his webpage (I don't get paid), I just believe in encouraging good people in this industry, since there are SO VERY FEW of them!!

I hope that helps!!

[Riflem@n]

Hey DD,

Any news on any firmware updates? I've seem to have some problems reading some older CD-Rs which my LG CD-RW has no problems reading.

I only bought the Benq 1620 cause you recommended it

Thanks! :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

Here's some interesting info for everyone regarding Optodisc media sold in Canada:

Most Optodisc media sold in Canada is 'B Grade' or lower media.

How do I know? Well, the simple answer is that Optodisc told me :razz:
I would even go so far as to say that everytime a container (roughly 750,000 discs) comes into Canada, I know about it.

Now, despite my own best efforts, people just seem to love the 'B Grade' stuff, even though it's not as reliable as the 'A Grade'. Also, many people seem to be unable to tell the difference between the two types. So I thought I'd post some info:

For starters: *ALL* Optodisc 16x DVD±Rs sold in North America are currently 'B Grade', and pretty unreliable from what I've been told. That means <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=150 target=_blank>TigerDirect</a>, Meritline, and all those other big companies that have them right now, are selling 'B Grade' Optodisc media. This probably comes as no surprise however.

Secondly: *MOST* White Inkjet printable media sold retail is 'B Grade' media... and this goes for most brands of media, not just Optodisc. Some exceptions to this are Blankmedia.ca, who specializes in inkjet printable media, and <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>, who has some 'A Grade' Acro Circle 4x DVD-Rs I believe.

Thirdly: All item identification codes that start with "SR" "SW" or "SS" are 'B grade' discs or worse. Some examples would be here:

SR470-C25-021-G1 (Bold shows 'B Grade' identifier)
QW140-S00-010-21-200A (Bold shows Acro Circle brand identifier) *NOT B GRADE*
OM292-600-011-01 (Bold shows Optodisc Brand identifier) *NOT B GRADE*


'B Grade'
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13657&vpn=SW470-C10-040-41-600A&manufacture=Optodisc Technology

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1115726&CatId=406

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1192610&CatId=405

http://www.meritline.com/optodisc-16x-dvd-r-media-printable-disc.html

http://www.meritline.com/optodisc-4x-dvd-r-media.html
(this one shows no part number, but all Optodisc media with this lettering is Downgrade)



'A Grade'
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13656&vpn=QW140-S00-010-21-200A&manufacture=Optodisc Technology

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1179254&CatId=1770

Blankmedia.ca also sells some 'A Grade' Optodisc media, but it's hard to link to :razz:


Probably the most annoying online retailer of Optodisc is Rima, who seems to switch back and forth between 'A Grade' and 'B Grade' media all the time :confused:

Those of you in Manitoba and Saskatchewan might be happy to hear that I've been talking with the nice folks over at www.cbit.ca, and it looks like they are seriously considering switching over from the Generic Optodisc they carry now (downgrade), to Acro Circle media (A Grade). Hopefully they will make their decision in favour of quality over price.

Hopefully, I've cleared up more confusion then i've generated :cheesygri


Edit:

Oops! I forgot to mention OEM media!

Samsung uses 'A Grade' Media.
MAM-A uses 'A Grade' Media.
GQ uses 'B Grade' media.
Mitsumi uses 'B grade' media
Radius uses 'B grade' media

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD,

Any news on any firmware updates? I've seem to have some problems reading some older CD-Rs which my LG CD-RW has no problems reading.

I only bought the Benq 1620 cause you recommended it

Thanks! :cheesygri

Hrm... firmware updates probably couldn't fix that. Most DVD Burners focus on DVD recording and DVD playing, but not so much CD recording or CD Playing... so discs with lot's of errors, or certain types of errors will be more problamatic on DVD Burners then on CD Burners.

There *IS* a firmware being worked on though... I'm not sure when it will be released, as it has some potential major changes that are being worked on.

[Riflem@n]

I think they might be Ridata or Ritek cds, I'm just wondering if I should buy those since my DVD Burner can't read them...I guess the newer ones improved?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I think they might be Ridata or Ritek cds, I'm just wondering if I should buy those since my DVD Burner can't read them...I guess the newer ones improved?

The DW1620 *can* read CD-Rs... and I'm sure it's not the type of CD-Rs that you're using, but more likely the quality of the burn, or the condition of the disc holding them back from being read properly.

Of course, some Ritek CD-Rs are just crap... Ritek's quality control is non-existant these days :confused:

[Riflem@n]

Are they really that bad? What CD-Rs do you recommend that are affordable? Like not TY of course :cheesygri

[Nismo]

are these ritek dvd-r any good?
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12399&promoid=1060
if there good i plan on getting them.

[Evil Techie]

Here's a more recent BenQ scan of some Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs burned at 12x, using firmware version B7T9

http://www3.telus.net/dolphinreviews/Redflagdeals/TaiyoYuden8xDVD-R_BenQ1620(Burn12x)(BQ8x)(PI8PIF8)(B7T9))5.png


OMG
that disc was burnt on December 24!
dont tell me you were still working on christmas eve!

lol

thanx dolphin, you are probably responsible for getting <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> to drop their TY prices so low recently

any words on when BENQ will come out with a DL4x burner or if there will be a new firmware for DW1620?

[Sgt_Strider]

I thought Verbatim doesn't manufacture their own DVD medias? So any 4x DVD-RW/+RW from Verbatim will do the trick? Btw, I asked this in another forum, but are you aware if the NEC 3520A can copy a audio disc bit for bit perfect?

[Riflem@n]

I have 4X Verbatim media, their media code is MCC so I believe that's Mitsubishi, it also says on the spindle that Verbatim is part of that company.

DD,

I also find that I can't even read the CD-RWs that I burn from the Benq DW1620, I'm really not impressed by the CD part of the drive. Am I doing something wrong?

[The Digital Dolphin]

are these ritek dvd-r any good?
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12399&promoid=1060
if there good i plan on getting them.

Well, they're Ritek... Ritek can be good, or can be bad. It depends on the batch. Most people like Ritek very much, but I'm a little more skeptical. However, there is a better then decent chance that if you buy those discs, you will be satisfied with their performance.

[The Digital Dolphin]

OMG
that disc was burnt on December 24!
dont tell me you were still working on christmas eve!

lol

thanx dolphin, you are probably responsible for getting <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> to drop their TY prices so low recently

any words on when BENQ will come out with a DL4x burner or if there will be a new firmware for DW1620?

Hehehe, oops! I gotta learn to start paying attention to some of those details... like the date listed on my scans :cheesygri

Alright, I admit that in order to catch up, I work through most holidays, weekends, and when I'm home sick from work (which is now by the way :cry: )

As for <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=27 target=_blank>NCIX.com</a> lowering their TY price... I think it's more to do with their customer appreciation sale then anything else. Although I won't deny it either ;)

As for BenQ, their DW1620 already burns dual layer DVD+R9 media at 4x, ever since B7P9. There *IS* a new firmware in the works (B7U9) and it has some big changes in it... it remains to be seen if all the changes are for the best however.. but nothing is certain or written in stone yet. This firmware is not going to be released in a hurrey either.

Their Lightscribe burner (DW1625) which will be based on the DW1620's hardware (with additional hardware added for the lightscribe ability) will be shipping to reviewers this month, and the DW1640 which will be the replacement for the DW1620, will be shipping to reviewers in March. I'm not sure how much longer it will be before we see them retail, but probably about 1 more month I would imagine (at the soonest).

[The Digital Dolphin]

I thought Verbatim doesn't manufacture their own DVD medias? So any 4x DVD-RW/+RW from Verbatim will do the trick? Btw, I asked this in another forum, but are you aware if the NEC 3520A can copy a audio disc bit for bit perfect?

Verbatim sells technology more then they sell DVDRs or CDRs.... but they *DO* still manufacture *SOME* of their stuff. Any Verbatim media that says "made in Singapore" is actually made by Mitsubishi Chemicals. Any media that says "Made in Taiwan" is made by CMC (or in RARE instances Prodisc). Verbatim also OEM's to Taiyo Yuden, and Moser Baer India, but we almost never see that media here in North America.

Generally speaking, if Mitsubishi made the DVDRWs, or even if CMC made them for Verbatim, then they will be ok. It's only the Prodisc crap you have to worry about. CMC has been making RWs for Verbatim for a LONG time, and have gotten very good at it (although their own is not so great....), but Prodisc does not have a very good reputation when it comes to RW media... actually, I don't think I've EVER seen a good Prodisc RW disc.

As for the NEC 3520... I don't do copy protection tests... I don't have copy protected discs to test with :razz: But I can tell you one thing: The best burner for copying protected media, is the Plextor Premium. After the Plextor Premium was released, the music industry started going after the drive makers to stop making their burners so capable of ripping through their protection. I'm not aware of any burner that surpassed the Plextor Premium in copying ability... but if there WAS a drive like that, it would probably have been the Yamaha CRW-F1.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I have 4X Verbatim media, their media code is MCC so I believe that's Mitsubishi, it also says on the spindle that Verbatim is part of that company.

DD,

I also find that I can't even read the CD-RWs that I burn from the Benq DW1620, I'm really not impressed by the CD part of the drive. Am I doing something wrong?

The MID code on media means *nothing* without additional information. If the MID code says MCC on it, that could mean it was made by Mitsubishi, CMC, Prodisc, or even MBIL!

MID codes should not be trusted on their own, as they are TOO easy to be spoofed, and too many companies OEM their codes out to other manufacturers. MCC is a VERY good example of something who has other companies OEM media for them with their own code.

Hrm.... I don't recall reading CD-Rs and CD-RWs being a big problem with that drive... what firmware are you running? Do the CD-Rs and CD-RWs work in other drives?

[Madcatmk2]

Verbatim sells technology more then they sell DVDRs or CDRs.... but they *DO* still manufacture *SOME* of their stuff. Any Verbatim media that says "made in Singapore" is actually made by Mitsubishi Chemicals. Any media that says "Made in Taiwan" is made by CMC (or in RARE instances Prodisc). Verbatim also OEM's to Taiyo Yuden, and Moser Baer India, but we almost never see that media here in North America.



Verbatim Super Azo cds made in Mexico are from?

[Riflem@n]

The MID code on media means *nothing* without additional information. If the MID code says MCC on it, that could mean it was made by Mitsubishi, CMC, Prodisc, or even MBIL!

MID codes should not be trusted on their own, as they are TOO easy to be spoofed, and too many companies OEM their codes out to other manufacturers. MCC is a VERY good example of something who has other companies OEM media for them with their own code.

Hrm.... I don't recall reading CD-Rs and CD-RWs being a big problem with that drive... what firmware are you running? Do the CD-Rs and CD-RWs work in other drives?

The DVD+RWs are made in Taiwan, maybe their CMCs lol :o

That's the weird thing, I burn CDRWs with the Benq and the drive cannot even read it. However when I put the disc into my LG CD-RW it can read it, I guess maybe my CDRWs are no good but I have had no problems with them until I got this Benq burner. Good thing I have two drives...

I'm using the B7T9 firmware.

[xb0xb0y]

xb0xb0y, in fact because some Benq have the 6C code there is even less chance that those discs are from Taiyo Yuden. Since your time is precious you will never know for sure.


okay ... maybe they might not be TY, but is there any CRAP media that comes from Japan? :?: :?: :?:

yeah, i suck ... i want to know but dont want to know that badly to go and play phone tag and be put on hold myself! :lol:

[xb0xb0y]

Celeron's have never been a great CPU... well, that's not true, the Celeron 300A was an awesome chip for its' day, and arguably better then it's pentium counterpart... but that's a long time ago :P


ahhh ... those were the days ... i still have 300a running in a couple of machines i believe!!! O/C to the MAX of course!!!

[xb0xb0y]

Yeah it's our new recycling fee.
http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/ewaste/faq.html

if in fact that levy is for recycling electronics, then i applaud that. although i don't want to pay any more money as the next guy for my tech products, there is TOO much hazardous waste being generated in the last 10 years by the high rate that electronic equipement is being made obsolete and thrown on mindlessly.

[Montague]

Celeron's have never been a great CPU... well, that's not true, the Celeron 300A was an awesome chip for its' day, and arguably better then it's pentium counterpart... but that's a long time ago :P

Anyhoo, at that kind of speed, even a Celeron should be fine for burning I would think. A lot of it has to do with how much you've bogged down your system with other things running in the background. You want as little running in the background as possible while burning.


Actually Digital Dolphin the "new" class D Celeron is not a bad CPU.

It is a significant leap over the earlier crapelons.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Verbatim Super Azo cds made in Mexico are from?

I'm *pretty* sure those are made by CMC. I think Mitsubishi used to own that plant, but sold it to CMC a couple years ago. I would need to double check with my source on that one, but I'm pretty sure that's how it is.

[The Digital Dolphin]

The DVD+RWs are made in Taiwan, maybe their CMCs lol :o

That's the weird thing, I burn CDRWs with the Benq and the drive cannot even read it. However when I put the disc into my LG CD-RW it can read it, I guess maybe my CDRWs are no good but I have had no problems with them until I got this Benq burner. Good thing I have two drives...

I'm using the B7T9 firmware.

Try maybe using B7P9, you don't have to hack it to downgrade the firmware. I'd be interested in seeing if there is a major difference like that between these two firmwares. I remember that there were some bugs mentioned about CD-Rs in the BenQ DW1620, but they were supposed to have been solved in earlier firmwares then even my review used.

Let me know if it helps!

[The Digital Dolphin]

okay ... maybe they might not be TY, but is there any CRAP media that comes from Japan? :?: :?: :?:

yeah, i suck ... i want to know but dont want to know that badly to go and play phone tag and be put on hold myself! :lol:

Yeah, of course there is ;) But the only ones I know of personally go under the name ProMedia. More Japanese media is good then bad... MUCH more.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Actually Digital Dolphin the "new" class D Celeron is not a bad CPU.

It is a significant leap over the earlier crapelons.

Hrm... well, to be honest, I haven't kept up to date with Celerons as much as I should :razz: I've pretty much lost all faith in Intel though, since I can't even remember the last time their was an announcement of a new chip type from them, that wasn't almost immediatly followed by a recall notice :confused: (not the Celerons though)

[Madcatmk2]

I'm *pretty* sure those are made by CMC. I think Mitsubishi used to own that plant, but sold it to CMC a couple years ago. I would need to double check with my source on that one, but I'm pretty sure that's how it is.

Nevermind, i checked the box again and it says Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC). Those are 2003 discs.

[Nismo]

Well, they're Ritek... Ritek can be good, or can be bad. It depends on the batch. Most people like Ritek very much, but I'm a little more skeptical. However, there is a better then decent chance that if you buy those discs, you will be satisfied with their performance.


thanks for the advice

[Riflem@n]

Try maybe using B7P9, you don't have to hack it to downgrade the firmware. I'd be interested in seeing if there is a major difference like that between these two firmwares. I remember that there were some bugs mentioned about CD-Rs in the BenQ DW1620, but they were supposed to have been solved in earlier firmwares then even my review used.

Let me know if it helps!

What kind of bugs were mentioned? I am using the B7P9 firmware now and still cannot read the CD-RWs that the BenQ drive burns, however it can read the CD-RWs that my LG burns.

So basicially my problem is...the 1620 can't read the its own burned CD-RWs! I put the same disc in my LG and it reads!
:|

[Riflem@n]

Also do you have any idea how to make Nero Infotool to show the Manufacteur ID? Sometimes I get it to show but most of the time it shows "N/A".

Thanks

[Riflem@n]

OK did another burn with the Benq, seems okay now maybe it was just a bad burn before. Still can't read those older CDs though.

Thanks DD! :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

OK did another burn with the Benq, seems okay now maybe it was just a bad burn before. Still can't read those older CDs though.

Thanks DD! :cheesygri

So B7P9 works for you, where B7T9 didn't? Can you please give me the ATIP of your CD-RW, and I'll pass it on to BenQ Taiwan, so hopefully it will be fixed in the next firmware (or possibly the one afterwards... they might be almost done this next one). You can check the ATIP using LiteON's SmartBurn utility which you can download here:
http://www.liteonit.com/ODD/Zip/SmartBurn3110.zip

Thanks!

(just post the whole block of data that it displays please) ;)

[Riflem@n]

Don't think the firmwares made a difference, I think it was just a bad burn. Perhaps since I used Alcohol 120% with SafeDisc 2/3, perhaps the Benq can't read it or something. Other CD-RWs are okay though. Do you know how to get the Manufacteur ID in Nero Infotool?

Drive Type = CD-RW
Disc Type = NORMAL CD-RW
Material = Phase Change
Lead In = 25:75:75
Lead Out = 25:75:75
Nominal Capacity = 230.57MB
Manufacturer Maybe = Unknown Manufacturer
SMART-BURN Speed Limit = 0X (Write)

[The Digital Dolphin]

what kind of CD-RW is that? A Mini CD-RW???

[sstackho]

Hey Dolphin,

If you are in contact with the BenQ people, you should inform them of the problems with the 47N9 firmware for the EW162I.

Scans can no longer report PI Failures, and Quality Scans are very very slow (around 0.5x speed for me).

Thread discussion here:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=123960

[Riflem@n]

what kind of CD-RW is that? A Mini CD-RW???

It's called eblue, probably cheap ones.

[Evil Techie]

just curious DD,

is 1640 superior to 1620 just by having 8x DVD+RW and 6x -RW?

also what discs are available with lightscribe capability
are they expensive?

[Shearer]

I'm using B7T9, but some people prefer B7P9. My suggestion is, try B7T9, and if you have a problem with it, revert to B7P9. Unlike many other manufacturers, BenQ allows people to revert to older firmwares without any kind of hacking.

Actually, if you *DO* have any problems, also let me know, and I'll pass it along to BenQ Taiwan for you ;) (assuming I can't help you with them myself).

Hey DD, I tried to change the firmware to B7T9, but it says drive not supported? What should I do?

Also, when I put in a blank DVD, Windows changes the drive from a DVD-RW drive to a CD-ROM drive. What's going on?!?!

Please help!! Thanks!

[Riflem@n]

http://dvdpro.club.st/firmware/BENQ_FW.htm

Download

WinDWFlash.exe

B7T9.CVT

Run WinDWflash.exe and choose the CVT files and you should be set. The reason being that the drive is not recognized is because you have the OEM version and it has something G7P* firmware.

[NG]

Hi DD - I seem to remember you speaking highly of Acro Circle DVDs over at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>. I picked up a 50 (2 x25) pack of these + 4x:

http://img203.exs.cx/img203/6487/dvds2hh.jpg

And was wondering if you could give me your opinion on them before I crack the seal and start using them. I doubt they'd be TY or Maxell MIJ quality but wouldn't wanna go with a "iffy" disc if these are not the ones you were speaking about.

thanx for any info :D

[Shearer]

http://dvdpro.club.st/firmware/BENQ_FW.htm

Download

WinDWFlash.exe

B7T9.CVT

Run WinDWflash.exe and choose the CVT files and you should be set. The reason being that the drive is not recognized is because you have the OEM version and it has something G7P* firmware.

Man, thanks soooooooo much!!

All working perfectly now! Thanks!

Well, there's still one thing tho. Windows still only detects it as a CD-rom drive in My Computer, although Nero detects it as the 1620 w/ no problems. Weird

[Riflem@n]

Try removing the Benq in device manager or install your IDE drivers.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey Dolphin,

If you are in contact with the BenQ people, you should inform them of the problems with the 47N9 firmware for the EW162I.

Scans can no longer report PI Failures, and Quality Scans are very very slow (around 0.5x speed for me).

Thread discussion here:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=123960

Yup, I chat with BenQ ;)

I'll mention it to them tonight if I can :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

It's called eblue, probably cheap ones.

The LeadIn doesn't make any sense... like the data you posted shows, it claims it's a 250MB CD-RW :confused:

Can you try using the same software, but with a different drive?

[Riflem@n]

The LeadIn doesn't make any sense... like the data you posted shows, it claims it's a 250MB CD-RW :confused:

Can you try using the same software, but with a different drive?

perhaps my cd-rw wasn't erased...

[The Digital Dolphin]

just curious DD,

is 1640 superior to 1620 just by having 8x DVD+RW and 6x -RW?

also what discs are available with lightscribe capability
are they expensive?

Well, the DW1640 won't be available until sometime in April, and the drive is still heavily in R&D, so I'm not even going to TRY to speculate on the quality of it :P

For instance, BenQ hasn't even received their 8x DVD+RWs from Verbatim yet for calibrating their drive to! :confused:

As for lightscribe media (for the DW1625) most people have said a price of $1 US for CD-Rs, and $2 USD for DVDRs is expected.... which doesn't sound that promising to me. So far CMC is the only one allowed to manufacture lightscribe media.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD - I seem to remember you speaking highly of Acro Circle DVDs over at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>. I picked up a 50 (2 x25) pack of these + 4x:


And was wondering if you could give me your opinion on them before I crack the seal and start using them. I doubt they'd be TY or Maxell MIJ quality but wouldn't wanna go with a "iffy" disc if these are not the ones you were speaking about.

thanx for any info :D

That *REALLY* depends on your burner... what drive are you using? and what firmware??

[The Digital Dolphin]

perhaps my cd-rw wasn't erased...

That actually shouldn't matter.... :confused:

[NG]

That *REALLY* depends on your burner... what drive are you using? and what firmware??

It's a Sony DW-D22A w/ firmware BYS1

From what I understand it's an OEM of the Liteon SOHW-1633S or DRU-710A that can be flashed to those drives (or install the BYS2 firmware). To be honest I'm not sure what path to take. I have found it to be flaky with + rw media and all media below 4x but has been working great with Maxell TYs, some uber crappy CMC 4x Memorex and 2x Memorex - rw.

[Riflem@n]

Here DD, hope it helps

Drive Type = CD-RW
Disc Type = NORMAL CD-RW
Material = Phase Change
Lead In = 25:75:75
Lead Out = 25:75:75
Nominal Capacity = 230.57MB
Manufacturer Maybe = Unknown Manufacturer
SMART-BURN Speed Limit = 0X (Write)

Using my LG 8481B to run the program.

[Riflem@n]

OK here's the same CDRW but it's brand new. I don't think I have any problems with it though but here it is anyway.

Drive Type = CD-RW
Disc Type = NORMAL CD-RW
Material = Phase Change
Lead In = 97:26:00
Lead Out = 79:59:74
Nominal Capacity = 702.83MB
Manufacturer Maybe = Fornet International Pte. Ltd.
SMART-BURN Speed Limit = 0X (Write)

[Sgt_Strider]

Hey Dolphin, what do you think of the Plextor 716A/SA? Can this drive match the NEC 3520A in DVD writing qualities and at the same time match the quality of Liteon/Plextor's own CD writing and reading?

[The Digital Dolphin]

It's a Sony DW-D22A w/ firmware BYS1

From what I understand it's an OEM of the Liteon SOHW-1633S or DRU-710A that can be flashed to those drives (or install the BYS2 firmware). To be honest I'm not sure what path to take. I have found it to be flaky with + rw media and all media below 4x but has been working great with Maxell TYs, some uber crappy CMC 4x Memorex and 2x Memorex - rw.

Hrm... sorry, I can't help on that one :cry:

They may be ok, or they may not be. If they DON'T work, then try burning them at 2.4x. The media is generally not well supported, except by BenQ and NEC... but now newer drives can burn them ok, so it's possible that LiteON has fixed support for them by now... but since it's LiteON I have my doubts.

Please let me know your experiences with them, I've quite interested!

[The Digital Dolphin]

OK here's the same CDRW but it's brand new. I don't think I have any problems with it though but here it is anyway.

Drive Type = CD-RW
Disc Type = NORMAL CD-RW
Material = Phase Change
Lead In = 97:26:00
Lead Out = 79:59:74
Nominal Capacity = 702.83MB
Manufacturer Maybe = Fornet International Pte. Ltd.
SMART-BURN Speed Limit = 0X (Write)

You were using Packet Writing to burn the CD-RW weren't you?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey Dolphin, what do you think of the Plextor 716A/SA? Can this drive match the NEC 3520A in DVD writing qualities and at the same time match the quality of Liteon/Plextor's own CD writing and reading?

Well, current LiteON DVD Burners now suck for both CD Burning and DVD Burning... so it won't be a hard competition on that end :razz:

The PX-716a seems to be not too bad a drive, and superior to the PX-712a. I don't know if it will be superior to the NEC 3520, but I think it will be comparable. Make sure you get a drive with the second hardware revision at least though! (TLA# 020x, x= the firmware version that ships with the drive, and is unimportant).

I don't own a PX-716a yet, but I do plan to get one in time (Valentines day has SERIOUSLY hinderd this plan however).

The ability to test media is also a very nice addition. The Beta testing done on the Plextor PX-712a and PX-716a is quite accurate, and a crucial part of my own reviews on CDRlabs.com ;)

I hope that helps a little at least. Check out the review for the PX-716a at CDRLabs.com if you're interested.

[Riflem@n]

You were using Packet Writing to burn the CD-RW weren't you?

No I wasn't. :lol:

[Evil Techie]

Well, the DW1640 won't be available until sometime in April, and the drive is still heavily in R&D, so I'm not even going to TRY to speculate on the quality of it :P

For instance, BenQ hasn't even received their 8x DVD+RWs from Verbatim yet for calibrating their drive to! :confused:

As for lightscribe media (for the DW1625) most people have said a price of $1 US for CD-Rs, and $2 USD for DVDRs is expected.... which doesn't sound that promising to me. So far CMC is the only one allowed to manufacture lightscribe media.


ah i see

what is the next step in DVD writting?
what time will HD DVD burners be out?

i thought verbatim and imation have made some lightscribe DVD+Rs already
or maybe not really mass manufacturing them yet

if the prices are cheaper, then it is definately a promising technology
what do you think DD?

[Sgt_Strider]

Well, current LiteON DVD Burners now suck for both CD Burning and DVD Burning... so it won't be a hard competition on that end :razz:

The PX-716a seems to be not too bad a drive, and superior to the PX-712a. I don't know if it will be superior to the NEC 3520, but I think it will be comparable. Make sure you get a drive with the second hardware revision at least though! (TLA# 020x, x= the firmware version that ships with the drive, and is unimportant).

I don't own a PX-716a yet, but I do plan to get one in time (Valentines day has SERIOUSLY hinderd this plan however).

The ability to test media is also a very nice addition. The Beta testing done on the Plextor PX-712a and PX-716a is quite accurate, and a crucial part of my own reviews on CDRlabs.com ;)

I hope that helps a little at least. Check out the review for the PX-716a at CDRLabs.com if you're interested.

The cdrlabs review praised the drive and gave it a very high rating on the performance. I want to get the NEC 3520A, but it can't copy audio discs at a bit for bit quality and that is a big nono for me. If I don't consider the PX-716A, then what should I consider?

Also the TY media at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>ncix</a>, are they real authentic Taiyo-Yuden DVD-R 8x? Thanks!

[The Digital Dolphin]

No I wasn't. :lol:

Weird....

Ok, I'll pass on the info to BenQ, and see what they say.

[The Digital Dolphin]

ah i see

what is the next step in DVD writting?
what time will HD DVD burners be out?

i thought verbatim and imation have made some lightscribe DVD+Rs already
or maybe not really mass manufacturing them yet

if the prices are cheaper, then it is definately a promising technology
what do you think DD?

*SOMEONE* is working on 24x DVD-R and 24x DVD+R media... sorry, I can't say who ;) But I doubt these will ever come out, since they are not really worth it. The requirements for making the media will make the price too high for people to consider it worth it.

HD DVD and Blu Ray will be out at the end of the year.... and for regular people, they might be priced at a consumer level near the end of the following year.

As for Verbatim and Imation having lightscribe media... who do you think made it for them ;) Both Verbatim and Imation have huge long standing contracts with CMC.

[The Digital Dolphin]

The cdrlabs review praised the drive and gave it a very high rating on the performance. I want to get the NEC 3520A, but it can't copy audio discs at a bit for bit quality and that is a big nono for me. If I don't consider the PX-716A, then what should I consider?

Also the TY media at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>ncix</a>, are they real authentic Taiyo-Yuden DVD-R 8x? Thanks!

Unfortunately, I'm not a big audiophile, so I'm not aware of the best drive for audio copying. Well... that's not true, the BEST drive for audio copying is the Plextor Premium... but I don't know what the best DVD Burner is for audio copying.

As for the Taiyo Yuden DVDRs at NCIX, they are 100% legit!

[Madcatmk2]

*SOMEONE* is working on 24x DVD-R and 24x DVD+R media... sorry, I can't say who ;) But I doubt these will ever come out, since they are not really worth it. The requirements for making the media will make the price too high for people to consider it worth it.

I makes me think about something else. I don't think ill get much success with them so i ask you to ask them. Could you please ask MAM-E from when they will release Gold phthalocyanine DVDRs?

[divx]

the benq burner i got from is great, but it have problem reading order cdrs that my pioneer a06 burner don't.

Is there 16X media out there? I don't even see 8X in FS.

[B0000rt]

Hi, sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering which DVD burner right now, on the market is the best to get.

The range of media will be scattered and will mainly be used for burning DVD-Video, and some data, so out of these, prices aside, can you list them for which would fit my profile?

AOpen DUW1608
BenQ DW1620
LG GSA-4163B
LiteOn SOHW-1633S
NEC ND-3520
Sony DWD-22A

I remember somone saying Sony was using LiteOn drives now, so I'm guessing they're the same drive? As for the others, I'm unsure. My father picked up the Benq 1620 Pro from FS today, but I'm going to tell him to return it since the OEM non-pro (is there really a difference?) is $20 cheaper and doens't require a MIR.

I already have a Pioneer 108, but my father insists on a DVD burner for himself (dont' ask me why)

Ty.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I makes me think about something else. I don't think ill get much success with them so i ask you to ask them. Could you please ask MAM-E from when they will release Gold phthalocyanine DVDRs?

Umm, I don't talk with MAM-E too much... but MAM-A I can do (Mitsui Advanced Media America, as opposed to Mitsui Advanced Media Europe :razz: ).

I'll try to remember, but it's been really crazy busy at work lately, so getting a few minutes even to make the call will be tough!

[The Digital Dolphin]

the benq burner i got from is great, but it have problem reading order cdrs that my pioneer a06 burner don't.

Is there 16X media out there? I don't even see 8X in FS.

Futureshop already sells Verbatim 16x DVD+Rs ;)

And yes, there is other sources as well! NCIX.com and blankmedia.ca both have RiData 16x DVD+Rs. Also, NCIX.com will soon have Acro Circle 16x DVD-Rs (which are ONLY compatible in the BenQ DW1620, NEC 3500a, and NEC 3520 currently :confused: )

Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs will be available VERY soon (I can already buy them wholesale).

As for reading CD-Rs... the BenQ has problems reading discs with higher jitter I think. Pioneer burners are VERY jitter tolerant! Switching to a different firmware might help a little (what firmware are you running?)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi, sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering which DVD burner right now, on the market is the best to get.

The range of media will be scattered and will mainly be used for burning DVD-Video, and some data, so out of these, prices aside, can you list them for which would fit my profile?

AOpen DUW1608
BenQ DW1620
LG GSA-4163B
LiteOn SOHW-1633S
NEC ND-3520
Sony DWD-22A

I remember somone saying Sony was using LiteOn drives now, so I'm guessing they're the same drive? As for the others, I'm unsure. My father picked up the Benq 1620 Pro from FS today, but I'm going to tell him to return it since the OEM non-pro (is there really a difference?) is $20 cheaper and doens't require a MIR.

I already have a Pioneer 108, but my father insists on a DVD burner for himself (dont' ask me why)

Ty.

Who DARES disturb The Digital Dolphin ??!!!?!!

LOL, don't worry that's why I'm here :cheesygri

Between the burners you mentioned I'd have to say the following:

BenQ DW1620 - My #1 choice. A good quality burner, fairly fast, and excellent compatability!

LG GSA-4163B - My #2 choice. Extremely fast, good compatability, but has some issues with quality at higher speeds. Will still work fine, but may lead to playback issues on some DVD Players.

NEC ND-3520 - My #3 choice. From what I've HEARD (not experienced) it's good quality burner, and about as fast as the BenQ.

LiteOn SOHW-1633S - I don't know anyone who owns one who is really happy with it.... certainly not recommended. Really only good as an 8x burner.

Sony DWD-22A - Probably about the same as the LiteON

AOpen DUW1608 - Honestly, I've never been too impressed with AOpen drives, and don't pay too much attention to the details. Not overly recommended, but you could do worse (see above 2 drives :P)

[yellowsugga]

So you are wholesaller? I am very interested in selling DVD media. This is because there are no local stores that carry Taiyo Yuden or any good printable media besides some prodisc and ridata. I hear the mark up on a spindle of DVD's is very little. Can you shed some light on this? Also, could you point me to some distributers or wholesellers in Ontario or any that would sell to me in Ottawa? Also, what kind of numbers do they usually expect for you to buy from them?

Any help is appreciated.

[NG]

Hrm... sorry, I can't help on that one :cry:

They may be ok, or they may not be. If they DON'T work, then try burning them at 2.4x. The media is generally not well supported, except by BenQ and NEC... but now newer drives can burn them ok, so it's possible that LiteON has fixed support for them by now... but since it's LiteON I have my doubts.

Please let me know your experiences with them, I've quite interested!

No prob. man. It's been a pleasure reading your media reviews :D

I just burned one. The drive never give the option of burning at lower than 4x unless it was using old 1x and 2.4x discs I've had lying around - and they've all failed.

The dvd burned correctly. DVDShrink was able to read the burned DVD and did a fast forward through the disc and it seems to play fine.

If you wanted to recommend one of those scanner progs I can do a scan on it and post the images it shoots out here.

[The Digital Dolphin]

So you are wholesaller? I am very interested in selling DVD media. This is because there are no local stores that carry Taiyo Yuden or any good printable media besides some prodisc and ridata. I hear the mark up on a spindle of DVD's is very little. Can you shed some light on this? Also, could you point me to some distributers or wholesellers in Ontario or any that would sell to me in Ottawa? Also, what kind of numbers do they usually expect for you to buy from them?

Any help is appreciated.

Umm, I didn't say *I* was a wholesaler.... I said I could BUY wholesale :cheesygri

For Taiyo Yuden DVDRs, you're looking at a minimum order of 5,100pcs (17 boxes of 300each in 50pc cake boxes). That's if you want a price to be competitive with other companies.

I will *ALWAYS* lend a hand to anyone interested in assisting in the supply of quality media products in Canada. Just don't ask for help sourcing Princo!

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm glad it worked for you!!

Try using Nero CD/DVD Speed, and do the quality test on there. If your drive supports PI/PIF testing, then that program will work with it :cheesygri

No prob. man. It's been a pleasure reading your media reviews :D

I just burned one. The drive never give the option of burning at lower than 4x unless it was using old 1x and 2.4x discs I've had lying around - and they've all failed.

The dvd burned correctly. DVDShrink was able to read the burned DVD and did a fast forward through the disc and it seems to play fine.

If you wanted to recommend one of those scanner progs I can do a scan on it and post the images it shoots out here.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hrm... I think I figured out why I haven't heard from BenQ Taiwan this week at all: Chinese New Year (smacks head... how could I have NOT known that?).

[Riflem@n]

Kinda OT but I don't know who to ask

I have a LG 8481B that seems to be dying, I'm using the latest 1.05 firmware. It would start burning properly and keep on increasing speed, then all of a sudden the speed drops down to like 24X or 32X and it stays constant.

However sometimes when I use Gigastorage media, it can max out the speed of 48X. However Ridata, CMC, Prodisc all have this constant speed droppage problem.

All the discs burn fine on my Benq 1620, just wondering what's going on...

[NG]

I'm glad it worked for you!!

Try using Nero CD/DVD Speed, and do the quality test on there. If your drive supports PI/PIF testing, then that program will work with it :cheesygri

http://img95.exs.cx/img95/3585/dvdtest9cn.jpg

Here it is. To be honest I have no idea what this means - what would your take be on how it compares against other media (verbatim, ritek, cmc, princo etc)?

oh offtopic - The disc wasn't actually readable in my other dvd player (I think it's the drive tho since I had the same problem wtih the +rw from mitsumi but everything else worked fine 4x and above). I'm thinking perhaps Nero's auto bitsetting might have something to do with it - is there a way to disable it and just make it a regular dvd+r

thanks for any info and hopefully the scan above answers your questions about the media - if there's any other scans that'd help lemmie know and I can do them before I return the media (if I can't fix that media being rejected thing).

[trinh]

Hi Digital Dolphin,

What is your recommendation on the deals of the BenQs out there ? How their quality let's say compare to Ritek GO4 ? Which is a safer buy ? -R ( sony code ) or +R ( I perfer using +R since I heard the technology of +R is better ), just want your opinion on these before I make a buy.
Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

Kinda OT but I don't know who to ask

I have a LG 8481B that seems to be dying, I'm using the latest 1.05 firmware. It would start burning properly and keep on increasing speed, then all of a sudden the speed drops down to like 24X or 32X and it stays constant.

However sometimes when I use Gigastorage media, it can max out the speed of 48X. However Ridata, CMC, Prodisc all have this constant speed droppage problem.

All the discs burn fine on my Benq 1620, just wondering what's going on...

What colour is the bottom of your gigastorage media? (yeah, it's a serious and on topic question :P)

[The Digital Dolphin]

http://img95.exs.cx/img95/3585/dvdtest9cn.jpg

Here it is. To be honest I have no idea what this means - what would your take be on how it compares against other media (verbatim, ritek, cmc, princo etc)?

oh offtopic - The disc wasn't actually readable in my other dvd player (I think it's the drive tho since I had the same problem wtih the +rw from mitsumi but everything else worked fine 4x and above). I'm thinking perhaps Nero's auto bitsetting might have something to do with it - is there a way to disable it and just make it a regular dvd+r

thanks for any info and hopefully the scan above answers your questions about the media - if there's any other scans that'd help lemmie know and I can do them before I return the media (if I can't fix that media being rejected thing).

Hrm... your DVD Burner has no problem reading the media, but the error rate seems a little high... still it's hard to say how much of that is really an issue.

Why not try the newer firmware?
http://www.cdr.cz/dvd_rekordery/sony/firmware/dwd22a/BYS3WIN.zip

Let me know if it helps! :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi Digital Dolphin,

What is your recommendation on the deals of the BenQs out there ? How their quality let's say compare to Ritek GO4 ? Which is a safer buy ? -R ( sony code ) or +R ( I perfer using +R since I heard the technology of +R is better ), just want your opinion on these before I make a buy.
Thanks

Hrm.... between BenQ and Ritek, which is better? That's a good question!! I don't much trust Ritek for lifespan, so BenQ might be better but I'm not sure (since I haven't worked with it long enough). Sony code media is usually quite well supported, more so then the Daxon code media.

In the long run, I can't really answer this question very well, because my own knowledge of the inner structure of BenQ media is still too limited. But I'm trying to work with Daxon directly and hopefully I'll be able to learn more about their media quality soon! (I mean with respect to total quality, not just doing a K-Probe scan!).

[Riflem@n]

What colour is the bottom of your gigastorage media? (yeah, it's a serious and on topic question :P)

It's dark blue

It really sounds like it's dying, maybe cause I used the 8520b firmware on it to make it 52X. But so many people have done it with no problems.

[jimmyzaas]

Hey DD, this isn't a DVDR related question. I've noticed your Ridata 48x CD-R review on http://www.thedolphinreview.com/ and it says they are "perfect for any kind of use." I also noticed you tested the Branded version. Do you know anything about the quality of the bulk non-branded (red packaged) ridata cdrs?

Also, do you recommend the current HP 48x CD-Rs? Would they be inferior or superior to the ridata?

Thanks in advance.

[B0000rt]

Who DARES disturb The Digital Dolphin ??!!!?!!

LOL, don't worry that's why I'm here :cheesygri

Between the burners you mentioned I'd have to say the following:

BenQ DW1620 - My #1 choice. A good quality burner, fairly fast, and excellent compatability!

LG GSA-4163B - My #2 choice. Extremely fast, good compatability, but has some issues with quality at higher speeds. Will still work fine, but may lead to playback issues on some DVD Players.

NEC ND-3520 - My #3 choice. From what I've HEARD (not experienced) it's good quality burner, and about as fast as the BenQ.

LiteOn SOHW-1633S - I don't know anyone who owns one who is really happy with it.... certainly not recommended. Really only good as an 8x burner.

Sony DWD-22A - Probably about the same as the LiteON

AOpen DUW1608 - Honestly, I've never been too impressed with AOpen drives, and don't pay too much attention to the details. Not overly recommended, but you could do worse (see above 2 drives :P)


Thanks for the info.

Is there a difference from the DW1620 or the DW1620 PRO version?

The Benq lwebsite lists the same specs for both.. Hmmm

[Riflem@n]

Hey DD, this isn't a DVDR related question. I've noticed your Ridata 48x CD-R review on http://www.thedolphinreview.com/ and it says they are "perfect for any kind of use." I also noticed you tested the Branded version. Do you know anything about the quality of the bulk non-branded (red packaged) ridata cdrs?

Also, do you recommend the current HP 48x CD-Rs? Would they be inferior or superior to the ridata?

Thanks in advance.

HPs are CMC, they're no good.

[The Digital Dolphin]

It's dark blue

It really sounds like it's dying, maybe cause I used the 8520b firmware on it to make it 52X. But so many people have done it with no problems.

Hrm, that's what I thought! :cheesygri

It sounds like the burner *IS* dying. Basically, my guess is that it's having problems with Phthalcyanine based discs, but still seems to be able to burn alright on media with a Cyanine based dye type. It's deffinately a good time to look for a new CD Burner! In the mean time, stick with what works. Princo CD-Rs might also work ok... assuming their quality isn't so bad that it ruins the disc off the bat.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, this isn't a DVDR related question. I've noticed your Ridata 48x CD-R review on http://www.thedolphinreview.com/ and it says they are "perfect for any kind of use." I also noticed you tested the Branded version. Do you know anything about the quality of the bulk non-branded (red packaged) ridata cdrs?

Also, do you recommend the current HP 48x CD-Rs? Would they be inferior or superior to the ridata?

Thanks in advance.

That was a long time ago now... back before Ritek changed a lot of things. I don't think the review is accurate to what the media is now performing like. Ritek/RiData media is still ok... but it isn't the same kind of high quality it once was back then. Still, I *WOULD* choose it over those HP CD-Rs you mention. Ritek didn't screw up so bad that their discs can be compared to CMC... at least I don't think they have!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for the info.

Is there a difference from the DW1620 or the DW1620 PRO version?

The Benq lwebsite lists the same specs for both.. Hmmm

The DW1620Pro is a DW1620 running firmware B7P9 or newer. There is no difference in any other way (except possibly the software bundled?).

[Madcatmk2]

Hrm.... between BenQ and Ritek, which is better? That's a good question!! I don't much trust Ritek for lifespan, so BenQ might be better but I'm not sure (since I haven't worked with it long enough). Sony code media is usually quite well supported, more so then the Daxon code media.

In the long run, I can't really answer this question very well, because my own knowledge of the inner structure of BenQ media is still too limited. But I'm trying to work with Daxon directly and hopefully I'll be able to learn more about their media quality soon! (I mean with respect to total quality, not just doing a K-Probe scan!).

Your more optimistic about benq discs than last time i asked you. The merger between daxon and Benq gave you hope? heh

What do you think of bitsetting of DVD+Rs, is it more compatible than DVD-Rs or about equal. Do you have the specs of what burner does to dvd+R to make them dvd-roms? is it written after the media information and codes or inside that data?

[Riflem@n]

Hrm, that's what I thought! :cheesygri

It sounds like the burner *IS* dying. Basically, my guess is that it's having problems with Phthalcyanine based discs, but still seems to be able to burn alright on media with a Cyanine based dye type. It's deffinately a good time to look for a new CD Burner! In the mean time, stick with what works. Princo CD-Rs might also work ok... assuming their quality isn't so bad that it ruins the disc off the bat.

That's not good news...I mean the disc still burns but the speed is rather messed up.

I guess I can use my Benq 1620, no point in buying another cdrw now. Which would you recommend? The Liteons?

Ah well, I'll check out Hot Deals more often now.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Your more optimistic about benq discs than last time i asked you. The merger between daxon and Benq gave you hope? heh

Well, I'm trying to be fair... I don't know how they'll hold up over the test of time. I do know that some burners burn them well, and other have problems with them. I think once I get my samples from them, I'll have a little better idea of what to expect. Also, once I've had some discs that have been burned for several months or a year, I'll have a better understanding of how the discs hold up.

What do you think of bitsetting of DVD+Rs, is it more compatible than DVD-Rs or about equal. Do you have the specs of what burner does to dvd+R to make them dvd-roms? is it written after the media information and codes or inside that data?

I've heard of situations where bitset DVD+Rs worked in players that wouldn't play DVD-Rs... I've also heard of players that would play DVD-Rs and not bitset DVD+Rs. How much of the problem in both cases was caused by poor quality media (or poor compatability with the burner) I'm not sure about. However, I think it's fairly safe to say that in general the compatability of a DVD+R with bitsetting is roughly the same compatability as a DVD-R... not taking into account any media variables of course ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

That's not good news...I mean the disc still burns but the speed is rather messed up.

I guess I can use my Benq 1620, no point in buying another cdrw now. Which would you recommend? The Liteons?

Ah well, I'll check out Hot Deals more often now.

You could always try burning at a slower speed? Like 24x or 16x?

For CD-RW drives, I think LiteONs are still alright... I know the 52327S was still a pretty good drive :)

For DVD-RW drives.... don't bother with LiteON... they can't even touch BenQ's quality right now.

[CanuckGod]

NG, I would add that setting the read speed for PI/PIF scans when using Nero CD-DVD Speed (should be under the Max speed area in the Disc Quality section of the Options, which can be opened with the File|Options menu) to 4x or 8x may tend to give better scan results, numbers tend to be skewed when trying to read for errors. I'm not 100% certain on this, but from what I recall, I do believe the Sony DW-22A is a Lite-ON manufactured drive (they've been known to OEM drives for Sony for quite some time now, and your drive has error scan capability), so it should be able to do scans at lower speeds, so I'd attempt this. If someone else has said this already, disregard what I said (quite tired, and not about to go through dozens of pages to double-check :D :D )

[GCee]

is it true that cross flashing the dw1620 oem drive (G f/w) to the retail (B f/w) will void the warranty of the drive?

[The Digital Dolphin]

is it true that cross flashing the dw1620 oem drive (G f/w) to the retail (B f/w) will void the warranty of the drive?

I'll ask BenQ sometime next week on THEIR opinion of that... but each computer store will have its' own opinion.

[peterbrowne]

hello DD:
What speed is good for burning ISO's onto CD-R's. I use a combo of fuji (ty) cd-r's, stooples cd'r's, verbatims, and sony's. My software in windows will run at 12x, 16x, or 32x. I usually use 16x but in linux K3B (my linux burning software) will go to 48x which i usually use. In windows i have tried three different pieces of software and get a 3% burn fail rate (none stooples cd's though). In linux i get 0% fails at 48x.

[peterbrowne

p.s. in windows i use CDBurnerXP Professional. It's freeware.

p.p.s. is this you or an imposter: http://www.thedolphinreview.com/

[Riflem@n]

It really depends on the CD, higher quality ones can be burned at higher speeds. I've read someone that lower speeds for high speed media actually causes more errors.

That is DD's site btw.

[B0000rt]

Any news on the Pioneer 109?

I've been reading the forum postings on cdfreaks, and they don't really look too promising. I know this isn't an accurate representation of how well the drive is, but I don't recall having these many complaints about the 108 at the time I bought it..

[The Digital Dolphin]

hello DD:
What speed is good for burning ISO's onto CD-R's. I use a combo of fuji (ty) cd-r's, stooples cd'r's, verbatims, and sony's. My software in windows will run at 12x, 16x, or 32x. I usually use 16x but in linux K3B (my linux burning software) will go to 48x which i usually use. In windows i have tried three different pieces of software and get a 3% burn fail rate (none stooples cd's though). In linux i get 0% fails at 48x.

[peterbrowne

p.s. in windows i use CDBurnerXP Professional. It's freeware.

p.p.s. is this you or an imposter: http://www.thedolphinreview.com/

The safest burn speed is generally 12x or 16x. As was mentioned, it depends on your burner and the media as well. This is based off of my own testing, which I'll admit is a year or two old now, but the discs I still burn hold true to the previous data I collected.

I suggest staying away from the Sony brand discs personally... even the Verbatim's really. Stick with Fuji "Made in Japan" or Ritek media if you need something cheaper. They should work quite well for you I think :cheesygri

And yes, that is my site... although it's no longer updated due to a lack of time. :cry:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Any news on the Pioneer 109?

I've been reading the forum postings on cdfreaks, and they don't really look too promising. I know this isn't an accurate representation of how well the drive is, but I don't recall having these many complaints about the 108 at the time I bought it..

Sorry, I spent my Pioneer DVR-109 money on stuff for my g/f for valentines day.... once I get out of debt, I'll pick one up and do some REAL testing on it ;)

[Evil Techie]

what did you get for your gf that put you in debt???
thats scary how much we have to spend on maintenance lol
jk

im just glad my gf isnt demanding at all

anyways
got another question for you

are plextor dvd burners such as PX-708A, 716A and such also good cd burners?
do they have the same quality as plextor premium?

[peterbrowne]

The safest burn speed is generally 12x or 16x. As was mentioned, it depends on your burner and the media as well. This is based off of my own testing, which I'll admit is a year or two old now, but the discs I still burn hold true to the previous data I collected.

I suggest staying away from the Sony brand discs personally... even the Verbatim's really. Stick with Fuji "Made in Japan" or Ritek media if you need something cheaper. They should work quite well for you I think :cheesygri

And yes, that is my site... although it's no longer updated due to a lack of time. :cry:
ahhh, the good old Fuji TY secret :D love those discs. getting a DVD Burner finally! Any recommendation, buying at BB or Staples (emergency purchase). Must be cheap (less than $170)

[divx]

hey digital dolphin, remeber I bought that benq 1620 black dvd±r dual dvd9 burner? can u give me a link to it's full specs? like how fast is the cd writing, reading, cdrw writing, dvdrw writing, dvd-r writing, reading, etc. The oem package from <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>ncix</a> doesn't tell me nothing but it's a 16X burner.

[Madcatmk2]

hey digital dolphin, remeber I bought that benq 1620 black dvd±r dual dvd9 burner? can u give me a link to it's full specs? like how fast is the cd writing, reading, cdrw writing, dvdrw writing, dvd-r writing, reading, etc. The oem package from <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>ncix</a> doesn't tell me nothing but it's a 16X burner.


Go check the review by DD here: Features

http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=245&page=Features

[divx]

what does CAV, P-CAV, CLV mean?
what does Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once mean? what does lead-in and lead-out mean? (does it mean writing TOC?)
whats DVD-10, DVD-18?

CD Write Speeds 40x (CAV)
32x, 24x (P-CAV)
16x, 12x, 8x (CLV)
CD Rewrite Speeds 24x (P-CAV)
16x, 10x, 4x (CLV)
DVD±R Write Speeds 16x (CAV)
12x, 8x (P-CAV)
4x, 2.4x (CLV)
DVD±RW Write Speeds 4x, 2.4x (CLV)
CD-ROM Read Speed 40x Max
DAE Speed 40x Max
DVD Read Speeds 16x Max (DVD-ROM Single Layer)
8x Max (DVD-ROM Dual Layer)
8x Max (DVD-R/RW)
8x Max (DVD+R/RW)
8x Max (DVD+R DL)
Buffer Size 2 MB
CD Formats CD-DA, CD-ROM XA, CD-R, CD-RW, Photo CD (single & multi-session), Video CD, Super Video CD, CD-Extra, Mixed-mode CD, CD-Text, CD-Graphics
DVD Formats DVD+R 4.7GB, DVD+RW 4.7GB, DVD-R 4.7GB, DVD-RW 4.7GB DVD Video, DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-18
CD-RW Recording Modes Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Multisession, Packet Writing (fixed & variable packet), CD Digital Audio, Direct-Over-Write on CD-RW, Test Write
DVD±R/W Recording Modes DVD Data and Video

[Madcatmk2]

what does CAV, P-CAV, CLV mean?


http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/44/2



Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once mean?

http://knowhow.cdfreaks.com/article.php?ID=32
"
Disc At Once (DAO)
Posted by DoMiN8ToR on Tuesday, March 27 2001
A method of writing CDs in which one or more tracks are written in a single operation, and the disc is closed, without ever turning off the writing laser. Contrast with Track-at-Once. Not all CDrecorders support Disc-at-Once
"
http://knowhow.cdfreaks.com/article.php?ID=118
"
TAO. Track At Once is needed to make MultiSession discs like data and audio.
"
(does it mean writing TOC?)
Table of Contents (TOC)
Posted by DoMiN8ToR on Tuesday, March 27 2001
For a whole disc or any session within a disc, shows the number of tracks, their starting locations, and the total length of the data area. The TOC does NOT show the length of each track, only its starting point.

what does lead-in and lead-out mean?

"
Lead In
Posted by DoMiN8ToR on Tuesday, March 27 2001
An area at the beginning of each session on a recordable compact disc which is left blank for the session's Table of Contents. The lead-in is written when a session is closed, and takes up 4500 sectors on disc (1 minute, or roughly 9 megabytes). The lead-in also contains next writeable address on the disc, so that future sessions can be added (unless the disc is closed).

Lead Out
Posted by DoMiN8ToR on Tuesday, March 27 2001
An area at the end of a session which indicates that the end of the data has been reached. The first lead-out on a disc is 6750 sectors (1.5 minutes, about 13 megabytes) long; any subsequent lead-outs are 2250 sectors (.5 minute, about 4 megabytes). Writing the lead-out closes the session. CD-ROM drives and CD audio players cannot see the data/audio in a session until the session is closed.
"

do a search here next time http://knowhow.cdfreaks.com/




whats DVD-10, DVD-18?

http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/terms/dvd-10.cfm

next time do a search at google.

What applies to cds also applies to dvds.

If you burn at the rated speed and choose what media DD tells you to buy you should have no problems.

[The Digital Dolphin]

what did you get for your gf that put you in debt???
thats scary how much we have to spend on maintenance lol
jk

im just glad my gf isnt demanding at all

anyways
got another question for you

are plextor dvd burners such as PX-708A, 716A and such also good cd burners?
do they have the same quality as plextor premium?

Hehe, I bought my g/f the complete North American release of SailorMoon (the first 4 seasons... the 5th season was never released). For Valentines day, she got the last season I hadn't gotten her yet (which was Season 2 for some reason), but because it was out of print, and out of stock in most places, I ended up paying about $125 CAD for it with shipping and such. Then there was the food bills, the chocolate bills, and some "other" bills that won't be discussed in detail ;) :cheesygri

Now, where was I? ah yes! Plextor DVD Burners.... I've found the PX-712a does a good job with CD-Rs... I don't know how compatible it really is though since I pretty much only use Ritek and Taiyo Yuden on it. I wouldn't suggest BUYING a PX-712a though, unless you don't intend to burn anything but Taiyo Yuden and Ritek DVDRs on it too :evil: The new PX-716a seems to be quite good with DVDRs now that the new hardware TLA 020x is out (where x is the firmware version, the latest now being 4 aka 1.04 I believe).

Supposedly the PX-716a can burn Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs fairly well too I'm told... and support for the Acro Circle 16x DVD-Rs is going well, with expectations of future improvements with the next firmware :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey digital dolphin, remeber I bought that benq 1620 black dvd±r dual dvd9 burner? can u give me a link to it's full specs? like how fast is the cd writing, reading, cdrw writing, dvdrw writing, dvd-r writing, reading, etc. The oem package from <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>ncix</a> doesn't tell me nothing but it's a 16X burner.

If you're using B7P9 or later, then these are the specs:
BenQ DW1620Pro Specs (http://global.benq.com/wm/front/benqmain.asp?MenuHead=131&ShowType=program&FileURL=product.asp&style=12989&headline=Tech%20Specs&model=DW1620%20Pro&GenMenu=&RootId=undefined)

[Mike71]

Hey DD, I have a question about speeds when backing-up DVD movies. Does it matter what speed you burn at as long as you don't exceed the rated speed for the particular blanks you are using? I am thinking in terms of quality/playability/longevity of the disc. My thinking is why are they always making them burn faster if its not practical to use them at those speeds. Anyways, your thoughts/opinions/facts would be appreciated. Thanks as always.

[Madcatmk2]

They're still the best 8x DVDR on the market, so I wouldn't say you made a bad choice. Don't worry about the edges of the disc... this is the least important part to be concerned with on a disc, and it's pretty common for it to look a little bumpy or wobbly on the edges. It has to do with the bonding of the two layers of plastic together. When you see the bumps and uneven surface on the edges it means that there was a little excessive bonding material used.... but on discs where you CAN'T see stuff like that, it is much more likely that the layers were not properly bonded, and the discs will be MUCH more subject to humidity and a short lifespan (this is a common issue for Prodisc actually). Most Taiyo Yuden, Optodisc, and Mitsubishi Chemicals media uses an excess of bonding material to prevent disc seperation issues... but most media I've seen from Maxell manages to only have a SLIGHT excess on their discs, but still retain a very good bond in every situation I've seen.


I don't know how much excess is good but the daxon az2 +R seems to have more than needed (uneven edges). Hope you get your samples soon to see if they are durable.

[Evil Techie]

thanx again DD

eeks, so much anime...

bill for so much stuff
only if your knowledge can be turned in directly for cash
lol

manwhoring your brain its called
:p

good to see that plextor is finally improving with their DVD burners

i just bought a spindle of TY +R 8x 50pcs
hehehe
but my BT HDD went down so i lost almost 200GB of stuff :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, I have a question about speeds when backing-up DVD movies. Does it matter what speed you burn at as long as you don't exceed the rated speed for the particular blanks you are using? I am thinking in terms of quality/playability/longevity of the disc. My thinking is why are they always making them burn faster if its not practical to use them at those speeds. Anyways, your thoughts/opinions/facts would be appreciated. Thanks as always.

It's not ALWAYS true, but with a lot of DVD media if you burn it *one* step down from its' rated speed, you will see the optimum results. Usually taking it two steps down will create negative affects.... but not always. And with some media/drive combinations, the best burns will be at the rated speeds.

Still, since I don't do a LOT of lower then rated speed burning, I don't have too much data to call on for this one. But that's what it points to at the moment, and it seems to make sense.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I don't know how much excess is good but the daxon az2 +R seems to have more than needed (uneven edges). Hope you get your samples soon to see if they are durable.

Well, the best is probably what Taiyo Yuden has. It takes a good eye to notice the excess, but it *IS* there, but it's still fairly smooth. My guess is that you'd need to spend several hours inspecting multiple types of DVDRs to really notice.... Most people don't really do that. It also helps if you have a spindle of 10 or more pieces, so you can look at multiple edges at the same time.

I'll e-mail BenQ and Daxon again tonight and see about those samples... they may have forgotten over Chinese New Year (since they had the week off!).

[The Digital Dolphin]

thanx again DD

eeks, so much anime...

bill for so much stuff
only if your knowledge can be turned in directly for cash
lol

manwhoring your brain its called
:p

good to see that plextor is finally improving with their DVD burners

i just bought a spindle of TY +R 8x 50pcs
hehehe
but my BT HDD went down so i lost almost 200GB of stuff :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Hehe, Yeah I love Anime... it's the one thing other then my g/f that prevents me from turning into some sort of optical media zombie :cheesygri

As for "manwhoring my brain" as you call it.... I don't think I could ever charge for my help. I'm really just trying to give people a hand as best I can. I'd feel wrong asking for money. I don't mind the donation of various items though (for helping me learn more!). Things like computer parts that will make it easier for me to do more work, or donations of media types I've never tested.... things like that are awesome ways of saying thank you to me, while making sure that your gift directly helps me in helping others :)

That sucks about your HDD!! Have you tried using Bad Copy Pro to recover it? I'm using the software right now for some CD-R recovery and it's doing an excellent job! It's slow as heck.... but it's gotten MUCH better results then any other software I've tried :cheesygri

[DaFonz]

Hey Dolphin: What's up with pioneer DVD burners not being available anywhere now? <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and anitec both seem to not have them

[Alexo]

Hello Digital Dolphin,

What are the currently recommended "all around" drives?
By"all around" I mean good quality and speed for reading, DAE and burning both CDs and DVDs on a fairly broad range of media types, with support for features like handling copy protection, overburning, bitsetting, etc.

I know that there are treadeoffs for all of them but could you at least limit the number of drives to consider?

Thank you.

[divx]

DD have you tried to burn 16X media yet? are those even available? anyway I just don't see how can you burn at 16X since its 170mb/s, my hdd don't even read half as fast to provide the data to the dvd burner.

[Amourek]

Um 16x is theoretically only 22160KB/s or 21.6MB/s. 1x = 1385KB/s. Plus burners don't write at 16x all the way through.

The only 16x media widely available is Ritek. You can get it at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and I think blankmedia.ca.

[Evil Techie]

oh i didnt mean manwhore your brain here

man sell it to companies that are willing to buy that delicious piece of tofu in your skull...
lol
jk

im thinking of using BartPE to copy the stuff to recover
damn it
i still need a new HDD

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey Dolphin: What's up with pioneer DVD burners not being available anywhere now? <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and anitec both seem to not have them

Hrm... not a clue!

Too bad too, since I was thinking about picking one up soon. Pioneer isn't sending out sample drives for reviewing to CDRlabs yet either :(

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hello Digital Dolphin,

What are the currently recommended "all around" drives?
By"all around" I mean good quality and speed for reading, DAE and burning both CDs and DVDs on a fairly broad range of media types, with support for features like handling copy protection, overburning, bitsetting, etc.

I know that there are treadeoffs for all of them but could you at least limit the number of drives to consider?

Thank you.

Well, there are SOOOOO many things to consider! The best thing to do with look at the reviews on the drives in your area. Look at the NEC 3520, PX-716a, BenQ DW1620, and Pioneer DVR-108 or DVR-109.

My knowledge mostly consists of things to do with burn quality, and to a less extent speed. I'm also pretty good at knowing what drives are good for reading discs with different error types as well... but once you start talking about DAE, copy protection, and transfer rates, I get out of my element.

Sorry!

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD have you tried to burn 16X media yet? are those even available? anyway I just don't see how can you burn at 16X since its 170mb/s, my hdd don't even read half as fast to provide the data to the dvd burner.

Yup, I've burned lot's of Optodisc 16x DVD-Rs, and 16x DVD+Rs. Maxell 16x DVD-Rs and DVD+Rs, Ritek 16x DVD+Rs, Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs and DVD+Rs, and a few chinese/hongkong made 16x DVD+R/-Rs.

The transfer rate isn't sustained though, it's built up to slowly towards the end of the disc. And yes, some HDD's are too slow to allow burning at 16x.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Um 16x is theoretically only 22160KB/s or 21.6MB/s. 1x = 1385KB/s. Plus burners don't write at 16x all the way through.

The only 16x media widely available is Ritek. You can get it at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and I think blankmedia.ca.

Don't forget these:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14054&vpn=OP-DVD16X+25&manufacture=Optodisc Technology

:cheesygri

Of course they only burn at 16x in the NEC 3500, NEC 3520, and BenQ DW1620 (and I think the BenQ DW1610 supports them as well... but only at 12x?).

[Nismo]

Hey DD, i was wondering if these are the optodisc dvd-r's you recommended me for my lg-4163b
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=456
thanks

[Sgt_Strider]

Hey DD, <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>Ncix</a> is currently having a sale on their Optodisc 4x DVD-RW discs. Are they good discs and how do they burn in a NEC 3520A or a Plextor 716-A? Thanks.

[Big Shooter]

Yo DD, what can u tell me (us) about the OEM Epson inks over at 'blankmedia'
p.s., guess I'm Newbie-ish, but I thought OEM was Original Equipment Manaufactured, not a knock-off!!?

[Evil Techie]

Well, there are SOOOOO many things to consider! The best thing to do with look at the reviews on the drives in your area. Look at the NEC 3520, PX-716a, BenQ DW1620, and Pioneer DVR-108 or DVR-109.

My knowledge mostly consists of things to do with burn quality, and to a less extent speed. I'm also pretty good at knowing what drives are good for reading discs with different error types as well... but once you start talking about DAE, copy protection, and transfer rates, I get out of my element.

Sorry!


i think the plextor drives are very good at reading dvds and has very good error correction
better than most drives atleast from my own personal experiences

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, i was wondering if these are the optodisc dvd-r's you recommended me for my lg-4163b
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=456
thanks

Yeah, Acro Circle media is the better of the Optodisc brands, and I'm pretty sure the LG 4163B can burn those pretty nicely.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>Ncix</a> is currently having a sale on their Optodisc 4x DVD-RW discs. Are they good discs and how do they burn in a NEC 3520A or a Plextor 716-A? Thanks.

They aren't the same quality as Acro Circle media, but they are ok in most drive usually. Still, I have neither of those drives, so I can't comment on them directly. Sorry!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Yo DD, what can u tell me (us) about the OEM Epson inks over at 'blankmedia'
p.s., guess I'm Newbie-ish, but I thought OEM was Original Equipment Manaufactured, not a knock-off!!?

I don't know anything about ink cartridges, sorry!

[Madcatmk2]

Did you sent an email to MAM-A?

[apvm]

Wondering if OPTODISCR004 any good? I found them cheaper than Prodisc 4X DVD-R TIA

btw. they are no brand name with white printable top.

[peterbrowne]

Wondering if OPTODISCR004 any good? I found them cheaper than Prodisc 4X DVD-R TIA

btw. they are no brand name with white printable top.
Acro Circle Adip OptodiscR004 DVD-R 4x Burn 4x Lite-on 1633s
A Google reveals that they're these Acro Circle's

[apvm]

I bought them @$14 per 50 Spindle at a computer store at College Street, Toronto, haven't try them yet but if they are good, I am going to load up since they are 25% less than Prodisc

[The Digital Dolphin]

Did you sent an email to MAM-A?

Actually I called them ;)

No update on the MAM-A Gold DVD-Rs yet... but they've promised to let me know more as soon as they have more info. Also, I've asked for info on their 8x DVD±Rs too, since they haven't surfaced at all yet.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Wondering if OPTODISCR004 any good? I found them cheaper than Prodisc 4X DVD-R TIA

btw. they are no brand name with white printable top.

They're just the generic Optodisc DVD-Rs that <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> and Anitec sell. A super cheap disc, but ok for some uses. This is NOT an archival disc by any means. Acro Circle is the better brand to get if you want a higher quality disc. But depending on your uses, these discs might be fine for you.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Acro Circle Adip OptodiscR004 DVD-R 4x Burn 4x Lite-on 1633s
A Google reveals that they're these Acro Circle's

ACK!!!! no! They are *NOT* Acro Circle's. Acro Circle media comes with a retail package, not a generic OEM spindle only. Also, Acro Circle media is Optodisc's Super Grade disc, not their generic lower grade OEM media.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I bought them @$14 per 50 Spindle at a computer store at College Street, Toronto, haven't try them yet but if they are good, I am going to load up since they are 25% less than Prodisc

Not a bad price... not a great price either. $12.50 - $13.50 would be about right for that quantity I would think.

[The Digital Dolphin]

anyone remember the last time I gave a veiled comment about a hot deal on the way?

At best current guess, I'm thinking in about 3 weeks ;)

[apvm]

Not a bad price... not a great price either. $12.50 - $13.50 would be about right for that quantity I would think.


Thanks, I think $14 after tax is not that far off, maybe they'll lower their price soon.

So these are better than MUST001 and Yi Jhan 001 right? How do they compare to those Smartbuy 4X DVD-R? TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks, I think $14 after tax is not that far off, maybe they'll lower their price soon.

So these are better than MUST001 and Yi Jhan 001 right? How do they compare to those Smartbuy 4X DVD-R? TIA

Almost certainly they are better then MUST001 or Yi Jhan 001. As for Smartbuy, I have nothing much to say about them. I've never really had a good experience with any Prodisc media, but many people swear by them. Personally, I will not use Prodisc for any personal stuff, but that's just me.

[Alexo]

What media are you comfortable with?

[Big Shooter]

I was wondering what I would have to pay at a retail store for Taiyo-Yuden discs? (not too comfortable with on-line purchasing)

I guess by what I've read in this FANTASTIC/INFORMATIVE thread, that these are the Best of the Best discs, and I certainly want to pick some up for Backup purposes.

What about CD-R, what are the best brand(s)?

What is the expected 'life' of CD-R's?

[The Digital Dolphin]

What media are you comfortable with?

#1: Taiyo Yuden (Made in Japan)
#2: Maxell (Made in Japan)
#3:
#4:
#5:
#6:
#7: Verbatim
#8:
#9: Ritek/RiData SOMETIMES
#10: Acro Circle
#11: BenQ (still discerning this one)
#12:
#13: Ritek/RiData (the OTHER times)
#14:
#15: Prodisc/Smartbuy

The spaces are left in there to show how much I rate one disc above another. Keep in mind that I pretty much hate Prodisc, and I'm probably being a little harder on Verbatim then they deserve.

[Alexo]

#1: Taiyo Yuden (Made in Japan)
#2: Maxell (Made in Japan)
I understand other threads that there is "fake" TY media.

So, how do I get authentic high-quality media for reasonable prices?
Who sells them? Under what brand names and models?

Thanks.

[terribly]

Hey DD -

I got a new Benq 1620 OEM recently, and have had some problems with it. Some CDs, when I to read them, I get "Error: <filename> Attempt to access invalid address." Is it just a fluke with the CD I'm trying to use, or is there something wrong with my drive? I updated my firmware to the OEM recent one, but still hasn't fixed it.

Any help you have would be great!

Thanks.

[Pavel]

Hmm. This is discouraging. I am hearing more and more complaints about the OEM 1620. Makes me not want to buy one now.

[Riflem@n]

Hmm. This is discouraging. I am hearing more and more complaints about the OEM 1620. Makes me not want to buy one now.


Then simply don't buy it lol, you don't know what you're missing out.

There are more raves than complaints about this drive, I myself RAVE it. :cheesygri

[Pavel]

There are more raves than complaints about this drive, I myself RAVE it. :cheesygri

Really?? Where? I recall reading on Netlink's forums that on Redflags most everyone is pro Benq. Every drive has some little quirks but it all depends on what they are. I would like to be convinced that the both OEM and retail are very good drives and equal or better compared to the equivalent NEC and Pioneer.

[Riflem@n]

OEM and Retail are the same, just that the firmware is preloaded with G or B prefixes and also the faceplates are different. In terms of functionality, it's identical. The NEC and Pioneer are still good drives but for the best factor, Benq wins hands down.

I'm sure DD can even defend the Benq, there's tons of threads about DVD Burning.

[dba4orcl]

#1: Taiyo Yuden (Made in Japan)
#2: Maxell (Made in Japan)
#3:
#4:
#5:
#6:
#7: Verbatim
#8:
#9: Ritek/RiData SOMETIMES
#10: Acro Circle
#11: BenQ (still discerning this one)
#12:
#13: Ritek/RiData (the OTHER times)
#14:
#15: Prodisc/Smartbuy

The spaces are left in there to show how much I rate one disc above another. Keep in mind that I pretty much hate Prodisc, and I'm probably being a little harder on Verbatim then they deserve.

hi DD, thx for your rate. however, did you forget Optodisc?
:D

[Alexo]

The NEC and Pioneer are still good drives but for the best factor, Benq wins hands down.
Price aside, how does the Plextor compare?

[Soulcatcher]

Hi DD, this is a great thread :)

I'm not sure if you can remember such ancient drive, but i have a problem with my hp 300n. I recently bought benq 8x dvd+r (daxon az2) and tried to burn them in my hp 300n. But nero refused to burn it at 4x, saying "power calibration error" or something like that. Disc itself wasnt touched - it stayed blanc.

So i decided to upgrade the firmware. The latest one is 3.15 which "adds support to +8x media". Ok, i thought, so it was normal that i wasnt able to burn 8x media. So i flashed the drive and got exactly the same error :)

On the bright note, i bought benq 1620 because of that ;) But still, is there any way to make 300n burn 8x media? The only media which it burns at 4x so far is memorex 4x (optodiscop1). I have some no-name 4x media (it says "001" as media code) which it burns at 2.4 only.

[Vinsanity1379]

hi digital dolphin,

ive seem to be getting a lot of coasters with ritek g04's burning in my nec 2500. is my burner being picky with the media or are there other reasons behind it? i've upgraded the firmware and even tried burning at lower speeds.

what do you recommend as the most economical dvd inkjet printable media for the nec 2500?

also, what is the "best" dvd burner right now?

thanks again for all your help.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I understand other threads that there is "fake" TY media.

So, how do I get authentic high-quality media for reasonable prices?
Who sells them? Under what brand names and models?

Thanks.

For media identification, check out this post:
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showpost.php?p=1271190&postcount=49

Fuji media that says "made in Japan" is made by Taiyo Yuden. As is Verbatim media that says "made in Japan" but unless you live in Europe, you'll likely never see it!

Maxell media made in Japan can be made by Taiyo Yuden, or also Maxell themselves. Either way it's pretty good :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD -

I got a new Benq 1620 OEM recently, and have had some problems with it. Some CDs, when I to read them, I get "Error: <filename> Attempt to access invalid address." Is it just a fluke with the CD I'm trying to use, or is there something wrong with my drive? I updated my firmware to the OEM recent one, but still hasn't fixed it.

Any help you have would be great!

Thanks.

Many DVD Burners are not very good CD readers... the BenQ DW1620 is no exception. It's probably the worst problem the drive has unfortunately. ....on the bright side, it's going to become the least used part of the drive as time goes on ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Price aside, how does the Plextor compare?

The PX-716a and the BenQ DW1620 are both good drives. I don't have a PX-716a yet, but now that it is getting some third party software support for media testing (thanks to Alexnoe on CDRlabs), it's becoming a lot more techie friendly.

I think the BenQ DW1620 and PX-716a will both have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to burning DVDRs. The Plextor will almost certainly be the better choice for people who use Prodisc media, since the BenQ does not work well with this media most of the time. (I blame Prodisc personally!).

For testing media, I think they both have their advantages also! The best would be to use BOTH drives though, since they compliment each other quite nicely :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD, this is a great thread :)

I'm not sure if you can remember such ancient drive, but i have a problem with my hp 300n. I recently bought benq 8x dvd+r (daxon az2) and tried to burn them in my hp 300n. But nero refused to burn it at 4x, saying "power calibration error" or something like that. Disc itself wasnt touched - it stayed blanc.

So i decided to upgrade the firmware. The latest one is 3.15 which "adds support to +8x media". Ok, i thought, so it was normal that i wasnt able to burn 8x media. So i flashed the drive and got exactly the same error :)

On the bright note, i bought benq 1620 because of that ;) But still, is there any way to make 300n burn 8x media? The only media which it burns at 4x so far is memorex 4x (optodiscop1). I have some no-name 4x media (it says "001" as media code) which it burns at 2.4 only.

For the HP drive, try the slightly newer 3.20 :cheesygri
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/information_storage/software/dvd300n_320.exe

For the BenQ, you'll find it does quite well with most Optodisc media (use B7S9 firmware from BenQ China's webpage, for the Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs with the TYG02 code!). It has its' best results when used with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs.

Enjoy!

[The Digital Dolphin]

hi digital dolphin,

ive seem to be getting a lot of coasters with ritek g04's burning in my nec 2500. is my burner being picky with the media or are there other reasons behind it? i've upgraded the firmware and even tried burning at lower speeds.

what do you recommend as the most economical dvd inkjet printable media for the nec 2500?

also, what is the "best" dvd burner right now?

thanks again for all your help.

What firmware are you using? Have you tried Herrie's hacked firmware for the drive? Generally that will solve the issue with RITEKG04 media with that drive... although Ritek's quality control has been even sloppier lately, so it's hard to know what is the cause of the problem.

You will find that the NEC 2500a works quite well with Optodisc 4x DVD-Rs (and not to badly with Optodisc 4x DVD+Rs). Use the Acro Circle media for best results. If you want to go high end, use Taiyo Yuden. I think Prodisc 4x DVD-Rs might work ok on that drive as well, but I don't really use Prodisc if I can help it, so I'm not 100% sure.

[Vinsanity1379]

thanks for the quick reply. i just upgraded from 1.07 to herries 1.08 firmware. hoefully thatll solve the issue.

[The Digital Dolphin]

thanks for the quick reply. i just upgraded from 1.07 to herries 1.08 firmware. hoefully thatll solve the issue.

Hopefully :)

Let me know how it turns out please!

[Madcatmk2]

The Herrie 2.183v2 is still in beta and some discs have problems compared to the new mad dog 2F9.
You could try the new 2F9.
http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/8XDVD9_FW_2F9.zip
http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/index.html


Damn, i wish Herrie would offer support as good as the Liggy And Dee firmwares for the 3500a.

[The Digital Dolphin]

The Herrie 2.183v2 is still in beta and some discs have problems compared to the new mad dog 2F9.
You could try the new 2F9.
http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/8XDVD9_FW_2F9.zip
http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/index.html


Damn, i wish Herrie would offer support as good as the Liggy And Dee firmwares for the 3500a.

It's a tough pressuring job, which nets no income for him. I'm sure he has a family and full time job on top of it all as well. So it's no surprise that it takes him a little while to make things happen.

[Madcatmk2]

It's a tough pressuring job, which nets no income for him. I'm sure he has a family and full time job on top of it all as well. So it's no surprise that it takes him a little while to make things happen.

He needs one or two reliable friends. :)

[etcbq]

Many DVD Burners are not very good CD readers... the BenQ DW1620 is no exception. It's probably the worst problem the drive has unfortunately. ....on the bright side, it's going to become the least used part of the drive as time goes on ;)
DD, I don't know about reading, in my case, I can't seem to write CDs with this same new drive. Is there a fix?

[The Digital Dolphin]

He needs one or two reliable friends. :)

Very true! I don't know where I'd be without you and Evil Techie, and a few other helpful members :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, I don't know about reading, in my case, I can't seem to write CDs with this same new drive. Is there a fix?

What firmware are you using?

[etcbq]

It's still the original G7H9. Should I be attempting to flash it to the B7T9?

[Shen]

DD, quick questions....will cross-flash from BenQ FW OEM to Retail void the warranty?

Thanks ^^

[Riflem@n]

It's still the original G7H9. Should I be attempting to flash it to the B7T9?

For sure, there's so many nice improvements since then, including 4X DL.

[Riflem@n]

DD, quick questions....will cross-flash from BenQ FW OEM to Retail void the warranty?

Thanks ^^

There's always the G7P9 which won't avoid your warranty, some stores wouldn't even check for firmware. I just flashed to retail cause that way you can get the newest updates hopefully soon :cheesygri

Any updates DD?

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, quick questions....will cross-flash from BenQ FW OEM to Retail void the warranty?

Thanks ^^

Legally? Probably.

Practically? Probably not.

It's up to you where you stand on this issue. Many stores won't check, and there's probably less then 0.001% chance of damaging the drive by doing it. In fact I'd rate the risk level to be roughly exactly the same as flashing it with a BenQ flash tool. But since I can't get through to BenQ lately (I finally got through to Daxon again though!), I can't get anything officially stated.

As was suggested already, going to G7P9 is an excellent idea, if you're worried about voiding the warranty.

[The Digital Dolphin]

It's still the original G7H9. Should I be attempting to flash it to the B7T9?

Upgrade to G7P9 at LEAST! That firmware revision was CRAP for burning CD-Rs, and many improvements were made since then. Otherwise give the retail firmware a go, if you don't mind the fact that you're probably voiding your warranty.

[etcbq]

Thank you very much for your valuable advice. I shall do it!

[Riflem@n]

I honestly think that the Benq is a bad cd reader drive, there was a particular CD that I burned a while ago and the installation gave me errors. Also older 74 min CDs don't seem to read either.

I popped it in my half working LG CD-RW and it works fine, plus another LG DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive. No errors, perfectly fine. This bothers me a bit cause my LG drive can go out at anytime.

Do you think future firmware can improve this? Or is this a hardware thing?

[jimmyzaas]

I got a new question.

DVDR are sensitive media that are practically 2 discs pressed together. According to pcworld (http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,113716,00.asp), it isn't wise to apply too much pressure to the disc when taking them out of the case. My friend also informed me of "pressure points" on dvdr discs. If you happen to apply the slightest pressure on these "points", the dye will change.

He told me this because he had several discs stacked together and one of the discs had a particle of sand/dirt stuck on it. The color of the dye around the spot changed. The disc became unreadable.

This worries me because I have alot of dvdrs put in cd/dvd binders. If a had a particle stuck on the disc, I would be pretty screwed because a cd binder is essentially a stack of cds when placed horizontally.

Now I need a professional opinion, is it safe to store dvdrs on cd/dvd binders? Do dvdrs have "pressure points" where an uneven application of pressure of varied magnitude can destroy the disc and the data it contains? Do I have to worry that when I take a dvdr in and out of a binder my disc will undergo unnecessary pressure and eventually die on me?

[rahzel]

hi DD, if you get to my PM, ignore my post. I was just wondering if youd recommend the + or -R TY 8x media. Ive heard that many people can burn the +R's at 16x whereas the -R's max out at 12x on most burners.

Also, do the silver top 8x TY DVD's burn reliably at 12x? or should i just burn them at 8x to be safe?

[Riflem@n]

which burner do you have? both media is good but I would go for the + since the bitsetting.

[Madcatmk2]

I got a new question.

DVDR are sensitive media that are practically 2 discs pressed together. According to pcworld (http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,113716,00.asp), it isn't wise to apply too much pressure to the disc when taking them out of the case. My friend also informed me of "pressure points" on dvdr discs. If you happen to apply the slightest pressure on these "points", the dye will change.

"
Unlike CDs, DVDs are really two discs chemically bonded together, so you can't put as much pressure on a DVD as on a CD when you take it in and out of its case.
"
Wow, its news to me. DD, can you confirm this? I wonder how multi layered media like kodak cd ultima are physically bonded together and how its possible.


He told me this because he had several discs stacked together and one of the discs had a particle of sand/dirt stuck on it. The color of the dye around the spot changed. The disc became unreadable.


How was it stacked together? how many discs there was?



This worries me because I have alot of dvdrs put in cd/dvd binders. If a had a particle stuck on the disc, I would be pretty screwed because a cd binder is essentially a stack of cds when placed horizontally.

Now I need a professional opinion, is it safe to store dvdrs on cd/dvd binders? Do dvdrs have "pressure points" where an uneven application of pressure of varied magnitude can destroy the disc and the data it contains? Do I have to worry that when I take a dvdr in and out of a binder my disc will undergo unnecessary pressure and eventually die on me?



You should have no problems if you didn't filled up the binders. I have two 256 binders that are filled at 160 and 4 other with 96 filled at 88. Its easyer to place and remove dvds in a binder than in a single "friking" dvd case so less chance to damage it. If you want to be secure you should get 96 case logic binders and fill it at 88 with both end sides empty.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I honestly think that the Benq is a bad cd reader drive, there was a particular CD that I burned a while ago and the installation gave me errors. Also older 74 min CDs don't seem to read either.

I popped it in my half working LG CD-RW and it works fine, plus another LG DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive. No errors, perfectly fine. This bothers me a bit cause my LG drive can go out at anytime.

Do you think future firmware can improve this? Or is this a hardware thing?

Well, it's only a bad CD reader because many people are used to CD readers that are capable of handling media burned MUCH out of the standards set for the medium. The BenQ is not as forgiving of crap then most CD Burners or CD-ROMs. And even among DVD Burners it isn't that great. Like I've said before, the biggest drawback of the drive is the CDR support.

I don't think it can be fixed beyond the already existing fixes in the later released firmwares. (B7P9 had some improvements, and possibly some before that as well).

[Riflem@n]

have you tried the new B7U9 firmware? I've read some posts at cdfreaks and it doesn't look too good.

[rahzel]

which burner do you have? both media is good but I would go for the + since the bitsetting.
i have an NEC 3520.

[jimmyzaas]

"
Unlike CDs, DVDs are really two discs chemically bonded together, so you can't put as much pressure on a DVD as on a CD when you take it in and out of its case.
"
Wow, its news to me. DD, can you confirm this? I wonder how multi layered media like kodak cd ultima are physically bonded together and how its possible.


Yes it is. If you look at the side of a CDR, the dye is right beneath the label. If you look at the side of a DVDR, the dye is in between two pieces of plastic.

[apvm]

have you tried the new B7U9 firmware? I've read some posts at cdfreaks and it doesn't look too good.

Those owners at cdfreaks are really freaks, they live by numbers to the extreme, try it for yourself if you like it keep it otherwise use whatever firmware you feel comfortable with.

I use B7S9 since I still have about 50 of those cheapo Yi Jhan 001 and Must 001 which only S9 can burn them right, after those are used up, I'll myself flash to U9 since it is not bad with my made in Japan Maxell and cheapo generic Optodisc.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I got a new question.

DVDR are sensitive media that are practically 2 discs pressed together. According to pcworld (http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,113716,00.asp), it isn't wise to apply too much pressure to the disc when taking them out of the case. My friend also informed me of "pressure points" on dvdr discs. If you happen to apply the slightest pressure on these "points", the dye will change.

He told me this because he had several discs stacked together and one of the discs had a particle of sand/dirt stuck on it. The color of the dye around the spot changed. The disc became unreadable.

This worries me because I have alot of dvdrs put in cd/dvd binders. If a had a particle stuck on the disc, I would be pretty screwed because a cd binder is essentially a stack of cds when placed horizontally.

Now I need a professional opinion, is it safe to store dvdrs on cd/dvd binders? Do dvdrs have "pressure points" where an uneven application of pressure of varied magnitude can destroy the disc and the data it contains? Do I have to worry that when I take a dvdr in and out of a binder my disc will undergo unnecessary pressure and eventually die on me?

It's true that DVDs are two pieces of plastic glued together with a recordable surface sandwiched between them. But this actually makes them more robust generally then a CD-R, since there is more protection for the recordable surface.

Now, I'm not sure I believe in "pressure points" on DVDs, but the theory behind it is at least partially correct. Basically, if the glue between the layers is poorly applied, then they will seperate, and the disc will be destroyed. This is mainly a problem with poorly manufactured discs. So think crappy hong kong and chinese media. Also, I've seen several batches of Ritek where this occured (although it is not the norm for Ritek, but something I've seen on more then one occasion from them!). Prodisc and Optodisc have also had this problem... but keep in mind I many MANY discs go by me every year... so I see a lot of different batches.

I have never seen Taiyo Yuden media have this problem :)

As for binders, I'd be much more concerned with the quality of the binder, and if there are any potential degridation issues that might come up because of the materials used in it, then I would be about the discs being stacked on each other. Problems with disc seperation are FAR more likely to occur in situations where you are bending the disc to take it out. So if you are using a very tight DVD case, and the disc needs to be bent a little while pressure is applied to the centre of the case, I would make sure to be using HIGH quality media!

[The Digital Dolphin]

hi DD, if you get to my PM, ignore my post. I was just wondering if youd recommend the + or -R TY 8x media. Ive heard that many people can burn the +R's at 16x whereas the -R's max out at 12x on most burners.

Also, do the silver top 8x TY DVD's burn reliably at 12x? or should i just burn them at 8x to be safe?

I personally find slightly better scores with the Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, but I use the Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs more often. I'm not personally a big fan of the DVD+R format, and some of my friends and family have players which will not accept DVD+Rs (even when bitset sometimes!!).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Yes it is. If you look at the side of a CDR, the dye is right beneath the label. If you look at the side of a DVDR, the dye is in between two pieces of plastic.

Correct!!

However, some brands add protective layers on top of their media.

Kodak Ultima CDs
Maxell Pro CDs
Verbatim Datalife Plus CDs (I *THINK*)

I'm not aware of any others though.

[Alexo]

I'm not sure I believe in "pressure points" on DVDsIt is well known that gently massaging pressure points on a DVD makes its chi to flow more freely, which allows more energy to reach the bits, increasing the quality of subsequental reads/writes.

However, to gain the maximum possible benefits from this technique, you should also make the DVDs perform regular breathing excercises, take them out on long walks and limit their intake of greasy foods.

(I was skeptical too at first, until I have personally tested the "greasy food avoidance" part - it works!)

[The Digital Dolphin]

It is well known that gently massaging pressure points on a DVD makes its chi to flow more freely, which allows more energy to reach the bits, increasing the quality of subsequental reads/writes.

However, to gain the maximum possible benefits from this technique, you should also make the DVDs perform regular breathing excercises, take them out on long walks and limit their intake of greasy foods.

(I was skeptical too at first, until I have personally tested the "greasy food avoidance" part - it works!)

even *I* don't massage my DVDs :cheesygri

[jimmyzaas]

As for binders, I'd be much more concerned with the quality of the binder, and if there are any potential degridation issues that might come up because of the materials used in it, then I would be about the discs being stacked on each other. Problems with disc seperation are FAR more likely to occur in situations where you are bending the disc to take it out. So if you are using a very tight DVD case, and the disc needs to be bent a little while pressure is applied to the centre of the case, I would make sure to be using HIGH quality media!

I use Case Logic binders purchased from factorydirect (the only thing I get from them). Would you say these are good cases? The binders are a bit tight. But since I don't "access" these dvds on a daily basis, I'm hoping the dvd pockets will stretch out/loosen over time.

Also when you talked about the degradation issue due to "binder materials", what do you mean? physical damage (scratches)? or chemical (bonding/sticking to binder)?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I use Case Logic binders purchased from factorydirect (the only thing I get from them). Would you say these are good cases? The binders are a bit tight. But since I don't "access" these dvds on a daily basis, I'm hoping the dvd pockets will stretch out/loosen over time.

I'm not really qualified to test binder quality... sorry! I only know there can be certain issues, but other then experiencing the effects of them over time, and hypothesizing, I can't really do much else.


Also when you talked about the degradation issue due to "binder materials", what do you mean? physical damage (scratches)? or chemical (bonding/sticking to binder)?

Neither really, but closer to the second one. Basically, certain plastics give off small amounts of gas/fumes which in time if not properly disapaited will destroy the disc. I've seen some studies of this happening with jewel cases, and in a matter of several weeks (about a month or a little over) the disc had noticable degridation. In this case, opening your binders once every day or couple days, and just letting the air circulate amongst the pages, might help.

A POTENTIAL way of telling if there is a problem might be to leave the binder closed for a week or two, and then open it, and quickly smell inside, and see if there is any kind of fume-ish smell. Remember that whatever is sitting around inside that wallet/binder is LITERALLY bathing your discs.

Just something to keep in mind ;)

[Madcatmk2]

I'm not really qualified to test binder quality... sorry! I only know there can be certain issues, but other then experiencing the effects of them over time, and hypothesizing, I can't really do much else.



Neither really, but closer to the second one. Basically, certain plastics give off small amounts of gas/fumes which in time if not properly disapaited will destroy the disc. I've seen some studies of this happening with jewel cases, and in a matter of several weeks (about a month or a little over) the disc had noticable degridation. In this case, opening your binders once every day or couple days, and just letting the air circulate amongst the pages, might help.

A POTENTIAL way of telling if there is a problem might be to leave the binder closed for a week or two, and then open it, and quickly smell inside, and see if there is any kind of fume-ish smell. Remember that whatever is sitting around inside that wallet/binder is LITERALLY bathing your discs.

Just something to keep in mind ;)



You would be very kind if you tell us where this study is coming from. And how do you store your discs btw.

[Montague]

Neither really, but closer to the second one. Basically, certain plastics give off small amounts of gas/fumes which in time if not properly disapaited will destroy the disc. I've seen some studies of this happening with jewel cases, and in a matter of several weeks (about a month or a little over) the disc had noticable degridation. In this case, opening your binders once every day or couple days, and just letting the air circulate amongst the pages, might help.
That is interesting.

I know that for comic books for example in the "old days" of putting them in plastic bags was like encasing them in a toxic bath over a long period of time.

[The Digital Dolphin]

You would be very kind if you tell us where this study is coming from. And how do you store your discs btw.

I've asked my source for another copy of it, since I've lost mine (I've been doing a lot of upgrades lately, and lost in somewhere between my 2nd and fourth re-installation of windows... :evil: )

[DVDManiac]

The Digital Dolphin - I don't think we can ever question your knowledge of recordable media but I still have a hard time sifting through all the information you have provided. I think someone asked you in another thread (if not this one) what your rankings would be and you had something like this:

1. TY
2. Maxell
...
7. Verbatim
etc...

I was wondering if you could give a more comprehensive list, like the speed rating (4x, 8x, 12x) and where they are made from for the DVDs in question. I am shopping for blank DVDs and have purchased the TY 8x DVD-Rs but am looking for other media for other less important data. There are so many name brands (BenQ, Philips, Memorex, Sony, Mitsumi, Fuji, etc) out there but not many people have had a chance to test them out like yourself. I know you can't cover all media since you probably haven't had a chance to test them all but a list from the ones you have tested would be great.

Thanks in advanced.

[Soulcatcher]

For the HP drive, try the slightly newer 3.20 :cheesygri
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/information_storage/software/dvd300n_320.exe

For the BenQ, you'll find it does quite well with most Optodisc media (use B7S9 firmware from BenQ China's webpage, for the Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs with the TYG02 code!). It has its' best results when used with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs.

Enjoy!

Heh, i see :) i actually didnt check if 3.15 was the latest :) That's pretty stupid, but i was in a hurry to install my new benq drive ;)

I flashed my benq to g7p9. I dont want to flash it with retail firmware because i just dont see the point - the firmwares are exactly the same, right?

And i dont want to flash to the later firmwares cause there is no substantial change in them. Or maybe there is? :)

Thnx for the info. I dont have enought optodiscs, and i have to burn my ~100 benq 8x blanks first :)

p.s. Oh, btw, the bottom of my 1620 is pretty hot even when it's idle. I mean, it's almost uncomfortable to touch the bottom of the drive. Is it normal?.. :)

[ak47num1]

Sorry to bother you, DD. This has nothing to do with DVD media, but I want to ask, for Ritek Ridata CD-Rs:

1) Should I buy a branded or unbranded spindle?
2) Should I buy the 50 PC or 100 PC spindle?
3) How can I tell from the model number (?) whether a particular spindle is a good spindle?

Thank you! Looking forward to your reply!

[The Digital Dolphin]

The Digital Dolphin - I don't think we can ever question your knowledge of recordable media but I still have a hard time sifting through all the information you have provided. I think someone asked you in another thread (if not this one) what your rankings would be and you had something like this:

1. TY
2. Maxell
...
7. Verbatim
etc...

I was wondering if you could give a more comprehensive list, like the speed rating (4x, 8x, 12x) and where they are made from for the DVDs in question. I am shopping for blank DVDs and have purchased the TY 8x DVD-Rs but am looking for other media for other less important data. There are so many name brands (BenQ, Philips, Memorex, Sony, Mitsumi, Fuji, etc) out there but not many people have had a chance to test them out like yourself. I know you can't cover all media since you probably haven't had a chance to test them all but a list from the ones you have tested would be great.

Thanks in advanced.

That's a LOT of work, what you are asking for.... I don't really have that kind of time. That's why I threw the list together the way I did.

Keep in mind, I'm limited in my amount of time that I can spend testing all this media. As it is, I use a lot of time that I'm supposed to be working at my day job to answer questions on this forum, and post things on other forums. At home, I spend most of my time actually TESTING the media, so that I have answers to these questions ;) I get about 6 hours of sleep a night (on the good nights) during the work week, and somehow I try to find a couple hours here and there to spend with my G/F. Now tack on top that fact that I'm also writing reviews for CDRlabs, and I'm sure you'll see why sometimes my answers are a little hastely written.

The brands I work with often are:
Maxell, Sony, Fuji, Memorex, BenQ/Daxon, Optodisc (Acro Circle, and Generic), Ritek, Datawrite, BulkPaq, Imation (to a LIMITED extent), MAM-A (Mitsui), Kodak, Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden, and against my better wishes Prodisc.

That doesn't mean I have EVERY disc from all the above listed manufacturers, but it means I have some of their media, which I burn fairly often. I also have some various types of Hong Kong made media, mostly nameless crap sent to me for testing... nothing worth writing about.

[The Digital Dolphin]

why do you hate prodisc?

Hrm, good question!

Well, to put it simply: It sucks.

But let's go back and take a look at some of the reasons why I think it sucks... join me now, as we go back, and delve into the very beginnings of my love for optical media! (cue flashback music, and some sort of white cloudy border around the screen :razz: )

I think it was 2002, or maybe late 2001. I was a young teenage boy, fresh from being laid off by Rona Revy, with very little money left to support myself on. I was a computer nerd, with little ambition, but lot's of enthusiasm, just looking for a way to get life working again. A friend of mine and I were walking through Metrotown in Burnaby one day (a mall that I now regard as my "second home"), and my eye caught a sign. I don't remember exactly what the sign said anymore, but it was something like "get free CD-Rs - Join the CD Burner's club" of something like that. So I turned around (we HAD been about to leave the mall and go home), and we both walked into a little store called eNovation Media. This store became the turning point in my life, although it never seemed like it at the time. So anyways, my friend and I walked in, and talked with the people there. They were friendly, and I dropped off my resume with them, figuring it might be an interesting place to work, and I desperatly needed the money! (I had been dropping off lot's of resume's in the mall already). We then left, and went home with the intentions of returning to the little store to buy some CD-Rs, since the prices were VERY good!

About a week later, I DID go back, and spoke with the owner. A turkish lady, who seemed genuine and looked like she knew what she was doing. I spoke to her about a job, and things looked good! About another week later or so, she hired me, to work in a little kiosk at the New Westminister Quay. The area was dead, and there were very few sales there, since most people visiting the Quay had no interest in buying CD-Rs. After about a week and a half of dead sales, the booth was pulled, and I was moved into the main store.

Now, you may be wondering, what does this have to do with Prodisc? Well, I'll tell you! eNovation Media basically sold 2 types of optical media.... stuff made by CMC in various brand names, and stuff made by Prodisc, in various brand names (including eNovation Media brand CD-Rs!).

So things went on at the store, and I learned all the propaganda. "CMC is good", "CMC is the largest manufacturer of CD-Rs, and highly respected", "Prodisc is reliable", "Prodisc makes great media!". etc...etc... blah blah blah.

Now that I had money from working, I could start affording to buy blank media again! So I bought a lot of Prodisc. I used a lot of their Mini CD-Rs, and Mini CD-RWs, and their regular CD-Rs. I also sold media to a lot of friends and family, since I got a very good price, and was learning to love my job more and more!

One day, while perusing the internet during a slow time at the store in Metrotown, I found a site called CDFreaks. I looked into it, and found it to be very unfriendly seeming, and decided to look for other MORE FRIENDLY places to learn more about media (I swear, this is 100% true, I have disliked CDFreaks since the very first day I looked at the site, even though it was my first exposure to optical media forums!!). I soon found CDRinfo.com, and decided to read up on things. Over time, I learned that CMC media was not what the propaganda had led me to believe! Although Prodisc was not considered bad at all, it was generally only considered average. I learned about LiteON drives, and a program leaked from LiteON called WSES, which was the first testing software ever available for consumer drives. Although I never used WSES, I did have a copy of it for quite some time, but since it only ran in TRUE DOS, and not Windows shell DOS, I never had the ability to try it out. Eventually CD Doctor was released (and translated by CFitz of CDRLabs.com!), and I bought a LiteON drive, and used CD Doctor to start scanning discs for the first time!

I was appaled! And for the first while I literally didn't believe the results sitting in front of me. But scan after scan came back, and I slowly began to understand that the media I had been using, and recommending had been poor quality, or "ok" quality at best! I was SOOOOO angry! I had been misled by SOMEONE, and *I* had been misleading others! But what else could I sell? that was all we carried! This all changed when someone brought in a Maxell CD-R into the store. I asked him if I could take a look at it, and he agreed. I scanned the disc in front of him with my LiteON 40125S, and it came back with awesome results!! I checked the ATIP, and ran it through a database I found on the web, and it was Ritek! I had never heard of them before, but I was excited to learn more! Despite all this however, I still had a hard time believing that all the CMC media I had sold could be so bad. Some of the scans I had done on some types of the discs had been good! But even TALKING about the idea of CMC being ok or good nearly got me banned on CDRinfo, and many MANY people accused me of simply trying to sell more media by "boosting CMC" on an open forum. Of course, I had no interest in selling media on CDRinfo, or any other forum, I just wanted the truth! One person, who went by the name of RJW listened to me however. Through his own contacts, he agreed to have some of the CMC media that had been working well in the store tested out on a professional CATS analyzer, which was way above my head at the time, but I understood that the testing was considered top notch, and could not be easily disputed by the people who were giving me trouble. I agreed that I would make a public apoligy on the forum for wasting everyone's time if the tests came back negative. So I sent the media to Europe, and my new friend got it tested for me, along with samples of other CMC media, Ritek media, Taiyo Yuden, and several other types.

The testing came back quite positive for the media I sent! It had one of the highest scores over all even!! But the other CMC media types scored quote low... Although I was technically victorious, I learned that CMC media was incredibly variable in quality, and I began to lose respect in them. More over, the product that I had sent to Europe for testing was soon discontinued, and newer and OBVIOUSLY lower grade media replaced it.

That was enough, I did a search on the net, picked up the phone, and called Ritek USA.

But I'm getting off track am't I? Well, during the above fun, I was given a Mini CD-R/RW MP3 player. It was a cute little unit, that was small so it could only play Mini CDs. I used a lot of Prodisc CD-RWs on this baby, and swore by them! In fact, many other people who worked for the store were also given the same Mini CD-R/RW MP3 player, and we all used the same Mini CD-RWs. These were all custom made by Prodisc, eNovation Media brand CD-RWs.... and they ALL failed after 3 re-writes. We also started receving more and more complaints over the Prodisc DVD-Rs we were carrying, which we decided to drop. More and more, Prodisc was becoming a problem for people.

Through my negotiations, we eventually started importing media for the first time from the U.S. (all other media had been purchased from local suppliers... the same local suppliers who supply most of the computer stores in BC I should add!). Ritek media quickly swallowed the remaining interest in Prodisc media, and Prodisc was almost entirely dropped (we just had a lot of stock on the Mini CD-R/RWs).

Around this time, I began developing a dislike and a distrust for Prodisc... but it hadn't grown to be a strong hatred for it yet...

Let's flash forward to early 2004 now. By this point, eNovation Media has gone bankrupt (actually this happend in early 2003), and every employee has gone their seperate ways. I moved on somewhere else, and continued persueing additional knowledge of optical media. Wanna guess how many of those discs I burned in 2002 still worked? Not many! Not only that, but the very few Prodisc DVDRs that I had also became quite problamatic. Now let's look at the present... I'm mostly focusing on DVDR testing. I pretty much ignored using Prodisc media for a long time, since I prefer to have nothing to do with it. I DO include the media now however... but the results I've seen have always been very poor. I keep track of their business, and how they are manufacturing their media, and nothing has changed... if anything it's gotten worse! They've lost partnerships with other companies because of poor quality control issues, and they continue to repeatedly screw with their customers! If there is one thing I remember the most about speaking with Prodisc, it's how VERY little they care about the people who purchase from them. They offer no support for their media, and their sales reps are mostly idiots who don't even know what is happening with their media. I still speak with distributors of Prodisc media today, and from their descriptions nothing has changed.

[The Digital Dolphin]

continued....

Don't get me wrong... I'm sure Prodisc CAN be good... but I've never seen it first hand. I've gotten sample discs of theirs from North America and Europe, and not once have a been impressed.

I can't even say how many times I've expected something to be good, and found it to be bad, or expected something to be bad, and found it to be good.... but Prodisc has always been the same.

I've seen *SO* many people complain about the BenQ DW1620 because it can't burn Prodisc media well. I've seen people RMA the drive up to 3 or 4 times, because they MUST have their precious prodisc media! And yes... some BenQ DW1620's DO seem to be able to burn Prodisc DVDRs ok.... but most don't. Also, my LG 4163B has many issued with Prodisc media. And other drives do as well. Is it fair to blame several drive makers because they can't burn the media? Prodisc has SOOOO many different media types (4 different 8x DVD-Rs alone!!) that I honestly can't blame drive makers if they get a little fed up.

So yeah. I hate prodisc. I've lost data because of them... my friends and family also have. They have no respect for their customers, and they offer no support for their products. They try to screw around with people by releasing so many variations of the same product, and they mess with the market behind the scenes in ways I can't really go into.

on a side note... i guess I really left a lot out of my little flash back. I completely missed explaining more about the local suppliers, and my history with the grey and black markets of CD-Rs in Canada. And why I hate A&B sound so much for their blank media. And I also left off with Ritek looking good, which is not really fair since they've really changed since then. But the story is interesting to some none the less I hope. Maybe I'll tell the rest some time ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

p.s. Oh, btw, the bottom of my 1620 is pretty hot even when it's idle. I mean, it's almost uncomfortable to touch the bottom of the drive. Is it normal?.. :)

I think it's normal... but even *I* don't go around "feeling up" my drives when they're "turned on" :D

[The Digital Dolphin]

Sorry to bother you, DD. This has nothing to do with DVD media, but I want to ask, for Ritek Ridata CD-Rs:

1) Should I buy a branded or unbranded spindle?
2) Should I buy the 50 PC or 100 PC spindle?
3) How can I tell from the model number (?) whether a particular spindle is a good spindle?

Thank you! Looking forward to your reply!

It's not hard to make RiData brand discs our of Ritek made media.... so it's a crapshoot if you don't know your supplier.

The new RiData CD-Rs I've seen come in 50pc bulk Red printed shrinkwrap, so they seem like they are legit. But bad batches exist in all Ritek media, and it's impossible to know if the batch is bad without trying them. Sorry!

[ak47num1]

It's not hard to make RiData brand discs our of Ritek made media.... so it's a crapshoot if you don't know your supplier.

The new RiData CD-Rs I've seen come in 50pc bulk Red printed shrinkwrap, so they seem like they are legit. But bad batches exist in all Ritek media, and it's impossible to know if the batch is bad without trying them. Sorry!

Thank you for replying, DD! Really appreciate as I am about to go out and buy around 200 CD-R (don't have DVD-rewriter :(

Anyway, I don't quite understand your answer to whether I should buy branded (the one that is encased in a plastic container) or unbranded Ridata discs (by unbranded, I mean wrapped in ridata wrapper; not sure if this is what unbranded really mean).

Thanks again!

[DVDManiac]

That's a LOT of work, what you are asking for.... I don't really have that kind of time. That's why I threw the list together the way I did.

Keep in mind, I'm limited in my amount of time that I can spend testing all this media. As it is, I use a lot of time that I'm supposed to be working at my day job to answer questions on this forum, and post things on other forums. At home, I spend most of my time actually TESTING the media, so that I have answers to these questions ;) I get about 6 hours of sleep a night (on the good nights) during the work week, and somehow I try to find a couple hours here and there to spend with my G/F. Now tack on top that fact that I'm also writing reviews for CDRlabs, and I'm sure you'll see why sometimes my answers are a little hastely written.

The brands I work with often are:
Maxell, Sony, Fuji, Memorex, BenQ/Daxon, Optodisc (Acro Circle, and Generic), Ritek, Datawrite, BulkPaq, Imation (to a LIMITED extent), MAM-A (Mitsui), Kodak, Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden, and against my better wishes Prodisc.

That doesn't mean I have EVERY disc from all the above listed manufacturers, but it means I have some of their media, which I burn fairly often. I also have some various types of Hong Kong made media, mostly nameless crap sent to me for testing... nothing worth writing about.

Whoa...I didn't mean for you to go out and test all the media. :) I was thinking more in line with what you have already tested, and make a list of the mental note of what you would rank of what you have seen. I guess what I'm really asking is, after TY and Maxell, what would you purchase yourself personally (or the media for spots 3-6 on your list)?

I really appreciate that you take your time to reply and give out information of what you have seen from the media you have used/tested.

[Soulcatcher]

I think it's normal... but even *I* don't go around "feeling up" my drives when they're "turned on" :D

What can i say... you should try it sometime ;)

So, when i was going to ask this question on cdrfreaks forum, i actually noticed that i used 40-pin ide cable... I dunno why, i was pretty sure i had 80-pin ;) So i turned off the comp and changed it to 80. Lo and behold, the drive is now only warm while idle :)

Maybe it was the cable, maybe something else, but the temperature did change.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thank you for replying, DD! Really appreciate as I am about to go out and buy around 200 CD-R (don't have DVD-rewriter :(

Anyway, I don't quite understand your answer to whether I should buy branded (the one that is encased in a plastic container) or unbranded Ridata discs (by unbranded, I mean wrapped in ridata wrapper; not sure if this is what unbranded really mean).

Thanks again!

Well, I'm just trying to say that it doesn't really matter, since there is no way of knowing which media will be good, since it's more a problem with bad batches, then different quality between packaging.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Whoa...I didn't mean for you to go out and test all the media. :) I was thinking more in line with what you have already tested, and make a list of the mental note of what you would rank of what you have seen. I guess what I'm really asking is, after TY and Maxell, what would you purchase yourself personally (or the media for spots 3-6 on your list)?

I really appreciate that you take your time to reply and give out information of what you have seen from the media you have used/tested.

The only media I use for personal stuff is Taiyo Yuden and Acro Circle. I WOULD use Maxell, but even for me it's too expensive! :cry:

[The Digital Dolphin]

What can i say... you should try it sometime ;)

So, when i was going to ask this question on cdrfreaks forum, i actually noticed that i used 40-pin ide cable... I dunno why, i was pretty sure i had 80-pin ;) So i turned off the comp and changed it to 80. Lo and behold, the drive is now only warm while idle :)

Maybe it was the cable, maybe something else, but the temperature did change.

Hrm... i didn't know that using a 40pin cable could do that... I mean I knew it was not a good idea, but I didn't know that was a side affect!

Thanks for the info!! :)

[Alexo]

The only media I use for personal stuff is Taiyo Yuden and Acro Circle. I WOULD use Maxell, but even for me it's too expensive! :cry:
Didn't you rank Acro Circle below Verbatim?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Didn't you rank Acro Circle below Verbatim?

Yes I did :)

I have two types of media. One for stuff I need to work 100%, and last a long time. The other media is for day to day stuff I'll only need a couple years or so.

Plus I'm not a fan of Verbatim... these days they're pretty variable between batches.

On a side note... I am still trying to find a Prodisc CD-R from 2003 that doesn't have C2 errors on it :evil:

[putty]

Wow, I read this whole thread. :o

Will it ever die?

[CSR]

Wow, I read this whole thread. :o

Will it ever die?

why would u want it to.. as long as there's blank media.. NO

[JLee]

Damn, this thread is long =)

I'm trying to decide on a DVD writer but I don't know what to get. I'm currently looking at the Benq DW1620 for $70 at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>, I was going to pick up a Pioneer DVR-109 but the Benq is $30 less and it comes with software. Would I be missing out on anything if I went for the Benq?

On top of that I don't know of a place to buy reliable media or what media would work well with the Benq!

Save me, DD! :confused: :confused: :confused:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Wow, I read this whole thread. :o

Will it ever die?

I think it might just be the longest thread on RFD :cheesygri If not, it will be sooner or later ;)

[Riflem@n]

Damn, this thread is long =)

I'm trying to decide on a DVD writer but I don't know what to get. I'm currently looking at the Benq DW1620 for $70 at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>, I was going to pick up a Pioneer DVR-109 but the Benq is $30 less and it comes with software. Would I be missing out on anything if I went for the Benq?

On top of that I don't know of a place to buy reliable media or what media would work well with the Benq!

Save me, DD! :confused: :confused: :confused:

The Benq is a great DVD Burner but rather soso CD burner/reader. Best to have a Liteon cd-rw with it.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Damn, this thread is long =)

I'm trying to decide on a DVD writer but I don't know what to get. I'm currently looking at the Benq DW1620 for $70 at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a>, I was going to pick up a Pioneer DVR-109 but the Benq is $30 less and it comes with software. Would I be missing out on anything if I went for the Benq?

On top of that I don't know of a place to buy reliable media or what media would work well with the Benq!

Save me, DD! :confused: :confused: :confused:

The BenQ DW1620 is an awesome drive. I highly recommend it, as long as you don't use Prodisc DVDRs. Of course, I highly recommend NOT using Prodisc media ever.

Unfortunately, I don't have a Pioneer DVR-109, so I can't comment on the writing quality. But I CAN say that you won't be unhappy with the BenQ DW1620 ;)

For media, since you're in Vancouver, <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> will probably have everything you need. Acro Circle 4x and 8x media will work quite well in it, but make sure if the Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs has a TYG02 code, that you use B7S9 on the drive (if it has OPTODISCR008 as a MID code, then don't worry, just use the B7T9 or B7P9). For best results use Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, or Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs.

FYI: The new B7U9 for the BenQ DW1620 is looking a little buggy. I wouldn't recommend it.

Also, if the drive comes with the OEM firmware (G7x9) it's a good idea to flash it to the retail firmware. It's pretty easy, don't worry!

[The Digital Dolphin]

The Benq is a great DVD Burner but rather soso CD burner/reader. Best to have a Liteon cd-rw with it.

Yup, LiteON CD burners are good.... but LiteON DVD Burners are crap! :mad: The BenQ is not really a good CD Burner, but a wonderful DVD Burner :cheesygri

[Alexo]

The BenQ is not really a good CD Burner, but a wonderful DVD Burner
What about the NEC? How does it compare to the BenQ?

[The Digital Dolphin]

What about the NEC? How does it compare to the BenQ?

Well, I only have the NEC 3500 and not the 3520. However the 3530 is going to be out soon, and the 3540 has already been announced... so it's hard to keep up! :P

I like the 3500a, but I like the BenQ DW1620 more.

[Madcatmk2]

Well, I only have the NEC 3500 and not the 3520. However the 3530 is going to be out soon, and the 3540 has already been announced... so it's hard to keep up! :P

I like the 3500a, but I like the BenQ DW1620 more.

Tell us exactly why you like the DW1620 more.

[ezdoesit]

Hey DD.

I have a question.
How are these discs that are on sale at ncix??
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13055&promoid=1031&affiliateid=472595
Im using a Pioneer DVR108
Are there any others discs in the same price range you can recommend for my burner??
I know you say the Taiyo Yuden 8x are very good for my burner but theyre a little too expensive for me.
(sorry if this has been asked before, there are just too many pages for me to go through)

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Tell us exactly why you like the DW1620 more.

Because I know the BenQ DW1620 inside and out. I've burned probably more DVDRs on it then I have with every other DVD burner I've used combined. This kind of understanding of the drive's workings means I usually know what to expect when I pop a disc in, and I can trouble shoot problems 10x as effectively. Not to mention, since I've worked with many of the various firmware available to it, I have a good chance at being able to eyeball a better firmware for a job, if the current firmware drops the ball.

I also have been quite pleased with the quality results. I have also been pleased with the NEC 3500a, but not quite as "wow'd" and since I lack the same level of experience with the drive as I do with the BenQ, I will of course default to prefering the drive I know more about... unless of course I feel that the NEC offers better write performance on a regular basis (or even on only key media types), but since I don't, it's a moot issue.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD.

I have a question.
How are these discs that are on sale at ncix??
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13055&promoid=1031&affiliateid=472595
Im using a Pioneer DVR108
Are there any others discs in the same price range you can recommend for my burner??
I know you say the Taiyo Yuden 8x are very good for my burner but theyre a little too expensive for me.
(sorry if this has been asked before, there are just too many pages for me to go through)

Thanks.

The discs are pretty good. If you burn them at 4x, they are excellent! ;)

But you may want to hold off of making a media purchase just yet.... come Thursday this week, I expect something quite nice from <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> :cheesygri

[Alexo]

DD, thanks again for providing such wonderful help.

The reason I asked about the NEC is because you (and others) admitted that the BenQ is not very good with CDs and I was looking for a drive that will be a good (even if not "the best") all-around performer (reading/writing all media types).

I am not hung up on the NEC but I got the impression that it is a good drive.

If I understand correctly, the 3500A is considered good, the 3520A is not yet stable and the 3530A/3540A, although promising, are still vapourware.

[ezdoesit]

The discs are pretty good. If you burn them at 4x, they are excellent! ;)

But you may want to hold off of making a media purchase just yet.... come Thursday this week, I expect something quite nice from <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> :cheesygri

Thanks for the tip.
I will check back with them on Thursday.
So would you say these are the best discs for my burner at this price??
Thanks again.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, thanks again for providing such wonderful help.

The reason I asked about the NEC is because you (and others) admitted that the BenQ is not very good with CDs and I was looking for a drive that will be a good (even if not "the best") all-around performer (reading/writing all media types).

I am not hung up on the NEC but I got the impression that it is a good drive.

If I understand correctly, the 3500A is considered good, the 3520A is not yet stable and the 3530A/3540A, although promising, are still vapourware.

Well, that's a good reason to go for the NEC over the BenQ I suppose :)

And I would say your analysis of the different NEC drives is pretty accurate, from what I know.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for the tip.
I will check back with them on Thursday.
So would you say these are the best discs for my burner at this price??
Thanks again.

Well, let's see what's up with this new sale on Thursday.... the Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs are awesome at 4x, and quite good in most drives at 8x. But for best quality, at a great price.... there may be even a better option!! Patience ;)

[rahzel]

hey DD, i know you dont like Verbatim media but do you know how good the Verbatim 16x DVD-R's are that blankmedia.ca just got? It says the media ID is MCC so im assuming theyre guarenteed to have the MCC media ID.

[PurpleTiger]

Because I know the BenQ DW1620 inside and out. I've burned probably more DVDRs on it then I have with every other DVD burner I've used combined. This kind of understanding of the drive's workings means I usually know what to expect when I pop a disc in, and I can trouble shoot problems 10x as effectively. Not to mention, since I've worked with many of the various firmware available to it, I have a good chance at being able to eyeball a better firmware for a job, if the current firmware drops the ball...


DD, I hope your wisdom with the DW1620 can help me find out if there's something wrong with my burner. It's an OEM DW1620, flashed to retail version, currently running B7P9 firmware. It was working perfectly for about a month...and now all of a sudden, I can't consistently burn BenQ DVD+R 8X (Daxon AZ2) nor DVD-R 4X (Sony) media anymore.

Using Nero 6.6.0.8, I get "Session fixation error"...even burning at 4X. I have done all the usual stuff...uninstalled, reinstalled Nero, defrag HD, aspi version, DMA on. I can successfully burn other media I have Ridata DVD-R 4X (RICOHJPNR01). Once in a while, I will be able to burn a BenQ DVD+R disc...but it's maybe 1 out of 4 times.

I know that this media isn't the best...but many others are using it successfully with the 1620...and I bought a bunch of them when they were on sale.

Any Ideas??

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, i know you dont like Verbatim media but do you know how good the Verbatim 16x DVD-R's are that blankmedia.ca just got? It says the media ID is MCC so im assuming theyre guarenteed to have the MCC media ID.

Hrm... I've burned *1* of them so far :cheesygri

Give me a little more time... but on the LG 4163B they seem to burn well.

One thing I'm *NOT* sure of yet, is if they are as variable in quality as the 16x DVD+R that come from Verbatim, which I have been VERY unhappy with.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, I hope your wisdom with the DW1620 can help me find out if there's something wrong with my burner. It's an OEM DW1620, flashed to retail version, currently running B7P9 firmware. It was working perfectly for about a month...and now all of a sudden, I can't consistently burn BenQ DVD+R 8X (Daxon AZ2) nor DVD-R 4X (Sony) media anymore.

Using Nero 6.6.0.8, I get "Session fixation error"...even burning at 4X. I have done all the usual stuff...uninstalled, reinstalled Nero, defrag HD, aspi version, DMA on. I can successfully burn other media I have Ridata DVD-R 4X (RICOHJPNR01). Once in a while, I will be able to burn a BenQ DVD+R disc...but it's maybe 1 out of 4 times.

I know that this media isn't the best...but many others are using it successfully with the 1620...and I bought a bunch of them when they were on sale.

Any Ideas??

Try upgrading to B7T9 (*NOT* B7U9!). Let me know if this helps.

[PurpleTiger]

Try upgrading to B7T9 (*NOT* B7U9!). Let me know if this helps.

I was using that firmware, but it didn't make much difference. I would sometimes be able to successfully burn a DVD, but then when verifying, it would report READ ERRORS...usually 3-4 of them. I then noticed if they were movie DVD's...when playback on standalone DVD player, the movie would pause 3-4 times for about 3 seconds.

Is it common to have read errors when burning DVD's? I used to never try the verify option in Nero, and I thought if it was a successful burn, it was all good. Now when I verify, a lot of the burns have read errors, even the Ritek discs, even if I burn at 2X. Do I just have a lemon DW1620? :cry:

Should I just buy better media and forget about the BenQ's? What would you recommend for media for the DW1620?

Premium (important stuff, need to keep for long time): Ty's?
Medium (need it for the next couple of years): Acro Circle??
Cheap (need to use it once or twice, then basically don't care): Optodisc?? :D

Thanks for all your answers on this forum. It's been very educational.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I was using that firmware, but it didn't make much difference. I would sometimes be able to successfully burn a DVD, but then when verifying, it would report READ ERRORS...usually 3-4 of them. I then noticed if they were movie DVD's...when playback on standalone DVD player, the movie would pause 3-4 times for about 3 seconds.

Is it common to have read errors when burning DVD's? I used to never try the verify option in Nero, and I thought if it was a successful burn, it was all good. Now when I verify, a lot of the burns have read errors, even the Ritek discs, even if I burn at 2X. Do I just have a lemon DW1620? :cry:

Should I just buy better media and forget about the BenQ's? What would you recommend for media for the DW1620?

Premium (important stuff, need to keep for long time): Ty's?
Medium (need it for the next couple of years): Acro Circle??
Cheap (need to use it once or twice, then basically don't care): Optodisc?? :D

Thanks for all your answers on this forum. It's been very educational.

Well, you'd expect that BenQ media would burn well on the BenQ drive right? ... of course, in practice this isn't always the case. :cry:

According to my own results, the BenQ 8x DVD+Rs burned fairly well at 12x with B7H9 firmware. I haven't tested any discs burned with the newer firmware yet... Still, I would expect better results.

The fact that Ritek media is causing you problems now bothers me even more.... I mean, it's entirely possible it's a bad batch, but it'd be an odd coincedence.

At this point, I would suggest RMA'ing the drive. Don't worry, I'm sure the firmware flash won't cause a problem. If you're really concerned, you can flash it back to the OEM firmware first.

[The Digital Dolphin]

For anyone interested, Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-Rs will be available in the next couple of weeks to a month. I've already got mine on the way :cheesygri

[Shen]

For some odd reason, I get better scan when I burn the Ritek DVD-R at 8x than 4x....ALOT better....so, slower isn't really better.....this is what I saw from my burn with BenQ DW1620 with G7P9

DD, got any idea as to why? o.O

[The Digital Dolphin]

For some odd reason, I get better scan when I burn the Ritek DVD-R at 8x than 4x....ALOT better....so, slower isn't really better.....this is what I saw from my burn with BenQ DW1620 with G7P9

DD, got any idea as to why? o.O

Well, normally I expect the best results from a disc burned at one step below the rated speed. In some cases this isn't true. With Ritek, the burn quality and manufacturing quality is quite variable between batches, so what you find with this spindle may not be the case with the next spindle.

The reason for better results at faster speeds with some media, is because the discs are made to be burned at 8x (or whatever it's rated for), and that means the dye and disc have to be able to handle that speed. In some cases, manufacturers even try to tweak it so that drive makers will allow it to be overclocked beyond the rated speed! So in these cases, people will see better error rates from a certain speed, and then worse error rates if burned slower then that.

The same thing happens with CD-Rs ;)

[Shen]

Well, normally I expect the best results from a disc burned at one step below the rated speed. In some cases this isn't true. With Ritek, the burn quality and manufacturing quality is quite variable between batches, so what you find with this spindle may not be the case with the next spindle.

The reason for better results at faster speeds with some media, is because the discs are made to be burned at 8x (or whatever it's rated for), and that means the dye and disc have to be able to handle that speed. In some cases, manufacturers even try to tweak it so that drive makers will allow it to be overclocked beyond the rated speed! So in these cases, people will see better error rates from a certain speed, and then worse error rates if burned slower then that.

The same thing happens with CD-Rs ;)

interesting....thanks for the info ^^

[sstackho]

Well, normally I expect the best results from a disc burned at one step below the rated speed. In some cases this isn't true.

Interesting. I have found with my BenQ EW162I that my 8x media burn MUCH better at 8x than at 4x.

When I first burned TYG02 -R media (at 4x) and had poor quality scans, I was very sad. >:( Now I burn it and the cheaper BenQ +R media at 8x and I'm all happy. :-0

But my experience is limited to those two brands, along with some rewritable discs.

[Riflem@n]

Is this a good scan?

General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Firmware: B7T9
Disc: DVD-R (TYG02)
Selected speed: Maximum
PI errors
Maximum: 9
Average: 1.91
Total: 15606
PI failures
Maximum: 7
Average: 0.17
Total: 2241
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 10.6 %
Average: 7.91 %
Scanning statistics
Elapsed time: 9:25
Number of samples: 16774
Average scanning interval: 8.11 ECC
Glitches removed: 0

[The Digital Dolphin]

Is this a good scan?

General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Firmware: B7T9
Disc: DVD-R (TYG02)
Selected speed: Maximum
PI errors
Maximum: 9
Average: 1.91
Total: 15606
PI failures
Maximum: 7
Average: 0.17
Total: 2241
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 10.6 %
Average: 7.91 %
Scanning statistics
Elapsed time: 9:25
Number of samples: 16774
Average scanning interval: 8.11 ECC
Glitches removed: 0

Very yes! :cheesygri

[Riflem@n]

Anything I should look for?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Interesting. I have found with my BenQ EW162I that my 8x media burn MUCH better at 8x than at 4x.

When I first burned TYG02 -R media (at 4x) and had poor quality scans, I was very sad. >:( Now I burn it and the cheaper BenQ +R media at 8x and I'm all happy. :-0

But my experience is limited to those two brands, along with some rewritable discs.

Hrm... try the TYG02 at 8x as well :) (I've never burned TYG02 by Taiyo Yuden at 4x before...)

[The Digital Dolphin]

For those interested in what I'm doing... I'm playing with BenQ's new 16x DVD±Rs :cheesygri

So far, not too impressed. The LG 4163B supports both discs at 4x only (with firmware A102), and the BenQ DW1620, although it can burn both at 16x, has pretty high error rates near the end of the disc, and very high jitter which leads me to believe they will have playback problems on sensitive players (like consoles).

But that's only 2 drives. But it'll be a while before I can get my other drives back into action... I only have enough space for 5 drives at a time right now.

[rahzel]

hey DD, how are these "Matrix" 8x DVD-R's that blankmedia.ca just got? the description makes them sound really good but ive never heard of them before.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Currently, they are the TYG02 coded discs made by Optodisc, not quite as good quality as Acro Circle's version of that media. Matrix is one of Optodisc's biggest customers.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Anything I should look for?

General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Firmware: B7T9
Disc: DVD-R (TYG02)
Selected speed: Maximum
PI errors
Maximum: 9 (the less the better... under 280 is usable, under 60 is good, under 20 is very good!)
Average: 1.91 (the less the better, no real standard for this though)
Total: 15606
PI failures
Maximum: 7 (for the BenQ, 32 or under is usable, under 20 is good, under 10 is very good!
Average: 0.17 (again, the less the better, but no real standard has been set)
Total: 2241
PO failures: 0 (always must be 0, if it's 1, the disc is basically a dud)
Jitter
Maximum: 10.6 % (less then 12%, at 12% you start getting player incompability)
Average: 7.91 % (the lower then better)
Scanning statistics
Elapsed time: 9:25
Number of samples: 16774
Average scanning interval: 8.11 ECC
Glitches removed: 0

Keep in mind that PIE and PIF errors are subjective to the drive. So are POF, and jitter, but to a lesser extent.

[rahzel]

how are TDK DVD-R's DD? i heard theyre very good but to look out for fakes.

<a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=150 target=_blank>Tigerdirect</a> has a 50 spindle of 8x DVD-R's for an amazing price of 26 bucks.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1224938&CatId=405

[The Digital Dolphin]

how are TDK DVD-R's DD? i heard theyre very good but to look out for fakes.

<a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=150 target=_blank>Tigerdirect</a> has a 50 spindle of 8x DVD-R's for an amazing price of 26 bucks.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1224938&CatId=405

I've never used TDK DVDRs, so I can't say anything about them really. I don't even know too much about them. I *DO* know that you don't always get a TDK MID code, sometimes it's CMC. I also know that <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=150 target=_blank>Tigerdirect</a> almost never purchases media from official channels. For instance, all of their Optodisc media is sold to them through backdoor channels, and none of it is ever 'A Grade'.

I have to admit, even though I hate <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=150 target=_blank>TigerDirect</a> with a passion, I'm half tempted to order in some TDK media as well... but I don't have the money to spare right now, as I need to save up for a vacation in April :cheesygri

[Riflem@n]

General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Firmware: B7T9
Disc: DVD-R (TYG02)
Selected speed: Maximum
PI errors
Maximum: 9 (the less the better... under 280 is usable, under 60 is good, under 20 is very good!)
Average: 1.91 (the less the better, no real standard for this though)
Total: 15606
PI failures
Maximum: 7 (for the BenQ, 32 or under is usable, under 20 is good, under 10 is very good!
Average: 0.17 (again, the less the better, but no real standard has been set)
Total: 2241
PO failures: 0 (always must be 0, if it's 1, the disc is basically a dud)
Jitter
Maximum: 10.6 % (less then 12%, at 12% you start getting player incompability)
Average: 7.91 % (the lower then better)
Scanning statistics
Elapsed time: 9:25
Number of samples: 16774
Average scanning interval: 8.11 ECC
Glitches removed: 0

Keep in mind that PIE and PIF errors are subjective to the drive. So are POF, and jitter, but to a lesser extent.


Thanks, I'm gonna save this information...

How about the totals?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks, I'm gonna save this information...

How about the totals?

same as averages really.

[rahzel]

I've never used TDK DVDRs, so I can't say anything about them really. I don't even know too much about them. I *DO* know that you don't always get a TDK MID code, sometimes it's CMC. I also know that <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=150 target=_blank>Tigerdirect</a> almost never purchases media from official channels. For instance, all of their Optodisc media is sold to them through backdoor channels, and none of it is ever 'A Grade'.

I have to admit, even though I hate <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=150 target=_blank>TigerDirect</a> with a passion, I'm half tempted to order in some TDK media as well... but I don't have the money to spare right now, as I need to save up for a vacation in April :cheesygri
well, some1 got a pack from TD and he said they were TTG02 which i heard id very good.

http://www.digitalfaq.com puts them right up there with MCC, TY, PVC and MXL but i dunno how smart they are when it comes to DVD media. Im very tempted to get a spindle cuz 27 bucks is a great deal especially if theyre good.

[The Digital Dolphin]

The DigitalFAQ is very outdated though.... last I checked it's still listed several items in places they don't belong. For instance, Optodisc's DVD+Rs are no longer as crappy as they once were (thinking about their 8x). Ritek's media is no longer as good as it was... and Prodisc media has gone completely down the tubes, with the POSSIBLE exception of their 8x DVD+Rs.

[rahzel]

hmm, maybe ill just stick with getting 25pack of TY from blankmedia.

[The Digital Dolphin]

hmm, maybe ill just stick with getting 25pack of TY from blankmedia.

What about the 100pk of Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs going for $49.99 at NCIX?

[rahzel]

yeah i saw that but i kinda want 8x even tho those 4x will prolly burn at 8x, i want 8x that will prolly burn at 12x =]. That is an amazing price for 100 TY DVD-R's but i wouldnt know what to do with that many as i still have a lot of Ridata's left (Ricohjpnr01). Thats why i only want a few TY DVD-R's.

btw, is there any DVDs you would recommend that dont cost as much as TY but last as long and are almost as good quality wise? BTW, i have an NEC 3520.

[Madcatmk2]

What about the 100pk of Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs going for $49.99 at NCIX?

With $15.00 shipping. nice deal, too bad i can't afford this right now.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14051&vpn=TY4-4X/100BULK&manufacture=Taiyo%20Yuden&promoid=1056

[The Digital Dolphin]

yeah i saw that but i kinda want 8x even tho those 4x will prolly burn at 8x, i want 8x that will prolly burn at 12x =]. That is an amazing price for 100 TY DVD-R's but i wouldnt know what to do with that many as i still have a lot of Ridata's left (Ricohjpnr01). Thats why i only want a few TY DVD-R's.

btw, is there any DVDs you would recommend that dont cost as much as TY but last as long and are almost as good quality wise? BTW, i have an NEC 3520.

Quite honestly, with my recent discovery of most of my CD-Rs from previous tests and reviews that are only 2 years old being mostly dead... I'm a little wary of estimating lifespan :evil:

Let's just say that Taiyo Yuden media has done better then any non-gold media with CD-Rs.. and I have no reason to believe that this would be different for their DVDRs.

In about another 6 months I'll be able to go back and test my DVDRs, and see how they're holding up, but for now, I don't think any information on lifespan would be reliable :(

[The Digital Dolphin]

With $15.00 shipping. nice deal, too bad i can't afford this right now.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14051&vpn=TY4-4X/100BULK&manufacture=Taiyo%20Yuden&promoid=1056

Well, the shipping price goes down quite a bit when you order more then one item...

Us people in BC however are very lucky! :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

and 6 coaster later, I have discovered that the LG 4163B can only overburn to just over 94min on a 99min CD-R.... ARGH! Those are HARD to get!!! :evil:

sorry, I had to rant on that :(

[sstackho]

Quite honestly, with my recent discovery of most of my CD-Rs from previous tests and reviews that are only 2 years old being mostly dead... I'm a little wary of estimating lifespan :evil:


Are you serious?? Most of the CDRs you burned two years ago can no longer be read?

Wow.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Are you serious?? Most of the CDRs you burned two years ago can no longer be read?

Wow.

2 years ago I didn't have a good source for cheap Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs.... now I have more then I'll use in the next 3 or 4 years :cheesygri

That's also true for Taiyo Yuden DVDRs too! If I get any more, I'll have to start selling them in the buy/sell forum :razz:

[ezdoesit]

Well, let's see what's up with this new sale on Thursday.... the Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs are awesome at 4x, and quite good in most drives at 8x. But for best quality, at a great price.... there may be even a better option!! Patience ;)

Hey,

So the sale is posted but im not quite sure what im looking for.
Is it this??
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14051&vpn=TY4-4X/100BULK&manufacture=Taiyo%20Yuden&promoid=1056


Thanks.

[CSR]

DD, don't scare us with the 2 yr burnout!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey,

So the sale is posted but im not quite sure what im looking for.
Is it this??
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14051&vpn=TY4-4X/100BULK&manufacture=Taiyo%20Yuden&promoid=1056


Thanks.

That one is good, but this one (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14051&promoid=1055&affiliateid=472595) is better :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, don't scare us with the 2 yr burnout!

Why? Have you been using a lot of Prodisc media?

[ezdoesit]

That one is good, but this one (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14051&promoid=1055&affiliateid=472595) is better :cheesygri

So I should go with these over the Optodisc 8x that I asked you about before??
Sorry about all the questions I just want to make sure.

[Madcatmk2]

2 years ago I didn't have a good source for cheap Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs.... now I have more then I'll use in the next 3 or 4 years :cheesygri

That's also true for Taiyo Yuden DVDRs too! If I get any more, I'll have to start selling them in the buy/sell forum :razz:

I was lucky enough to stock up on kodak golds in 2002 at 45 cents each when kodak removed their production. Now i have to pay 1.90 for Mitsui gold 80 mins. :cry:

[The Digital Dolphin]

I was lucky enough to stock up on kodak golds in 2002 at 45 cents each when kodak removed their production. Now i have to pay 1.90 for Mitsui gold 80 mins. :cry:

In bulk or in Jewel cases? Either way that's too much money :|

[The Digital Dolphin]

So I should go with these over the Optodisc 8x that I asked you about before??
Sorry about all the questions I just want to make sure.

If you don't mind them being slower, then yes! :)

[Madcatmk2]

In bulk or in Jewel cases? Either way that's too much money :|

oops,sorry!

Edit: Its a bit late, i should had asked you first.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Edit: Its a bit late, i should had asked you first.

oh well :(

[jimmyzaas]

DD, what's your take on CMC DVD+/-R media? What rank would you give them? How much higher/lower than ridatas, benq sony/daxon, or optodiscs?

[vonteego]

Hey DD, this may be the dumbest questoin ever on on RFD...

Can I use my usual felt tip disc pen to label/write on the taiyo yuden silver laquer 4x DVD-R's from blankmedia.ca ?

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, what's your take on CMC DVD+/-R media? What rank would you give them? How much higher/lower than ridatas, benq sony/daxon, or optodiscs?

CMC is weird. Some drives support it well, and some drives don't support it at all! And there is also a lot of variable quality media out there. So far I don't like the CMC code media, but some of CMC's OEM's for other companies with their MID codes are ok.

I'd put them a little lower then Ritek. I'd take the Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs over any CMC code disc any day. I still need more time to form an opinion on the Daxon/BenQ stuff.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, this may be the dumbest questoin ever on on RFD...

Can I use my usual felt tip disc pen to label/write on the taiyo yuden silver laquer 4x DVD-R's from blankmedia.ca ?

Use a soft tip non-toxic marker. Sharpies seem to be ok. Something that is actually MADE for CD/DVD marking is preferable.

Where you get the DVDRs is unimportant for what kind of pen you can use :razz:

[vonteego]

Use a soft tip non-toxic marker. Sharpies seem to be ok. Something that is actually MADE for CD/DVD marking is preferable.

Where you get the DVDRs is unimportant for what kind of pen you can use :razz:

Many thanks :)

[Amourek]

Hey DD, ever heard of Unifino?

http://www.anitec.ca/?mode=product_detail&pid=3233&mcid=3

Cheap MIJ media...

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, ever heard of Unifino?

http://www.anitec.ca/?mode=product_detail&pid=3233&mcid=3

Cheap MIJ media...

I don't know... I haven't used it before. Maybe I'll try some for my next review. Personally, I have low expectations, but that doesn't mean anything neccessarily.

[ezdoesit]

Thanks for all your help.

[Riflem@n]

Hey DD, ever heard of Unifino?

http://www.anitec.ca/?mode=product_detail&pid=3233&mcid=3

Cheap MIJ media...

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia.php?dvdmediasearch=unifino&dvdmediadvdridsearch=&type=6&size=All&dvdburnspeed=All&order=Name&hits=25&search=Search+or+List+Media

[Riflem@n]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:UTJR001001]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc Type : [DVD-R]
Manufacturer ID : [UTJR001001]
Manufacturer Name : [Unitech Japan Inc.]
Disc Application Code : [Unrestricted Use : Consumer Purpose]
Recording Speeds : [1x , 2x , 4x] (8x Cannot Be Detected)
Blank Disc Capacity : [2,298,496 Sectors = 4,489.3MB = 4.38GB (4.71GB)]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
[DVD Identifier - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------
** INFO : Data Below Is Formatted For www.DVDrHelp.com/DVDmedia
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Present But Has Been Cleared To Zero
** INFO : Format 0Eh - Pre-Recorded Information In Lead-In
----------------------------------------------------------------
Complete DVD Media Code =
00 00 00 00 01 40 c1 fd 9e d8 52 00 02 87 0d 11 .....@....R.....
66 78 80 00 03 55 54 4a 52 30 30 00 04 31 30 30 fx...UTJR00..100
31 00 00 00 05 a8 82 00 20 00 02 00 06 09 11 11 1....... .......
----------------------------------------------------------------
DVD Media Type=DVD-R
DVD Media Code=UTJR001001..
----------------------------------------------------------------

[JLee]

Are dvd-roms as bad as dvd writers as cd readers?

Shouldd I use a dvd-rom with a cd writer and do on the fly cd-cd copies?

It's a lite-on dvdrom.

[ah bao]

Hi DD I was wondering if you can help me out with my problem, or anyone here for that matter. Any kind of input would be greatly appreciated, I'm planning on getting a DVD burner soon and I have my eyes on the BenQ DW1620, LG 4163, Pioneer DVR109 or the Plextor PX 716A. I'll also be getting a dvd rom drive as well, probably the Aopen DVD1648/AAP or the LiteOn SOHD 167T and I was wondering which dvd burner I should get. I'll primarily use it for backing up ps2 and xbox games and movies.

Thank you for your time in helping me.

[Riflem@n]

read the forum posts

[The Digital Dolphin]

Are dvd-roms as bad as dvd writers as cd readers?

Shouldd I use a dvd-rom with a cd writer and do on the fly cd-cd copies?

It's a lite-on dvdrom.

It's too hard to generalize. Some DVD-ROMs are ok as CD Readers. I think Teac DVD-ROMs are pretty good. I have no experience with LiteON DVD-ROMs so I can't really comment on them. Maybe check CDRinfo.com for a review on your model? They normally have some pretty thorough error correction tests.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD I was wondering if you can help me out with my problem, or anyone here for that matter. Any kind of input would be greatly appreciated, I'm planning on getting a DVD burner soon and I have my eyes on the BenQ DW1620, LG 4163, Pioneer DVR109 or the Plextor PX 716A. I'll also be getting a dvd rom drive as well, probably the Aopen DVD1648/AAP or the LiteOn SOHD 167T and I was wondering which dvd burner I should get. I'll primarily use it for backing up ps2 and xbox games and movies.

Thank you for your time in helping me.

Well, the LG 4163B is not good for console backups when burning at high speed... although this may be fixed with later firmwares. BenQ is quite forgiving as a burner, and the PX-716a seems to have some good potential as long as you get TLA # 0303 or later (any 030x or greater TLA number will do). I don't know much about the DVR-109 though.

Edit: Oh! This is the first post on page number 100 of this thread! That's awesome!! Thanks everyone for keeping this thread alive, and a HUGE thank you to the several members who have assisted me with giving answers. You're all awesome, and I look forward to another 100 pages of questions and answers :)

[Alexo]

Well, the LG 4163B is not good for console backups when burning at high speed... although this may be fixed with later firmwares. BenQ is quite forgiving as a burner, and the PX-716a seems to have some good potential as long as you get TLA # 0303 or later (any 030x or greater TLA number will do). I don't know much about the DVR-109 though.Getting a specific TLA range usually precludes buying online.

By the way, how's the NEC for console backups?

Edit: Oh! This is the first post on page number 100 of this thread! That's awesome!! Thanks everyone for keeping this thread alive, and a HUGE thank you to the several members who have assisted me with giving answers. You're all awesome, and I look forward to another 100 pages of questions and answers :)
Well, is says "page 38" here... :D

Good work, DD!
I, for one, am happy to have you answering questions here.

[The Digital Dolphin]

By the way, how's the NEC for console backups?


Better then the LG... but most of my NEC experience comes from the LaCie 16x d2 review I wrote, which was using an OEM firmware. I don't expect it got worse however. It was an NEC 3500a.

It had good results with BenQ DVD-Rs, Acro Circle DVD-Rs (REALLY GOOD RESULTS) and not bad with Ritek. Taiyo Yuden of course had excellent results, although don't use the Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs at 16x. I had oddly inconsistant results with Verbatim media though.

[Fatman]

Hey DD,
I bought a pack of the 100 pk TY at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>ncix</a> for 50 bucks. Is it true that TY DVDs are suppost to have a foggy/frosted plastic ring and not clear?


What are some hints to tell if my TY are real? I know <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> should be legit but i just want to make sure because someone told me that real TY must have a frosted plastic ring which is not clear. Thanks! :-0

[nomaansikandar]

what is the difference b/w the Benq1620 and Benq1620Pro (apart from the price 8$)?

Thanks

[money1]

DD, waiting for your Pioneer 109 review ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD,
I bought a pack of the 100 pk TY at <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>ncix</a> for 50 bucks. Is it true that TY DVDs are suppost to have a foggy/frosted plastic ring and not clear?


What are some hints to tell if my TY are real? I know <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> should be legit but i just want to make sure because someone told me that real TY must have a frosted plastic ring which is not clear. Thanks! :-0

That's only for CD-Rs ;)

Ritek DVDRs have none clear plastic hubs (as do other DVDRs) so it is no longer a strictly Taiyo Yuden identifying feature. Also, I don't think I've seen a Taiyo Yuden DVDR with the frosted plastic hub.

[The Digital Dolphin]

what is the difference b/w the Benq1620 and Benq1620Pro (apart from the price 8$)?

Thanks

Three letters in the name :cheesygri

No seriously, there is no difference really. Just use the latest firmware for the DW1620 and it's the exact same thing. Once you upgrade to B7P9 or later, you've got a DW1620Pro. The main difference is that before B7P9 the maximum dual layer burning speed was 2.4x, and then it becomes 4x.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, waiting for your Pioneer 109 review ;)

You'll wait a long time! I don't think I'll be reviewing that drive :razz:

I expect that after the LG 4163B review is done (now writing page 4 of 5, which is the longest page!) I'll be doing some blank media testing that is long over due (looking at BenQ/Daxon media in specific), and then I'll be working on the review for the BenQ DW1640... or so I expect ;)

[money1]

can i ask what your opinion is on the drive?

[The Digital Dolphin]

can i ask what your opinion is on the drive?

Having read almost nothing about it, and never having experienced it first hand, my opinion is pretty much non-existant currently, sorry!

Although from the most recent C't article, it is clear that that drive does have some problems with some media, but they don't test very many different types of media at C't, so I'm still not sure if it's a real problem, or just a small inconvenience.

I'd like to say I'll run right out and buy a DVR-109 too, but I need to save up for my vacation coming up in early April.

Drive's currently on my "to buy" list are:
Plextor PX-716a
Pioneer DVR-109
Whatever the newest LiteON drive is

But it'll be a while before I get to buy drives from that list :cry:

[Alexo]

DD, can you tell me if the 16X bunch of writers will work on older and slower machines?

I have a 400MHz system which is due for an upgrade but I was wondering if I could utilize the writer in it until I upgrade.

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, can you tell me if the 16X bunch of writers will work on older and slower machines?

I have a 400MHz system which is due for an upgrade but I was wondering if I could utilize the writer in it until I upgrade.

Thanks.

Hrm... probably not. You'd be able to burn at 2x probably, but I think 4x would be too much, and most newer burners won't allow 2x recording speeds on current media. You *COULD* burn CD-Rs however.

[Fatman]

Hey DD,
I got a 50 pack of Verbatims DVD-r that are made in taiwan. DVD indentifier tells me that they are Mitsubishi. The media code is MCC 02RG20. If these are made in Taiwan, then how can they be mitsubishi?

P.S. have you ever bought TYs from NCIX? Thanks for telling me that TY DVDs don't have the foggy inner ring anymore.

[jimmyzaas]

Hrm... probably not. You'd be able to burn at 2x probably, but I think 4x would be too much, and most newer burners won't allow 2x recording speeds on current media. You *COULD* burn CD-Rs however.

Not necessarily. My friend has a PIII 733 + 256 RAM + NEC 3500A. It can burn dvdrs at 16x no problems. I helped him set it up.

All you need is a 80-wire IDE cable for the burner, an 80 wire cable for the hard drives (preferably 7200 rpm), no applications running in the background, and you are set to go.

It's definitely doable.

But DD, Benq 1640?? dang.. i really want to see a review of that after hearing all the good things for the 1620.

On CDR-Info, the DVR-109 seems really good at writing dvd media +r and -r and dual layer. However, it sucks at burning cd-rs, and dvdrw.

[Riflem@n]

Not necessarily. My friend has a PIII 733 + 256 RAM + NEC 3500A. It can burn dvdrs at 16x no problems. I helped him set it up.

All you need is a 80-wire IDE cable for the burner, an 80 wire cable for the hard drives (preferably 7200 rpm), no applications running in the background, and you are set to go.

It's definitely doable.

But DD, Benq 1640?? dang.. i really want to see a review of that after hearing all the good things for the 1620.

On CDR-Info, the DVR-109 seems really good at writing dvd media +r and -r and dual layer. However, it sucks at burning cd-rs, and dvdrw.

You might want to tell your friend to get another 256, 512 is pretty much minimum especially if your friend is running WinXP.

[Pavel]

Not necessarily.

All you need is a 80-wire IDE cable for the burner, an 80 wire cable for the hard drives (preferably 7200 rpm), no applications running in the background, and you are set to go.

If you don't have an extra 80 IDE slot than you have to go out and buy a PCI adapter. The ECS motherboard desktop we have only has one 80 wire IDE cable, othewise performance loss will occur.

[Pavel]

You might want to tell your friend to get another 256, 512 is pretty much minimum especially if your friend is running WinXP.

Not necessarily. My sister runs XP SP1 on her PII (two) 333 mhz with 196 MB ram and it is just fine.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD,
I got a 50 pack of Verbatims DVD-r that are made in taiwan. DVD indentifier tells me that they are Mitsubishi. The media code is MCC 02RG20. If these are made in Taiwan, then how can they be mitsubishi?

P.S. have you ever bought TYs from NCIX? Thanks for telling me that TY DVDs don't have the foggy inner ring anymore.

The Verbatim discs will either have been made by Prodisc or CMC. To find out, look at the serial numbers:

Here's how to tell one from the other, courtesy of Gen-An of CDRlabs (http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=135287#135287)

You can tell by the inner hub serial numbers (they're etched into the plastic). CMC uses serial numbering schemes starting with PAH for +R and MAH for -R. Prodisc uses a scheme that involves two long strings of numbers separated by a "-" for DVD-R or a "+" for DVD+R. You can't tell this instore since the foam rings on top of the top disc obscure the hub area.

As for whether or not I buy DVDRs from <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> or not...not really no. But I don't need to BUY the media to be able to get samples of the same media ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

If you don't have an extra 80 IDE slot than you have to go out and buy a PCI adapter. The ECS motherboard desktop we have only has one 80 wire IDE cable, othewise performance loss will occur.


Those 80pin cables are MUCH more important then a lot of people seem to give them credit for ;)

[jimmyzaas]

You might want to tell your friend to get another 256, 512 is pretty much minimum especially if your friend is running WinXP.

I told him. Unfortnately, he is cheap and because sdr ram prices are high right now it is even less likely he would do it.

Those 80pin cables are MUCH more important then a lot of people seem to give them credit for ;)

I concur. 40 wire cables = "communication error" in nero/dvd decryptor. that cross talk can really screw your expensive MIJ discs over.

Can you believe Asus still packs 40 wire cables for some of their new boards? Better to ship one 80 wire, then ship one 80 wire and one 40 wire. That way, an idiot wouldn't be misled, use it to install a burner and wonder why their brand new dvd burner is having problems burning dvdrs.

[Riflem@n]

Not necessarily. My sister runs XP SP1 on her PII (two) 333 mhz with 196 MB ram and it is just fine.

I guess your "fine" and my "fine are a bit different, if you open a few things I don't think it'll be much of a pleasant experience. :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

I concur. 40 wire cables = "communication error" in nero/dvd decryptor. that cross talk can really screw your expensive MIJ discs over.

Can you believe Asus still packs 40 wire cables for some of their new boards? Better to ship one 80 wire, then ship one 80 wire and one 40 wire. That way, an idiot wouldn't be misled, use it to install a burner and wonder why their brand new dvd burner is having problems burning dvdrs.

Ugh! That's pretty lame! I can't see 80pin cables costing THAT much more to make then 40pin cables... maybe a couple pennies? :confused:

[Boss_Scorpius]

Umm.....DD I've read numerous reviews and still can't find out what dvd burner to buy. Can you recommend a burner which is fast in dvd read/write, and isn't picky about the media and has all the vital features (I don't even know whether I need a certain feature or not, I don't have dvd burning exprience)?

I need the burner mainly for data backup (just burning off bunch of iso images in my HD to save some space), occasional Dvd movie backup and burning.

Thanks and sorry it this has been already posted by someone, there were some recommendations in this 100 page thread but they're not very recent, so I thought I would ask again in case new burners came out that are better.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Umm.....DD I've read numerous reviews and still can't find out what dvd burner to buy. Can you recommend a burner which is fast in dvd read/write, and isn't picky about the media and has all the vital features (I don't even know whether I need a certain feature or not, I don't have dvd burning exprience)?

I need the burner mainly for data backup (just burning off bunch of iso images in my HD to save some space), occasional Dvd movie backup and burning.

Thanks and sorry it this has been already posted by someone, there were some recommendations in this 100 page thread but they're not very recent, so I thought I would ask again in case new burners came out that are better.

Well, the fastest burner I've seen by far is the LG 4163B, but the speed comes with a drawback: The discs burned at 12x or 16x often have very higher jitter and assymetry error rates, which reduce compatability on picky DVD players, and ESPECIALLY on console game systems (PS2, XBox).

The LG 4167B seems to be an excellent replacement for the previous LG 4163B. It keeps the speed, but manages to solve most of the jitter problems seen in previous models. I don't have one of these drives, but I have been highly encouraged by the testing (properly done testing!) I've seen done on media this drive has burned.

Possibly the most compatible DVD Burner is the BenQ DW1640, which is capable of producing usable results on even some of the worst optical media. Another large benefit to the BenQ DW1640 is that it supports automatic bitsetting for all DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD+R9 media, which greatly increases the compatability of DVD+R/RW/9 media on older players that could not normally support it. This is the only drive that will do this automatically for all types of DVD+R media. Other additional features of the BenQ DW1640 are available as well through the free software put out by BenQ called QSuite. It includes QScan, which tests unburned media to tell you how fast the optimum burn speed is (note, this result changes with different firmwares!). SolidBurn, which allows you to re-write recording strategies for various media types if the results you get normally are not very good (this can happen when BenQ receives one grade quality of media to base their write strategy on, but another grade quality of media is commonly sold). Overspeed, which allows the drive to attempt to burn any +R or -R (single layer) disc at 16x, although the speed will be throttled if the drives sees it as neccessary. There are other features as well, but those are the main ones ;)

If you are planning on only using high quality media, and don't mind paying more for it, then the absolute best burn quality you can get will probably come from the Plextor PX-716a.

The Pioneer DVR-110D is NOT recommended. The DVR-109 is a MUCH better burner, but not available anymore. Anyone considering buying the DVR-110D should look at my review here (http://www.cdrlabs.com/reviews/index.php?reviewid=275) on it first.

My personal recommendation is the BenQ DW1640, but keep in mind there are pro's and con's for each drive, so while I prefer the DW1640 and it works well for me, you may find your tastes are better satisfied by a different drive.

EDIT: Current recommendations are BenQ DW1650/DW1655, Pioneer DVR-111, and Plextor PX-760.

The BenQ has awesome features, and can burn some media quite well that no other drive can ever make work. Pioneer's build quality is generally better, although the media support is lacking in comparison to Pioneer. Plextor's build quality is generally the best of the 3 (meaning less RMA's), and they also include some funky tools (Plextools). BenQ and Plextor support media testing, the Pioneer doesn't (officially, and the unofficial testing ability is crap).

[Riflem@n]

I've burned Prodisc 8X media at 12X before, not sure how the errors were but it works.

[etcbq]

DD,

I have upgraded my 1620 to G7P9. I am having a problem using Maxell 4X DVD-Rs, with manufacturing code: MXL RG02. So far I have made 3 coasters. No problem with the DVD+Rs, but they are identified as RICHOJPN RO1 though. My previous burner, an LG had no problems with either, and it's still the same batch of disks. How do I fix this problem? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[Boss_Scorpius]

Well, the fastest burner I've seen by far is the LG 4163B, but the speed comes with a drawback: The discs burned at 12x or 16x often have very higher jitter and assymetry error rates, which reduce compatability on picky DVD players, and ESPECIALLY on console game systems (PS2, XBox).

Possibly the most compatible DVD Burner is the BenQ DW1620, which is capable of producing usable results on most media types, with two exceptions: #1, it can NOT burn most Prodisc/Smartbuy brand media except for in rare circumstances (I've heard that some people who have RMA'd the drive 3 or 4 times have eventually gotten drives that can, but most can't), and also some discs that use the TYG02 Media Identification Code (MID Code) that are not actually made by the owner of that code (Taiyo Yuden), cannot be burned well, although in this case, using firmware revision B7S9 from the BenQ China webpage, will usually help. Another large benefit to the BenQ DW1620 is that it supports automatic bitsetting for all DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD+R9 media, which greatly increases the compatability of DVD+R/RW/9 media on older players that could not normally support it. This is the only drive that will do this automatically for all types of DVD+R media.

If you are planning on only using high quality media, and don't mind paying more for it, then the absolute best burn quality you can get will probably come from the Plextor PX-716a (or possibly the Pioneer DVR-109 but I haven't seem enough info to be sure on that one!).

My personaly recommendation is the BenQ DW1620, but there are pro's and con's for each drive. Also, the BenQ DW1620 is a really picky CD burner/CD Reader... so keep that in mind also.

Thanks a lot for your help. I guess I'll go with benq then. What kinda dvd media have you had the most success with, when burning with the Benq drive?

[JAC]

There's a $30 USD MIR on the Plex right now.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've burned Prodisc 8X media at 12X before, not sure how the errors were but it works.

Do you mean the PRODISCR03 8x DVD+Rs? Yeah, those seem to be the exception. I still have questions about their lifespan however.

[Riflem@n]

Do you mean the PRODISCR03 8x DVD+Rs? Yeah, those seem to be the exception. I still have questions about their lifespan however.

I'm not sure what the media code was but it was a Smartbuy 8X DVD+R.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD,

I have upgraded my 1620 to G7P9. I am having a problem using Maxell 4X DVD-Rs, with manufacturing code: MXL RG02. So far I have made 3 coasters. No problem with the DVD+Rs, but they are identified as RICHOJPN RO1 though. My previous burner, an LG had no problems with either, and it's still the same batch of disks. How do I fix this problem? Thanks and keep up the good work!

Hrm... that's odd! The results were quite good even back using B7H9, which is QUITE old now. Sadly, I don't have any more of that media, so I can't do a follow up test :(

If you don't mind possibly voiding your warranty, I would highly recommend switching to the retail release of the firmware. B7T9 might be better!

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm not sure what the media code was but it was a Smartbuy 8X DVD+R.

Yup, they only have 1 code for their 8x DVD+Rs that I'm aware of (although they MIGHT have 2 if they make them for Verbatim as well, I don't have confirmation on that).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks a lot for your help. I guess I'll go with benq then. What kinda dvd media have you had the most success with, when burning with the Benq drive?

Taiyo Yuden will always give the best results :cheesygri

But if you need something cheaper, it also does quite well with Optodisc media, specifically Acro Circle brand. But be careful if you get the Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs with the TYG02 code, because you will need to use B7S9 to get good results. Otherwise stick with B7T9 (not B7U9 which is newer) and you should be fine :cheesygri

[Riflem@n]

Thanks a lot for your help. I guess I'll go with benq then. What kinda dvd media have you had the most success with, when burning with the Benq drive?

I've used TY, RicohJPN and some Verbatim DVD+RWs.

They all work however it's really the errors and lifespan that seperate the discs apart. In terms of success, TY should be the highest.

Just a reminder that the Benq 1620 isn't a very good CD-RW drive, not sure about the writing quality but it does have trouble reading some of the CD-Rs, it's not the disc cause it works fine in any other cd drive.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just a reminder that the Benq 1620 isn't a very good CD-RW drive, not sure about the writing quality but it does have trouble reading some of the CD-Rs, it's not the disc cause it works fine in any other cd drive.

Well, I'm not sure it's safe to say it isn't the disc. The fact is, many MANY readers are made to be able to read CD-Rs that are not very good quality, with burns that are quite beyond the format specifications. The BenQ drive is just much less forgiving then some drives, and still not as forgiving as most drives even. But discs that are properly burned and are of decent quality should not be problamtic I don't think.

[divx]

I use B7P9 and it works fine.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hrm, looks like the first BluRay burners will only cost about 500 Euro's (I have NO idea how to make the symbol for Euro's ;) ). So a little over $800 CAD to begin with

So it's like I've been saying, these are NOT consumer devices... and that's the pricing for the BenQ/Philips drive.... I wonder what the PREMIUM drive names, like Sony and Panasonic will be charging?

Don't expect these things to drop in price over night either ;)

Here's the link:
http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/57350

[wlee]

Master DD:

Could you please take a look at my post at http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showthread.php?t=144154?

What would you recommend for a new burner?

Thanks!

[Amourek]

Hmm DD, maybe you should put your overall drive recommendations in your original post, cuz it seems you get asked that question everyday. Or maybe in your sig. lol

[The Digital Dolphin]

Master DD:

Could you please take a look at my post at http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showthread.php?t=144154?

What would you recommend for a new burner?

Thanks!

Your drive does sound like it's on its' way out... I'll see if I can dig up my old post on recommendations.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hmm DD, maybe you should put your overall drive recommendations in your original post, cuz it seems you get asked that question everyday. Or maybe in your sig. lol

Good idea, I added a link to my signiture :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

How to find out if you have REAL Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs:

Real Taiyo Yuden media, made by Taiyo Yuden in Japan with TYG02 code:
Mirror band: GG000098 0404
inner plastic circle: 8G425A02660GG
Real Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs have 2 G's in the front of the serial number in their mirror band, with a 4 digit number opposite the larger serial number, in the same mirror band. The exact numbers vary from batch to batch, and exact matches are unlikely from disc to disc (so don't worry!)

There are many companies that use the TYG02 code for their 8x media, but the two most commonly seen are made by Optodisc and Infosmart (Infosmart is usually seen under the brand Hyundai). Following the above guide, you should be able to spot a real Taiyo Yuden quite easily now. Shown below is a guide on how to spot a disc with a TYG02 Media ID code, manufactured by Optodisc:

Optodisc 8x DVD-R with TYG02 code:
Mirror band: R8X DD19 8021
inner plastic OL12MH0405231825E

TYG02 code media made by Optodisc always has a OL at the beginning of the serial number in the inner plastic hub. Also, the mirror band always has the R8X followed by a 4 digit code on one side of the mirror band, and a 4 digit number on the other side of the mirror band.

At a later date, if needed, I may add the info about how to spot an Infosmart made TYG02 code disc.

I hope you all find this little guide useful!

EDIT: It appears a new 8x DVD-R with TYG02 code is being sold in Canada. I am attempting to get more details about it, but currently it is known to NOT have a similar serial number system to real Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs, so if you follow the above criteria, you will still be able to differentiate between real TY and fake TY.

[shadowfighta]

I bought some Prodisc 4x dvd-r the other day which I thought were s03s but I got 8x s04s instead. Can you guys give me your opinions on these discs with a BENQ dw1620 running the B7P9 fw. Also, is it best to keep hard drive and dvd-rw on separate ide channels? I only have 1 ide channel in my current mobo so I had to put my boot drive and dvdrw on the same channel and the rest of my hard drives on the ide raid controller. I noticed my buffer in dvd decryptor is always near 0% now whereas it used to be around 90-100%.

[Hurk]

What is the exact procedure of flashing the OEM1620 to the Retail firmware?

I am using the G7M9 and want to upgrade to the B7T9. I cannot do a direct flash, and am having issues with a "cross flash".

I've searched, but nothing has come up.

Thanks.

EDIT: I flashed it by using WinFlash. Worked like a charm.

[wlee]

Well, the fastest burner I've seen by far is the LG 4163B, but the speed comes with a drawback: The discs burned at 12x or 16x often have very higher jitter and assymetry error rates, which reduce compatability on picky DVD players, and ESPECIALLY on console game systems (PS2, XBox).

Possibly the most compatible DVD Burner is the BenQ DW1620, which is capable of producing usable results on most media types, with two exceptions: #1, it can NOT burn most Prodisc/Smartbuy brand media except for in rare circumstances (I've heard that some people who have RMA'd the drive 3 or 4 times have eventually gotten drives that can, but most can't), and also some discs that use the TYG02 Media Identification Code (MID Code) that are not actually made by the owner of that code (Taiyo Yuden), cannot be burned well, although in this case, using firmware revision B7S9 from the BenQ China webpage, will usually help. Another large benefit to the BenQ DW1620 is that it supports automatic bitsetting for all DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD+R9 media, which greatly increases the compatability of DVD+R/RW/9 media on older players that could not normally support it. This is the only drive that will do this automatically for all types of DVD+R media.

If you are planning on only using high quality media, and don't mind paying more for it, then the absolute best burn quality you can get will probably come from the Plextor PX-716a (or possibly the Pioneer DVR-109 but I haven't seem enough info to be sure on that one!).

My personaly recommendation is the BenQ DW1620, but there are pro's and con's for each drive. Also, the BenQ DW1620 is a really picky CD burner/CD Reader... so keep that in mind also.
Master DD:

Could you please comment on NEC 3520 as well :?:

Thanks! :)

[erikm5150]

is the TY dvd-r 100 bulk pack on sale now at nci x.com the same as the one in blankmedia.ca?

Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

I bought some Prodisc 4x dvd-r the other day which I thought were s03s but I got 8x s04s instead. Can you guys give me your opinions on these discs with a BENQ dw1620 running the B7P9 fw. Also, is it best to keep hard drive and dvd-rw on separate ide channels? I only have 1 ide channel in my current mobo so I had to put my boot drive and dvdrw on the same channel and the rest of my hard drives on the ide raid controller. I noticed my buffer in dvd decryptor is always near 0% now whereas it used to be around 90-100%.

Generally speaking Prodisc and the BenQ DW1620 don't mix. The exception appears to be Prodisc 8x DVD+Rs (PRODISCR03). Now *SOME* BenQ drives are able to burn Prodisc DVD-Rs ok, but this is pretty rare, and I don't have one (out of 2) that will do it. So my suggestion is to burn the PRODISCS04 media at 4x, and next time try to buy good media :cheesygri

Regarding your buffer problem, is DMA enabled for the drive? The problem might also be the media you use, but even with Prodisc media I think it's unlikely.

If possible, switch the boot drive to the SATA channel, it will be faster for you and you drive :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Master DD:

Could you please comment on NEC 3520 as well :?:

Thanks! :)

Umm, I don't own an NEC 3520, so I'm not too sure what to say. I've liked my NEC 3500a however... but it doesn't get much use since it's one of the drive's I don't have room for yet until I get another PSU and a bigger tower :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

is the TY dvd-r 100 bulk pack on sale now at nci x.com the same as the one in blankmedia.ca?

Thanks

Hard to say.... Blankmedia.ca advertises a downgrade 8x DVD-R made by Taiyo Yuden (which i haven't personally tested yet), and <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=28 target=_blank>NCIX</a> has actual 4x DVD-Rs from Taiyo Yuden.... so it's POSSIBLE that blankmedia.ca now has the 4x Taiyo Yuden DVD-Rs and hasn't updated their site, or maybe they haven't reordered yet. I believe all the new stock will ONLY be Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs for this line of product.

[lightsocket]

DD,

You've recommended the Pioneer 109 and the Plextor PX716a. I've looked up both of these drives for prices and found that the Plextor Drive was a lot more expensive than the Pioneer drive. (Plextor found to be around 155-160 and Pioneer was around 80-85).

Is it worth it to buy the Plextor Drive for almost twice the cost? Or would the Pioneer one probably suffice?

I plan on backing up a lot of my PS2 Games (DVD-R's, I usually use the Memorex DVD-R's from Best Buy/Futureshop) and also DVD movies etc.

Thanks!

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD,

You've recommended the Pioneer 109 and the Plextor PX716a. I've looked up both of these drives for prices and found that the Plextor Drive was a lot more expensive than the Pioneer drive. (Plextor found to be around 155-160 and Pioneer was around 80-85).

Is it worth it to buy the Plextor Drive for almost twice the cost? Or would the Pioneer one probably suffice?

I plan on backing up a lot of my PS2 Games (DVD-R's, I usually use the Memorex DVD-R's from Best Buy/Futureshop) and also DVD movies etc.

Thanks!

Is it worth being almost twice the price? Probably not. It does have some funky features however.... look up about plextools (www.plextools.com). It's really a professional drive aimed at a professional market. It also has the ability to "learn" about media by adjusting its' own write strategies over time. So if you burn a disc and it's bad, and then you burn another of the same type it might be bad still, but on the third or fourth burn, and every following burn it should be better (assuming you are USING the feature). Kinda nifty really :)

[apvm]

DD

Which firmware for Benq 1620 is best for me?

Benq 8X DVD-R, Prodisc 8X DVD+R, Optodisc 4X DVD-R for unimportant stuff

Made in Japan Maxell for important stuff

TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD

Which firmware for Benq 1620 is best for me?

Benq 8X DVD-R, Prodisc 8X DVD+R, Optodisc 4X DVD-R for unimportant stuff

Made in Japan Maxell for important stuff

TIA

Probably B7S9 if those are Generic Optodisc 4x DVD-Rs. Don't overclock the Maxell's regardless of anything. The Prodisc should be ok I think, just don't use any DVD-Rs from them. I'm not 100% sure about the BenQ 8x DVD-Rs, but it's a good place to start.

[Gamer101]

Hi DD,

Just wondering where is the best place to buy mini dvds? The cheapest I saw was with blankmedia.ca with $2 each. Any other places? and which brand would you say is the best? Ritek?

Thanks for your time!

[Alexo]

DD,

Any comments about the Pioneer DVR-109 review (http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=12802) on CDRinfo?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD,

Just wondering where is the best place to buy mini dvds? The cheapest I saw was with blankmedia.ca with $2 each. Any other places? and which brand would you say is the best? Ritek?

Thanks for your time!

Ritek's Mini DVDRs are cut down to size, but Acro Circle's are moulded that way, and actually of superior quality (yeah I really do mean superior). THe down side with Acro Circle's is their dye isn't as well recognized, so if you plan on backing up game cube games, you will almost get usable results from Ritek (before it stops working completely) whereas you will barely get any results from Acro Circle. For any OTHER purpose however, Acro Circle would be my number one choice.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD,

Any comments about the Pioneer DVR-109 review (http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=12802) on CDRinfo?

I'll take a look at it, and get back to you ;)

[apvm]

Probably B7S9 if those are Generic Optodisc 4x DVD-Rs. Don't overclock the Maxell's regardless of anything. The Prodisc should be ok I think, just don't use any DVD-Rs from them. I'm not 100% sure about the BenQ 8x DVD-Rs, but it's a good place to start.


Thanks

[JLee]

Ok, stupid question but how do you burn discs at speeds that are higher than rated?

nero only lets me select 4x max for 4x media...

just wondering...

[Hurk]

Ok, stupid question but how do you burn discs at speeds that are higher than rated?

nero only lets me select 4x max for 4x media...

just wondering...

It depends on the discs and the firmware for your DVD-RW.

[rahzel]

or you can try DVD Decrypter to burn DVD's. DVD Decrypter has the option to pick from the available burn speeds of the DVD media. I dunno, Nero only has the option to burn my Ritek/Ridata ricohjpnr01 DVD's at 4x (what theyre rated for) but DVD Decrypter allowed me to choose whatever burn speed i wanted plus in the log file in the bottom section, it says "Available burn speeds (2.4x, 4x, 6x, 8x)" (sometihng like that).

just to let you know tho, DVD Decrypter only burns DVD's in ISO format so i would recommend using DVDShrink to create an ISO and burn with DVD Decrypter.

[Evil Techie]

Ok, stupid question but how do you burn discs at speeds that are higher than rated?

nero only lets me select 4x max for 4x media...

just wondering...

burning faster than rated speed could mean making coasters just to let you know

especially if the media isnt quality media such as richojpnr01, TY or mitsubishi chem

[The Digital Dolphin]

Ok, stupid question but how do you burn discs at speeds that are higher than rated?

nero only lets me select 4x max for 4x media...

just wondering...

If your drive doesn't give you the option automatically then you will probably need to hack the firmware. Keep in mind that not all drives CAN have their firmware hacked in such a way, and as Evil Techie points out, it isn't always a good idea to burn the media faster then its' rated speed anyways.

Every drive and media combination is different.

[wlee]

I stopped by FS last night, found out all Maxell 8x media are MIJ, anybody knows the media code for +R and -R?

[Tiberius]

I hope this hasn't been covered recently... but I'm basically wondering when we can expect to see more dual layer media - and hopefully at reasonable prices? Any insights into this DD?

Thanks!

[The Digital Dolphin]

I stopped by FS last night, found out all Maxell 8x media are MIJ, anybody knows the media code for +R and -R?

It's made by Maxell themselves, I forget the code for the moment though. I've heard rumours of some Taiwanese media now too, but I don't know what code it is, or who makes it, or even if it's real :razz:

[rahzel]

hey DD, i burnt a few movies on some memorex discs and some of them have glitchy parts in them. I dont wanna check ALL the memorex discs for glitchy parts... is there a program that can scan the disc for errors or glitchy parts? does nero cd/dvd speed do that?

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, i burnt a few movies on some memorex discs and some of them have glitchy parts in them. I dont wanna check ALL the memorex discs for glitchy parts... is there a program that can scan the disc for errors or glitchy parts? does nero cd/dvd speed do that?

Nero CD/DVD speed can sort of do that. What kind of burner do you have? Different burners will perform differently when CD/DVD speed scans the discs. The best thing to do might be to try a transfer rate test, and check for dips and bumps in the graph.

[rahzel]

i have an NEC 3520.

but doesnt a transfer test require for me to burn data on a disc? i only want to test the data on these discs, i dont have anymore of these and im gonna stay away from Memorex from now on (these are like the first DVD's ive ever bought).

[HammerJoe]

Hey dolphin what is the best dvd burner out there at the moment?

[The Digital Dolphin]

i have an NEC 3520.

but doesnt a transfer test require for me to burn data on a disc? i only want to test the data on these discs, i dont have anymore of these and im gonna stay away from Memorex from now on (these are like the first DVD's ive ever bought).

Nope, transer rate tests require a burned disc, so it'll be perfect for you :)

Memorex is generally not a great brand of media anyways though...

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey dolphin what is the best dvd burner out there at the moment?

I've probably answered that question 10 times or more on this forum...but a link to my most recent answer is conveniently located in my signiture. Please have a look :)

[rahzel]

Memorex is generally not a great brand of media anyways though...
yeah i know, they were one of the first DVD's i bought since ive been burning (about a year and a half). I burnt several movies on them and didnt have time to check all of them and when i went to watch a few recently, they had glitchy parts. I wanted to find a better way then watching the entire movie for glitchy parts. I only stick with good-really good DVD media now.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[ak47num1]

Hi DD. Sorry to bother you again.
My friend is offering to sell some Lite-On ( :confused: didn't know they make CD-Rs) CD-Rs to me. Traditionally, how do these compare to Ridata disks?

Thank you for very much!

[The Digital Dolphin]

LiteON doesn't "make" CD-Rs... but they have had their brand thrown on them before. I expect they would either be made by Ritek or Prodisc.

[ans2]

I stopped by FS last night, found out all Maxell 8x media are MIJ, anybody knows the media code for +R and -R?

I just bought some (Maxell DVD-R) this morning at Best Buy's Grand Opening Sale in Calgary for $9.99 plus GST for a spindle of 25. The Spindle is Manufactured by "Hitachi Maxell Ltd" and the media code is "MXL RG03" and is made in Japan. The speed is up to 8X. The disks themselves are shiny gold in color.

For those in Calgary, the Grand Opening sale at Best Buy is on untill March 20. They have a limit of 100 per store and 2 spindles per customer at Best Buy on the Maxell's. There was quite a mix of Made in Japan and Made in Taiwan disks. So, it is a luck of the draw on what will be left and what they might restock each day. They also have the Fuji 50 pack on sale for $19.00 as an unadvertised special for the Grand Opening. Their flyer that they handed out at the door on the unadvertised specials said limited quantities on the Fuji's. I did not see the Fuji's untill I was in the checkout, so I have no idea whether they are Made in Japan disks or not.

I did not buy any +R's

Albert

[wlee]

I just bought some (Maxell DVD-R) this morning at Best Buy's Grand Opening Sale in Calgary for $9.99 plus GST for a spindle of 25. The Spindle is Manufactured by "Hitachi Maxell Ltd" and the media code is "MXL RG03" and is made in Japan. The speed is up to 8X. The disks themselves are shiny gold in color.

For those in Calgary, the Grand Opening sale at Best Buy is on untill March 20. They have a limit of 100 per store and 2 spindles per customer at Best Buy on the Maxell's. There was quite a mix of Made in Japan and Made in Taiwan disks. So, it is a luck of the draw on what will be left and what they might restock each day. They also have the Fuji 50 pack on sale for $19.00 as an unadvertised special for the Grand Opening. Their flyer that they handed out at the door on the unadvertised specials said limited quantities on the Fuji's. I did not see the Fuji's untill I was in the checkout, so I have no idea whether they are Made in Japan disks or not.

I did not buy any +R's

Albert
this is a good deal! they can be burned at 16x in my new nec 3520, see http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=12314&PageId=13

fuji MIJ are good, 8x +r burned at 16x as well :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

If anyone gets a spindle of the Taiwan made media, I'd love to buy some of the media off of them ;)

[Canadianpsycho]

Hey again DD....


I need to pick up a Dual Layer disc to burn something on my NEC 2500a hacked to 2510a. Which is the best dual layer media in terms of quality out there right now? Howabout for easily available media (like BB, FS, other major chain retailers)

Don't care about speed, just quality.

[house]

Verbatim +R DL is your best bet..and easiest to find (Staples has them...but my gawd they want a lot of $$ for them!)

[The Digital Dolphin]

As has been said, Verbatim is the #1 dual layer manufacturer. They're the only makers of dual layer media that can be burned on pretty much any dual layer burner, with decent to excellent results. Ritek media on the other hand, works properly in maybe 2 or at maximum 3 drives right now, and the rest have SERIOUS playback issues with the second layer, or even the first layer! :mad: Memorex is currently using Ritek's dual layer media. CMC, Philips, and Ricoh all have dual layer media as well, and Prodisc is just about ready to release their media. But finding ANY of it in Canada is next to impossible.

Don't forget to bitset your dual layer media when burning it! :cheesygri

[CSR]

If anyone gets a spindle of the Taiwan made media, I'd love to buy some of the media off of them ;)

MIT maxel?

[rahzel]

hey DD, i have a few questions about Bitsetting/bookmarking.

1) does the NEC 3520 support this? do i need a specific firmware?
2) how would i go abouts changing the booktype using DVDShrink and Nero to burn?
3) DVD Decrypter also has the option to change the booktype. I dont know if you use DVD Decrypter to change the booktype but you select the "Change For" and you select your media type (DVD+R, DVD+RW etc) but you can also select "Change For DVD+R/DVD+RW - (Temporary)". Whats the temporary for?

[The Digital Dolphin]

MIT maxel?

Yeah, I'm looking for the MIT 8x Maxel DVDRs. I've seen the Maxell 8x DVD+Rs in 100pc spindles that were made in Taiwan, but I'm not spending $80 to get 100 discs I don't need. I'll be happy with 5pcs or 10pcs.

[Madcatmk2]

hey DD, i have a few questions about Bitsetting/bookmarking.

1) does the NEC 3520 support this? do i need a specific firmware?
2) how would i go abouts changing the booktype using DVDShrink and Nero to burn?
3) DVD Decrypter also has the option to change the booktype. I dont know if you use DVD Decrypter to change the booktype but you select the "Change For" and you select your media type (DVD+R, DVD+RW etc) but you can also select "Change For DVD+R/DVD+RW - (Temporary)". Whats the temporary for?

1. No, you can get support for bitsetting only if you bought a rebadged nec like mad dog, iodata or memorex. The support comes from the the rebadged company only. You can flash with a rebadged or hacked firmware but you'll lose your warranty. Nec america is a a.... when it comes to warranty so when your retailer warranty expires you can do whatever you want.

2. If you go to http://www.micheldeboer.nl/firmware/3520.html and flash using a rebaged or an hacked firmware you can see there is an Auto or Yes for bitsetting. Auto usually means that it will get to bitset automatically and Yes that you can change it using a program.

3. I don't know about temporary bitset a dvd+RW. From last time i heard you can't go back to +R if you bitset it. Dolphin will be better to answer this than me.


The best support you can have for your 'Nec' drive is there:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=86

edited no.3
edit no.2:too many typos because i was playing Arfenhouse (http://www.disasterlabs.com/) during this weekend.

[rahzel]

nm, i got all my questions answered already. I got the latest iodata (rebadged NEC) firmware update (3.22) from that guys website yesturday and i guess its the update that makes the NEC3520 support DL DVD-R reading/writing and it has autobiseting for all +R media.

[The Digital Dolphin]

For question #3, I believe that to Temporarily set the book type to DVD-ROM means that after the first burn, it will revert back to the original booktype. It doesn't mean that you can change the book type after burning the disc... but that WOULD be cool :D

[w3ss]

Hey DD...

are these DVD-R 8X OPTODISC/ACRO CIRCLE SHINY SILVER the discs you use for your Benq 1620. How good are they? Just planning to burn some tv shows onto them to watch on my DVD player.

http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=456

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD...

are these DVD-R 8X OPTODISC/ACRO CIRCLE SHINY SILVER the discs you use for your Benq 1620. How good are they? Just planning to burn some tv shows onto them to watch on my DVD player.

http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=456

Thanks.

Yup! I had some very good results from B7S9, probably B7P9 will be ok as well. Don't use B7T9 or B7U9.

Enjoy!

[mprielozny]

hey DD,

you might have answered some question like this.

plextor 716A or pioneer A09XL

I am inclinining towards the plextor.

and if you have any info on plextor or pioneer on Daxon AZ2

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD,

you might have answered some question like this.

plextor 716A or pioneer A09XL

I am inclinining towards the plextor.

and if you have any info on plextor or pioneer on Daxon AZ2

Unfortunately, I don't own either a PX-716a or a Pioneer DVR-109. But I'm told they are both good drives. This is probably the first DVD burner from Plextor that I would class as good, having seen some of the results. Pioneer on the other hand has had nothing but good results. Regarding the BenQ brand media, I have no idea how it will perform on either drive, since none of the reviews I've seen use that media (unless I'm writing the review... and I don't have these drives).

Sorry, that's the best answer I have right now :(

[k_man_350z]

hey DD,

you might have answered some question like this.

plextor 716A or pioneer A09XL

I am inclinining towards the plextor.

and if you have any info on plextor or pioneer on Daxon AZ2

plextor 716A on firmware 1.02 is fine on ur DVD+R, but DVD-R is horrible i dunno if the firmware 1.04 is any better...in sayin that they already have another firmware 1.04U. i return the drive before i could try the newer firmware 1.04 or even 1.04U
plextor has disappointed me. this time and its a different chassis(shorter)because i know previously owning a 708A and a 712A and no more TY media sample and ITS made in china now! oppose to made in japan.charging ppl premium is not a problem but cutting corners like that i will never buy a plextor if they keep this up.......


this time im goin for pioneer 109XL, plextor has lost my vote this time

[ans2]

I just bought some (Maxell DVD-R) this morning at Best Buy's Grand Opening Sale in Calgary for $9.99 plus GST for a spindle of 25. The Spindle is Manufactured by "Hitachi Maxell Ltd" and the media code is "MXL RG03" and is made in Japan. The speed is up to 8X. The disks themselves are shiny gold in color.

For those in Calgary, the Grand Opening sale at Best Buy is on untill March 20. They have a limit of 100 per store and 2 spindles per customer at Best Buy on the Maxell's. There was quite a mix of Made in Japan and Made in Taiwan disks. So, it is a luck of the draw on what will be left and what they might restock each day. They also have the Fuji 50 pack on sale for $19.00 as an unadvertised special for the Grand Opening. Their flyer that they handed out at the door on the unadvertised specials said limited quantities on the Fuji's. I did not see the Fuji's untill I was in the checkout, so I have no idea whether they are Made in Japan disks or not.

I did not buy any +R's

Albert

Ok, I went back on Sunday and picked up two spindles of Maxell DVD+R's. The spindle I bought was also Made in Japan with the Unique Disc Identifier DVD+R Maxell - 002 - 000 The manufacturer is Hitachi Maxell. Same as for the -R's. These disks are also up to 8x. These disks are shiny silver in color. The -R's are shiny gold in color.

The Made in Taiwan disks that I had seen on the previous visit might have all been left over stock 4X disks and not the 8x disks. I don't recall seeing any 8x Made in Taiwan disks.

There were no Fuji disks to be seen. So, they must have sold them out quickly at the unadvertised price of $19.99 (I had previously said in error that the unadvertised price was $19) But I was able to get a price match on a couple spindles of Fuji's (made in Japan) that I had purchased during their $24.99 sale two or three weeks earlier. :lol: I am one happy camper. I missed the Boxing Day sale. At least I did not have to wait in line on Boxing Day at minus 25 or whatever it was that cold cold morning in Calgary.

Albert

[The Digital Dolphin]

plextor 716A on firmware 1.02 is fine on ur DVD+R, but DVD-R is horrible i dunno if the firmware 1.04 is any better...in sayin that they already have another firmware 1.04U. i return the drive before i could try the newer firmware 1.04 or even 1.04U
plextor has disappointed me. this time and its a different chassis(shorter)because i know previously owning a 708A and a 712A and no more TY media sample and ITS made in china now! oppose to made in japan.charging ppl premium is not a problem but cutting corners like that i will never buy a plextor if they keep this up.......


this time im goin for pioneer 109XL, plextor has lost my vote this time

The big problem with the PX-716a was that it was utter crap until the third hardware revision. So TLA's of 0202 and better are good, but anything else is pretty much a lost cause. Once you upgrade to 1.04U with the newer hardware revisions, you'll have a pretty decent burner! But I don't blame you for losing faith in them! Their DVD burners have sucked something fierce for the most part, that's for sure!!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Ok, I went back on Sunday and picked up two spindles of Maxell DVD+R's. The spindle I bought was also Made in Japan with the Unique Disc Identifier DVD+R Maxell - 002 - 000 The manufacturer is Hitachi Maxell. Same as for the -R's. These disks are also up to 8x. These disks are shiny silver in color. The -R's are shiny gold in color.

The Made in Taiwan disks that I had seen on the previous visit might have all been left over stock 4X disks and not the 8x disks. I don't recall seeing any 8x Made in Taiwan disks.

There were no Fuji disks to be seen. So, they must have sold them out quickly at the unadvertised price of $19.99 (I had previously said in error that the unadvertised price was $19) But I was able to get a price match on a couple spindles of Fuji's (made in Japan) that I had purchased during their $24.99 sale two or three weeks earlier. :lol: I am one happy camper. I missed the Boxing Day sale. At least I did not have to wait in line on Boxing Day at minus 25 or whatever it was that cold cold morning in Calgary.

Albert

The only Maxell 8x media I've seen made in Taiwan is the 100pc 8x DVD+Rs, and I'm not sure what media is being used. But I've asked ;)

[Alexo]

The big problem with the PX-716a was that it was utter crap until the third hardware revision. So TLA's of 0202 and better are good, but anything else is pretty much a lost cause. Once you upgrade to 1.04U with the newer hardware revisions, you'll have a pretty decent burner!
Good to know!

I guess that precludes buying a Plextor on the internet.

[mprielozny]

The big problem with the PX-716a was that it was utter crap until the third hardware revision. So TLA's of 0202 and better are good, but anything else is pretty much a lost cause. Once you upgrade to 1.04U with the newer hardware revisions, you'll have a pretty decent burner! But I don't blame you for losing faith in them! Their DVD burners have sucked something fierce for the most part, that's for sure!!


well I took a risk with plextor. ;) will see what version ncix has. cos it is on sale and plus the mail in rebate. it is cool.

the only thing I would like to have Pioneer but retail which is not available in CAN at this moment. at least to my knowlage. I know it is the same as 109 but I like the black face plate and the noice dumpening.

if something I will buy it in month or two.

[Singh]

I tried burning some benq 8x (daxon az2) media using my lg 4160 (a303) and got some odd results. The speed started out at 6x (for about 0.5gb), then it went to 8x (for about 1gb), but then droped back down to 6x (for the remainder). Writing discs using dvd decrypter and alcohol both did this, but were still readable. When I used nero to write some video files, they were practically unviewable.

I'm assuming that its just incompatible media, but I want to be sure since I just got this drive a few days ago. Also, nero doesnt allow you to write discs at 6x. Is there some other data writing program that allows 6x?

Thanks

[mprielozny]

I tried burning some benq 8x (daxon az2) media using my lg 4160 (a303) and got some odd results. The speed started out at 6x (for about 0.5gb), then it went to 8x (for about 1gb), but then droped back down to 6x (for the remainder). Writing discs using dvd decrypter and alcohol both did this, but were still readable. When I used nero to write some video files, they were practically unviewable.

I'm assuming that its just incompatible media, but I want to be sure since I just got this drive a few days ago. Also, nero doesnt allow you to write discs at 6x. Is there some other data writing program that allows 6x?

Thanks
http://cdr.cz/picture_/15465/large

yea I found that LG write the worst on daxon

and I hope i get this on them with my upcomming plextor

http://cdr.cz/picture_/16320/large

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm assuming that its just incompatible media, but I want to be sure since I just got this drive a few days ago. Also, nero doesnt allow you to write discs at 6x. Is there some other data writing program that allows 6x?

Thanks

It's probably just the drive restricting the speed to 6x due to quality issues while burning. That means that the drive is CAPABLE of 6x recording, but has it limited by the firmware for some reason. I don't think you'll find anything that will let you burn at 6x from the start however, since Nero just asks the drive what speeds are supported, and let's you choose what the drive answers. I don't think there are any other ways of doing it, so other software should be the same I expect.

[Lange]

Hey DD,

Question for you that I don't think has been posed, but I could very well be wrong.

Is there any CD-R that is geared toward being the best for making an audio cd? Do any excell at being read in almost any deck, with the ability to skip tracks seamlessly? Can I assume that the higher quality media, the better the audio disc? I noticed on blankmedia.ca there is a prodisc which is dedicated to audio. Is it any good? I had these Kodak CD-Rs that were gygastore or something like that and they were total crap for music.

[Hurk]

Hey DD,

Question for you that I don't think has been posed, but I could very well be wrong.

Is there any CD-R that is geared toward being the best for making an audio cd? Do any excell at being read in almost any deck, with the ability to skip tracks seamlessly? Can I assume that the higher quality media, the better the audio disc? I noticed on blankmedia.ca there is a prodisc which is dedicated to audio. Is it any good? I had these Kodak CD-Rs that were gygastore or something like that and they were total crap for music.

I found with most of my music CD's, that burning on a lower speed had more benefit than a certain brand. I am curious to this question as well, as I have been using Maxell for a while now, and they don't seem to bad.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi Lange (and Hurk),

For the best results, you want to burn the disc at 16x usually. Don't burn slower then 8x, and don't burn faster then 24x. Why? because if you burn slower then 8x you will get an increased error rate on most discs, and if you burn too quickly you will have higher jitter then some CD players will be able to handle, or handle without difficulty.

Regarding the type of media, first of all, DON'T use Prodisc. Don't use Prodisc for ANYTHING that you want to keep, it doesn't last. Ritek is better, but still not great quality (but Ritek does make a good day to day use CD-R generally). The mention that the disc is for Audio Recording has nothing to do with being specialized for CD-Audio format, but actually only refers to a little flag being set in the disc's parameters, which allows it to be burned in stand-alone home entertainment recorders (regular CD-Rs normally can't be burned in those units without some sort of mod).

For compatability, you're probably best to go with Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs. They have a very low error rate on most burners, and are very compatible in most machines. Now, it's also true that they require a slightly higher power laser then Mitsui CD-Rs, so if your player is REALLY old, or about to die, you might want to try Mitsui's Silver CD-Rs.... but Mitsui's quality has really gone down hill, and the media will probably last you 3-5 years only in my estimations (based on real world problems I've had to fix!!). So I would suggest Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs, and if those don't work well, then you can try Mitsui Silver CD-Rs (fyi: Gold won't work as well for this purpose I don't think).

Good luck!!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Finally, it looks like Princo is getting into some trouble for not paying the royalties on CD-Rs for as long as they've been making them. Gigastorage too it seems... but I don't care about them as much since they barely affect our market in Canada.

News here:
http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20050323A2006.html

[Lange]

Thanks a lot for your contributions to me and to this forum, Digital Dolphin. Your knowledge sharing is greatly appreciated.

Any guess on how long the TY CD-R will last? What is considered good, and what is considered poor as far as life expectancy goes?

Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks a lot for your contributions to me and to this forum, Digital Dolphin. Your knowledge sharing is greatly appreciated.

Any guess on how long the TY CD-R will last? What is considered good, and what is considered poor as far as life expectancy goes?

Thanks

I don't know too much about how long a TY CD-R will last, because I don't hear about them failing, and I also haven't had any fail on me yet. Ritek, Prodisc and Mitsui have all died on me at some point, and I have other people's experiences to go on as well with these discs. So given what I know about it NOT failing during a given time frame, I would say I would expect 8-10 years at least, under regular conditions (not 100% prestine, but not abused either).

[steve.m]

hi DD.
Do you have any info about the Taiyo Yuden dvd-r 16x media that is about become available for purchase at Canadaian retailers.

I would like to know if the media is of better quality materials (read less error prone, readable after more years) than the TY dvd-r 8X. Also if you have tested the TY dvd-r 16X yet, what were your impression of it.


I am currently using the lg 4163b to back up files, .exe .cab .pdf etc and widows programs.
TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

hi DD.
Do you have any info about the Taiyo Yuden dvd-r 16x media that is about become available for purchase at Canadaian retailers.

I would like to know if the media is of better quality materials (read less error prone, readable after more years) than the TY dvd-r 8X. Also if you have tested the TY dvd-r 16X yet, what were your impression of it.


I am currently using the lg 4163b to back up files, .exe .cab .pdf etc and widows programs.
TIA

I've got a bunch on order now, but it'll take a little over a week at best to come in... if I'm lucky, maybe late next week. I know that blankmedia.ca has some coming in as well. NCIX will probably carry them shortly after in small quantities. I'll test them on the LG 4163B as soon as I get mine in, don't worry! :cheesygri

[rahzel]

I've got a bunch on order now, but it'll take a little over a week at best to come in... if I'm lucky, maybe late next week. I know that blankmedia.ca has some coming in as well. NCIX will probably carry them shortly after in small quantities. I'll test them on the LG 4163B as soon as I get mine in, don't worry! :cheesygri
do you know about when blankmedia.ca is getting them in? im kinda waiting for them but if they dont have them by the weekend, i think im just gonna order the 8x.

[steve.m]

thank you greatly DD :) :) :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

do you know about when blankmedia.ca is getting them in? im kinda waiting for them but if they dont have them by the weekend, i think im just gonna order the 8x.

Why not just ask Blankmedia.ca? I don't THINK they'll be in tomorrow, and since Friday is a holiday, that would mean they wouldn't be in on the weekend, but I really have no way of knowing for sure without asking myself, so why not just go direct to the source?

[rahzel]

Why not just ask Blankmedia.ca? I don't THINK they'll be in tomorrow, and since Friday is a holiday, that would mean they wouldn't be in on the weekend, but I really have no way of knowing for sure without asking myself, so why not just go direct to the source?
1) i was tired and when im tired i dont think straight =].
2) it seems like you know stuff before everyone else (like you knew NCIX was getting those 100 packs of TY 4x DVD's before everyone)

[The Digital Dolphin]

1) i was tired and when im tired i dont think straight =].
2) it seems like you know stuff before everyone else (like you knew NCIX was getting those 100 packs of TY 4x DVD's before everyone)

I know general things, but not specific things. If I worked for either company, I'd have access to more info, but I just have close contacts ;)

[Evil Techie]

everyone just take for granted that DD knows everything
lol

[The Digital Dolphin]

everyone just take for granted that DD knows everything
lol

:cheesygri

I *WISH* I knew everything ;) But I think anyone with enough pointed obsession could reach my level :twisted:

[killingfloor]

I try to burn Ty media or Maxell mij dvd-r most of the time, but unfortunately I still have a crap load of Benq dvd-r media that I bought during boxing day and they seem to be not too compatible with my burner. I have done scans and found a lot of errors and have stopped using the media for the time being. Is the benq media that bad or is it the incompatibility with the burner and the media? I know that it is not the top media out there, but it seems to be a crap shoot with my burner. Sometimes they burn ok other times nothing but errors.
D.D. I was reading about which dvd burner that you recommended,the benq 1620, and I was wondering if this is the best burner for dvd media compatibility or are any other burners more compatible? I see that the easter sale at ncix is also offering the 1625. How is this burner? Any other recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

The BenQ DW1625 is based on the DW1620's hardware, with the exception that the DW1625 can also burn lightscribe images on compatible media. It's a nifty feature, but I expect it will die out pretty quick after the hype dies down. Unless people are ok spending $1/CDR for printable media from CMC or eventually MBIL.

As for the MOST compatible burner.... there is no single burner that is able to be labeled the "most compatible burner". But in most cases with the BenQ DW1620, as long as you aren't using low quality crap like Prodisc or factory direct POS media, you should be fine. The NEC 3520 is also pretty good, and is better at burning/reading CD-Rs then the BenQ, but is not as good at reading DVDRs, and it fails on some cheaper media where the BenQ will succeed. However I think the NEC might burn more Prodisc media types ok. But I'm not 100% certain on that one.

Basically, if you use low end media, the BenQ DW1620 with B7S9 firmware is probably your best bet. If you burn higher quality media, then the BenQ DW1620 with B7P9 firmware or B7T9 firmware is your best bet. The PX-716a has some good write quality for a decent range of media now as well, but is MUCH more expensive! The DVR-109 is also showing some excellent results too.

It's really VERY hard to pick a best, but I generally stick with my BenQ personally (but I don't have a PX-716a or Pioneer DVR-109 yet).

[The Digital Dolphin]

For anyone interested, there may be a price hike on Acro Circle 8x media in the next month or so. I can't say for sure if it will happen, and I can't really say what the reasons are behind it if it DOES happen. What I CAN say is that I have personally "dealt" with the people responsible for it, and pricing will be more stabalized shortly. In the end, some good things may come about, and if things go well, the prices even more, a little sooner then they would have.

In other news, due to poor sales, Blankmedia.ca has decided to stop carrying Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs... Which is too bad too, given my most recent scan of the media!

http://www3.telus.net/dolphinreviews/Redflagdeals/OPTODISCR008/AcroCircle8xDVD-R(OPTODISCR008)(Burn8x)(BQ8x)(PI8PIF8)1.png

This disc was burned at 8x using the BenQ DW1620 running B7U9, which is a new and somewhat unstable firmware. However, for this media type, it works REALLY well!

And people wonder why I like Acro Circle media :cheesygri

[mprielozny]

I dont know if it is appropriate for this thread but does anyone know if any of canadian retailers carry Pioneer A09BXL. it is back faceplated A09. I know it is the same as 109 but I paid lot for looks of my case thus I want to pay little extra and get retail.

I have contacted few retailers her in town. (Victoria, BC) and none can get it from their suppliers.

I dont care about the $$$ for this one. I just want it ;)

and most places in states are sold out.

[mprielozny]

actually I have found out that tigerdirect carries them. and it is more expensive than Plextor ;) 175

I will order it in us and have it shipped up here.

[The Digital Dolphin]

If it wasn't from Tigerdirect, I would also order one :cry:

[killingfloor]

D.D. thank you for your input. I bought the 1620 from ncix for $65, which is a pretty good price. I can't wait to burn the rest of my benq dvd-r's and then on to some good disks. I hope the burner makes a difference. Thanks again.

[The Digital Dolphin]

D.D. thank you for your input. I bought the 1620 from ncix for $65, which is a pretty good price. I can't wait to burn the rest of my benq dvd-r's and then on to some good disks. I hope the burner makes a difference. Thanks again.

Let me know if you have any problems. BenQ sent me a LOT of their media lately, so I can probably figure out the best firmware for burning them with if problems arise.

[mlc2000]

I can't seem to find 16X +R media.
I found this on Ebay, is it a good deal?
LINK (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80135&item=5176941035&rd=1)

Basically its 50 pieces Ritek 16X DVD+R
$54.95 + free shipping
(I would opt for $5 shipping insurance so I get a tracking number and deliver in 2-3 days.


Comments?

[Hurk]

I can't seem to find 16X +R media.
I found this on Ebay, is it a good deal?
LINK (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=80135&item=5176941035&rd=1)

Basically its 50 pieces Ritek 16X DVD+R
$54.95 + free shipping
(I would opt for $5 shipping insurance so I get a tracking number and deliver in 2-3 days.


Comments?

www.blankmedia.ca has some 16+/- R. $39.xx plus tax and shipping for 50 pieces. They are located in Kitchener if you wanted to pick it up.

[mlc2000]

www.blankmedia.ca has some 16+/- R. $39.xx plus tax and shipping for 50 pieces. They are located in Kitchener if you wanted to pick it up.

Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

I don't like commenting on the "hotness" of deals usually.... but I WILL say that Ritek 16x DVD+Rs are not that great. Actually, Ritek is no longer making them even, according to my sources. It's been discontinued in favour of a new 16x DVD+R which is supposed to actually work properly :cheesygri

[w3ss]

Just bought my benq 1620 yesterday and burnt some Maxell DVD+R's and works well with all my DVD players probably because of the booktype settings.

Are there any reasons why I should use DVD-R's?

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just bought my benq 1620 yesterday and burnt some Maxell DVD+R's and works well with all my DVD players probably because of the booktype settings.

Are there any reasons why I should use DVD-R's?

Thanks.

Well, not particularily... it's usually cheaper, and doesn't require bitsetting to work on most DVD Players.

[rahzel]

Well, not particularily... it's usually cheaper, and doesn't require bitsetting to work on most DVD Players.
id say + and -R media are pretty much the same price nowadays and pretty much any DVD player thats not 4+ years old will play +R media. If +R media is working for you, then theres no need to switch to -R's. Nowadays, its more of a personal preference.

[mprielozny]

id say + and -R media are pretty much the same price nowadays and pretty much any DVD player thats not 4+ years old will play +R media. If +R media is working for you, then theres no need to switch to -R's. Nowadays, its more of a personal preference.

that is why i like bitsetting on the new burners for +r to make it rom. which should give you 100% compatibility

[Montague]

id say + and -R media are pretty much the same price nowadays and pretty much any DVD player thats not 4+ years old will play +R media. If +R media is working for you, then theres no need to switch to -R's. Nowadays, its more of a personal preference.
Except that it is FAR easier to find MIJ "-" than MIJ "+".

That in itself should tell you which one to buy assuming the same price for each.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Well, DVD-R still outsells DVD+R about 100 to 1 if not more... that goes for any kind brand of media sold in North America pretty much.

Neither DVD-R nor DVD+R have 100% compatability, no matter what. But with bitsetting for DVD+R, both are now in the high 90's, which is pretty acceptable I think.

As for pricing... I've seen times when Optodisc/Acro Circle, Ritek/RiData, and Prodisc/Smartbuy, have all had DVD-Rs cheaper then their DVD+Rs, and that was pretty recently. Mind you, I'm looking at the prices that most retail stores pay, not what the average consumer pays ;)

[Evil Techie]

let me add something to that
when it comes to quality discs though, -R and +R are at the same pricing range for what consumers are paying


btw DD, ive got another question for you
PX-708A has a new firmware it seems on the european plextor site
1.09
which adds performance for CD-R writing
dunno what that means as i dont see how it can get any faster...

it isnt on the north american site yet

im sure im not confused with the PX-708A2

so is it safe to get the european one as theres even an RPC1 firmware for 1.09 from danger bros

mine is from plextor USA

[The Digital Dolphin]

let me add something to that
when it comes to quality discs though, -R and +R are at the same pricing range for what consumers are paying


btw DD, ive got another question for you
PX-708A has a new firmware it seems on the european plextor site
1.09
which adds performance for CD-R writing
dunno what that means as i dont see how it can get any faster...

it isnt on the north american site yet

im sure im not confused with the PX-708A2

so is it safe to get the european one as theres even an RPC1 firmware for 1.09 from danger bros

mine is from plextor USA

No worries mate, the firmware is actually MADE by the European team of Plextor, so they ALWAYS have it first ;)

[Evil Techie]

ah i see
thank you very much once again

[The Digital Dolphin]

DOLPHIN[/B]

Is Tayo Yuden planning to release any high quality 16x dvd-+r's anytime soon ?

Their 16x DVD-Rs are already available, and their 16x DVD+Rs are in the works, but with no planned ETA yet.

[rahzel]

DOLPHIN[/B]

Is Tayo Yuden planning to release any high quality 16x dvd-+r's anytime soon ?
Blankmedia.ca just got 16x Taiyo Yuden DVD-R's a few days ago.

[steve.m]

50 pcs cake just came from Blankmedia today.
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=515

this is what i know so far:

http://img201.exs.cx/img201/4906/untitled8ie.jpg


****
btw Does anyone know if the top shiny surface is safe to write on with soft felt tip sharpie or were these dvds made for printed sticky labels only?
****



** INFO : Drive = HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4163B [FW A103]
** INFO : Write Capabilities = DVD+RW DVD+R DVD+R-DL
** INFO : Write Capabilities = DVD-RW DVD-R DVD-RAM
** INFO : Disc = [DVD-R:TYG03]

** INFO : An Empty Writable Disc Is Recommended For Accurate Results
** INFO : Write Speeds (Supported By This Drive On This Disc) Listed Below

** INFO : GET PERFORMANCE Write Speed Descriptor(s)
Descriptor #1 = 22161 KBPS (16.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #2 = 22160 KBPS (16.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #3 = 11081 KBPS ( 8.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #4 = 11080 KBPS ( 8.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #5 = 5540 KBPS ( 4.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]

** INFO : MODE SENSE Write Speed Descriptor(s) [Legacy Command]
** INFO : MODE SENSE Is Obsolete And Not Properly Supported By Some Drives
Descriptor #1 = 22161 KBPS (16.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #2 = 22160 KBPS (16.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #3 = 11081 KBPS ( 8.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #4 = 11080 KBPS ( 8.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]
Descriptor #5 = 5540 KBPS ( 4.00x) - [CLV/Non-Pure CAV]

[rahzel]

theyre fine to write on with a sharpie... it may not look like it but they are.

[w3ss]

Planning to pick up aDVD-R 4X TAIYO YUDEN SILVER LACQUER 100 pc BULK PACK. Do the bulk packs have same quality?

http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=421

Also, Anyone have any comments about their DVD cases? quality/price

[rahzel]

Planning to pick up aDVD-R 4X TAIYO YUDEN SILVER LACQUER 100 pc BULK PACK. Do the bulk packs have same quality?

http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=421

Also, Anyone have any comments about their DVD cases? quality/price
The bulk packs are the same quality, theyre just in a shrinkwrap and not in a spindle.

As for the DVD cases, ive purchased the single black DVD cases at BM.ca and they were pretty good. However, i ordered 50 and 2 were damaged in shipping but blankmedia gladly sent me 2 more in my next order but they were different but i did order them a couple months appart.

[JLee]

ok I have a small question now.

when burning DVD:

UDF or ISO?

what's the difference?

[HammerJoe]

I have a question.

I knwo that for cdr burning 40x-48x burning is as fast as it goes.

For dvd+/-r it's currently 16X any ideas how long before it's 24X?

DVDr+-w is still 6X-8X.

But for DVR D/L, most of the drives are 4X with only the pioneer 109 being 6X.

How long before new faster drives are going to be available?

[Alexo]

I knwo that for cdr burning 40x-48x burning is as fast as it goes.
For dvd+/-r it's currently 16X any ideas how long before it's 24X?

My guess - not until new materials and processes are used to fabricate the media, probably never.

~52X is the maximum speed you can spin the CD before the risk of it coming apart becomes unacceptable.
Since DVDs spin 3X faster than CDs, I believe that 16X is about the limit.

If you want faster speed, consider other technologies.

[toky]

Hi DD or anyone. Here is my problem:

I just got myself a new Benq 1620 OEM drive and installed it. When I played a DVD (bought from FS) the audio is breaking up >:( , so I tried other DVD or VCD and they all have the same problem :mad: . The drive has version G7L9 firmware. I don't want to go any further, like flashing it to retail version, afraid that will void the warranty. Is my drive defective or did I do something wrong or not doing something right. Should I bring it back to the store to have it replaced?

I tried all those DVD's and VCD on my old DVD drive, they all play well and no problem.

Appreciate your help... :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

ok I have a small question now.

when burning DVD:

UDF or ISO?

what's the difference?

They are different ways of burning DVDs (or CDs). Basically, ISO is when you burn the files all at once, and UDF is for incremental recording (think drag-and-drop recording). ISO recording is very stable, and is more likely to be readable in DVD drives... but recording in UDF means that there is less space on the disc (because of the file format), and less chance of compatability. Plus, if the recording gets screwed up later on (since you can record to it multiple times until it's full), you may lose all the previous recorded data sessions!!

In short, use ISO whenever possible.

[JLee]

phew, been using iso all along, thanks DD

[HammerJoe]

My guess - not until new materials and processes are used to fabricate the media, probably never.

~52X is the maximum speed you can spin the CD before the risk of it coming apart becomes unacceptable.
Since DVDs spin 3X faster than CDs, I believe that 16X is about the limit.

If you want faster speed, consider other technologies.

oh, so any drive available out there is pretty much the best we are going to get?

No point in waiting for something better?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I have a question.

I knwo that for cdr burning 40x-48x burning is as fast as it goes.

For dvd+/-r it's currently 16X any ideas how long before it's 24X?

DVDr+-w is still 6X-8X.

But for DVR D/L, most of the drives are 4X with only the pioneer 109 being 6X.

How long before new faster drives are going to be available?

24x DVDR recording may never happen. Actually it is VERY likely we will sit on 16x for single layer DVDR recording for another year or two before people start switching over more to dual layer and then to Blu Ray. The problem is the very VERY high rotation speeds require a great deal of manufacturing effort and time, so the costs of the single layer discs will be very high. Use of low quality discs reaching this speed could be physically dangerous as well (think shrapnel). But possibly the biggest problem with 24x single layer recording, is that with current DVD burner technology, it would probably take longer to burn then 16x recording. Why you may ask? Because the longest part of recording at 16x right now is the initialization time, taken to calibrate the laser to the disc. As the recording speed goes up, the time taken to calibrate the laser also goes up. So if it take 5.5 minutes 7min to burn at 16x, I think we will be looking at probably 6.5min for 24x, give or take 30 seconds. And the quality will probably not be good.

Now, for RWs. Single layer DVDRWs will almost certainly reach 12x (at least DVD+RWs will, we'll see about DVD-RWs). Whether they will reach 16x or not, and whether or not people would care between 12x or 16x, still remains to be seen. Personally, I think the 6x DVD-RWs and 8x DVD+RWs I have already are a big improvement!! And let me tell you, they are WAY more stable then the 24x and 32x ReWriting media is/was for CD-RWs!!

Dual Layer should be an interesting one... this is where we will see a whole new age for recordable media, where I'm HOPING quality will finally make a come back... although for all you deal hunters, the price will never be where you want it, I'm sorry. The speeds will almost certainly reach 16x. 8x DVD+R9 is around the corner, and DVD-R9 is going to start at 4x/6x, and increase quickly as well. Actually DVD-R9 looks to be QUITE the exciting format!! :cheesygri

As for when newer and faster drives will be available.... well, I think it's safe to say that they will be out before the media is! Unfortunately, I can't give you any dates. I doubt the manufacturers are even sure on that! :P

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD or anyone. Here is my problem:

I just got myself a new Benq 1620 OEM drive and installed it. When I played a DVD (bought from FS) the audio is breaking up >:( , so I tried other DVD or VCD and they all have the same problem :mad: . The drive has version G7L9 firmware. I don't want to go any further, like flashing it to retail version, afraid that will void the warranty. Is my drive defective or did I do something wrong or not doing something right. Should I bring it back to the store to have it replaced?

I tried all those DVD's and VCD on my old DVD drive, they all play well and no problem.

Appreciate your help... :lol:

Hrm... there have been problems with BenQ DW1620's in the past, but most people are usually just complaining that their crappy Prodisc didn't work in it. I've never heard of that burner (or any other burner) having any audio problems. Which brings me to wonder if maybe you don't have DMA enabled, and the transfer rate is just to slow for the video AND audio? Give it a check for me, and let me know :) (it doesn't sound like a problem with your DVD burner though).

[mprielozny]

OK,

I thought I would wait a week and then report on my findings ;)

So I have bought Plextro 716A from ncix.

In one sentence - it is an Diamond in Rough.

I have previously owned - BENQ1620, PIOINEER 107D

well I has soo happy then it came it was the last thing to put to my case. NCIX had it on backorder but I didnt want to loose the sale they had it on. This reminds me I have to send the mailinrebate. ;)

When I got the box, the first thing was to look for the revision number. since you never know what you looking for. Fortunately for me it was 0304. you should see me being all smiles. Next thing I noticed was the big stamp saying DL+R and DL-R 6x with new firmware. I will get back to that later on.

Well I opened the box, they have included everything you might need to hook up the drive. but for me the most important was the extra black faceplate. And there was my first disappointment. The faceplate has OEM look, I thoiught they would invert the colors from the original white faceplate to have PLextor saynig in white. but no.

Since i have never changed faceplate on drive, I thought that it would be easy like hell. you press 2, 3buttons release the plate and replate it. Nah, well at least at that point I didnt know that I have to pull out the tray out in order to release points to remove the faceplate. BUt here is where all the kudos go to Plextor. If you have ever screamed when you got a product that there is not enough information you will get yours with plextor. 1,5" thick ENGLISH only manual for this drive. including relevant pictures point to point navigation. I work in desktop publishing and this suprised me.

So I have the drive in. Boot up my XP, assign the letter I want for drive to be to F, install plextor tools 2,17 the one from the cd that came with the drive. Where I browsed throught the countless options. and found out that DL-R is not supported and RL+R is only 2x. A false advertisement I might add. I checked the plextor site if there is newer firmware and saw only the same one I had. 1.04. So I left it be Opened the nero to give it a test run. I put in one of my 400 Daxon AZ2. see they are detected only as 8X since they are 8X but I thought it would allow me to overburn it at least 12 or 16. well what the heck 8x it is. click on burn. As I was used to from other burners within 5-10 seconds the drive starts burning and progress gets moving. but not here not now. 5 minutes and still on 1%. honestly I got scared. Scared that the drive is faulty and i have to return it and waste another few days. So I killed the process but that didnt kill the drive from thinking about burning well good old reset worked.

thinking something must be wrong with the drive I thought I would reflash it. reinstall everything that has to do with drive and work from there.

Well I did. I reflashed it with the same drive firmware from plextor site. installed new version of plextor tools 2.19. which has showed me few new options which were nto seeable in 2.17. But that didnt help either. So I tried Padus Disc Juggler. same result. After another reboot I tohught I will go and google it or call NCIX right away. But I thought I will give it another shot.
I set it to burn it was giving me same result. but fortunately I got a phone call so I left it run. after 8 mins of standing on 1% the progress started. I was RIGHT ON. so my first burn took 16mins on 8X for 4200MB. then I figured that is the autostrategy. so I tried another rip. well the waiting pause was cut to 45s. and burned in 9MIn. at this moment after 12 burns I am at 7:51 on 8x full disc. which is not bad considering.

I really like this drive. it has all one requires. and with all the savings that there were on it when I bought it. It is worth every penny.

Silent, Elegant, Powerful, and High quality.

BTW, 5hs later from my first initial tests. they released 1.05 firmware which now supports DL-R and RL+R 6x.

Hats down to Plextor.

[rahzel]

i dont know about your problems with the drive but it says it supports DL-R on a firmware update, not out of the box. Or did you mean false advertisement because it said it only writes DL+R at 2x? Just wait for the firmware update. I have an NEC 3520 and NEC also hasnt released an official firmware update to support DL-R yet (they havnt even released ANY official firmware update for that matter).

[toky]

Hrm... there have been problems with BenQ DW1620's in the past, but most people are usually just complaining that their crappy Prodisc didn't work in it. I've never heard of that burner (or any other burner) having any audio problems. Which brings me to wonder if maybe you don't have DMA enabled, and the transfer rate is just to slow for the video AND audio? Give it a check for me, and let me know :) (it doesn't sound like a problem with your DVD burner though).
I fix the problem, but not without some extra searching on the net.

DD, you are correct, it is because the DMA is not enabled. In the beginning I went into and saw that the Current Transfer Mode for my secondary IDE channel stayed at PIO ONLY eventhough the Transfer Mode is DMA IF AVAILABLE. I uninstalled it and rebooted the system...nothing changed. After an hour seaching on the net I found out it was because I was using drive G for my 1620 as I was using C, D and E for my HD and F for my old DVD ROM. I changed my DVD ROM back to E and F and eveything is cool now.

Thanks again!!

BTW, picked up some Maxell DVD+R yesterday that was on sales at FS....they are MIJ.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey mprielozny

You should get some Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs for that burner :cheesygri With the exception of Verbatim's 16x DVD+Rs, they are one of the only media types that burned at full speed with excellent quality on that drive (for 16x DVD+Rs). Check out CDRlabs.com's review on the drive... it's almost enough to make me go out and buy one (and I don't normally *BUY* drives!). Don't worry, NCIX.com will have the Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs available sometime next week :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

I fix the problem, but not without some extra searching on the net.

DD, you are correct, it is because the DMA is not enabled. In the beginning I went into and saw that the Current Transfer Mode for my secondary IDE channel stayed at PIO ONLY eventhough the Transfer Mode is DMA IF AVAILABLE. I uninstalled it and rebooted the system...nothing changed. After an hour seaching on the net I found out it was because I was using drive G for my 1620 as I was using C, D and E for my HD and F for my old DVD ROM. I changed my DVD ROM back to E and F and eveything is cool now.

Thanks again!!

BTW, picked up some Maxell DVD+R yesterday that was on sales at FS....they are MIJ.

Glad I was able to give you a hand in that at least! :)

[chinaboy1021]

thanks DD for anwsering my questions.

[The Digital Dolphin]

thanks DD for anwsering my questions.

Umm.... you welcome.... ??? I didn't see a question from you, so I'm a little confused :confused:

[chinaboy1021]

i mean the ones i asked in the PM. :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

i mean the ones i asked in the PM. :lol:

ahh! I see now :lol:

Sorry, I don't really pay attention to names, or remember them very well. I pretty much just look at the PM's and answer the questions. And I'm rarely attentive enough to relate a PM to a public post.

Heh, you'd think with my anal compulsive attention to detail with recordable media, that I'd at LEAST be able to recognize a name or two here and there... but I'm the worst at it. In fact, back in Highschool, I sucked at social studies because I could never memorize all the names and dates when things happend. But I can tell you that the only two manufacturers of a Gold DVDR are both located in France ;) :cheesygri

And if someone can tell me what two manufacturers those are in 24 hours of this post. I'll send them a free Verbatim 6x DVD-RW ;) (don't even TRY to use it on a drive not capable of burning 6x DVD-RWs though...).

[rahzel]

hey DD, i have a few questions about life expectancy and another question.

1. about how long do you think the verbatim DL+R's will last?
2. about how long do you think Ritek/Ridata (ricohjpnr01 or 2?) will last.
3. have you ever used these ridata branded ricohjpn coded 4x +r media? i believe on the spindle it said they were MIT, are these actually ricoh? youd think theyd be manuf. in japan with the ricohjpn code and all but since theyre MIT, how could they be ricohjpn?

i know its hard to tell life expectancy just wondering if you could give me your best guess.

[Madcatmk2]

"
But I can tell you that the only two manufacturers of a Gold DVDR are both located in France

And if someone can tell me what two manufacturers those are in 24 hours of this post.
"

Ensisheim (France)
En alsace
Parc d'activites La Passerelle
F-68190 Ensisheim
France

After 40 mins searching....

the other is singulus:
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:hXjtOyvWBCMJ:www.singulus.de/pdf/news/news18.pdf+dvd+production+plant+%22gold%22+%22fran ce%22&hl=en
Boizenburg, Germany
They do DVD golds on demand.

Can i get the report on degrading cds in binders now? http://img51.exs.cx/img51/1852/tonguebigeye0pk.gif

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, i have a few questions about life expectancy and another question.

1. about how long do you think the verbatim DL+R's will last?
2. about how long do you think Ritek/Ridata (ricohjpnr01 or 2?) will last.
3. have you ever used these ridata branded ricohjpn coded 4x +r media? i believe on the spindle it said they were MIT, are these actually ricoh? youd think theyd be manuf. in japan with the ricohjpn code and all but since theyre MIT, how could they be ricohjpn?

i know its hard to tell life expectancy just wondering if you could give me your best guess.

#1: The media has been available for a couple months only, I can't give you any kind of guess that would be even remotely based on anything factual. My "shot in the dark" guess would be 5 years, and that is TRYING to be conservative. I'm hoping for 10+ years.

#2: Ritek has HUGE quality variations. I could see some of their media lasting 2-3 years, and some of it lasting 5-8 years. I've got some media that died at the point of burning, even though it had no visible defects!!

#3: Ricoh brand media is made by Ritek and CMC. All Ricohjpn MID codes to the best of my knowledge are still manufactured in Taiwan by Ritek... with the EXCEPTION of the R&D media made by Ricoh themselves in Japan, for purposes of certifying their code, and preparing the stampers that they send to Ritek for making their media with. Ritek has lost part of this account however, to CMC, since CMC offered a higher quality product and better pricing for 16x DVD-Rs, and I believe 8x DVD-R as well. This is probably one of the reasons why both the RITEKG06 and then the RITEKG07 media has been axed, and now we are looking probably at RITEKF1 as the new media coming from Ritek for their 16x DVD-Rs.

As for why the MID code is RICOHJPN, it is JUST a MID code, it has no other purpose but to identify a disc, so that the burner can choose the appropriate writing strategy. It doesn't have to even be a word, or discernable in any way, they just happen to mostly be variations of the name of the company who made the media. Since Ricoh is a Japanese company, I can only assume that is why their codes start with RICOHJPN always.

Hope that helps!!

[The Digital Dolphin]

"
But I can tell you that the only two manufacturers of a Gold DVDR are both located in France

And if someone can tell me what two manufacturers those are in 24 hours of this post.
"

Ensisheim (France)
En alsace
Parc d'activites La Passerelle
F-68190 Ensisheim
France

After 40 mins searching....

the other is singulus:
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:hXjtOyvWBCMJ:www.singulus.de/pdf/news/news18.pdf+dvd+production+plant+%22gold%22+%22fran ce%22&hl=en
Boizenburg, Germany
They do DVD golds on demand.

Can i get the report on degrading cds in binders now? http://img51.exs.cx/img51/1852/tonguebigeye0pk.gif

Hrm, I think you're wrong on that last one. I don't see any reference to Gold DVD-R media on the link you provided, and I also didn't see anything saying they made them in France. I did see they had a subsidiary in France though, but that doesn't mean they make Gold DVD-Rs there...

Either way, you were actually beat to it by Money1 who sent me a PM at 11:14am with the following correct answer:

Hey DD

One is Emtec MPO (BASF)
The other Alsace France (MAM-E)

is it right ?
thanks

Although I don't believe that Emtec *IS* MPO, I'd have to double check how far their relationship actually goes. The answers I was looking for were MAM-E France, and MPO France, and both of those were included in his response. So Money1 can now PM me his address, and I'll part ways with one of my highly guarded Verbatim 6x DVD-RWs... :cry:

It looks like I need to be more careful the next time I do this!! :lol:

As for the Binder/lifespan degridation thing... I'm still waiting to get it myself :mad: My friend who I'm waiting for is a very busy student in The Netherlands, who happens to be studying to actually work in a media manufacturing plant! Which is why he has like 10x better sources then I do for some things, and way WAY more knowledge about certain aspects of blank media then I probably ever will. It could also be said that he is my original "sensei" :cheesygri I'll bug him again for you when I see him online next.

[Madcatmk2]

oops, they only build replication plants but they do dvd5 or 9 with gold reflective layer and is based in germany, you said that the only two were based in france... :lol:
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:uUk8rj97uTMJ:www.singulus.de/pdf/spaceline2/spaceline2.pdf++gold++reflective+aluminium+++dvd+p roduction&hl=en


You friend probably lost the file in a big pack of cds. Too long to search for it.
oh well :cry:. He could be god but ill still ask for proof. Like does this applies to phthalocyanine and why the inch hole at the end of the binder zipper is not big enough to let the fumes out. Is the fume heavier than air or lighter?

[rahzel]

#1: The media has been available for a couple months only, I can't give you any kind of guess that would be even remotely based on anything factual. My "shot in the dark" guess would be 5 years, and that is TRYING to be conservative. I'm hoping for 10+ years.

#2: Ritek has HUGE quality variations. I could see some of their media lasting 2-3 years, and some of it lasting 5-8 years. I've got some media that died at the point of burning, even though it had no visible defects!!

#3: Ricoh brand media is made by Ritek and CMC. All Ricohjpn MID codes to the best of my knowledge are still manufactured in Taiwan by Ritek... with the EXCEPTION of the R&D media made by Ricoh themselves in Japan, for purposes of certifying their code, and preparing the stampers that they send to Ritek for making their media with. Ritek has lost part of this account however, to CMC, since CMC offered a higher quality product and better pricing for 16x DVD-Rs, and I believe 8x DVD-R as well. This is probably one of the reasons why both the RITEKG06 and then the RITEKG07 media has been axed, and now we are looking probably at RITEKF1 as the new media coming from Ritek for their 16x DVD-Rs.

As for why the MID code is RICOHJPN, it is JUST a MID code, it has no other purpose but to identify a disc, so that the burner can choose the appropriate writing strategy. It doesn't have to even be a word, or discernable in any way, they just happen to mostly be variations of the name of the company who made the media. Since Ricoh is a Japanese company, I can only assume that is why their codes start with RICOHJPN always.

Hope that helps!!
well from pretty much ALL the reviews ive seen of the ricohjpn coded ridata 4x dvd+R's, they have been very good. Ive read around a lot before buying them a while ago. Ive looked on videohelp.com, several different forums and i looked at the buyers reviews at BM.ca and i dont even think ive heard of 1 bad comment about them. Some even say they burn reliably at 6x or even 8x. Ive heard a few things about these ricoh coded ridata's, everything from they use ricoh's material to make them, ive heard theyre actually ricoh dvd's and i heard theyre not ricoh at all, its just the code. I know most ritek/ridata media has variable quality and i know the media id is just a code but it seems like these consistantly get good reviews.

[The Digital Dolphin]

oops, they only build replication plants but they do dvd5 or 9 with gold reflective layer and is based in germany, you said that the only two were based in france... :lol:
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:uUk8rj97uTMJ:www.singulus.de/pdf/spaceline2/spaceline2.pdf++gold++reflective+aluminium+++dvd+p roduction&hl=en


You friend probably lost the file in a big pack of cds. Too long to search for it.
oh well :cry:. He could be god but ill still ask for proof. Like does this applies to phthalocyanine and why the inch hole at the end of the binder zipper is not big enough to let the fumes out. Is the fume heavier than air or lighter?

If I recall correctly, I said:
I can tell you that the only two manufacturers of a Gold DVDR are both located in France

Note the 'R' in DVDR :cheesygri

I'll keep bugging him don't worry ;) I don't know how heavy/light the fumes are... good question though!

[The Digital Dolphin]

well from pretty much ALL the reviews ive seen of the ricohjpn coded ridata 4x dvd+R's, they have been very good. Ive read around a lot before buying them a while ago. Ive looked on videohelp.com, several different forums and i looked at the buyers reviews at BM.ca and i dont even think ive heard of 1 bad comment about them. Some even say they burn reliably at 6x or even 8x. Ive heard a few things about these ricoh coded ridata's, everything from they use ricoh's material to make them, ive heard theyre actually ricoh dvd's and i heard theyre not ricoh at all, its just the code. I know most ritek/ridata media has variable quality and i know the media id is just a code but it seems like these consistantly get good reviews.

It's true that Ritek makes Ricoh's brand of media with higher quality specifications then their own brand media... but that doesn't mean that there aren't some bad batches out there. Actually, RICOHJPR02 is more problamatic then RICOHJPNR01... Also keep in mind that most people who "review" media do not actually know what they're doing. Sadly, this is true for many professionals as well. The problem stems from people taking things for granted, and assuming too much, without questioning the data enough, and doing any real research. This is a problem that Madcatmk2 does *NOT* suffer from however :cheesygri

[rahzel]

It's true that Ritek makes Ricoh's brand of media with higher quality specifications then their own brand media... but that doesn't mean that there aren't some bad batches out there. Actually, RICOHJPR02 is more problamatic then RICOHJPNR01... Also keep in mind that most people who "review" media do not actually know what they're doing. Sadly, this is true for many professionals as well. The problem stems from people taking things for granted, and assuming too much, without questioning the data enough, and doing any real research. This is a problem that Madcatmk2 does *NOT* suffer from however :cheesygri
hey DD, thanks for the help once again.

I believe these are ricohjpnr01 so again, about how long do you think these will last?

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, thanks for the help once again.

I believe these are ricohjpnr01 so again, about how long do you think these will last?

I really hate doing these "shots in the dark" because they are based on nothing more then idle speculation on my part. But as long as you are aware of this, I would guess they should last at least 3-5 years. Now, they may last less time then that if they are from a bad batch, or they may last 2 or 3 times longer then that. Ritek's CD-Rs seem to be good for about 5 years roughly before they start to seriously degrade in any way... and probably good for another 2-3 before they are actually unreadable beyond repair, so I'm loosely basing my guess on some of my own experiences with Ritek CD-Rs.

[rahzel]

a rough guess from you is better than not knowing anything; I just like to keep my collection of movies for a long time.

One last thing about life expectancy of dvd's i promiss =]. Does how you store the media effect the life of DVD media? like if you keep the media in a dark place (i have all my DVD's in DVD cases) will that make them last longer?

[Madcatmk2]

I have an NEC 3520 and NEC also hasnt released an official firmware update to support DL-R yet (they havnt even released ANY official firmware update for that matter).

Official firmware that came with my 3520. Yours should have the same too. :razz:
DVD9-R

http://img104.exs.cx/img104/2407/dvdr9minus8th.jpg

[ak47num1]

Hi, DD. Sorry to bother you again, but I am just examining the DVD+R media that my friend bought. It has the code IFPI-GZ02 on the disc and DVD-Identifier couldn't pick up the manufactuer.

Can you please tell me the manufacturer of these discs and whether they are good media or not?

** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Media Code'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'Media Code'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 11h (Method 1) - ADIP Information
0000 : a1 0f 02 00 00 03 00 00 00 26 05 3f 00 00 00 00 .........&.?....
0010 : 00 00 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 30 30 31 00 38 ...........001.8
0020 : 23 54 37 13 02 4a 71 02 90 66 16 16 0b 0b 0a 0a #T7..Jq..f......
0030 : 01 1c 1e 0b 0c 12 12 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0040 : 01 00 38 38 02 26 60 38 06 30 22 10 08 20 1c 01 ..88.&`8.0".. ..
0050 : 00 00 02 26 60 38 06 30 22 10 08 20 1c 01 00 00 ...&`8.0".. ....
0060 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0070 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0080 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0090 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00a0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00b0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00c0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00d0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00e0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00f0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0100 : 00 00 ..

Thanks a million!

[The Digital Dolphin]

a rough guess from you is better than not knowing anything; I just like to keep my collection of movies for a long time.

One last thing about life expectancy of dvd's i promiss =]. Does how you store the media effect the life of DVD media? like if you keep the media in a dark place (i have all my DVD's in DVD cases) will that make them last longer?

Just keep them in a cool, dark, dry area. So in a DVD case, away from heat sources, and not in a pool of water will be good :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

The IFPI number doesn't help me much, but you DID provide the MID... it's '001'. The media is pretty generic, I wouldn't expect anything incredible quality wise.... actually, I'd keep my eye on anything burned on them too.

Hi, DD. Sorry to bother you again, but I am just examining the DVD+R media that my friend bought. It has the code IFPI-GZ02 on the disc and DVD-Identifier couldn't pick up the manufactuer.

Can you please tell me the manufacturer of these discs and whether they are good media or not?

** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Media Code'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'Media Code'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 11h (Method 1) - ADIP Information
0000 : a1 0f 02 00 00 03 00 00 00 26 05 3f 00 00 00 00 .........&.?....
0010 : 00 00 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 30 30 31 00 38 ...........001.8
0020 : 23 54 37 13 02 4a 71 02 90 66 16 16 0b 0b 0a 0a #T7..Jq..f......
0030 : 01 1c 1e 0b 0c 12 12 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0040 : 01 00 38 38 02 26 60 38 06 30 22 10 08 20 1c 01 ..88.&`8.0".. ..
0050 : 00 00 02 26 60 38 06 30 22 10 08 20 1c 01 00 00 ...&`8.0".. ....
0060 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0070 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0080 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0090 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00a0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00b0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00c0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00d0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00e0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00f0 : 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0100 : 00 00 ..

Thanks a million!

[François L.]

Mr. Dolphin

I am currently burning dvd+r's with a Plextor PX-708A with firmware 1.08.

I burned 50 or so Verbatim DVD+R (rated 8X) that I purchased from blankmedia.ca. More than half of the discs I burned had errors in them. The media code is MCC 003.

I am currently using Ritek DVD+R (rated 8X) and not getting any errors. The media code for these is Ritek R03.

I also ordered DVD-R Taiyo Yuden (rated 16X) and will try this out with a new burner shortly.

Questions:
========
1) What is the best way to check if my DVD's are burned correctly? What software should I use? I 'm currently using the test version of dvdinfo pro, I'm not sure if it's the best thing to use, don't know.

2) Which software are better to burn with perfect accuracy? I usually burn (.img, .iso, video_ts). I'm currently using Nero 6.6.0.6.

I'm really bummed with my Verbatim burns. What I need is to burn dvd's with perfect accuracy. I create backups of some dvd's I own for friends and I want them to play perfectly on their set-top dvd player.

I must advise you I am not too too technical when it comes to burning dvd's. I read briefly on bit-setting (out of my depth here) and I consider myself a newbie when it comes to DVDr. I freak out when I see graphs posted by people of the various blank medias they try; no idea what they can grasp out of these graphs.

I am now trying to purchase the best media I can (expensive though!) for my 708A. Will probably buy a SATA Plextor 716A.

Thanks for any advice you may have

François L.

[Evil Techie]

Mr. Dolphin

I am currently burning dvd+r's with a Plextor PX-708A with firmware 1.08.

I burned 50 or so Verbatim DVD+R (rated 8X) that I purchased from blankmedia.ca. More than half of the discs I burned had errors in them. The media code is MCC 003.

I am currently using Ritek DVD+R (rated 8X) and not getting any errors. The media code for these is Ritek R03.

I also ordered DVD-R Taiyo Yuden (rated 16X) and will try this out with a new burner shortly.

Questions:
========
1) What is the best way to check if my DVD's are burned correctly? What software should I use? I 'm currently using the test version of dvdinfo pro, I'm not sure if it's the best thing to use, don't know.

2) Which software are better to burn with perfect accuracy? I usually burn (.img, .iso, video_ts). I'm currently using Nero 6.6.0.6.

I'm really bummed with my Verbatim burns. What I need is to burn dvd's with perfect accuracy. I create backups of some dvd's I own for friends and I want them to play perfectly on their set-top dvd player.

I must advise you I am not too too technical when it comes to burning dvd's. I read briefly on bit-setting (out of my depth here) and I consider myself a newbie when it comes to DVDr. I freak out when I see graphs posted by people of the various blank medias they try; no idea what they can grasp out of these graphs.

I am now trying to purchase the best media I can (expensive though!) for my 708A. Will probably buy a SATA Plextor 716A.

Thanks for any advice you may have

François L.

I too am an owner of the 708A
i havent tried the verbatim +Rs yet
but if you want to booktype, get the plextool pro software and it has the support of auto booktype for 708A

also im still unsure on what the 1.09 firmware does exactly, u still might want to give it a try, it is on the european plextor site

[Evil Techie]

hey DD, thanks for the help once again.

I believe these are ricohjpnr01 so again, about how long do you think these will last?


The ricohjpnr01's are old

anyways
about what you said about the ritek make ones with ricohjpnr01
quality does vary despite what posters of videohelp.com are saying

some of the Memorex 4x+R that are made by ritek with ricohjpnr01 codes are not that good of quality and i have about 3 coasters of those to prove it

[The Digital Dolphin]

Mr. Dolphin

I am currently burning dvd+r's with a Plextor PX-708A with firmware 1.08.


Use the latest firmware :cheesygri
http://www.plextor.be/download/ftp1/708A109.exe


I burned 50 or so Verbatim DVD+R (rated 8X) that I purchased from blankmedia.ca. More than half of the discs I burned had errors in them. The media code is MCC 003.


Verbatim's media is quite variable these days. The media could be made by MCC, CMC, or Prodisc... and every manufacturer makes it slightly different, which makes it hard for the code to be tweaked properly for the specific disc. I would not suggest using this media.


I am currently using Ritek DVD+R (rated 8X) and not getting any errors. The media code for these is Ritek R03.


This media probably isn't great either... I wouldn't be surprised if it was limited to 4x recording only, and that's why you have no problems. Still, it should work "ok".


I also ordered DVD-R Taiyo Yuden (rated 16X) and will try this out with a new burner shortly.


I'm sorry to say this was a waste of your money... your burner only supports 4x recording on DVD-Rs, and you've paid a VERY high premium for discs that will not even be supported very well by your (now) very old drive. If you are going to use DVD-Rs, you should use the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs. Otherwise use the Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, which should give you AWESOME results.


Questions:
========
1) What is the best way to check if my DVD's are burned correctly? What software should I use? I 'm currently using the test version of dvdinfo pro, I'm not sure if it's the best thing to use, don't know.


Use DVDInfoPro or Nero CD/DVD Speed to do a transfer rate test. I don't think your drive supports Plextools, but if it does, then use that. The smoother the graph the better!


2) Which software are better to burn with perfect accuracy? I usually burn (.img, .iso, video_ts). I'm currently using Nero 6.6.0.6.


Nero is quite good, I couldn't make a better suggestion.


I'm really bummed with my Verbatim burns. What I need is to burn dvd's with perfect accuracy. I create backups of some dvd's I own for friends and I want them to play perfectly on their set-top dvd player.


Understably so! You pay a premium for the Verbatim name, and then end up with something you can't use... although in all fairness, it's partly the fault of your drive as well.


I must advise you I am not too too technical when it comes to burning dvd's. I read briefly on bit-setting (out of my depth here) and I consider myself a newbie when it comes to DVDr. I freak out when I see graphs posted by people of the various blank medias they try; no idea what they can grasp out of these graphs.


We all have to start somewhere... if I go over your head, just let me know and I'll do my best to re-phrase it :)


I am now trying to purchase the best media I can (expensive though!) for my 708A. Will probably buy a SATA Plextor 716A.


Using good media is the best way to keep your data intact. I wish more people would understand this also!

The PX-716a seems to be quite a good burner! I'll probably get one myself (also SATA) when I get the chance! It works VERY well with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, and also Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs. For DVD-Rs, probably Taiyo Yuden 8x and 16x would be the best.

[François L.]

Use the latest firmware :cheesygri
http://www.plextor.be/download/ftp1/708A109.exe

I'm sorry to say this was a waste of your money... your burner only supports 4x recording on DVD-Rs, and you've paid a VERY high premium for discs that will not even be supported very well by your (now) very old drive. If you are going to use DVD-Rs, you should use the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs. Otherwise use the Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs, which should give you AWESOME results.



Hello,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. When I bought the Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 16X, I knew I was going to upgrade to a new 16X burner, and I know it's no use with my 708A.

I am leaning towards the Plextor mainly because it is the only one I can find which is SATA. I am currently on a noise-free rampage and having SATA cables for my harddisks & DVD burner will improve airflow in my case.

Now, if I get the Plextor PX-716SA, I sure would hope that the TY's work great! It would be nice to find a cheaper media alternative for the Plextor though.

Thanks a bunch

François

[Evil Techie]

well the TYs +Rs nowadays are pretty cheap

looks like DD killed my previous post by how much info hes giving there
hehehehe
good work DD

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hello,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. When I bought the Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 16X, I knew I was going to upgrade to a new 16X burner, and I know it's no use with my 708A.

I am leaning towards the Plextor mainly because it is the only one I can find which is SATA. I am currently on a noise-free rampage and having SATA cables for my harddisks & DVD burner will improve airflow in my case.

Now, if I get the Plextor PX-716SA, I sure would hope that the TY's work great! It would be nice to find a cheaper media alternative for the Plextor though.

Thanks a bunch

François

Well, From Ian's testing on CDRLabs, it looks like the Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs had quite good quality, and were one of the only discs that didn't get slowed down due to power record kicking in during the burn process. Probably Acro Circle 8x DVD+Rs will also work well I would imagine, but that's a guess, and Plextor drives sometimes defy all logic :razz:

When I get one myself I'll be able to test it more thouroughly.

Sorry Evil Techie!! I didn't see your post yet when I was writing mine :razz:

[Pavel]

Hi DD,

I just got the BENQ EW1621 External 16X +R 16X-R Dual layer burner last night. I have 14 days to try it out. I was wondering which -R DVD's I can buy right now, I only need one or two to test it out. I wish to see if the burner can successfully burn at 8 and 16X in -R mode.

Which do you recommend and where can I pick up one or two?

Thanks

P

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hrm... your best bet would be to buy/trade with someone who purchased a 25pk/50pk of media already.

For 16x DVD-Rs... the only ones you'll have a chance with are Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs, and 16x DVD-Rs, Acro Circle 16x DVD-Rs, Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs, and Sony 8x DVD-Rs maybe (or BenQ 8x DVD-Rs supposedly). For 8x, just about anything that isn't Prodisc will work well.

If you want to meet up, I'll only be in the country another day or two, so let me know quick. I don't mind meeting at Metrotown. After that I'll be in the U.S. for SakuraCon for a while.

[w3ss]

Just puchased some 4x DVD-R TY Media from blankmedia and they ended up being TYG02's.

I am using FW B7T9 and also tried B7S9. Nero allows me to select 16x to burn them but they take 55min. (Tried to burn them at 16x and 12x - both very slow 45-55min)

Did a test and got about 98% accuracy and max speed reached was 8x.(but took 55mins to burn)

Any idea what I can do or try to get them to burn faster?

If it makes a difference im using it in a firewire enclosure and it burns Maxell's 8x DVD+R (Japan) in about 8 mins.

TIA.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just puchased some 4x DVD-R TY Media from blankmedia and they ended up being TYG02's.

I am using FW B7T9 and also tried B7S9. Nero allows me to select 16x to burn them but they take 55min. (Tried to burn them at 16x and 12x - both very slow 45-55min)

Did a test and got about 98% accuracy and max speed reached was 8x.(but took 55mins to burn)

Any idea what I can do or try to get them to burn faster?

If it makes a difference im using it in a firewire enclosure and it burns Maxell's 8x DVD+R (Japan) in about 8 mins.

TIA.

The BenQ is VERY good at telling how fast media should be burned... and it won't let you push something beyond its' limits. If the media is taking 55min to burn, it's because you're trying to burn it too fast. Try burning it at 4x first, and if that yields a reasonable ~15min burn, try 8x.

Why do you expect to be able to burn 4x rated media at 16x? Maybe you should ask yourself if you've hanging out on this forum a little too much? :razz:

[Evil Techie]

hey no problems DD

lol @ burning 4x TY at 12x and 16x

how can one expect that to work?

oh well

btw DD someone on another thread has requested you write a "Coles" notes for this thread cause this is going to be too hard to read
hehe
wondering if u are too busy right now packing up for ur trip to SakuraCon

i can give you some help once my final exams are over

[w3ss]

hahaha...it wasnt my fault...

i was sceptical about burning it at the TY 4x @16x but someone on blankmedia reviewed that they we able too. And when I saw that nero picked it up at a possible maximum speed of 16x I had to try it out...

Lesson learned: Don't believe everything you read on the net...

Wait... that includes things DD posts up. jk

We all trust u :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey no problems DD

lol @ burning 4x TY at 12x and 16x

how can one expect that to work?

oh well

btw DD someone on another thread has requested you write a "Coles" notes for this thread cause this is going to be too hard to read
hehe
wondering if u are too busy right now packing up for ur trip to SakuraCon

i can give you some help once my final exams are over

Help packing? Sweet! :lol: (j/k)

Yeah, I'm pretty busy working on a Prodisc Vs. Optodisc study for someone right now. It's pretty interesting. I'm looking specifically at the FUJIFILM03 code Prodisc 8x DVD-Rs, vs the Acro Circle OPTODISCR008 code Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs. So far I've burned and tested the discs with the BenQ DW1620 (B7U9), and LG 4163B (A103) and the results are half what I expected. I wasn't surprised to see the BenQ have strong problems with the Prodisc media, and I wasn't surprised to see the excellent results from the Acro Circle Disc.... but I was a bit surprised to see the LG 4163B limit the recording speed of the Prodisc DVD-R to 6x when recording it (official speed is 8x of course), but then turn around some good quality burns (at a reduced speed I would HOPE so!!). The Acro Circle burned at the proper speed, but didn't have QUITE as good results. I'm not sure if I should call that in favour of one or the other... maybe it's a draw? Next up is the LiteON SOHW-832s ;)

As for a coles notes.... I deffinately don't have that kind of time. I'm planning something.. 'big' ... and it's going to take about 2-3 months just on its' own, assuming I don't get bogged down too much with DVD Burner reviews while I'm working on it. I'm not going to say what "it" is... but it will be something that many people all over the world should appreciate, and will hopefully dispel some rumours about DVDR media... it may even cause some changes on the manufacturing end of media if I'm really lucky. It's still in the planning stages however, and I'll need a few people to lend their support... and by people I mean major corporations... and by support, I mean hardware/media/time/money/services... Well, no more hints for now ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

hahaha...it wasnt my fault...

i was sceptical about burning it at the TY 4x @16x but someone on blankmedia reviewed that they we able too. And when I saw that nero picked it up at a possible maximum speed of 16x I had to try it out...

Lesson learned: Don't believe everything you read on the net...

Wait... that includes things DD posts up. jk

We all trust u :lol:

I appreciate your faith in me... but honestly, you would be wise to always take advice with caution. I'm not always right about everything, although I always try my hardest to keep my info accurate, and my suggestions as good as they can be... but when it comes down to it, I'm still human and just as prone to error as the next person. I encourage you to experiment, and to question, and to do your own research as much as possible! I'll always do my best to help, but when you do your own research to get the answers, you will probably understand them better then if I just try to explain it. It was only a few years ago that I got into this industry, and I started by being an ass on CD forums trying to tell people that CMC was good! I got blasted by users and mods alike, and nearly banned for it! But in the end, with the help of someone who has been my guide through these years studying optical media, I was able to proove that the CMC media I had *WAS* good... just very VERY out of the ordinary ;) Of course, that was a long time ago, and the testing did NOT include an ageing test, which probably would have found VERY different results I suspect :razz: But the short story is, always question, and always do your best to find the real answers, even when they are hidden! :D

[Evil Techie]

ive heard about u working on a new website before
is that what u are still working now right now?

[The Digital Dolphin]

ive heard about u working on a new website before
is that what u are still working now right now?

Nope :cheesygri

Sadly, the website was discontinued due to lack of time, and also the fact that all my efforts are now being focused here and on CDRlabs for the most part... so what you aren't seeing there should be showing up on CDRlabs, and sometimes here. Eventually I'll get around to doing real media reviews again too! :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

Well, this is my official "I'm off on my vacation" post. So I'm leaving all the questions to my very capable unofficial assistants (Evil Techie, Madcatmk2, rahzel, and anyone else who wants to).

I'm off to the land of anime!! :D

[chinaboy1021]

yo have fun DD.

anyways, im reading the Maxell 100 spindle 4x DVD-R at Futureshop in the hot deals section.

ppl are canceling their order for NCIX TYs, because this is the same (assuming the FS one are MIJ) quality??

:confused:

[rahzel]

Well, this is my official "I'm off on my vacation" post. So I'm leaving all the questions to my very capable unofficial assistants (Evil Techie, Madcatmk2, rahzel, and anyone else who wants to).

I'm off to the land of anime!! :D
have fun DD =].

Chinaboy, many say that Maxell's own MIJ MXLRG02/03 are on par with Taiyo Yuden's quality and that theyre the ONLY DVD's that can compete with TY quality. If you can find a MIJ spindle of maxell DVD-R's, theres a very good chance if not 100% chance youll get either MXLRG02/03 (02=4x, 03=8x) or even TYG01 (Taiyo Yuden 4x).

i myself am only gonna buy Taiyo Yuden DVD's because Futureshop is pretty far from my house and im too lazy to drive all the way there to make sure i get a MIJ spindle.

[Evil Techie]

have fun DD =].

Chinaboy, many say that Maxell's own MIJ MXLRG02/03 are on par with Taiyo Yuden's quality and that theyre the ONLY DVD's that can compete with TY quality. If you can find a MIJ spindle of maxell DVD-R's, theres a very good chance if not 100% chance youll get either MXLRG02/03 (02=4x, 03=8x) or even TYG01 (Taiyo Yuden 4x).

i myself am only gonna buy Taiyo Yuden DVD's because Futureshop is pretty far from my house and im too lazy to drive all the way there to make sure i get a MIJ spindle.


that is true
but i think earlier on in that time period, verbatim MCC also had very good DVD-Rs at 4X
able to compete with TY too
just not as common
heck, back then there were barely any good media here in canada except the maxels

nowadays the easiest way to make sure you are getting good media is to see if it is made in japan
lol

unless u want to chance it with ricohjpnr01 and r02
they are alright if from maxell and basically memorex doesnt outsource to ritek to make them anymore so dont even bother with memorex

another good media that is pretty cheap is the optodisc acro circle ones that also work exceptionally well in benq DW1620

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm half back from vacation now.... which is to say that I'm in the country, but not returning to full "duties" until around the end of this week or so. And for goodness sake, that does NOT mean people should PM me instead of posting a message here :cry:

I came home to several messages, and then several more as soon as I posted something again....

[look30]

Hey Dolphin,
I'm looking to upgrade my 4X Lite-ON burner to a 16X with DL for thefuture when prices will go down.
I mainly use it to burn video DVD and backup DVD's so my main concern is compatibility with regular settop DVD players, compatibility with all kind of media (mainly DVD+R and RW) and good DVD ripping speed.
I'm looking right noe to something like Benq, NEC,Pioneer and LiteOn altough the later one was mixed reviews regarding burn quality .
Which would be the best DVD writer for me ?

[Evil Techie]

DD, just take the time off
dont come to RFD for a while

off duty means off duty
you deserve the vacation

go have fun and spend less time on the computer!
hehe

look30:

DD recommends the BENQ DW1620 for performance and compatibility
it even has a firmware that is to be used for cheap media
i would however, recommend TY media for best compatibility with settop players and for best quality
as for burning DVD+Rs
you can also do something called change booktype
it will burn DVD+Rs and "set" its compatibility to that of an DVD-R
better for set top players
TY DVD+R 8x is recommended for this drive
also the TY DVD-R 8x

they can all be burned at 16x with very little sacrafice to the quality

liteon DVD burners are utterly worthless
dont buy them
Pioneer 109 is also a good burner
check out the link in DD's sig for specific reviews

[rahzel]

yeah i would go with the BENQ as DD says its one of the most compatible DVD writers out there and its also one of the cheapest. Also, i think the BENQ 1620 automatically changes the booktype of DVD+R media to DVD-ROM with the stock firmware. As Evil Techie said, this increases the compatibility of +R media.

I usually recommend the NEC 3520 myself but with the stock firmware, it only changes the booktype of DualLayer+R media to DVD-ROM and not single layer +R or +RW media.

[Pavel]

Hey DD, sorry I missed you before you took off on holidays. I got majorly sick with this damn flu going around; otherwise I would've like to hook up as suggested.

I got the External Benq 1620I that appears to be the 1620 with an external enclosure. This baby is awesome. It burns flawlessly so far (i hope i didnt jinx myself :eek: ). I bought some Fuji DV -RW from Staples and TDK -R's from Costco. No problems at all so far. I am really happy especially since most everyone has problems with non OEM 5.25 inch enclosures with DVD writers.

The only thing I dont like is that I ran Nero and I am limited to 12X only. I dunno, if it is related to the 4200 RPM laptop drive that is limiting the speed.

Just thought I would post my experience in case there is someone else considering getting a burner for their laptop or for portability.

[Pavel]

rahzel, the TDK media is rated at 8x. Nero's speed test indicated that the maximum my system could burn is 12X.

[Madcatmk2]

rahzel, the TDK media is rated at 8x. Nero's speed test indicated that the maximum my system could burn is 12X.

use HDtune (http://www.google.ca/url?sa=U&start=1&q=http://www.hdtune.com/&e=10053)
to see if your harddrive can do it. You should defrag first. 12x at 16620KB/s and 16x is 22160 KB/s .

[The Digital Dolphin]

rahzel, the TDK media is rated at 8x. Nero's speed test indicated that the maximum my system could burn is 12X.

That's only telling you the maximum your DVD media can be burned at, not your system max...

Where were the TDK 8x DVD-Rs manufactured out of curiousity?

(getting back into the swing of things over the next few days, with expecatations of full Dolphin interaction by Monday April 18t ;) )

[Madcatmk2]

Oops, got corrected by DD.

There is 3 types of TDK DVD-R according to videohelp.com
TTG02
TTH01
TYG02

On my nec the first is maxed at 8x, the second at 16x and the third 12x.


Anyway, i thought nero limited you and showed a special popup saying that your system can't go at 16x and not about the options available when you select speeds.

Can you also give us the media code using http://dvdidentifier.cdfreaks.com/ please?

[look30]

I got the Benq 1620 from Canada Computers and... not impressed.
First pain in the arse to update the firmware. For some reason the upgrading tool was refusing to do it. Found a firmware dump and with the unofficial upgrade tool I managed to put the P firmware on then it worked with the official one to upgrade to the U firmware.
Till now 2 coasters out of 8(mixed 4X 8X and 16X) which is a 25% failure rate , basically if I write with 16X on Benq 8X DVD+R media it will fail.
Costers where produced at 16X and 8X.

[Madcatmk2]

I got the Benq 1620 from Canada Computers and... not impressed.
First pain in the arse to update the firmware. For some reason the upgrading tool was refusing to do it. Found a firmware dump and with the unofficial upgrade tool I managed to put the P firmware on then it worked with the official one to upgrade to the U firmware.
Till now 2 coasters out of 8(mixed 4X 8X and 16X) which is a 25% failure rate , basically if I write with 16X on Benq 8X DVD+R media it will fail.
Costers where produced at 16X and 8X.

I burn those at 6x on my Nec 3520 for best results. You shouldn't expect great results with that kind of "ok" media and mostly impossible to overlap the speed rate by two levels.

[look30]

What's strange is that the failure came with a message about WinASPI in the Nero folder....
Dunno what's causing it....
Nero version 6.6.0.6

[Pavel]

Oops, got corrected by DD.

There is 3 types of TDK DVD-R according to videohelp.com
TTG02
TTH01
TYG02


Can you also give us the media code using http://dvdidentifier.cdfreaks.com/ please?

Cool, thanks for the link.
Mine is TTG02.

[Pavel]

wth, i thought i deleted my post, howd you read it? Anyway, burning 8x media at 12x is pretty good but i wouldnt recommend it.

Just burn it at 8x.

Hehehe. Instant email notification. :twisted:

[Pavel]

use HDtune (http://www.google.ca/url?sa=U&start=1&q=http://www.hdtune.com/&e=10053)
to see if your harddrive can do it. You should defrag first. 12x at 16620KB/s and 16x is 22160 KB/s .


Thanks, for the link. Here are my numbers:

Transfer Rate:
Min: 1.1 MB/sec
Max: 24.4 MB/sec
Average: 17.9MB/sec

Access time: 26.1 ms
Burst Rate: 53.3 MB/sec
CPU usage: 5.3%

So, if I am reading the numbers correctly, my maximim average speed is just over 12X for my hard drive.

[Pavel]

That's only telling you the maximum your DVD media can be burned at, not your system max...

Where were the TDK 8x DVD-Rs manufactured out of curiousity?

(getting back into the swing of things over the next few days, with expecatations of full Dolphin interaction by Monday April 18t ;) )

According to the packaging, the media is made in Taiwan. I got it at Richmond Costco.

[rahzel]

According to the packaging, the media is made in Taiwan. I got it at Richmond Costco.
usually media that comes out of Taiwan isnt very good but AFAIK, TDK/TTG02 is pretty good.

As DD said, that 12x is just the max this media can be burned at. I never recommend burning media faster than theyre supposed to even if its good media. But some people have burned that same media at 12x without problems.

If you go to THIS (http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia) site, you can search almost all DVD media and it will bring up a list of media codes that the Media has been known to use. They also have user comments telling you if its good or bad, and what speed they usually burn the media at etc.

[The Digital Dolphin]

usually media that comes out of Taiwan isnt very good but AFAIK, TDK/TTG02 is pretty good.


The reason I asked is because I wanted to know who OEM'd it. The TDK made in Taiwan stuff is usually made by CMC. The Made in France stuff would be made by Mitsui. Neither of which has been giving great results lately actually....

[Pavel]

usually media that comes out of Taiwan isnt very good but AFAIK, TDK/TTG02 is pretty good.

As DD said, that 12x is just the max this media can be burned at. I never recommend burning media faster than theyre supposed to even if its good media. But some people have burned that same media at 12x without problems.

If you go to THIS (http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia) site, you can search almost all DVD media and it will bring up a list of media codes that the Media has been known to use. They also have user comments telling you if its good or bad, and what speed they usually burn the media at etc.

Good info, thanks for the link. I guess I will have to wait and see as how well it plays on a DVD player as I will be sending a DVD to Europe.

As far as the burn speed, my average hard drive speed is 17.9MB/sec, so this is slightly better than 12X. I doubt if I can burn anything faster than how fast the hard drive can go.

[rahzel]

The reason I asked is because I wanted to know who OEM'd it. The TDK made in Taiwan stuff is usually made by CMC. The Made in France stuff would be made by Mitsui. Neither of which has been giving great results lately actually....
really? Good to know.

[w3ss]

General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Firmware: B7T9
Disc: DVD-R (TYG02)
Selected speed: 4 X
PI errors
Maximum: 40
Average: 14.33
Total: 192534
PI failures
Maximum: 4
Average: 0.02
Total: 182
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 11.7 %
Average: 9.46 %
Scanning statistics
Elapsed time: 19:05
Number of samples: 17606
Average scanning interval: 8.00 ECC
Glitches removed: 0


I was expecting a lower average in PI errors.

[Primetyme]

General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Firmware: B7T9
Disc: DVD-R (TYG02)
Selected speed: 4 X
PI errors
Maximum: 40
Average: 14.33
Total: 192534
PI failures
Maximum: 4
Average: 0.02
Total: 182
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 11.7 %
Average: 9.46 %
Scanning statistics
Elapsed time: 19:05
Number of samples: 17606
Average scanning interval: 8.00 ECC
Glitches removed: 0


I was expecting a lower average in PI errors.


What are PI errors and PI failures? What happens when you have a high amount of either ones?

[7-Endless]

Might want to try the new B7V9 firmware...a few people at CDFreaks reported that their drive seemed to work better with TYG02 media after applying it...

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=134279&highlight=b7v9

[The Digital Dolphin]

The problems with TYG02 media on the BenQ are well known. It's because they try to encompass all the different media types that use that code... but it's hard to get them to ALL work ok with that one descriptor. Now there are other ways for the drive to tell what disc it is, but these are more complicated. Anyways, the disc scanned is fine. For the best results, use YUDEN000T02 media (which is copied MUCH less frequently and has better individual support). Other then that, use B7U9 firmware with Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs for about the same results as what you posted :cheesygri

As for B7V9, I'll take a look at it when I can. I'm still pretty busy :cry:

[Madcatmk2]

What are PI errors and PI failures? What happens when you have a high amount of either ones?

from Spartane of cdfreaks
"
PI Errors and PI Failures are normal for DVD discs (both stamped discs as well as copied discs have them), and are both correctable during the DVD read process. The DVD reader uses extra error correction data to automatically correct these errors. This error correction data was previously generated by the DVD writer itself and automatically written to the DVD during the write process. Error correction is done inside the DVD reader itself and the PC software is completely unaware of it. The PIEs/PIFs represent the level of correction that is needed to correct your data.
"

Quikee2 from cdfreaks
"
BTW even POF's can be recovered... either by lowering the speed or rereading a part. But a reader or program gives up at some level of rereading... then the data is unrecoverable (at least for this reader).
"

If the error on the disc can't be recovered by the reader(dvdplayer,dvd-rom or dvd writer) then you will get a crc error on the file you are trying to transfer that has the error or a skip if your a playing a dvd mpeg2 video.

[mprielozny]

ANyone can help me to burn 8x Dazon A02 at 12x on Plextor 716A 1.06.

I get only 8X what ever I do only 8X, liteon, pioneer, benq can burn then no problem at 12 and some even 16.

please let me know

[The Digital Dolphin]

ANyone can help me to burn 8x Dazon A02 at 12x on Plextor 716A 1.06.

I get only 8X what ever I do only 8X, liteon, pioneer, benq can burn then no problem at 12 and some even 16.

please let me know

If it burns at 8x then it burns at 8x. Not every drive can overclock media, and those that can can't always do it well.

Discs are rated at certain speeds by disc manufacturers for a REASON you know ;)

[w3ss]

Might want to try the new B7V9 firmware...a few people at CDFreaks reported that their drive seemed to work better with TYG02 media after applying it...

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=134279&highlight=b7v9

I tried the B7V9 with TYGO2 4x (burnt it at 8x)

avg PI errors: 3.43
avg PI failures: 0.15
avg jitter: 8.78%

way better than my results from the B7T9 (burnt at 4x too)

[peoples_Flip]

Thanks... I'm gonna go and flash my DW1620 with this latest firmware.

[peoples_Flip]

The problems with TYG02 media on the BenQ are well known. It's because they try to encompass all the different media types that use that code... but it's hard to get them to ALL work ok with that one descriptor. Now there are other ways for the drive to tell what disc it is, but these are more complicated. Anyways, the disc scanned is fine. For the best results, use YUDEN000T02 media (which is copied MUCH less frequently and has better individual support). Other then that, use B7U9 firmware with Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs for about the same results as what you posted :cheesygri

As for B7V9, I'll take a look at it when I can. I'm still pretty busy :cry:
When you can, please let us know what you think of the B7V9 for the DW1620

[ezdoesit]

Hey DD,

I recently bought a spindle of these TY's off a fellow RFDer
http://www.meritline.com/taiyo-yuden-8x-dvd-r-silver-thermal.html
Have you ever tried these??
If so, how well do they work with a Pioneer 108??
What speed would you recommend burning them at??

Any info you can provide will be much appreciated.

[duckdown]

the 108 was my old drive, and i used plenty of those 4x SILVER LACQUER Taiyo Yudens from BlankMedia..

You paid for them at 4x, so don't burn higher than 8x to be safe. No sense in risking it with such good media

[rahzel]

Hey DD,

I recently bought a spindle of these TY's off a fellow RFDer
http://www.meritline.com/taiyo-yuden-8x-dvd-r-silver-thermal.html
Have you ever tried these??
If so, how well do they work with a Pioneer 108??

if theyre real Taiyo Yuden DVDR's, they will work fine with your Pioneer burner.

What speed would you recommend burning them at??

What ever theyre rated for, burn them at that speed.

[ezdoesit]

the 108 was my old drive, and i used plenty of those 4x SILVER LACQUER Taiyo Yudens from BlankMedia..

You paid for them at 4x, so don't burn higher than 8x to be safe. No sense in risking it with such good media

I just tried a couple at 8x, plays fine but didnt check for errors.

if theyre real Taiyo Yuden DVDR's, they will work fine with your Pioneer burner.


What ever theyre rated for, burn them at that speed.

The seller guaranteed them to be genuine Taiyo Yudens but I havent checked, just took his word for it.

Anyways, thanks guys for the help.

[rahzel]

im not sure if this applies to all 8x Taiyo Yuden DVDR's but if you look at DD's sig, he tells you how to check if theyre real TY.

[ezdoesit]

im not sure if this applies to all 8x Taiyo Yuden DVDR's but if you look at DD's sig, he tells you how to check if theyre real TY.

I checked my discs and they dont have any code on the mirror band and have a code on the inner plastic that looks nothing like the example shown.
The inner plastic is the plastic piece around the hole in the middle right??
And the mirror band is the part around the plastic right??
Just want to be sure what im looking for.

Thanks.

[rahzel]

again, i dont know if this applies to all 8x TY media. That little guide of his is for the silver top 8x TY media that can be found at NCIX or blankmedia.ca; not sure if those are the same as the ones you have.

might want to wait for DD himself to verify this or maybe he knows another way to find out if theyre real.

If i bought some TY media off some guy, i would want to know if they were real. This is why its recommended to buy from stores that sell genuine media (like blankmedia and NCIX).

did the seller have any feedback?

[duckdown]

who did you buy them from, that scam artist akz?

[ezdoesit]

who did you buy them from, that scam artist akz?

Yes, thats who I bought it from.
Scam artist??
Please explain.
To answer rahzel's question, yes, he had feedback but very little, I think 9-0.
Hey duckdown, can you please tell me how he scammed you??

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD,

I recently bought a spindle of these TY's off a fellow RFDer
http://www.meritline.com/taiyo-yuden-8x-dvd-r-silver-thermal.html
Have you ever tried these??
If so, how well do they work with a Pioneer 108??
What speed would you recommend burning them at??

Any info you can provide will be much appreciated.

Should be fine, if they are legit. I always recommend burning at the rated speed of the disc.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I checked my discs and they dont have any code on the mirror band and have a code on the inner plastic that looks nothing like the example shown.
The inner plastic is the plastic piece around the hole in the middle right??
And the mirror band is the part around the plastic right??
Just want to be sure what im looking for.

Thanks.

Yup.... sounds like they are fakes!

[duckdown]

told you, that akz guy pulled a fast one on people on another forum under a different name

[The Digital Dolphin]

told you, that akz guy pulled a fast one on people on another forum under a different name

I don't think I can say this in HIS thread, but I'll say it here in mine:

I do NOT recommend purchasing the media currently being sold as Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs in 100pc spindles, by akz. The media in question is sold in 100pc spindles, whereas legitimate shiny silver Taiyo Yuden DVD-Rs come in 50pc cake boxes. Not only that, the serial numbers on the discs do not match the ones I have personally identified to be legitimate. In short, I do not personally believe these discs being offered are real Taiyo Yuden.

[duckdown]

i suggest everyone take TDD's advice, and possibly even report akz to a mod

[duckdown]

he was on another canadian forum last year, probably pr1cenetwork, i can't recall exactly, BUT I REMEMBERED the name.. Thats why I called him on it in his first thread.. Anyways, he ended up getting banned there too for ripping off about 5 people..

[François L.]

Digital Dolphin

I just got my Plextor PX-716SA, and I have my Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 16x.

Got super nice airflow in my case now with SATA!

Are there any quality test I have to run to make sure everything is perfect?

I don't even have a clue how to read these charts anyways

Thanks

François

[duckdown]

Digital Dolphin

I just got my Plextor PX-716SA, and I have my Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 16x.

Got super nice airflow in my case now with SATA!

Are there any quality test I have to run to make sure everything is perfect?

I don't even have a clue how to read these charts anyways

Thanks

François


ahh your gonna love it bro :]

i just exchanged my BENQ DW1620 for one, and it owns :]

[The Digital Dolphin]

Digital Dolphin

I just got my Plextor PX-716SA, and I have my Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 16x.

Got super nice airflow in my case now with SATA!

Are there any quality test I have to run to make sure everything is perfect?

I don't even have a clue how to read these charts anyways

Thanks

François

You can use Plextools, which comes with your drive. It has a DVDR quality testing program. You can also download PXScan and PXView, which is also a quality testing program for your burner.

I don't think you really need to worry with that drive and media though... I don't really see how it could go wrong... unless you overtax your system while burning or something.

[Evil Techie]

here is the link to PXView/PXScan webpage

http://www-user.tu-chemnitz.de/~noe/Plextor/

but plextools is pretty good
gotta love plextor for letting us taking some control over our drives and thank them for all these additional software features


DD here is another question for you,

I understand that DVD-/+R media degrade overtime after they are burnt
what about before being burnt?
just sitting on the shelf in a sealed package without much moisture and in a fairly cool area, would the chemical degrade as well or is it passive enough that nothing much will happen?

same thing applies for RW and RAM?

Thanx in advance

[rahzel]

here is the link to PXView/PXScan webpage

http://www-user.tu-chemnitz.de/~noe/Plextor/

but plextools is pretty good
gotta love plextor for letting us taking some control over our drives and thank them for all these additional software features


DD here is another question for you,

I understand that DVD-/+R media degrade overtime after they are burnt
what about before being burnt?
just sitting on the shelf in a sealed package without much moisture and in a fairly cool area, would the chemical degrade as well or is it passive enough that nothing much will happen?

same thing applies for RW and RAM?

Thanx in advance
my guess doesnt mean much but its fun to guess =]

my guess is that it does not degrade until something is burned on the disc.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD here is another question for you,

I understand that DVD-/+R media degrade overtime after they are burnt
what about before being burnt?
just sitting on the shelf in a sealed package without much moisture and in a fairly cool area, would the chemical degrade as well or is it passive enough that nothing much will happen?

same thing applies for RW and RAM?

Thanx in advance

Everything degrades over time. With CD-Rs, the recommended unburned shelf life was around 10 years generally. With DVDRs, I would imagine it would be similar, since the dye is based on similar materials. Why does it degrade? The dye for recordable DVDs is an organic based dye.... what do organic things that aren't actually alive do over time? ;)

As for DVD-RWs and DVD-RAM, since they are not manufactured using an organic dye, but rather a phase change layer, I would imagine they would be less susceptible to degridation before being burned. But unfortunately, there is pretty much no way I can test for this sort of thing. :cry:

[Evil Techie]

Thank you DD

so does burning the disc sort of resets the life time of the disc since things have been changed or does burning it does not alter the degraded chemical and the clock still keeps ticking?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thank you DD

so does burning the disc sort of resets the life time of the disc since things have been changed or does burning it does not alter the degraded chemical and the clock still keeps ticking?

Organic degridation is kinda perminant. So burning an unburned disc will not solve anything. In the case of RW media, it may solve some problems, but you won't be able to rely on that burn after burn after burn.

[Evil Techie]

ok i thought so

if burning RW works in terms of refreshing its lifetime, this world would probably be very advanced
lol jk

ok how long do you expect TY DVD+R 8x to last?

[duckdown]

25 years

[Evil Techie]

lol i dont think it would last 25 years

[rahzel]

Maxell, verbatim and TY says their media will last atleast 100 years if stored properly. No one knows if it will last that long but i doubt it and im guessing atleast 10 years though.

[The Digital Dolphin]

lol i dont think it would last 25 years

There are a lot of variables.... but considering a good quality burn to begin with, and if you take good care of it afterwards.... Yeah, maybe 25 years? I'd say at LEAST 10-15 years. I've got Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs that are 10 years old or more, and they are still alright, and DVDRs are supposed to be superior for lifespan, when properly made.

[duckdown]

man, one pet peeve I do have about real TY media with the plain silver lacquer top..

they are IMPOSSIBLE to write on with a sharpie without getting an insane amount of smudges on the top surface from your fingertips and hands..

its almost like you gotta wear plastic gloves just to keep the top of the disc looking nice :P

[The Digital Dolphin]

man, one pet peeve I do have about real TY media with the plain silver lacquer top..

they are IMPOSSIBLE to write on with a sharpie without getting an insane amount of smudges on the top surface from your fingertips and hands..

its almost like you gotta wear plastic gloves just to keep the top of the disc looking nice :P

Heh...

Well, if you want all TY prices to go up about 10 cents per disc, I can work on getting that fixed for you.... well, not really, since none of the stores selling it now would buy media like that anyways, since it would cost too much! ;)

[duckdown]

Heh...

Well, if you want all TY prices to go up about 10 cents per disc, I can work on getting that fixed for you.... well, not really, since none of the stores selling it now would buy media like that anyways, since it would cost too much! ;)


lol, wishful thinking i suppose :]

also, i just used this Plextools for the first time today, and I wanted to run a CD/DVD scan of something I just burned, but I aborted it because it seemed like it was going to take FOREVER.. Is this normal? I have a brand new Plextor PX-716A

[HammerJoe]

Dolhpin

Ncix has these OPTODISC GENERIC 8X DVD-R 50 PACK SPINDLE BLANK MEDIA DISC on sale.

Are they any good for a pioneer 109?

If your answer is satisfactory I think I have decided what burner to buy. :D

[rahzel]

Dolhpin

Ncix has these OPTODISC GENERIC 8X DVD-R 50 PACK SPINDLE BLANK MEDIA DISC on sale.

Are they any good for a pioneer 109?

If your answer is satisfactory I think I have decided what burner to buy. :D
i myself would spend the extra money to get the Optodisc Arco Circle DVD-R's that are also on the sale.

[HammerJoe]

I'm interested in the generic 8x for now.

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

lol, wishful thinking i suppose :]

also, i just used this Plextools for the first time today, and I wanted to run a CD/DVD scan of something I just burned, but I aborted it because it seemed like it was going to take FOREVER.. Is this normal? I have a brand new Plextor PX-716A

Yes, it takes half and hour ;)

Does that give you new respect for the fact that I use one of those 30min long tests for each of the DVDRs I burn for my reviews on CDRLabs? Last time I used over 80 different DVDR/RWs too. Then consider the fact that I do another 3 tests on top of that per disc (usually lasting 5-15min per test). SO in testing alone I spend over 80 hours doing a review... not including burn time, or time to format and actually write the review. ;)

But don't worry, you will only have to spend 30min per disc :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

Dolhpin

Ncix has these OPTODISC GENERIC 8X DVD-R 50 PACK SPINDLE BLANK MEDIA DISC on sale.

Are they any good for a pioneer 109?

If your answer is satisfactory I think I have decided what burner to buy. :D

Well, the Acro Circle 8x DVD-R is much higher quality then the generic. But the Generic will almost certainly burn at 8x or faster since it has the TYG02 code... and the Acro Circle has the OPTODISCR008 code, which may only burn at 4x I'm told... unless the latest firmware (1.40) fixed that. I'm actually getting my Pioneer DVR-109 today, so I'll be looking at this in the next couple of days.

[HammerJoe]

Thanks,

I am not so much concerned about the recording speed, more about reliability.

How reliable and safe are they?

I don't want to buy 50 and be able to only use 10 with the rest being coasters and these 10 only last two days if you know what I mean?

Too bad you are only getting the Pioneer now, I am very tempted to buy the drive at ncix... The only thing that it has to make my preference is the fact that it burns dvdr dl at 6X... But dl is still too expensive. I am not sure how long before it comes down to less than $2-$3 a piece.

[duckdown]

Yes, it takes half and hour ;)

Does that give you new respect for the fact that I use one of those 30min long tests for each of the DVDRs I burn for my reviews on CDRLabs? Last time I used over 80 different DVDR/RWs too. Then consider the fact that I do another 3 tests on top of that per disc (usually lasting 5-15min per test). SO in testing alone I spend over 80 hours doing a review... not including burn time, or time to format and actually write the review. ;)

But don't worry, you will only have to spend 30min per disc :cheesygri


wow, digital media really is your life :D

thanks for all the informative answers, digital dolphin, i'll make sure i keep checkin this thead out every day :]

[Amourek]

Well, the Acro Circle 8x DVD-R is much higher quality then the generic. But the Generic will almost certainly burn at 8x or faster since it has the TYG02 code... and the Acro Circle has the OPTODISCR008 code, which may only burn at 4x I'm told... unless the latest firmware (1.40) fixed that. I'm actually getting my Pioneer DVR-109 today, so I'll be looking at this in the next couple of days.

Hey DD, is all Arco Circle 8x DVD-R supposed to have the OPTODISCR008 code? I bought the 50 spindle from Anitec but the code is TYG02 and the paper label that was on top of the spindle said Made In Taiwan (the ones at NCIX are different and do not say where it's made). Did I actually get their Grade A discs or is did I get screwed with generics?? I burned them at 8x with a Pioneer DVR-108, lastest firmware, and the results aren't as good as I expected.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks,

I am not so much concerned about the recording speed, more about reliability.

How reliable and safe are they?

I don't want to buy 50 and be able to only use 10 with the rest being coasters and these 10 only last two days if you know what I mean?

Too bad you are only getting the Pioneer now, I am very tempted to buy the drive at ncix... The only thing that it has to make my preference is the fact that it burns dvdr dl at 6X... But dl is still too expensive. I am not sure how long before it comes down to less than $2-$3 a piece.

Well, the Acro Circle media is deffinately superior quality to the generic. As for Dual Layer media, it will be a long time before you see prices reach $2-$3 per disc. Maybe next year? Expect to see $5-$6 in the next several months though, maybe around third quarter or fourth quarter.

[The Digital Dolphin]

wow, digital media really is your life :D


Yeah.... it's amazing I can find time to hold down a full time job and a girlfriend at the same time :eek:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, is all Arco Circle 8x DVD-R supposed to have the OPTODISCR008 code? I bought the 50 spindle from Anitec but the code is TYG02 and the paper label that was on top of the spindle said Made In Taiwan (the ones at NCIX are different and do not say where it's made). Did I actually get their Grade A discs or is did I get screwed with generics?? I burned them at 8x with a Pioneer DVR-108, lastest firmware, and the results aren't as good as I expected.

Here's the way it is:

NCIX and Anitec shared a single supplier to Optodisc manufactured media. It is safe to say that this supplier is also one of my sources. Anitec decided to screw the supplier over, and go directly to Optodisc America for stock. But Anitec is stupid and doesn't know what they're doing when it comes to media (they only care about price), so they got a slightly better price, but didn't know the differences or the details of the products they were ordering (the sales rep at Optodisc that dealt with them is very young, inexperienced, and also stupid).

The long and the short of it is that Optodisc has over a hundred different product types, of varying qualities and compatabilities. Anitec doesn't know anything about any of these products, and since they have broken the distribution chain, they are not going to get any kind of distribution support which would help them in this situation.

To answer your question, the TYG02 Acro Circle media is ok, but many drives can't burn it with good quality. Which is exactly why I've taken steps personally to try to keep as much of Acro Circle's 8x DVD-Rs using the OPTODISCR008 code instead of the TYG02 code. However, I can't stop companies like Anitec from being stupid.

[Madcatmk2]

About the life span of the benq , i took their official rate (30 years), divided it by 2 minus 1 so the 75 years of the TY would get 36.5 years at my guesstimated calculus. I still think that those Mitsui gold cds will hold it for 100 years though.



Oh, welcome back.

[rahzel]

Hey DD, is all Arco Circle 8x DVD-R supposed to have the OPTODISCR008 code? I bought the 50 spindle from Anitec but the code is TYG02 and the paper label that was on top of the spindle said Made In Taiwan (the ones at NCIX are different and do not say where it's made). Did I actually get their Grade A discs or is did I get screwed with generics?? I burned them at 8x with a Pioneer DVR-108, lastest firmware, and the results aren't as good as I expected.
if you can find something NCIX sells for cheaper, just pricematch them. They have great service and i definitely trust them the most out of any computer store in Canada.

[Madcatmk2]

Everything degrades over time. With CD-Rs, the recommended unburned shelf life was around 10 years generally. With DVDRs, I would imagine it would be similar, since the dye is based on similar materials. Why does it degrade? The dye for recordable DVDs is an organic based dye.... what do organic things that aren't actually alive do over time? ;)

As for DVD-RWs and DVD-RAM, since they are not manufactured using an organic dye, but rather a phase change layer, I would imagine they would be less susceptible to degridation before being burned. But unfortunately, there is pretty much no way I can test for this sort of thing. :cry:

I am not so sure that all organic chemicals degrade faster than petro-synthetic ones. Probably applies to media only, any info?


Organic degridation is kinda perminant. So burning an unburned disc will not solve anything. In the case of RW media, it may solve some problems, but you won't be able to rely on that burn after burn after burn.

Its not the first you say degridation. Media have a grid like hard drives?

[The Digital Dolphin]

About the life span of the benq , i took their official rate (30 years), divided it by 2 minus 1 so the 75 years of the TY would get 36.5 years at my guesstimated calculus. I still think that those Mitsui gold cds will hold it for 100 years though.



Oh, welcome back.

So Ritek media will last for 49 years or more? :lol:

It's an interesting way of doing it, but I think there are still some flaws in your equation ;)

I'm not sure about 100 years for Mitsui Gold... but it's deffinately longer then almost any other media I can think of (Kodak's original Ultima Gold series comes to mind though).

[The Digital Dolphin]

I am not so sure that all organic chemicals degrade faster than petro-synthetic ones. Probably applies to media only, any info?


Unfortunately, I know very little about chemicals in general. Most of my CD/DVD related chemical info comes from a buddy of mine who is studying to one day be one of the chemical engineers in a CD/DVD plant ;)

Its not the first you say degridation. Media have a grid like hard drives?[/QUOTE]

Hrm... I think you're mocking my poor spelling..... :cheesygri

[Madcatmk2]

Unfortunately, I know very little about chemicals in general. Most of my CD/DVD related chemical info comes from a buddy of mine who is studying to one day be one of the chemical engineers in a CD/DVD plant ;)

Its not the first you say degridation. Media have a grid like hard drives?

Hrm... I think you're mocking my poor spelling..... :cheesygri

Still waiting of that guy report on degradation in binders.... :razz:
He directly told you that "organic" Dvds are less durable than Cyanyde ones?

whoops, its... Its not the first "time" you say degridation.


So Ritek media will last for 49 years or more?

Ritek overrated their media. Benq's one looked much more truthful. Did you got any donations yet? If you do you should get a media heater first like kodak had in the past so we will know better how to evaluate the media durability.


I'm not sure about 100 years for Mitsui Gold... but it's deffinately longer then almost any other media I can think of (Kodak's original Ultima Gold series comes to mind though).

Higher failure rates because of higher speed in recording?

[Amourek]

if you can find something NCIX sells for cheaper, just pricematch them. They have great service and i definitely trust them the most out of any computer store in Canada.

I was in the area... so I got them at Anitec.

Damn bastards... thanks for the response as usual, DD.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Still waiting of that guy report on degradation in binders.... :razz:
He directly told you that "organic" Dvds are less durable than Cyanyde ones?


Umm, maybe I'm not being completely clear...

What I meant was that because of the organic nature of the recordable dye in DVD-R/DVD+R they will degrade. This is true for both Azo and Cyanine (and yes, if you can find it, the Phthalocyanine) dye types.

DVD-RW/DVD+RW/DVD-RAM are different, as they do not use a "Dye" at all, but a phase change layer, which is much more resistant to some things that cause discs to degrade, but less resistant to others. As I understand it, (although I don't know the details), a good quality DVD+R/-R will out last a good quality DVD-RW/+RW in regular conditions. This may not be true to a regulated enviroment however.


Ritek overrated their media. Benq's one looked much more truthful. Did you got any donations yet? If you do you should get a media heater first like kodak had in the past so we will know better how to evaluate the media durability.


Well, you're basing that off of an assumption... but sometimes that's all you can do when there is no other data. As for BenQ's donations, yes! I have some! :cheesygri But my lifespan testing will take quite some time to setup, and probably longer to accomplish. But I've got something in the tentative works (and even a volunteer to assist me in it!!).


Higher failure rates because of higher speed in recording?
[/QUOTE]

Not neccissarily... Kodak was just really REALLY anal about manufacturing with their Ultima Gold line of discs. Mitsui was only regularily anal.... but that's better then now, because now they are just full of themselves :(

[7-Endless]

i suggest everyone take TDD's advice, and possibly even report akz to a mod

Hey, I met the guy in person and he was kewl. When I told him that the TYG02's that he had would not burn well (i.e. would not burn at 8x) in my Benq he said no problem and offerred a refund - no problems. I met him today and got a refund for the unopened spindle. He had an invoice on the case of spindles and it all seemed legit. We both checked the box and noticed that it said these were made in Taiwan. He explained that he buys these off his friend so it looks like his friend sold him the Optodisc TYG02's. I do not believe that he knew these were not "real" TYG02's until now. He said he was gonna mention it to his friend.

From speaking with him over the phone, going to his house to pickup and return the spindle I do not think he is a troll.

[rahzel]

Hey, I met the guy in person and he was kewl. When I told him that the TYG02's that he had would not burn well (i.e. would not burn at 8x) in my Benq he said no problem and offerred a refund - no problems. I met him today and got a refund for the unopened spindle. He had an invoice on the case of spindles and it all seemed legit. We both checked the box and noticed that it said these were made in Taiwan. He explained that he buys these off his friend so it looks like his friend sold him the Optodisc TYG02's. I do not believe that he knew these were not "real" TYG02's until now. He said he was gonna mention it to his friend.

From speaking with him over the phone, going to his house to pickup and return the spindle I do not think he is a troll.
this doesnt really mean hes cool. He might have sold them to you hoping you wouldnt know but when you did find out, he just made up some BS story. Especially if youre big and he was scared of being beat up =].

[Wassup Doc]

I just bought an oem 1620 and the TY dvd-r 4x that were on sale at ncix. Upgraded the firmware to G7V9. Is this a good combo? I'm total noob about dvd burning so I'm not sure what I doing. Also, is it true that the TY 4x can be burned at 8x with good results?

[7-Endless]

this doesnt really mean hes cool. He might have sold them to you hoping you wouldnt know but when you did find out, he just made up some BS story. Especially if youre big and he was scared of being beat up =].


You're right...it could be a BS story but he hasn't given me any reason to believe otherwise. The one thing that impressed me is that I told him I was gonna pm on Fri him to arrange a time for the refund and I didn't get a chance but he followed up with me on his own to arrange it. A couple other people I know have bought from him as well and no problems whatsoever.

I've also asked him if he can get some of the Acro Circle 8x DVD-R's instead and he is looking into it for me...we'll see what happens with that...

[7-Endless]

Ok...I've found out what media akz is actually selling. From the media code that I got from DVDInfoPro, it appears to be the Budget/Egital/JVC/Fortis/Laser TYG02 media:

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia.php?selectmedia=2367#comments


My DVDInfoPro output:

Complete Media Code
00000000 00 6C 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 87 0D 10 .l...@....R.....
00000010 66 78 80 00 03 54 59 47 30 32 00 00 04 00 00 00 fx...TYG02......
00000020 00 00 00 00 05 AA A2 22 22 20 02 00 06 08 0E 11 ......."" ......


I am gonna let him know...

[rahzel]

I just bought an oem 1620 and the TY dvd-r 4x that were on sale at ncix. Upgraded the firmware to G7V9. Is this a good combo?
Yes it will be a good combo. Genuine Taiyo Yuden media is very compatible with many DVD writers and you know its genuine because NCIX only sells genuine TY media.
Also, is it true that the TY 4x can be burned at 8x with good results?
Theres definitely a good chance they will burn at 8x with good results but there are no guarentees and its always recommended to burn at the specified speeds even with good media like TY.

Some people have recieved the TYG02 media code (TY's 8x code) with those 100 bulk packs NCIX is selling. I'm guessing theyre just underclocked 8x media to ensure high success rate but im not totally sure.

[Wassup Doc]

Thanks for the info

Yes it will be a good combo. Genuine Taiyo Yuden media is very compatible with many DVD writers and you know its genuine because NCIX only sells genuine TY media.

Theres definitely a good chance they will burn at 8x with good results but there are no guarentees and its always recommended to burn at the specified speeds even with good media like TY.

Some people have recieved the TYG02 media code (TY's 8x code) with those 100 bulk packs NCIX is selling. I'm guessing theyre just underclocked 8x media to ensure high success rate but im not totally sure.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hrm, so far the only drive I've found that can burn BenQ 16x DVD-Rs at 16x (or even 12x) is the BenQ DW1620... I wonder why :razz:

[duckdown]

I bought 100 TY 4x Silver Lacquer from blankmedia.ca, but DVD Identifier gives me


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:TYG02]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc & Book Type : [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name : [Taiyo Yuden Co. Ltd.]
Manufacturer ID : [TYG02]
Blank Disc Capacity : [2,298,496 Sectors = 4,489.3MB = 4.38GB (4.71GB)]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


does this mean i got the 8x media? I've been burning them all at 8x anyways in my PX-716a, and they can go as high as 16x !

[Madcatmk2]

Hrm, so far the only drive I've found that can burn BenQ 16x DVD-Rs at 16x (or even 12x) is the BenQ DW1620... I wonder why :razz:

What is the media code of your Daxon 16x? DAXON016 or DAXON016S ?
Nec can take the first at 16x while the other at 12x. Any idea of what differentiate the two?

[rahzel]

I bought 100 TY 4x Silver Lacquer from blankmedia.ca, but DVD Identifier gives me


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:TYG02]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc & Book Type : [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name : [Taiyo Yuden Co. Ltd.]
Manufacturer ID : [TYG02]
Blank Disc Capacity : [2,298,496 Sectors = 4,489.3MB = 4.38GB (4.71GB)]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


does this mean i got the 8x media? I've been burning them all at 8x anyways in my PX-716a, and they can go as high as 16x !
id like to know as well DD.

first of all, are the ones that blankmedia sell the same as the ones NCIX sells?

if you get the TYG02 code, i was guessing that they were just underclocked 8x media.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I bought 100 TY 4x Silver Lacquer from blankmedia.ca, but DVD Identifier gives me


---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:TYG02]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc & Book Type : [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name : [Taiyo Yuden Co. Ltd.]
Manufacturer ID : [TYG02]
Blank Disc Capacity : [2,298,496 Sectors = 4,489.3MB = 4.38GB (4.71GB)]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------


does this mean i got the 8x media? I've been burning them all at 8x anyways in my PX-716a, and they can go as high as 16x !

It is a 4x disc, but burning it at 8x is usually ok on drives that support it well. I don't recommend overclocking it though.

I *THINK* the TYG02 media sold as 4x is the media produced later in the life of the stamper, which means that the quality is not as good as the media produced when the stamper is newer. That means that it is rated at 4x to ensure proper quality results... but just like overclocking CPU's there is a certain amount of give, so your results may very when overclocking.

[The Digital Dolphin]

What is the media code of your Daxon 16x? DAXON016 or DAXON016S ?
Nec can take the first at 16x while the other at 12x. Any idea of what differentiate the two?

I'll have to check the code tonight when I get home. I have an NEC 3500 so maybe I'll plug it back in and try them out on it.

I've got no idea what is different between the two codes, but I'll ask Daxon next time I get a chance.

[Spike]

What's the best Benq 1620 firmware to burn RitekG04's ? I got some of the Maxell branded ones and haven't had a lot of success. I get great quality scans but I get bad blocks on every second disc. Tried B7T9, B7U9 and B7V9 with B7U9 seemingly being the best, although the sample size is kind of small.

Anyone know where to get the B7S9 firmware? The only link I've found is dead.

http://tinypic.com/4q4mt5

http://tinypic.com/4q4mts


Even the Maxell002's aren't much better. I have as many coasters of them as the Riteks. :mad:

[7-Endless]

You can get the B7S9 from here:

http://dvdpro.club.st/firmware/BENQ_FW.htm

[The Digital Dolphin]

FYI, in about another month or so, people won't be able to get the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs. They have been discontinued, and reserves are starting to get thin.

[rahzel]

hey DD,

im making my first attempt at writing to a Dual layer +R (verbatim) and i'm having a problem. I've ripped the movie to my harddrive with DVD Decrypter, I opened nero to burn it but right before it started burning, i got a reallocation error with Nero (6.3).

[chinaboy1021]

Canadacomputers are now selling TYs. real cheap too. not sure about their authenticity.

link (http://www.canadacomputers.com/cc/index.php?do=ShowProdList&cmd=pl&id=719.88&mfg=TAIYO%20YUDEN)

[Defiant]

Hey DD,

Where the heck can I get 5x DVD-RAM discs? I cant seem to find anyone who carries them. Most shops dont even have DVD-RAM discs to begin with.

[7-Endless]

Is there any other way to check writing quality of a burned dvd disc if you do not own a Benq, Plex or Liteon DVD burner?

[callous]

What's wrong with the 1620 Benq for burning cdr's? Can someone shed some light into this for me

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD,

im making my first attempt at writing to a Dual layer +R (verbatim) and i'm having a problem. I've ripped the movie to my harddrive with DVD Decrypter, I opened nero to burn it but right before it started burning, i got a reallocation error with Nero (6.3).

Free some harddrive space on C: drive, or the drive you have windows and/or Nero installed on. If that doens't work, try clearing some space on the HDD with the files you want to burn on it.

Usually you can solve re-allocation errors like that ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Canadacomputers are now selling TYs. real cheap too. not sure about their authenticity.

link (http://www.canadacomputers.com/cc/index.php?do=ShowProdList&cmd=pl&id=719.88&mfg=TAIYO%20YUDEN)

I guarentee those to be 100% authentic non-Taiyo Yuden products :cheesygri

Unless the temperature in hell currently reads below 0 degrees celsius, those are fake discs. Probably Optodisc manufactured.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD,

Where the heck can I get 5x DVD-RAM discs? I cant seem to find anyone who carries them. Most shops dont even have DVD-RAM discs to begin with.

You could ask Tom @ blankmedia.ca to carry them if you like. If that doesn't work, you can PM me and I'll see what I can do.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Is there any other way to check writing quality of a burned dvd disc if you do not own a Benq, Plex or Liteon DVD burner?

Use Nero CD/DVD Speed and run a transfer rate test. Often this is actually more useful for someone who doesn't spend a lot of time testing a variety of media on a variety of drives, then a K-Probe or other type of scan is. It will tell you how YOUR drive is reading YOUR disc, and it's very straightforward. If the transfer line is smooth, then the disc reads well. If there are dips and bumps in the curve, then your drive is having problems, and it could be being caused by poor media quality.

[The Digital Dolphin]

What's wrong with the 1620 Benq for burning cdr's? Can someone shed some light into this for me

It kinda sucks at it... I suggest using the latest firmware however for CD-R burning (B7V9 or G7V9 depending on your unit). What kind of CD-Rs are you trying to burn?

[rahzel]

Free some harddrive space on C: drive, or the drive you have windows and/or Nero installed on. If that doens't work, try clearing some space on the HDD with the files you want to burn on it.

Usually you can solve re-allocation errors like that ;)
my harddrive still has 40+ gb of space so i dont think thats it. Wierd thing is, i opened the files with DVDShrink and the it opened fine. Im guessing it was just another false nero error.

just in case (didnt want to risk throwing away a $10 verbatim DL+R), i re-ripped the movie in ISO mode and burnt it with DVD Decrypter without problems.

Off topic from my original post but im curious as to which DVD authoring program you use? (dvdshrink, dvdxcopy etc)

[The Digital Dolphin]

my harddrive still has 40+ gb of space so i dont think thats it. Wierd thing is, i opened the files with DVDShrink and the it opened fine. Im guessing it was just another false nero error.

just in case (didnt want to risk throwing away a $10 verbatim DL+R), i re-ripped the movie in ISO mode and burnt it with DVD Decrypter without problems.

Off topic from my original post but im curious as to which DVD authoring program you use? (dvdshrink, dvdxcopy etc)

I do almost no DVD authoring, or re-authoring to be honest. I buy all my movies, and rarely make personal backups anymore.

But on those ODD occasions, I use DVD decrypter and DVD shrink for copying re-authoring, and usualy burn with Nero. If I author from Avi or Mpeg's, then I use Nero Vision Express, which I find works alright.

[7-Endless]

DD, how reliable are the KProbe2 and CD Speed Disc Quality scans when using a Liteon LTD 166 DVD Rom drive?

The reason I ask is that when I had my Benq, the difference in the PI/PIF results were pretty significant. For example, the Benq would have reported a PI max of 55 and PIF max of 8 whereas the scan of the same disc using the Liteon would report a PI max of 500+ and PIF max of 30+.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, how reliable are the KProbe2 and CD Speed Disc Quality scans when using a Liteon LTD 166 DVD Rom drive?

The reason I ask is that when I had my Benq, the difference in the PI/PIF results were pretty significant. For example, the Benq would have reported a PI max of 55 and PIF max of 8 whereas the scan of the same disc using the Liteon would report a PI max of 500+ and PIF max of 30+.

All DVD-ROM's are completely unreliable.

LiteON DVD-RW drives are not that reliable either actually.... (which is why many review sites are starting to use BenQ DW1620's now... wanna guess who started that?) :cheesygri

[callous]

It kinda sucks at it... I suggest using the latest firmware however for CD-R burning (B7V9 or G7V9 depending on your unit). What kind of CD-Rs are you trying to burn?

I will be using Princo and gigastorage for CDRs.

When you say it sucks, do you mean the burns will abort some of the time, the cd cant be read, or skips, or it wont burn at manufacturer's spec speeds, or did you mean there are many c2 and c1 errors?

I am shocked - cdr burning is not a new technology

[The Digital Dolphin]

I will be using Princo and gigastorage for CDRs.

When you say it sucks, do you mean:
the burns will abort some of the time,
Not likely, but possible
the cd cant be read, or skips,
Entirely possible and probable
it wont burn at manufacturer's spec speeds,
VERY LIKELY!
or did you mean there are many c2 and c1 errors?
That depends entirely upon what you test it on. I'm sure most drives sold today would show the results as being near perfect, or at least not bad. Which is why I don't use the same drives in my testing as any other review site ;)
I am shocked - cdr burning is not a new technology
I'm not going to defend BenQ on this one... they screwed up bigtime, and they know it! I'm expecting much better from the DW1620's big brother, the DW1640.

[callous]

Not likely, but possible

Entirely possible and probable

VERY LIKELY!

That depends entirely upon what you test it on. I'm sure most drives sold today would show the results as being near perfect, or at least not bad. Which is why I don't use the same drives in my testing as any other review site ;)

I'm not going to defend BenQ on this one... they screwed up bigtime, and they know it! I'm expecting much better from the DW1620's big brother, the DW1640.

I take a firmware upgrade after half a year on the market isnt going to fix this for the 1620?

[apvm]

If you have cdr problem, I think their B7V9 firmware solved some of it, I used B7S9 most of the time and I found some cdr written by 1620 can't be read by itself but ok with my Liteon cdr burner and an Acer DVD-Rom. With B7V9, 20 cdr so far and all can be seen by itself.

BTW, B7V9 burning quality for my Onidtech and Optodisc 4X DVD-R is same as B7S9 so I am staying with the V9 for now since I no longer will purchase ultra cheapo like MUST001 and Yi Jhan 001 which only S9 can burn.

[rahzel]

hey DD, i have a few questions.

1) is Maxell's MAXELL 001/002 (+R) as good as MXLR G02/03 (-R)?

2) im a n00b at testing for PIE/PIF. I looked at someones scan of a Maxell 8x DVD-R. The max PIE's he got were 14 and the max PIF's he got were 7 with a quality score of 96%.

Well, i decided to do a scan with one of my Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R's and i got 151 max PIE's! but only 4 max PIF's with a score of 98% for quality score but i had no jitter.
Is 151 max PIE's bad?

3) If i got more PIE's than the other guy, why was my quality score higher than his?

4) what should i look for to determine a good burn?

5) for the settings in CD Speed where it asks you to pick a speed, do you pick what speed you burnt the disc at? or what should i set this to?

btw, i have an NEC 3520 flashed to the newest official firmware 3.04. The NEC 3520 didnt originally support PIE/PIF testing but it does support it in the new 3.04 firmware revision.

[[buck]]

Dolphin,

Is there anyway to tell if my MIT spindle of Maxell 8X DVD+R is Ricoh or Ritek without opening it. What is your oppinion of Ricoh media? Is it worth using with a DW1620?

thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, i have a few questions.

1) is Maxell's MAXELL 001/002 (+R) as good as MXLR G02/03 (-R)?

2) im a n00b at testing for PIE/PIF. I looked at someones scan of a Maxell 8x DVD-R. The max PIE's he got were 14 and the max PIF's he got were 7 with a quality score of 96%.

Well, i decided to do a scan with one of my Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R's and i got 151 max PIE's! but only 4 max PIF's with a score of 98% for quality score but i had no jitter.
Is 151 max PIE's bad?

3) If i got more PIE's than the other guy, why was my quality score higher than his?

4) what should i look for to determine a good burn?

5) for the settings in CD Speed where it asks you to pick a speed, do you pick what speed you burnt the disc at? or what should i set this to?

btw, i have an NEC 3520 flashed to the newest official firmware 3.04. The NEC 3520 didnt originally support PIE/PIF testing but it does support it in the new 3.04 firmware revision.

I just wanted to say I *AM* going to answer this, but I want to do a good job, so give me a little time ;)

[spike-spiegel]

Just a question about BenQ DW1620 firmware, if I flashed my OEM drive to B7T9 with the CVT file, can I use the retail firmware upgrade to flash it to B7V9 or do I have to wait for the CVT?

I'm a bit confused why there is a CVT and why having OEM makes a difference. :?:

[Spike]

I notice when I finish burning a disc on my Benq 1620 and attempt to eject, it spins up and the red light turns on for a couple of seconds. What is it doing?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just a question about BenQ DW1620 firmware, if I flashed my OEM drive to B7T9 with the CVT file, can I use the retail firmware upgrade to flash it to B7V9 or do I have to wait for the CVT?

I'm a bit confused why there is a CVT and why having OEM makes a difference. :?:

You can use the retail firmware. The CVT is just a data file to work with the firmware loader that was made to not care whether the previous existing firmware was retail or OEM.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I notice when I finish burning a disc on my Benq 1620 and attempt to eject, it spins up and the red light turns on for a couple of seconds. What is it doing?

Good question! I don't think it's actually burning anything, but it might be doing a leadout, or Bitsetting attempt possibly. I'll ask BenQ about this when I get a chance. I've noticed it myself, but never thought much of it.

[JLee]

How are the Ritek discs at ncix?
any better place to get them?

I like these better than the opto discs because they're not silver top like the TY, I hate that silver top, attracts so many finger prints.

a friend of mine gave me a ritek disc of his, he said he got it from ncix

mirror band: DR5L23 02961
inner plastic: J4-08L23501190359B18 with RIDATA

Manufacturer: Ritek Corp.
Manufacturer ID: RITEKG05

Are these any good? I'm using a BenQ 1620 with... B7V9 firmware
And are these the ones that they sell at NCIX

i like these tops better than the opto disc generic ones. :)

[[buck]]

JLee:

I too, hate shiny silver tops, so i've been resorting to Fuji TY ($25/50 on sale at BB) and Maxell media ($40/100 on sale recently at FS). Just a thought.

I'd assume all Ridata branded media is the basically the same. Of course, Ritek has really crappy quality control so you never really know what you're going to get, but it still should be similar.

I personally wouldn't recommend anything Ritek, the quality is just too variable. Since you say your friend gave you one, why don't you burn it and run a disc quality test (PI scan) in CD Speed (which is bundled with nero) and see how it does.

buck

[rahzel]

How are the Ritek discs at ncix?
any better place to get them?

I like these better than the opto discs because they're not silver top like the TY, I hate that silver top, attracts so many finger prints.

a friend of mine gave me a ritek disc of his, he said he got it from ncix

mirror band: DR5L23 02961
inner plastic: J4-08L23501190359B18 with RIDATA

Manufacturer: Ritek Corp.
Manufacturer ID: RITEKG05

Are these any good? I'm using a BenQ 1620 with... B7V9 firmware
And are these the ones that they sell at NCIX

i like these tops better than the opto disc generic ones. :)
Ritek's quality is variable and i wouldnt recommend them.

Youll get more consistant burns with Optodisc Arco Circles and finger prints dont matter if theyre on the top. There is a layer covering the dye so its not like it affects the disc. Just try not to touch the top or bottom of the disc. I always hold discs by the outside or putting my finger in the middle.

[JLee]

Ritek's quality is variable and i wouldnt recommend them.

Youll get more consistant burns with Optodisc Arco Circles and finger prints dont matter if theyre on the top. There is a layer covering the dye so its not like it affects the disc. Just try not to touch the top or bottom of the disc. I always hold discs by the outside or putting my finger in the middle.

actually, it's not that i'm worried about fingerprints making the cd unreadable, i'm just worried about the finger prints making the DVD look ugly, cosmetically.

plus i just don't like the feel of that silver top, it's kinda sticky and stuff =\

[[buck]]

actually, it's not that i'm worried about fingerprints making the cd unreadable, i'm just worried about the finger prints making the DVD look ugly, cosmetically.

plus i just don't like the feel of that silver top, it's kinda sticky and stuff =\

That's exactly my reasoning too. If there were value line TYs with a nice silver matte, i'd be all over them.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']That's exactly my reasoning too. If there were value line TYs with a nice silver matte, i'd be all over them.

Like I've said before... when you're ready to pay another $0.10 per disc, and convince NCIX, Blankmedia.ca and everyone who buys from them, to pay another $0.10 for a silver matte disc, I will see what I can do ;)

For some reason, no one EVER takes me up on this! :cry:

[[buck]]

Like I've said before... when you're ready to pay another $0.10 per disc, and convince NCIX, Blankmedia.ca and everyone who buys from them, to pay another $0.10 for a silver matte disc, I will see what I can do ;)

For some reason, no one EVER takes me up on this! :cry:

Just curious, does TY even make silver matte/ inkjet printables themselves, or is done "after the fact" by some other company?

I would gladly pay $0.10 a disc... but i'm not sure if many other people would. :cry:

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Just curious, does TY even make silver matte/ inkjet printables themselves, or is done "after the fact" by some other company?

I would gladly pay $0.10 a disc... but i'm not sure if many other people would. :cry:

Taiyo Yuden's white/silver inkjet printable is generally done in China, *BY* Taiyo Yuden (but the media is made in JAPAN!). Taiyo Yuden does *NOT* make silver matte coated media.

[Spike]

actually, it's not that i'm worried about fingerprints making the cd unreadable, i'm just worried about the finger prints making the DVD look ugly, cosmetically.

plus i just don't like the feel of that silver top, it's kinda sticky and stuff =\

If you handle them properly, they should never have fingerprints on them. I'm wary of mishandling DVDs. They seem more susceptible to scratch errors than CDs.

[The Digital Dolphin]

If you handle them properly, they should never have fingerprints on them. I'm wary of mishandling DVDs. They seem more susceptible to scratch errors than CDs.

Actually, they are much MUCH less susceptible to scratch errors :cheesygri

However, since in many cases there is less room for errors then with CD-Rs, since many DVDRs actually suck, and CD-Rs are a very refined technology, sometimes it can appear that scratches are doing more or less damage (depending on the medium) then they really are.

Remember, if you run your finger nail along the top of a CD-R while looking at the bottom of it, you can see the indentation of your nail from the other side of the disc. But doing this on a DVDR will not result in the same effect (unless you have disturbingly sharp nails or something). Cosmetic scratches on the bottom of either disc can be buffed away with little difficulty on either medium though.

[JLee]

*raises hand for extra 10c for TY discs*

i'm game

silver matte TY would mean i buy TY, exclusively

the -only- reason i don't buy TY is the lackof the matte finish.

[[buck]]

*raises hand for extra 10c for TY discs*

i'm game

silver matte TY would mean i buy TY, exclusively

the -only- reason i don't buy TY is the lackof the matte finish.

he speaks the truth. ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

']he speaks the truth. ;)

Hrm... But is there a real demand for it?

It's possible sometime near the middle of June something might be possible with the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs.

EDIT: I think I may be giving away just a little too much info about myself in this post... :eek:

[JLee]

if this is true, DD, then much <3

[[buck]]

Hrm... But is there a real demand for it?

It's possible sometime near the middle of June something might be possible with the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs.

EDIT: I think I may be giving away just a little too much info about myself in this post... :eek:

I thought TY was discontinuing 4X media? :confused:

[NG]

Hi DD

I know this might be kinda an odd ball question since this involves DVD-Roms and not burners however I was wondering...

I have a TSSTCorp TS-H492A DVD/CD-RW combo drive in my PC (came with my Compaq PC). It does not read DVD-RAM. It appears to be mainly a Russian model according to the links in Google.

However there's this from Samsung with the same model number:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002O04V4/103-5102862-0240622?v=glance

That does support DVD-RAM. I seem to remember there's a third one that is associated with all this unit but I can't seem to find info online for it right now.

I was wondering if I flashed the firmware with this one for the Samsung:
http://www.cdfreaks.com/drive/firmware/1128

if I should expect a new Samsung DVD/CDRW DVD-RAM reader or a fried smoking drive?

The drive itself has been working fine with Maxell MIT and Fuji MIJ cds at full 48x burn speed so if Samsung firmwares have a rep for being crappy products I would have to take that into consideration if DVD-RAM would be worth it or not.

Thanks for any info :D
NG

[The Digital Dolphin]

']I thought TY was discontinuing 4X media? :confused:

They are... actually they did... a while ago. What's your point?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD

I know this might be kinda an odd ball question since this involves DVD-Roms and not burners however I was wondering...

I have a TSSTCorp TS-H492A DVD/CD-RW combo drive in my PC (came with my Compaq PC). It does not read DVD-RAM. It appears to be mainly a Russian model according to the links in Google.

However there's this from Samsung with the same model number:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002O04V4/103-5102862-0240622?v=glance

That does support DVD-RAM. I seem to remember there's a third one that is associated with all this unit but I can't seem to find info online for it right now.

I was wondering if I flashed the firmware with this one for the Samsung:
http://www.cdfreaks.com/drive/firmware/1128

if I should expect a new Samsung DVD/CDRW DVD-RAM reader or a fried smoking drive?

The drive itself has been working fine with Maxell MIT and Fuji MIJ cds at full 48x burn speed so if Samsung firmwares have a rep for being crappy products I would have to take that into consideration if DVD-RAM would be worth it or not.

Thanks for any info :D
NG

Is RAM that important to you?

Unfortunately, I don't know much about the firmware flashing game :( Check out the forums at www.rpc1.org for help, they are second to none with regard to firmware mods and cross flashing! :cheesygri

[[buck]]

They are... actually they did... a while ago. What's your point?

It's just if TY no longer makes/sells 4X DVD-R, how would something be possible with them in June? That's all. :)

edit - quote fixed

[NG]

Is RAM that important to you?

Unfortunately, I don't know much about the firmware flashing game :( Check out the forums at www.rpc1.org for help, they are second to none with regard to firmware mods and cross flashing! :cheesygri

Thanks man, will do :D

And yes....RAM is very important to me :D I just wish somebody would make an internal drive that could read/write it in a cart. If RAM support is firmware based (and not hardware based) then I'd be very into upgrading to Samsung.

[NG]

']It's just if TY no longer makes/sells 4X DVD-R, how would something be possible with them in June? That's all. :)

I think you quoted the wrong post?

But I'll take a stab at answering your question.

Perhaps they're coming out with a new, faster burn disc, shortly there after and TY wants to blow out the remainder of the 4x they have lying around their warehouse.

[rahzel]

I think you quoted the wrong post?

But I'll take a stab at answering your question.

Perhaps they're coming out with a new, faster burn disc, shortly there after and TY wants to blow out the remainder of the 4x they have lying around their warehouse.
DVD burn speed is maxed out at 16x and there already is 16x Taiyo Yuden DVD-R's.

but you may be right about the 2nd part of your post.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I think you quoted the wrong post?

But I'll take a stab at answering your question.

Perhaps they're coming out with a new, faster burn disc, shortly there after and TY wants to blow out the remainder of the 4x they have lying around their warehouse.

That's a good thought! However it's not quite right... I think I would have difficulty saying much more about how it's possible without saying a few things about myself that I still feel are better left unsaid ;)

But I can say this:

The reason the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs even existed at this price in the first place is because Taiyo Yuden wanted to increase awareness of their product line and quality. We will probably not be seeing their 8x DVD-Rs treated in the same way, and I doubt we'll EVER see this kind of pricing from them again. Actually given the way things have been going, I think we will never see optical media prices this low again ever. 8x media will not reach the price that 4x media did, and 16x media will not reach the price that 8x media did. Why? Because the 7 largest manufacturers of optical media in the world all had negative numbers for a Net Profit for the first quarter of 2005. Several companies are so far in the red they may actually go out of business soon if they do not change things VERY quickly! Prodisc is probably in the most danger of all the companies I've seen the figures for! Take a look:

Company USD Sales Revenue / Net Profit
CMC 187,026,839 / -6,102,839
Ritek 139,349,419 / -15,156,226
Prodisc 63,154,000 / -46,257,226
Princo 62,677,000 / -26,115,226
Optodisc 27,167,645 / -14,748,774
Leaddata 24,607,548 / -5,379,161
Gigastorage 11,808,290 / -5,395,032

As you can see, CMC was in the least amount of trouble, but still couldn't show a net profit. Ritek also is having serious trouble. Prodisc has by far the worst problems, and Princo, Optodisc and Gigastorage aren't doing well either.

[NG]

Several companies are so far in the red they may actually go out of business soon if they do not change things VERY quickly! Prodisc is probably in the most danger of all the companies I've seen the figures for! Take a look:

Company USD Sales Revenue / Net Profit
CMC 187,026,839 / -6,102,839
Ritek 139,349,419 / -15,156,226
Prodisc 63,154,000 / -46,257,226
Princo 62,677,000 / -26,115,226
Optodisc 27,167,645 / -14,748,774
Leaddata 24,607,548 / -5,379,161
Gigastorage 11,808,290 / -5,395,032

As you can see, CMC was in the least amount of trouble, but still couldn't show a net profit. Ritek also is having serious trouble. Prodisc has by far the worst problems, and Princo, Optodisc and Gigastorage aren't doing well either.

OUCH!

Well I'm never in favour of increasing prices however if companies go out of business it'll bottleneck the supply line and increase prices overall even more so.

Shame to see Gigastorage there. When FS sold their discs they were the only generic discs I ever bought (and are still working to boot! - say that TDK/CMC ;) )

I didn't see TY there - are they still in the black?

I didn't realize that the prices were so below par. I just assumed it was a combination of the technology becoming more accepted as well as the lack of a blank dvd levy. Thank gawd I still have 50 blank 4x MIJ Maxell and 100 8x MIJ Fuji's :D

[The Digital Dolphin]

OUCH!

Well I'm never in favour of increasing prices however if companies go out of business it'll bottleneck the supply line and increase prices overall even more so.

Shame to see Gigastorage there. When FS sold their discs they were the only generic discs I ever bought (and are still working to boot! - say that TDK/CMC ;) )

I didn't see TY there - are they still in the black?

I didn't realize that the prices were so below par. I just assumed it was a combination of the technology becoming more accepted as well as the lack of a blank dvd levy. Thank gawd I still have 50 blank 4x MIJ Maxell and 100 8x MIJ Fuji's :D

If any companies are still in the black, it'll be Taiyo Yuden, Maxell, and Verbatim.... not neccissarily in that order.

[etcbq]

That's a good thought! However it's not quite right... I think I would have difficulty saying much more about how it's possible without saying a few things about myself that I still feel are better left unsaid ;)

But I can say this:

The reason the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs even existed at this price in the first place is because Taiyo Yuden wanted to increase awareness of their product line and quality. We will probably not be seeing their 8x DVD-Rs treated in the same way, and I doubt we'll EVER see this kind of pricing from them again. Actually given the way things have been going, I think we will never see optical media prices this low again ever. 8x media will not reach the price that 4x media did, and 16x media will not reach the price that 8x media did. Why? Because the 7 largest manufacturers of optical media in the world all had negative numbers for a Net Profit for the first quarter of 2005. Several companies are so far in the red they may actually go out of business soon if they do not change things VERY quickly! Prodisc is probably in the most danger of all the companies I've seen the figures for! Take a look:

Company USD Sales Revenue / Net Profit
CMC 187,026,839 / -6,102,839
Ritek 139,349,419 / -15,156,226
Prodisc 63,154,000 / -46,257,226
Princo 62,677,000 / -26,115,226
Optodisc 27,167,645 / -14,748,774
Leaddata 24,607,548 / -5,379,161
Gigastorage 11,808,290 / -5,395,032

As you can see, CMC was in the least amount of trouble, but still couldn't show a net profit. Ritek also is having serious trouble. Prodisc has by far the worst problems, and Princo, Optodisc and Gigastorage aren't doing well either.
Now I can see why you deserve the title of Guru! Thanks for all the insights.

[duckdown]

TDD, have you heard anything like this?!

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showthread.php?t=161418

I just bought a Plextor, have you ever heard of something so silly?

[Amourek]

Hey DD, recently my Pioneer DVR-108 has been producing some curious results on all the media I've been using (mostly TY & Optodisc). The transfer test always goes fine, but for some reason there is a PI error/failure spike showing up during disc quality tests - always in the same place near the beginning of the disc. I've since updated to firmware 1.20 and it's still showing up. Tried different software as well. Any idea what the problem could be?

http://img259.echo.cx/img259/4613/untitled1copy0ff.jpg

[The Digital Dolphin]

Keep in mind that you're scanning with a combo drive, which are erratic and unstable testers at the best of times. But it's also not unheard of to see some burners causing a similar spike or two in a consistant spot, when read by some readers. So far there is no explanation, but a simple transfer rate test will be able to let you know if it's worth being concerned over or not (which you have already done).

[Amourek]

Thanks, DD - you were right. I scanned some old media I burned long ago and I'm getting the same spike.

[lucki3s]

Hey DD, following your advice, I just bought a DW1620 today, to complement my LG burner.

However, I'm having issues with the burner. I can't seem to burn any media faster than 4x. I am using Nero 6, and when I tried to burn a TY dvd+r rated at 8x (YUDEN000 t02), it says its burning at 16x, but takes 16 minutes to burn.

Do you know what the problem might be? I updated the firmware and it didn't seem to help.

and using dvd infotool with nero, it says i have DMA on.

thanks for any help you can provide.

Also, its coming up as an ATAPI DD drive in infotool, not BenQ

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, following your advice, I just bought a DW1620 today, to complement my LG burner.

However, I'm having issues with the burner. I can't seem to burn any media faster than 4x. I am using Nero 6, and when I tried to burn a TY dvd+r rated at 8x (YUDEN000 t02), it says its burning at 16x, but takes 16 minutes to burn.

Do you know what the problem might be? I updated the firmware and it didn't seem to help.

and using dvd infotool with nero, it says i have DMA on.

thanks for any help you can provide.

Also, its coming up as an ATAPI DD drive in infotool, not BenQ

Do a transfer rate test with Nero CD/DVD speed on a burned DVDR. See if you can read the disc at 8x or 12x even. If you can't READ the disc that fast, there is no way you can BURN the disc that fast. if you CAN read the disc that fast, then it's possible that WOPC is kicking in. What firmware version are you using?

[rahzel]

hey DD, how are TDK CD-R's?

blankmedia.ca just got some in for a nice price but then again, the Taiyo Yuden silver CD-R's are only like 5-6 bucks more for a 50 spindle.

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, how are TDK CD-R's?

blankmedia.ca just got some in for a nice price but then again, the Taiyo Yuden silver CD-R's are only like 5-6 bucks more for a 50 spindle.

Well.... most are made by CMC or Ritek, with nothing special done to them (like a protective top coating). Other *OLD* stock was made by Taiyo Yuden, also with no extra top coating. I'd say they are nothing too special personally.

Edit: I should point out however that they should *NOT* be crap. Even the CMC made CD-Rs should be somewhat reliable in the short term (not in the LONG term however).

[lucki3s]

Do a transfer rate test with Nero CD/DVD speed on a burned DVDR. See if you can read the disc at 8x or 12x even. If you can't READ the disc that fast, there is no way you can BURN the disc that fast. if you CAN read the disc that fast, then it's possible that WOPC is kicking in. What firmware version are you using?

I am using the newes firmware i got from the BenQ Canada website, G7K9. It's strange because on my LG 4163B, I have no problems at all with any speeds, yet with the benQ i do..

OK and i jsut tried the transfer test.. it only hit 8x max, and average was around 6. on the LG it always almost hits 16x.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I am using the newes firmware i got from the BenQ Canada website, G7K9. It's strange because on my LG 4163B, I have no problems at all with any speeds, yet with the benQ i do..

OK and i jsut tried the transfer test.. it only hit 8x max, and average was around 6. on the LG it always almost hits 16x.

I would say something is VERY not right...

Try moving it on the IDE chain, and changing the DMA settings to PIO and then back to DMA (with reboots inbetween).

EDIT: Your Firmware is VERY old also... but that won't affect the transfer rates.

[Spike]

Don't you need a firmware hacked with Media Code Speed Edit to reach 16x? That's what the Read Speed increase checkbox is for.

[[buck]]

Don't you need a firmware hacked with Media Code Speed Edit to reach 16x? That's what the Read Speed increase checkbox is for.

Yes, you do.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Don't you need a firmware hacked with Media Code Speed Edit to reach 16x? That's what the Read Speed increase checkbox is for.

Yes, if you hack the firmware, then the firmware can affect the transfer rate speed ;)

[callous]

Yes, if you hack the firmware, then the firmware can affect the transfer rate speed ;)

Can the OEM firmware for the 1620 overclock the media, burn it higher than it is rated for.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Can the OEM firmware for the 1620 overclock the media, burn it higher than it is rated for.

*THE* media??? It overclocks *SOME* media... but I have no idea which media you're talking about.

[insanity]

Hi DD: Thought I'd pose a question to you...

I'm in the market for a 16x DVD writer and an enclosure for it. What is the best combo I should buy (don't want to spend too much), and I want to be able to burn up to 16x if possible.

I keep hearing LG is really good.

Thanks.

[Warlock]

*THE* media??? It overclocks *SOME* media... but I have no idea which media you're talking about.

Did I miss something?
Overclocking media?
Sounds interesting...

[callous]

*THE* media??? It overclocks *SOME* media... but I have no idea which media you're talking about.

burn TY 8x, at 16x or 12x, basically higher than the media is rated for. Can the oem firmware allow that, or must i kill my warranty by crossflashing

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD: Thought I'd pose a question to you...

I'm in the market for a 16x DVD writer and an enclosure for it. What is the best combo I should buy (don't want to spend too much), and I want to be able to burn up to 16x if possible.

I keep hearing LG is really good.

Thanks.

The LG 4163B is pretty good with 8x recording and lower. It's too hard on the media at 16x generally, and it can cause some compatability problems with some players. However it burns CD-Rs fairly well, and unlike 100% of the LG burners that came before it, it actually looks like even a year from now it will be able to burn the available media with little problem.

[The Digital Dolphin]

burn TY 8x, at 16x or 12x, basically higher than the media is rated for. Can the oem firmware allow that, or must i kill my warranty by crossflashing

You should be able to burn it at 12x or 16x with the OEM firmware. I wouldn't worry.

[etcbq]

You should be able to burn it at 12x or 16x with the OEM firmware. I wouldn't worry.
Just received the tys 4X-R from NCIX and on my 1620 with the latest firmware, it burnt beautifully at 16X !

[callous]

You should be able to burn it at 12x or 16x with the OEM firmware. I wouldn't worry.

Thanks for the answer DD

[JP]

You should be able to burn it at 12x or 16x with the OEM firmware. I wouldn't worry.

Received my 1620 from NCIX, trying to burn TY`s DVD+R MIJ Fuji 8X
at 16X without succes (burn ok but verification have lots of read error)

Drive Firmware.: G7V9
Disk.: T02 (TG001159)
Nero.: 6.6.0.13

At 8X = ok. Didn`t try @ 12X

Do I have to try the retail firmware ver. ? Any hints will be appreciate

Thx

[rahzel]

Received my 1620 from NCIX, trying to burn TY`s DVD+R MIJ Fuji 8X
at 16X without succes (burn ok but verification have lots of read error)

Drive Firmware.: G7V9
Disk.: T02 (TG001159)
Nero.: 6.6.0.13

At 8X = ok. Didn`t try @ 12X

Do I have to try the retail firmware ver. ? Any hints will be appreciate

Thx
it kind of bugs me that people get good 8x media and arent satisfied because theyre not getting good results writing them DOUBLE the rated speed.

youre probably getting a lot of read errors because youre burning them at 16x... burn ALL media at rated speeds, even Taiyo Yuden.

Different firmware revisions dont change the write quality that much (if any) so i dont think any firmware is going to help you burn them at 16x with good results...

[lucki3s]

I would say something is VERY not right...

Try moving it on the IDE chain, and changing the DMA settings to PIO and then back to DMA (with reboots inbetween).

EDIT: Your Firmware is VERY old also... but that won't affect the transfer rates.

ok so i tried switching the drives on the IDE bus, but its still getting the same results, max speed on the transfer test is hitting 7.5 or something.

As well, i downloaded the B7S9 firmware and tried to flash it but i get an error saying the drive is not supported???

Did I get screwed by the guy who sold it to me? Is this a different drive masquerading as a 1620???

[JP]

it kind of bugs me that people get good 8x media and arent satisfied because theyre not getting good results writing them DOUBLE the rated speed.

youre probably getting a lot of read errors because youre burning them at 16x... burn ALL media at rated speeds, even Taiyo Yuden.

Different firmware revisions dont change the write quality that much (if any) so i dont think any firmware is going to help you burn them at 16x with good results...

:-0 Who told you i`m not satisfied ?
I know I tried at DOUBLE speed, I know about rated speed and I know
at rated SPEED I have NO problem but I don`t know everythings...

I simply asked because LOTS of people having no problem burning quality media with the 1620 at DOUBLE speed.

Thx

[The Digital Dolphin]

Received my 1620 from NCIX, trying to burn TY`s DVD+R MIJ Fuji 8X
at 16X without succes (burn ok but verification have lots of read error)

Drive Firmware.: G7V9
Disk.: T02 (TG001159)
Nero.: 6.6.0.13

At 8X = ok. Didn`t try @ 12X

Do I have to try the retail firmware ver. ? Any hints will be appreciate

Thx

I haven't tried the revision 'V' firmware at 12x/16x with that media yet... let me try it out tonight and see what results I get. It might be a bug.

[The Digital Dolphin]

ok so i tried switching the drives on the IDE bus, but its still getting the same results, max speed on the transfer test is hitting 7.5 or something.

As well, i downloaded the B7S9 firmware and tried to flash it but i get an error saying the drive is not supported???

Did I get screwed by the guy who sold it to me? Is this a different drive masquerading as a 1620???

Try using the OEM firmware, or hack your firmware to the Retail version. You have a BenQ DW1620 I think, but I'm pretty sure it's using the OEM firmware and not the retail one.

[JP]

I haven't tried the revision 'V' firmware at 12x/16x with that media yet... let me try it out tonight and see what results I get. It might be a bug.


;) Thank you DD !

[Spike]

ok so i tried switching the drives on the IDE bus, but its still getting the same results, max speed on the transfer test is hitting 7.5 or something.

As well, i downloaded the B7S9 firmware and tried to flash it but i get an error saying the drive is not supported???

Did I get screwed by the guy who sold it to me? Is this a different drive masquerading as a 1620???

Cross flash using WinDWFlash.exe and a B*79 cvt file. If you want 16x read speed you'll have to hack the cvt with Media Code Speed Edit.

[Alexo]

CDRinfo has reviewed the NEC ND-3530A (http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=13809).

A brief summary:

- The Good
Can burn DVD+RW media at 8X, and DVD-RW media at 6X
DVD-R DL support at 4x, and DVD+R DL support at 6x
Very good DVD error correction capabilities
Supports CD-Text (reading/writing)
Supports audio protected discs
Good Single Layer DVD writing quality
Can overburn up to 89min CDs
Faster copy protected games ripping than former NEC burners
Fast DAE speed

- The Bad
Does not support quality scan measurements
Poor CD error correction
Slow ripping CSS DVD-Video performance (Rip-Lock feature enabled)
Mount Rainier is not supported
Cannot recognize 99min Audio CD's
Cannot create working backups with SafeDisc protected games over v2.60
Cannot overburn DVD recordable media
Can only burn Verbatim double layer media at 6X

- Like To be fixed
Official firmware release to improve burning quality with ReWritable media and DL media
Official firmware release to support PI/PIF scanning
Official firmware release to support higher burning speed for certain DL media

Retail Package: 3/5
Reading: 3/5
Error Correction: 4/5
Protected Discs: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Features: 3/5


Oh, well, I'll wait for a BENQ 1640 review...

[The Digital Dolphin]

Since it seems like I've been repeating myself a lot latelt, I think I'm going to post this info here, and just refer back to it as needed :cheesygri

There are 2 main lines of Taiyo Yuden products. The Value Line, and the Premium Line. The Value line was designed for duplicators, and is not of "premium quality". Taiyo Yuden does not guarentee the value line and it shouldn't be pushed with overclocking, and it was deffinately never meant for retail sale as a Taiyo Yuden product. The Premium line is guarenteed and is the only line that was meant for retail sale as Taiyo Yuden.

All the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs sold by NCIX.com, Blankmedia.ca, or even Rima.com or Meritline.com are ALL Value Line discs. Actually, you can NOT GET any Premium line Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs anymore, and you haven't been able to get them for many months now.

There was a small amount of Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD±Rs made in their Value Line, but this was never offered to stores line blankmedia.ca or NCIX.com (all their 8x DVDRs are Premium Line). However it WAS offered to a different company, who created the brand name "Burn Master" which is sold at allmediaoutlet.com. The brand claims that all its' media is made by Taiyo Yuden (which is True, Taiyo Yuden actually admitted this to me!), but they also claim that their media is all Premium Taiyo Yuden, which is not true (according to what Taiyo Yuden told me). Since this line was supposed to be kept VERY quiet, after the failure to keep the 4x DVD-Rs from retail stores, but that obviously failed pretty miserably. I've been told that the Value Line 8x DVD±Rs will no longer be offered to any customers. ....The only problem is...

Fuji. Fuji has been the "dumping grounds" for Taiyo Yuden media for quite some time in Europe (started almost 6 months ago), but I didn't know it was this bad. The Value Line of products DID have some quality requirements you see, but the media that Taiyo Yuden has given Fuji has no requirements, which is mostly the fault of Fuji. Sadly, I'm not THAT surprised by this turn of events as I have seen it happening with many of Fuji's other lines of products as well, such as CD-Rs and MiniDV tapes. Fuji once was a name associated with Professionalism and quality, but now they are nothing more then a low end consumer product. Many of the Taiyo Yuden DVDRs sold under Fuji's name can not be burned beyond their rated speed, and some cannot even be properly burned AT their rated speed! This is happening both here in Canada and the U.S. as well as Europe. Now some of the Fuji media (although this seems to be the minority of it, by all accounts) is fine... maybe not as good as Taiyo Yuden's Premium line, but pretty close. So yes, you might luck out and get a good spindle... or maybe your drive is just THAT GOOD at burning it. I'm not trying to make a blanket statement that all the media is very bad. I am just saying that some of it is VERY BAD, some of it is BELOW AVERAGE, and some of it is OK.

In other non-Taiyo Yuden related news, I'm told that my BenQ DW1640 has already shipped from Taiwan, and should be arriving sometime this coming week :cheesygri

[callous]

Since it seems like I've been repeating myself a lot latelt, I think I'm going to post this info here, and just refer back to it as needed :cheesygri

There are 2 main lines of Taiyo Yuden products. The Value Line, and the Premium Line. The Value line was designed for duplicators, and is not of "premium quality". Taiyo Yuden does not guarentee the value line and it shouldn't be pushed with overclocking, and it was deffinately never meant for retail sale as a Taiyo Yuden product. The Premium line is guarenteed and is the only line that was meant for retail sale as Taiyo Yuden.

All the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs sold by NCIX.com, Blankmedia.ca, or even Rima.com or Meritline.com are ALL Value Line discs. Actually, you can NOT GET any Premium line Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs anymore, and you haven't been able to get them for many months now.

There was a small amount of Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD±Rs made in their Value Line, but this was never offered to stores line blankmedia.ca or NCIX.com (all their 8x DVDRs are Premium Line). However it WAS offered to a different company, who created the brand name "Burn Master" which is sold at allmediaoutlet.com. The brand claims that all its' media is made by Taiyo Yuden (which is True, Taiyo Yuden actually admitted this to me!), but they also claim that their media is all Premium Taiyo Yuden, which is not true (according to what Taiyo Yuden told me). Since this line was supposed to be kept VERY quiet, after the failure to keep the 4x DVD-Rs from retail stores, but that obviously failed pretty miserably. I've been told that the Value Line 8x DVD±Rs will no longer be offered to any customers. ....The only problem is...

Fuji. Fuji has been the "dumping grounds" for Taiyo Yuden media for quite some time in Europe (started almost 6 months ago), but I didn't know it was this bad. The Value Line of products DID have some quality requirements you see, but the media that Taiyo Yuden has given Fuji has no requirements, which is mostly the fault of Fuji. Sadly, I'm not THAT surprised by this turn of events as I have seen it happening with many of Fuji's other lines of products as well, such as CD-Rs and MiniDV tapes. Fuji once was a name associated with Professionalism and quality, but now they are nothing more then a low end consumer product. Many of the Taiyo Yuden DVDRs sold under Fuji's name can not be burned beyond their rated speed, and some cannot even be properly burned AT their rated speed! This is happening both here in Canada and the U.S. as well as Europe. Now some of the Fuji media (although this seems to be the minority of it, by all accounts) is fine... maybe not as good as Taiyo Yuden's Premium line, but pretty close. So yes, you might luck out and get a good spindle... or maybe your drive is just THAT GOOD at burning it. I'm not trying to make a blanket statement that all the media is very bad. I am just saying that some of it is VERY BAD, some of it is BELOW AVERAGE, and some of it is OK.

In other non-Taiyo Yuden related news, I'm told that my BenQ DW1640 has already shipped from Taiwan, and should be arriving sometime this coming week :cheesygri

For those of us who bought a crapload of 8x Fujis in the past 2 weeks, what would be your judgement call on this? Should we return it all and go for the cheapy 4x at ncix because it is a real value line and is of avg quality, vs fuji which is all over the place?

What would you do in such a situation if this were you?

I opened up a dvd-r 4x and it does have the sparkle dots at the outter edge of the dvd. I dont think i've ever seen such defects before.

[The Digital Dolphin]

For those of us who bought a crapload of 8x Fujis in the past 2 weeks, what would be your judgement call on this? Should we return it all and go for the cheapy 4x at ncix because it is a real value line and is of avg quality, vs fuji which is all over the place?

What would you do in such a situation if this were you?

I opened up a dvd-r 4x and it does have the sparkle dots at the outter edge of the dvd. I dont think i've ever seen such defects before.

Hrm... Well, this deal will come again from Futureshop, so it isn't a huge thing. The question remains of whether or not the media will stay made in Japan.

Hrm, what would I do? not really a good question since I have no problem getting media... actually no, scratch that... i *DO* have a problem getting media... TOO MUCH MEDIA. So I'd return all but one spindle personally. Or perhaps, I would open one spindle, and base the rest of my decision on the results from those discs.

Remember, if you don't like the discs, you can always get rid of them on the BST forum, or ebay. You can't argue the price was quite good, so you should be able to get your money back without much difficulty.

[callous]

Hrm... Well, this deal will come again from Futureshop, so it isn't a huge thing. The question remains of whether or not the media will stay made in Japan.

Hrm, what would I do? not really a good question since I have no problem getting media... actually no, scratch that... i *DO* have a problem getting media... TOO MUCH MEDIA. So I'd return all but one spindle personally. Or perhaps, I would open one spindle, and base the rest of my decision on the results from those discs.

Remember, if you don't like the discs, you can always get rid of them on the BST forum, or ebay. You can't argue the price was quite good, so you should be able to get your money back without much difficulty.

So is it fair to say you think the 4x ncix stuff is BETTER deal than the 8x fuji from Futureshop? Thus, given a choice u would go buy the 4x from ncix?

[rahzel]

So is it fair to say you think the 4x ncix stuff is BETTER deal than the 8x fuji from Futureshop? Thus, given a choice u would go buy the 4x from ncix?
well, considering Fuji/TY's have no requirements and that Taiyo Yuden's value line does have requirements, i think its safe to say it would be better to buy the 4x Taiyo Yuden at NCIX/blankmedia.ca.

[The Digital Dolphin]

So is it fair to say you think the 4x ncix stuff is BETTER deal than the 8x fuji from Futureshop? Thus, given a choice u would go buy the 4x from ncix?

Yeah, I feel pretty comfortable saying that I'd take the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-R value line over any Fuji brand product at this time. I'd KNOW what I was getting. I wouldn't overspeed it though!

[The Digital Dolphin]

just FYI, I'm going to be working on my review of the BenQ DW1640 come tomorrow (today actually... it's past midnight) so I'm not going to be on here as much until it's done. I've got some VERY special things planned for this review, including some rare media, and some different ways of doing the tests and displaying the data (hopefully!). I have some VERY big plans for this review, so it'll be a long time in the making, but well WELL worth it if everything pans out the way I hope it will :cheesygri

[callous]

just FYI, I'm going to be working on my review of the BenQ DW1640 come tomorrow (today actually... it's past midnight) so I'm not going to be on here as much until it's done. I've got some VERY special things planned for this review, including some rare media, and some different ways of doing the tests and displaying the data (hopefully!). I have some VERY big plans for this review, so it'll be a long time in the making, but well WELL worth it if everything pans out the way I hope it will :cheesygri

Could u pls compare the 1620 against the 1640? For both cdr and dvd media, and also readability of scratched discs? I suspect since the 1620 is so popular, lots of ppl want to know if the 1640 is just a minor update of the drive.

Out of curiousity, are you allowed by Benq to open up the drive to examine the inside (take photos etc), and if you were to break it by accident, would they demand payment?

[megor]

I just picked up some 16 TY media and I noticed the serial number is GH.... while my 8X ty was GG, is this the new serial number format for 16X ty?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I just picked up some 16 TY media and I noticed the serial number is GH.... while my 8X ty was GG, is this the new serial number format for 16X ty?

Probably.... 4x was GD I believe, and 8x DVD+Rs are TG if I'm not mistaken.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Could u pls compare the 1620 against the 1640? For both cdr and dvd media, and also readability of scratched discs? I suspect since the 1620 is so popular, lots of ppl want to know if the 1640 is just a minor update of the drive.

Out of curiousity, are you allowed by Benq to open up the drive to examine the inside (take photos etc), and if you were to break it by accident, would they demand payment?

Well, the drive is mine to own, so I can do whatever I want to it.... but if I open it up and break it by mistake, then I'm SOL.... so I generally don't do that.

And yes, many if not all of those sorts of things will be accounted for in my review, since the BenQ DW1620 will be still on my list of comparisons against the drive.

[callous]

Well, the drive is mine to own, so I can do whatever I want to it.... but if I open it up and break it by mistake, then I'm SOL.... so I generally don't do that.



Are you saying all reviewers get to keep their sample of the drives? Man that's nice..

My 1620 arrived today so i'll see how that performs with those fujis later on tonight :-0

[Evil Techie]

i cant wait to see DD's spanking new review of 1640

[The Digital Dolphin]

Are you saying all reviewers get to keep their sample of the drives? Man that's nice..

My 1620 arrived today so i'll see how that performs with those fujis later on tonight :-0

Nope... it depends on the manufacturer. LiteON, LaCie and I think Plextor all require their drives to be shipped back. I simply do not review drives from manufacturers who require it to be sent back... I like following up on the drive's performance over time.

[The Digital Dolphin]

i cant wait to see DD's spanking new review of 1640

Me too!! I want to leave work early to plug it in,.... but I need to make a quick trip to A&B Sound to pickup NewsRadio Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD first anways :cheesygri

But sadly, I can't leave work early... too many things to do!

[apvm]

DD,

Did you try those Optodisc with B7V9 on the 1620? It seems like B7S9 is the best for Optodisc, Onidtech and Prodisc +R?

TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD,

Did you try those Optodisc with B7V9 on the 1620? It seems like B7S9 is the best for Optodisc, Onidtech and Prodisc +R?

TIA

Argh! It's completely slipped my mind... I'm pretty busy with doing testing with the DW1640 right now too... so I can't really go back to the DW1620 very much right now :(

[The Digital Dolphin]

If anyone purchased the DVR-109 and was as annoyed with it as I was, they'll be happy to know that the latest firmware, version 1.50, has fixed many of the flaws with the drive, and the burner is now roughly as compatible as the Pioneer DVR-108. Myself, and one or two others have speculated that around the release of the Pioneer DVR-110, the firmware for the DVR-109 should have improved enough into making the DVR-109 worth owning.... just in time to be obsolete :(

Still, the DVR-109 now can burn Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs, and 8x DVD+Rs (and 16x DVD+Rs at 12x)... so you aren't limited to Taiyo Yuden and Verbatim for good results anymore :cheesygri (I think Ritek worked ok sometimes too).

[Madcatmk2]

If anyone purchased the DVR-109 and was as annoyed with it as I was, they'll be happy to know that the latest firmware, version 1.50, has fixed many of the flaws with the drive, and the burner is now roughly as compatible as the Pioneer DVR-108. Myself, and one or two others have speculated that around the release of the Pioneer DVR-110, the firmware for the DVR-109 should have improved enough into making the DVR-109 worth owning.... just in time to be obsolete :(

Still, the DVR-109 now can burn Acro Circle 8x DVD-Rs, and 8x DVD+Rs (and 16x DVD+Rs at 12x)... so you aren't limited to Taiyo Yuden and Verbatim for good results anymore :cheesygri (I think Ritek worked ok sometimes too).

Makes me wonder if the 110 will use the nec 3530 or 3540 chips.
The 110 with the 3530 one and a 111 with the 3540 would be funny. :D

[The Digital Dolphin]

Makes me wonder if the 110 will use the nec 3530 or 3540 chips.
The 110 with the 3530 one and a 111 with the 3540 would be funny. :D

I wonder if they haven't switched to a different chipset completely, since I don't think the NEC chipsets support DVD-RAM, which the new Pioneer DVR-110 supports completely. Still, perhaps NEC's chips DO support DVD-RAM recording, and NEC just doesn't care to implement it in their own drives :(

[oc613]

hey DD, quick Q:

pioneer a05 retail with NILs 1.33 firmware (unlock ripping, region free, 2/4x on 1/2x media)

VS.

Pioneer 109 flashed with Buffalo 8.50

I only burn at 4x anyways, and only dvd-r.

Which drive is a beeter coice for pure quality? I only use TY.

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, quick Q:

pioneer a05 retail with NILs 1.33 firmware (unlock ripping, region free, 2/4x on 1/2x media)

VS.

Pioneer 109 flashed with Buffalo 8.50

I only burn at 4x anyways, and only dvd-r.

Which drive is a beeter coice for pure quality? I only use TY.

The DVR-109. Why? It has more media codes supported then the DVR-105 which doesn't support almost any of the currently available media any more. Make sure you use either the Buffalo 8.50 or the Pioneer 1.50 firmware though, because all the other firmwares suck something fierce!

[Evil Techie]

ive got a rant about plextor
they've rolled out FW 1.10 for 708A
added the comments that more DVD-R supported but in their compatibility list nothing has changed

also rpc1.org is down now
so cant get the version i want from dangerous bros

so DD, when is the 1640 review gonna be ready?

also what new features will it have?

[The Digital Dolphin]

ive got a rant about plextor
they've rolled out FW 1.10 for 708A
added the comments that more DVD-R supported but in their compatibility list nothing has changed


Have you tried e-mailing them to see what they've changed? I have no personal contact within Plextor, so I can't be much help on this one.


also rpc1.org is down now
so cant get the version i want from dangerous bros


RPC1.org had a HUGE hardware failure. Their entire RAID system went down, and I believe much data was lost. I'm not sure what the cause was, but it is suspected to be related to the extremely high temperatures we've been experiencing. People are working hard to restore the site ASAP, and I have been assured that all the firmwares were mirrored 100% before the problem occured :)


so DD, when is the 1640 review gonna be ready?
also what new features will it have?

Well, it'll take some time. As always, I am somewhat insane when it comes to media testing, and I've got a LOT of media to work through. But there are some issues to be resolved first. For starters, I'm waiting for the next firmware release in the hopes of some problems to be solved. Nextly, some rather frustrating things are happening with Plextools recently, as they have started attacking the author of PXScan's Linux version, in what is believed to be the beginning of an "all out attack" against third party software support for Plextor drives. It's pretty disgusting if you ask me, but it's also causing some problems, as I am very seriously considering joining many others in discontinuing the use of Plextor drives in my testing... but since the Beta testing with the drive is quite intrigal to my review, and is one of the things that makes my reviews different from all the rest, I'm quite hesitant to discontinue that part.... so I may just use the third party software which is being attacked by Plextools.... but if I do that, I may find Plextools coming after me as well!! So I'm still weighing these issues, and watching to see what happens with PXScan Linux.

As for new features in the BenQ DW1640, it's mainly the same added features as in the DW1620: QScan, WOPC, BLEROPC, ThirdParty Software media testing support, Bitsetting, and all that sort of stuff. The best part however is the ability to burn Verbatim 2.4x DVD+R9 media at 8x!! Which saves a LOT of time :cheesygri The downside is that it looks like there will be very little, or possibly no media overclocking (as of yet). Although this can be manually changed by using the firmware patching software which is available on the net.

In the mean time, I'm trying to frantically make some more room in my blank media collection, as I've got 3 shipments (1 from within Canada, and 2 from the U.S.) of new media coming in for use in this review.... and one of the shipments in from the U.S. is supposed to be pretty big :eek: I already had to install shelving across the entire length of one of the walls in my room (near the ceiling) to hold my CD-Rs, I'd need to put in another 2 to 3 of those shelves just to hold my current DVDR collection (which currently dominates my bookshelf, desk, and under my desk). So I'm just a little worried about what's going to happen when all this stuff gets in. On top of that, I've got about the same amounts worth of anime coming in, probably in the next 2-3 weeks....

I think I need a bigger room! :cry:

[MTL-TechY]

i made the plunge = bought the plextor px-716a at costco, sold my aopen dvd dl, standard on hp computer media center and installing it tommorow

[callous]

Have you tried e-mailing them to see what they've changed? I have no personal contact within Plextor, so I can't be much help on this one.



RPC1.org had a HUGE hardware failure. Their entire RAID system went down, and I believe much data was lost. I'm not sure what the cause was, but it is suspected to be related to the extremely high temperatures we've been experiencing. People are working hard to restore the site ASAP, and I have been assured that all the firmwares were mirrored 100% before the problem occured :)



Well, it'll take some time. As always, I am somewhat insane when it comes to media testing, and I've got a LOT of media to work through. But there are some issues to be resolved first. For starters, I'm waiting for the next firmware release in the hopes of some problems to be solved. Nextly, some rather frustrating things are happening with Plextools recently, as they have started attacking the author of PXScan's Linux version, in what is believed to be the beginning of an "all out attack" against third party software support for Plextor drives. It's pretty disgusting if you ask me, but it's also causing some problems, as I am very seriously considering joining many others in discontinuing the use of Plextor drives in my testing... but since the Beta testing with the drive is quite intrigal to my review, and is one of the things that makes my reviews different from all the rest, I'm quite hesitant to discontinue that part.... so I may just use the third party software which is being attacked by Plextools.... but if I do that, I may find Plextools coming after me as well!! So I'm still weighing these issues, and watching to see what happens with PXScan Linux.

As for new features in the BenQ DW1640, it's mainly the same added features as in the DW1620: QScan, WOPC, BLEROPC, ThirdParty Software media testing support, Bitsetting, and all that sort of stuff. The best part however is the ability to burn Verbatim 2.4x DVD+R9 media at 8x!! Which saves a LOT of time :cheesygri The downside is that it looks like there will be very little, or possibly no media overclocking (as of yet). Although this can be manually changed by using the firmware patching software which is available on the net.

In the mean time, I'm trying to frantically make some more room in my blank media collection, as I've got 3 shipments (1 from within Canada, and 2 from the U.S.) of new media coming in for use in this review.... and one of the shipments in from the U.S. is supposed to be pretty big :eek: I already had to install shelving across the entire length of one of the walls in my room (near the ceiling) to hold my CD-Rs, I'd need to put in another 2 to 3 of those shelves just to hold my current DVDR collection (which currently dominates my bookshelf, desk, and under my desk). So I'm just a little worried about what's going to happen when all this stuff gets in. On top of that, I've got about the same amounts worth of anime coming in, probably in the next 2-3 weeks....

I think I need a bigger room! :cry:

Do you think it is possible the 1640 is 1620 but with dif firmware and appearance? I know NEC did that before with their 2500 and 2510, and I was wondering what is the likelihood it is same for 1640/1620.

Do you get media for free since you're a reviewer?

[Evil Techie]

ikea is your good friend when it comes to shelfing
hehehe

[oc613]

The DVR-109. Why? It has more media codes supported then the DVR-105 which doesn't support almost any of the currently available media any more. Make sure you use either the Buffalo 8.50 or the Pioneer 1.50 firmware though, because all the other firmwares suck something fierce!


i still get drop-out burning with 8.50 though!

i'm going to flash to a09 1.50B for quietdrive support, you think it will make any difference from 8.50 for the drop-outs or do they use the same kernel pretty much?

[The Digital Dolphin]

ikea is your good friend when it comes to shelfing
hehehe

Hehehe, yeah, but Ikea can't make my room larger for me :cry:

But yeah, I DO buy most of my furniture from Ikea. The stuff is top notch in quality, and the ability to see EVERYTHING on display already put together makes it sooooo much easier to choose what I want. Plus their hotdogs are awesome :cheesygri

I really have to cut down on my anime purchasing though.... I'm going to create a serious threat to my life if there was ever an earthquake! :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

i still get drop-out burning with 8.50 though!

i'm going to flash to a09 1.50B for quietdrive support, you think it will make any difference from 8.50 for the drop-outs or do they use the same kernel pretty much?

That's odd...

I'm not sure how different 1.50 will be to 8.50. They are based on the same core writing strategies, but they could differ in some areas. I haven't ripped them apart personally to see how they compare... and since rpc1.org is down, it's unlikely I'll be able to quickly find someone else who has done it either.

[Evil Techie]

Hehehe, yeah, but Ikea can't make my room larger for me :cry:

But yeah, I DO buy most of my furniture from Ikea. The stuff is top notch in quality, and the ability to see EVERYTHING on display already put together makes it sooooo much easier to choose what I want. Plus their hotdogs are awesome :cheesygri

I really have to cut down on my anime purchasing though.... I'm going to create a serious threat to my life if there was ever an earthquake! :cheesygri


you are probably already creating a threat on your life by sitting in front of the TV or computer so much watching them
lol

come on DD, go play some sports or go for some hikes everytime before doing some testing
or when you are burning, go run around then come back in 5 mins

[The Digital Dolphin]

you are probably already creating a threat on your life by sitting in front of the TV or computer so much watching them
lol

come on DD, go play some sports or go for some hikes everytime before doing some testing
or when you are burning, go run around then come back in 5 mins

Heh, I usually have my anime on while I'm testing media, so I kill two birds with one stone :cheesygri As for exercise, it's true I don't get enough :( But I do walk/bus to work every morning on weekdays and have some sort of sport or outing on Saturdays with friends. :cheesygri

[Alexo]

... and have some sort of sport or outing on Saturdays with friends.
Thank you for helping me settle a bet.

(shouting aside) Hey dude, DD just confirmed that he does have friends! You owe me ten bucks!
What?
No, he did not say if they are female...
How the hell should I know?
No way, ask him yourself.
Chicken!
OK, I'll try to be delicate...

Uh, DD, could you elaborate on the "some sort of sport" part?

:cheesygri

Highest regards and lots of thanks for the excellent community service you provide,
Alex.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thank you for helping me settle a bet.

(shouting aside) Hey dude, DD just confirmed that he does have friends! You owe me ten bucks!
What?
No, he did not say if they are female...
How the hell should I know?
No way, ask him yourself.
Chicken!
OK, I'll try to be delicate...

Uh, DD, could you elaborate on the "some sort of sport" part?

:cheesygri

Highest regards and lots of thanks for the excellent community service you provide,
Alex.

This has to be one of the weirdest questions yet :lol:

The group of friends I was referring to is my "anime group", which consists of a regular group 6 people (3 women, 1 man, my girlfriend and myself), and some semi-regular drop-ins of either sex. For sports, we do hiking, badminton, and we'll probably be doing volleyball as the weather seems to be good for it now :)

[HammerJoe]

Hey Dolphin have you tested the latest 1.50 for the Pio 109??

It seems to be working fine the 8X optodiscs DVD-R that I got from Ncix.

Recorded some movies and they work fine on my Lg dvd player. :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey Dolphin have you tested the latest 1.50 for the Pio 109??

It seems to be working fine the 8X optodiscs DVD-R that I got from Ncix.

Recorded some movies and they work fine on my Lg dvd player. :)

Yup, I commented on it here:
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showpost.php?p=1697103&postcount=1879

[Alexo]

This has to be one of the weirdest questions yet :lol:
It was supposed to be a jest, prompted by the fact that if a mere "analog human" was spending as much of his time as you have researching burners and media, he would have problems keeping any friends, not to mention a girlfriend.

And yes, I am green with envy :)

[Pavel]

ikea is your good friend when it comes to shelfing
hehehe

But is one of your worst friends for quality and durability....can u say pressboard?

[Evil Techie]

But is one of your worst friends for quality and durability....can u say pressboard?

nah thats only if you go for the cheapest stuff they have

i bought the solid wood drill onto wall shelves
great for putting on walls you want
and is great for holding CDs and such
holding a crap load of my textbooks too
keeping up about 50lbs with no bending

it wasnt expensive
less than $10 for 1 shelf
but that was on sale price i think

badminton is a great sport, really works you out

so does 1640 have lightscribe?

[Madcatmk2]

Do you think it is possible the 1640 is 1620 but with dif firmware and appearance? I know NEC did that before with their 2500 and 2510, and I was wondering what is the likelihood it is same for 1640/1620.

Do you get media for free since you're a reviewer?

Blame Evil Techie because DD hasn't answered you. No, they surely both have different hardware and or different board. You will have to wait for someone to post pictures of the writer processor.

He gets most but not all media for free.

[callous]

Dang, and i was so hoping...

[rahzel]

hey DD, i just looked at some of my Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R's and some of them have GHxxxxx in the inner mirror band. All of my Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R's were purchased at blankmedia.ca. why do some of them have GH instead of GG? 3 out of 30 of my TY DVD-R's have GH instead of GG.

EDIT I just checked the disc info for the GHxxxxx discs, and they are 16x TYG03. Do you think theyre real 16x Taiyo Yuden, or are they just underclocked 16x media to ensure proper quality results?

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, i just looked at some of my Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R's and some of them have GHxxxxx in the inner mirror band. All of my Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R's were purchased at blankmedia.ca. why do some of them have GH instead of GG? 3 out of 30 of my TY DVD-R's have GH instead of GG.

EDIT I just checked the disc info for the GHxxxxx discs, and they are 16x TYG03. Do you think theyre real 16x Taiyo Yuden, or are they just underclocked 16x media to ensure proper quality results?

Probably someone just mistook them. Most people don't double check the serial numbers when shipping out media. I've seen quite some number of BIG shipping mistakes because of this in the past... but for some reason, I've never been able to convince anyone it's worth learning the serial number system of the media they sell :(

The only chance that could be underclocked media would be if you bought the Taiyo Yuden 4x DVD-Rs and got TYG03. It's VERY unlikely that would happen, but if Taiyo Yuden had some lower grade discs to get rid of, then that's probably how they would do it (although 10x more likely would be for them to just sell them to Fuji, who is much less picky then Taiyo Yuden themselves!!).

[rahzel]

nice, i wanted to test out the 16x DVD-R's but ive got enough DVDR's on me so i didnt want to buy more. I guess ive had these all along, i just didnt know it =].

[Mint]

Hi DD,

I just picked up the BenQ DW1620 Pro from Futureshop and I was wondering which firmware do you think is the best for it?

I'm currently using the firmware that came with it (B7U9). Oh and whats the diff between the 1620 and the 1620 pro.

TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

Most people tend to like B7P9 as a firmware. I tend to fluctuate between B7P9, B7T9, B7V9, and B7S9. :cheesygri

[Madcatmk2]

How many days before you finish the 1640 review?

[Mint]

Most people tend to like B7P9 as a firmware. I tend to fluctuate between B7P9, B7T9, B7V9, and B7S9. :cheesygri

Is the B7U9 a more recent firmware? Should I just leave it if i'm not having problems and how do i do that bitsetting thing everyone is talking about (if you can point me to any guides on how to do it that would be awesome)?

TIA DD!

[The Digital Dolphin]

How many days before you finish the 1640 review?

It's on hold right now until I can get some problems resolved. I think the motor might be faulty, so I'm asking for a different unit. It's the 97th one off of the production line according to the serial number (or something close to that) so I'm hoping I'll get one a little bit newer, where the bugs have been worked out already ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Is the B7U9 a more recent firmware? Should I just leave it if i'm not having problems and how do i do that bitsetting thing everyone is talking about (if you can point me to any guides on how to do it that would be awesome)?

TIA DD!

B7V9 is the most recent firmware, but I don't suggest switching to it really. If you aren't having any problems, then don't worry.

As for Bitsetting, the DW1620 does it with all compatible media types (DVD+R/+RW/+RDL) automatically, so if it CAN be done, then it's already BEING done :cheesygri

Very nice drive for new users really! Just remember that you shouldn't EVER use Prodisc or Smartbuy products with it! ;)

[callous]

B7V9 is the most recent firmware, but I don't suggest switching to it really. If you aren't having any problems, then don't worry.

As for Bitsetting, the DW1620 does it with all compatible media types (DVD+R/+RW/+RDL) automatically, so if it CAN be done, then it's already BEING done :cheesygri

Very nice drive for new users really! Just remember that you shouldn't EVER use Prodisc or Smartbuy products with it! ;)

Can you confirm the version V or version U does not fix CD writing significantly enough for the 1620 tobe used mainly as a cd writer?

Are we talking about excessive C2 errors? I wish I could check this myself, but i got no drive that can read c1 and c2.

[Mint]

B7V9 is the most recent firmware, but I don't suggest switching to it really. If you aren't having any problems, then don't worry.

As for Bitsetting, the DW1620 does it with all compatible media types (DVD+R/+RW/+RDL) automatically, so if it CAN be done, then it's already BEING done :cheesygri

Very nice drive for new users really! Just remember that you shouldn't EVER use Prodisc or Smartbuy products with it! ;)

Smarbuy/prodisc = stay away. check ;)

thanks for the help. i guess i'll test it out some burns and see how it goes.
Sometimes its kinda ironic. I'm always outta HD space and need to burn stuff to clear room. Now that I want to burn stuff to test out the burner, I got nothing to burn ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Can you confirm the version V or version U does not fix CD writing significantly enough for the 1620 tobe used mainly as a cd writer?

Are we talking about excessive C2 errors? I wish I could check this myself, but i got no drive that can read c1 and c2.

Yeah, nothing significant. But if you stick to big name manufacturers, like CMC and Taiyo Yuden you'll be ok. Yes, CMC CD-Rs seem to be ok with this drive. (but not crappy no-name brand CMC CD-Rs... think like Memorex or Verbatim CD-Rs)

[callous]

Princo cdrs should burn acceptably, with little or no c2 on the 1620?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Princo cdrs should burn acceptably, with little or no c2 on the 1620?

Not sure, I don't have any Princo CD-Rs... I do my best not to support companies that openly persue illegal activities. Although someone did send me some Princo 4x DVD-Rs for use in my reviews (which I do)... it is something I don't like doing.

[whargoul]

Hey DD, I'm going to be buying the following from blankmedia.ca and was wondering what you thought. Are they good choices?

For an LG CD-RW: INFODISC 12X CD-RW and RIDATA BRANDED SILVER MATTE 80 MIN 52x CD-R.

For a BenQ 1620: 4X RIDATA DVD+RW (RICOHJPNW11 = good, right?).

Thanks.

[rahzel]

Hey DD, I'm going to be buying the following from blankmedia.ca and was wondering what you thought. Are they good choices?

For an LG CD-RW: INFODISC 12X CD-RW and RIDATA BRANDED SILVER MATTE 80 MIN 52x CD-R.

For a BenQ 1620: 4X RIDATA DVD+RW (RICOHJPNW11 = good, right?).

Thanks.
I have tried those INFODISC 12x CD-RW's and i just ordered the 24x CD-RW's and i havnt had any problems with them. I tried the CD-RW in my old JVC discman and it played with a few skips once in a while BUT my Maxell CD-RW (no media code made in taiwan crap) didnt even play in the same discman. I would recommend getting the 24x as they arent that much more (theyre actually cheaper if you buy 10+).

The ridata CD-R's are OK for just like music etc, but definitely not important data. If you want CD-R's for important data, get some Taiyo Yuden or Mitsui Gold CD-R's.

i cant tell you how those DVD+RW's would work on the BENQ writer but those DVD+RW's are pretty good in general.

just my .02c

[The Digital Dolphin]

I have tried those INFODISC 12x CD-RW's and i just ordered the 24x CD-RW's and i havnt had any problems with them. I tried the CD-RW in my old JVC discman and it played with a few skips once in a while BUT my Maxell CD-RW (no media code made in taiwan crap) didnt even play in the same discman. I would recommend getting the 24x as they arent that much more (theyre actually cheaper if you buy 10+).

The ridata CD-R's are OK for just like music etc, but definitely not important data. If you want CD-R's for important data, get some Taiyo Yuden or Mitsui Gold CD-R's.

i cant tell you how those DVD+RW's would work on the BENQ writer but those DVD+RW's are pretty good in general.

just my .02c

Umm, I would NOT recommend getting the 24x CD-RWs under ANY circumstances! They are the crappiest CD-RWs I've ever experienced! If you want to learn more about them, do a yahoo search (don't use Google because it will just show you where to buy them...) for "Infodisc 24x CD-RWs" or "Memorex 24x CD-RWs" which are the same thing. Read a little bit about people's results with them.

The other media mentioned however should be ok.

[rahzel]

Umm, I would NOT recommend getting the 24x CD-RWs under ANY circumstances! They are the crappiest CD-RWs I've ever experienced! If you want to learn more about them, do a yahoo search (don't use Google because it will just show you where to buy them...) for "Infodisc 24x CD-RWs" or "Memorex 24x CD-RWs" which are the same thing. Read a little bit about people's results with them.

The other media mentioned however should be ok.
ugh, i guess i should have asked you before i ordered them.

what if i burn them at 16x? (the only other option, i was planning on burning them at 16x anyway). I ordered a 10pk for them already =[.

[whargoul]

Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

[whargoul]

So, I was looking and found out that the DVD+RW's I was going to buy are actually Made in Taiwan, depsite the media code. Does that mean they probably aren't that good?

[rahzel]

So, I was looking and found out that the DVD+RW's I was going to buy are actually Made in Taiwan, depsite the media code. Does that mean they probably aren't that good?
the media code is just a media code. RICOH's plant is in Taiwan even though the media code is RICOHJPN. Not ALL media MIT is bad, but the best media usually comes out of Japan or Singapore. Ricoh media is pretty good in general, i have some 4x Ridata Ricohjpnr01 DVD+R's and ive had great results with them.

[The Digital Dolphin]

ugh, i guess i should have asked you before i ordered them.

what if i burn them at 16x? (the only other option, i was planning on burning them at 16x anyway). I ordered a 10pk for them already =[.

Well, unless things have changed, it's probably the only way you'll get any use out of them. Last I checked they still kinda sucked, but maybe they've improved?

[The Digital Dolphin]

the media code is just a media code. RICOH's plant is in Taiwan even though the media code is RICOHJPN. Not ALL media MIT is bad, but the best media usually comes out of Japan or Singapore. Ricoh media is pretty good in general, i have some 4x Ridata Ricohjpnr01 DVD+R's and ive had great results with them.

Nope.... Ricoh's plant is in Japan.... but Ricoh only does small runs there, and mostly for certification and such. The bulk of Ricoh's media is made by Ritek (and CMC!) in Taiwan. CMC only makes the DVD-R stuff though, and all of Ritek's media for Ricoh has the RICOH code, whereas CMC's does not.

[rahzel]

Nope.... Ricoh's plant is in Japan.... but Ricoh only does small runs there, and mostly for certification and such. The bulk of Ricoh's media is made by Ritek (and CMC!) in Taiwan. CMC only makes the DVD-R stuff though, and all of Ritek's media for Ricoh has the RICOH code, whereas CMC's does not.
ill just stop answering unless i actually know for sure =].

i thought Ricoh's plant was in Taiwan, my bad.

i must say though, ive had much better results with the ridata ricoh coded media than ritek's/ridata's own media, actually REALLY good results.

[whargoul]

Thanks a lot! And, hey, don't worry about it rahzel, nothing wrong with trying to help.

[apvm]

I need one or two real Taiyo Yuden 4X DVD-R urgent, does anyone know if BB or FS carries them and under what brand name and how to identify it, TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

I just recently found out that CWO.ca has been forced to pay up on all the CD-R levies they haven't been charging for 6 years or so (not sure when CWO started selling CD-Rs, but that's how long there has been a levy roughly). As shown in this news article:
http://cpcc.ca/english/pdf/CPCCReleaseCWOcourt%20Order20050601.pdf

It looks like CWO.ca has to pay the levy on 398,400 CD-Rs, which is probably less then 1/10th of what they SHOULD be paying for I would imagine (since I know these guys order 100,000 discs at a time!), but basing it off of this number that means they have to pay $83,664.... which is a lot, but probably not a lot to them. Now that number is assuming only paying the bare minimum.... but as is mentioned in the article
"This is the third time a company that evaded the levy has been ordered to pay the CPCC's legal costs on the highest scale provided in the tariff of the Federal Court."
....and reading that the court can impose up to 5 times the required levy as a maximum punishment, that brings the fee up to $418,320 !!!! which even CWO.ca probably has a bit of a tough time paying just like that.

Of course, even the $418,320 is not including all the court fees for both companies involved (the CPCC and CWO.ca), which were also added to the fine as well, as decided by the judge. I have no idea how much those fees are, but CWO is probably looking at something in the area of $420,000 CAD.

So all that being said, I think some people might be interested in knowing that CWO is not the only company being sued by the CPCC.... not by a LONG SHOT! And many of the companies being targeted are not the computer stores themselves, but their suppliers! Some *VERY* big suppliers here in BC, and also in Ontario are in a very similar position, but from what I understand they have much MUCH worse numbers to deal with, as they are some of the largest suppliers in Canada for CD-Rs!

Many people have thought that the CPCC have been doing nothing (yes, even myself at times!), but in actual fact, it's more the fact that the court system is REALLY slow! But now that precident has been set by currently 3 court cases (all won 100% by the CPCC), it is expected things will begin moving faster.

And yes, CWO.ca is still selling CD-Rs without the levy... but just because they've been sued once doesn't mean they won't get sued again and again.

Don't get the wrong impression and think I *AGREE* with the levy though... because I don't. I just don't believe that all these shadey businesses who no ethic or moral backbone should be running the market as they see fit, screwing things up for the companies that want to keep the business clean. As long the playing field is uneven, these scumbags will continue to bring in whatever crap they want, because no legitmate dealer can compete in pricing with a quality disc. I just want this to end, either by the levy being removed, or properly enforced across the board.

[The Digital Dolphin]

By the way, for anyone interested, Verbatim has just released their DVD-RDL media for sale in North America. It is now listed by major Verbatim dealers, and that means that companies like Blankmedia.ca and NCIX.com will be able to order them soon.

[callous]

DD, I distinctly remember Benq saying they would release a firmware to enable 4x burning on DL media for 1620.

I used mediacodespeededit to look into bios version "V" and only MKM media (is this memorex?) has 4x. Every other brand is 2.4x.

Do you know if Benq is working on making every brand 4x as promised?

[[buck]]

DD, I distinctly remember Benq saying they would release a firmware to enable 4x burning on DL media for 1620.

I used mediacodespeededit to look into bios version "V" and only MKM media (is this memorex?) has 4x. Every other brand is 2.4x.

Do you know if Benq is working on making every brand 4x as promised?

All firmware B7P9 and after do support 4X DL. Only problem is - there is no 4X on the market - only 2.4X! The only reason the MKM DL (Verbatim) is able to burn at 4X is because it's the only one who produces acceptable results at 4X.

[apvm]

anyone know which shop carries real Taiyo Yuden DVD media in the Toronto area? I don't want to order online,, TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, I distinctly remember Benq saying they would release a firmware to enable 4x burning on DL media for 1620.

I used mediacodespeededit to look into bios version "V" and only MKM media (is this memorex?) has 4x. Every other brand is 2.4x.

Do you know if Benq is working on making every brand 4x as promised?

They *NEVER* promised that all DVD+RDL media would be supported at 4x... I'm not sure why you would have made that assumption?? As [buck] stated, with B7P9 firmware they began supporting MKM/Verbatim media at 4x, because it was made very well. Ritek and Ricoh dual layer is still not that well manufactured, and many drives that support overclocking it to 4x do not have very good results with it (even when PI/PO scans look good the disc still usually has some problems in Beta/Jitter).

In the future, things might be different with the BenQ DW1640, but I'm not sure since I haven't tested any DVDRDL media yet on it.

[The Digital Dolphin]

anyone know which shop carries real Taiyo Yuden DVD media in the Toronto area? I don't want to order online,, TIA

I think most people on here will only be able to suggest blankmedia.ca or ncix.com. With all the other stores there are no real guarentees.

[apvm]

I think most people on here will only be able to suggest blankmedia.ca or ncix.com. With all the other stores there are no real guarentees.

Thanks, I just checked blankmedia.ca and they are only $30/50 next day shipping with everything included, 1-2 days is fine with me.. Thanks again.

[k_man_350z]

hey, DD just wondering any input for the SONY 800A dvd writer?? and is this another lite-on??

[rahzel]

hey, DD just wondering any input for the SONY 800A dvd writer?? and is this another lite-on??
sony makes liteon drives or the other way around.
i think DD will agree with me in saying that sony/liteon drives are crap.

[The Digital Dolphin]

It appears that Sony owns LiteON now.... or something similar. Sony has made some claims to being one of the only Japanese companies that does not outsource their DVDRW drive manufacturing (unlike Plextor), so since we *KNOW* that LiteON makes Sony's drives, and LiteON drives now carry Sony comments in the firmware (or at least DID, it's been a while since I ripped one apart), it's quite possible that LiteON is now owned at least partially by Sony.

To answer the QUESTION however, I would say the drive still sucks. I looked at the review Ian did of it on CDRlabs and only Taiyo Yuden and Maxell 8x DVD-Rs looked like they did ok in all the tests. Not overly inspiring.

[apvm]

I saw some Maxell 8X DVD-R at Walmart, the 50 spindle is made in Taiwan and the 15 spindle looks like made in Japan but I am not sure for both since I forgot to bring my glasses today. Anyway are they any good?

[callous]

DD, i have a question about the seamless link feature on the 1620.

If it is used many, many times during a burn for a movie, will it cause problems when reading back by a standalone dvd machine? Will the activation of seamless link during a burn cause read speed fluctuations afterwards due to higher PI errors/failures PO failers or even higher jitter?

[rahzel]

I saw some Maxell 8X DVD-R at Walmart, the 50 spindle is made in Taiwan and the 15 spindle looks like made in Japan but I am not sure for both since I forgot to bring my glasses today. Anyway are they any good?
you want a spindle Made in Japan and they will be good. Made in Taiwain might not be too bad, but if they have a made in japan spindle, get that.

[[buck]]

you want a spindle Made in Japan and they will be good. Made in Taiwain might not be too bad, but if they have a made in japan spindle, get that.

In my limited experience, Maxell branded RICOHJPNR02 has given me better results than MAXELL 002 or MXL RG03.

apvm: I would personally grab a spindle of MIJ Fuji @ BB for $20 even with the risk of getting one of those bad batches that DD speaks of.

[rahzel]

hey DD, i tried to backup Gladiator to a verbatim DL +R but i accidently burnt it at 4x. I scanned the DVD and i got 26 max PIF's. I burnt it again and at 2.4x but i got 23 max PIF's. I decided to test one of my Ridata ricohjpnr01 DVD+R's that i usually get 4 max PIF's and i got 16 max PIF's (same spindle)

i then tested some of the DVDR's i burnt a month ago that i scanned and got good results and even those DVDR's got huge PIF spikes. I havnt changed my firmware and everythings running the same as before, but all of a sudden, my PI/PIF scans are getting odd PIF spikes. Even with the high PIF spikes, the DVD seems to playback fine and the transfer rate tests came out alright.

Do you think somethings wrong? maybe the laser is wearing already or something? do you think i should RMA it? this has been bugging me all day.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I saw some Maxell 8X DVD-R at Walmart, the 50 spindle is made in Taiwan and the 15 spindle looks like made in Japan but I am not sure for both since I forgot to bring my glasses today. Anyway are they any good?

The Japanese ones are good, the Taiwanese ones are probably Ritek.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, i have a question about the seamless link feature on the 1620.

If it is used many, many times during a burn for a movie, will it cause problems when reading back by a standalone dvd machine? Will the activation of seamless link during a burn cause read speed fluctuations afterwards due to higher PI errors/failures PO failers or even higher jitter?

The function is pretty good, but there *IS* a chance it will cause a spike in jitter or other error types, which in turn would be capable of causing pauses or skipping yes. It's not likely for it to create POF errors however, and even in the worst cases the disc should be readable, although maybe not very well in pickier players.

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD, i tried to backup Gladiator to a verbatim DL +R but i accidently burnt it at 4x. I scanned the DVD and i got 26 max PIF's. I burnt it again and at 2.4x but i got 23 max PIF's. I decided to test one of my Ridata ricohjpnr01 DVD+R's that i usually get 4 max PIF's and i got 16 max PIF's (same spindle)

i then tested some of the DVDR's i burnt a month ago that i scanned and got good results and even those DVDR's got huge PIF spikes. I havnt changed my firmware and everythings running the same as before, but all of a sudden, my PI/PIF scans are getting odd PIF spikes. Even with the high PIF spikes, the DVD seems to playback fine and the transfer rate tests came out alright.

Do you think somethings wrong? maybe the laser is wearing already or something? do you think i should RMA it? this has been bugging me all day.

Is it a LiteON? LiteON's are just kinda wacky. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it, as long as the media is performing well still. Then again, I don't really trust LiteON scans much to begin with.

But how would you RMA it? Complain you don't like the results of the scanning it does? :confused:

[rahzel]

Is it a LiteON? LiteON's are just kinda wacky. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it, as long as the media is performing well still. Then again, I don't really trust LiteON scans much to begin with.

But how would you RMA it? Complain you don't like the results of the scanning it does? :confused:
nah, its an NEC 3520... its buggin me that im getting bad scans all of a sudden.

[callous]

The function is pretty good, but there *IS* a chance it will cause a spike in jitter or other error types, which in turn would be capable of causing pauses or skipping yes. It's not likely for it to create POF errors however, and even in the worst cases the disc should be readable, although maybe not very well in pickier players.

Thanks for the info!

[The Digital Dolphin]

nah, its an NEC 3520... its buggin me that im getting bad scans all of a sudden.

Hrm, I'm not sure if the NEC's PIE/PIF scanning is any better then the Pioneer's :(

Still, I wouldn't worry unless you come across performance problems. It could even be heat causing slight differences in the reading.

[rahzel]

Hrm, I'm not sure if the NEC's PIE/PIF scanning is any better then the Pioneer's :(

Still, I wouldn't worry unless you come across performance problems. It could even be heat causing slight differences in the reading.
yeah, i did hear the NEC doesnt do PI/PIF testing very good (like the Pioneer) but its still wierd that i was getting good scans before and now im getting these high spikes.

thanks again DD.

[rahzel]

one more thing about my scans DD, do you think my drives giving false results? thats what some1 else guessed.

[ZeeTX]

Hi DD:

I recently (3-days to be precise) bought the Retail Plus Drive (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showthread.php?t=168516) - Got NEC ND-3520A.

I was holding myself for the new drives BenQ-1640 and NEC-3540 but the wait was killing me and I couldn't resist the deal which was lower than the cost any OEM drive!

Today, since my morning the drive started acting strange and was not able to read any Disc (CD or DVD) thrown at it..! I tried to update it with latest NEC firmware 3.04 yet it didn't work. Switched it back to the original firmware 1.04 and still no help..:!:

The drive just holds disc (any disc- CD/DVD) with green light on for about a minute or two trying to read it but without any progress. The light dissappears then and when I try to access the Drive it says - No Disc, Please insert a disc...:!: :!:

I don't know what else should I do..:?: Any help is greatly appreciated - Thanks..!

[The Digital Dolphin]

one more thing about my scans DD, do you think my drives giving false results? thats what some1 else guessed.

Well, since no results can really be called Correct, it's hard to say the results are false. The drive is only reporting what it can see and inturpret. This is why I use multiple drives when testing media, so that I can get a well rounded view of the disc :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD:

I recently (3-days to be precise) bought the Retail Plus Drive (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/showthread.php?t=168516) - Got NEC ND-3520A.

I was holding myself for the new drives BenQ-1640 and NEC-3540 but the wait was killing me and I couldn't resist the deal which was lower than the cost any OEM drive!

Today, since my morning the drive started acting strange and was not able to read any Disc (CD or DVD) thrown at it..! I tried to update it with latest NEC firmware 3.04 yet it didn't work. Switched it back to the original firmware 1.04 and still no help..:!:

The drive just holds disc (any disc- CD/DVD) with green light on for about a minute or two trying to read it but without any progress. The light dissappears then and when I try to access the Drive it says - No Disc, Please insert a disc...:!: :!:

I don't know what else should I do..:?: Any help is greatly appreciated - Thanks..!

Did the drive work properly before? If it did, and then just stopped working, then probably it is the drive being defective. If it can't read a store bought CD or DVD, then it's a REALLY bad sign! :(

[ZeeTX]

Did the drive work properly before? If it did, and then just stopped working, then probably it is the drive being defective. If it can't read a store bought CD or DVD, then it's a REALLY bad sign! :(
Yes, it worked the first 2 days, I even burned a DVD with it..!
But now all of sudden it cannot read the disc it burned or any Retail store CD/DVDs.. :!: :cry:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Yes, it worked the first 2 days, I even burned a DVD with it..!
But now all of sudden it cannot read the disc it burned or any Retail store CD/DVDs.. :!: :cry:

Well, I think it's probably dead... but before you try to return/exchange it, I suggest trying it in another machine (perhaps a friend's) just in case.

[ZeeTX]

Should I just return the drive or try getting another one which might be a Toshiba or Sumsung or LG or again NEC.. :?:

I don't mind having a NEC drive or the least LG if they perform well. But a Toshiba or Samsung isn't worth the money (~$60) because they stick to the rated media burning speeds (cannot overspeed media) and also do not have good firmware support as NEC compared to the other drives mentioned here..:!:

EDIT: I don't think the NEW drives (BenQ-DW1640 and NEC-ND3540A) will be available retaily till July.2005 and cost $75 atleast for the OEM..:!:

What do you suggest.. :?:

[The Digital Dolphin]

The NEC 3540 is already available at Newegg in the U.S. so it will be here soon :)

As for the BenQ DW1640, it seems to be a very good drive so far :D

[rahzel]

Well, since no results can really be called Correct, it's hard to say the results are false. The drive is only reporting what it can see and inturpret. This is why I use multiple drives when testing media, so that I can get a well rounded view of the disc :)
well do you think a burnt DVDR that gets 20+ PIF would have some kind of playback issue in a DVD player? i heard for the NEC drive, anything below 12 PIF should playback fine. I played both of the verbatim DL+R's that had 20+ PIF's and they both played back fine.

[The Digital Dolphin]

well do you think a burnt DVDR that gets 20+ PIF would have some kind of playback issue in a DVD player? i heard for the NEC drive, anything below 12 PIF should playback fine. I played both of the verbatim DL+R's that had 20+ PIF's and they both played back fine.

Well, I'm not sure how variable the scans are from drive to drive. What might be good on one, might be aweful on another, since the drives aren't calibrated to report the same amount of errors as each other.

I suggest testing a bunch of media, both discs that work and don't work, and try to come up with your OWN standards, since in the end, those are the only ones that matter for your situation.

Just keep in mind that there are several types of errors that NEC's can't test for, like Jitter and Beta, and low level errors, and that can cause even a GOOD scan to be unplayable in some cases.

EDIT:

If you do a transfer rate test, and the disc can be read back at 16x without any problems (in the NEC 3520) then the disc is probably fine. That's probably the best way of testing the media for your purposes I would think.

[ZeeTX]

Well, I think it's probably dead... but before you try to return/exchange it, I suggest trying it in another machine (perhaps a friend's) just in case.
OK, I'll try that before return/exchange.

DD - When is the BenQ DW1640 is expected to hit the NA market..:?:

[Alexo]

The NEC 3540 is already available at Newegg in the U.S. so it will be here soon :)

As for the BenQ DW1640, it seems to be a very good drive so far :D
A comparison of these two drives will be very appreciated!

[ZeeTX]

Well, I think it's probably dead... but before you try to return/exchange it, I suggest trying it in another machine (perhaps a friend's) just in case.
Tried it another machine(PC) too. Doesn't read any CD/DVD..:!:

I have no option but to return it and I am not sure if I will get another one in exchange.. :confused:

I know Newegg.com is selling NEC 3540 but I don't think that either of the drives (NEC ND3540A or BenQ DW1640) hit the Canadian market before end of June or early July. 2005.. :?:

[The Digital Dolphin]

A comparison of these two drives will be very appreciated!

I don't have an NEC 3540, so I can't really do one.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Tried it another machine(PC) too. Doesn't read any CD/DVD..:!:

I have no option but to return it and I am not sure if I will get another one in exchange.. :confused:

I know Newegg.com is selling NEC 3540 but I don't think that either of the drives (NEC ND3540A or BenQ DW1640) hit the Canadian market before end of June or early July. 2005.. :?:

I would imagine if NewEgg has the NEC 3540 that it would hit Canada in the next 2-3 weeks. I'll pester NCIX about it later if I can and see if they have an eta on it yet. As for the BenQ DW1640, it's been available in Europe for a while, so it could be anytime now.... but it could also be a month :(

[callous]

The benq 1640 wont be out in the US till mid-june, like now. Since it isnt out now you can expect a much longer wait if you live in canada.

I hear rumors of a 1650 soon :lol:

[Alexo]

I don't have an NEC 3540, so I can't really do one.
Maybe you know somebody who has both and can drop a friendly suggestion?
Or, perhaps, post a link here if somebody compares them on one of the other forums that you frequent?

[The Digital Dolphin]

The benq 1640 wont be out in the US till mid-june, like now. Since it isnt out now you can expect a much longer wait if you live in canada.

I hear rumors of a 1650 soon :lol:

I don't know if there will be a DW1650... if there is, it'll be a lightscribe capable version of the DW1640 I think.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Maybe you know somebody who has both and can drop a friendly suggestion?
Or, perhaps, post a link here if somebody compares them on one of the other forums that you frequent?

I'm not sure if I know anyone with both... probably I do. But the problem is I don't know too many people who would take the time to compare them PROPERLY. But if you're lucky, I'll review the NEC 3540 next month, and then a comparison will be easy(er) :cheesygri

[willy]

Long long time ago, there were rumors the 165x could be the SATA version.

It's back in Jun 04 ...

BenQ DW1600: 16x DVD+R, 2.4x DVD+R DL
BenQ DW1620: 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 2.4x DVD+R DL
BenQ DW1630: 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD±RW, 4x DVD+R DL
BenQ DW1650: Serial ATA version of DW1630

[callous]

I don't know if there will be a DW1650... if there is, it'll be a lightscribe capable version of the DW1640 I think.

Hey, does the 1650 have a dvd+-r DL support, as in both. And do you know if there are plans to support dvd-r DL for the 1620?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Long long time ago, there were rumors the 165x could be the SATA version.

It's back in Jun 04 ...

BenQ DW1600: 16x DVD+R, 2.4x DVD+R DL
BenQ DW1620: 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 2.4x DVD+R DL
BenQ DW1630: 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD±RW, 4x DVD+R DL
BenQ DW1650: Serial ATA version of DW1630

Well, there was an SATA version planned for the DW1620, but it never materialized to my knowledge. But I've heard nothing about the DW1650.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey, does the 1650 have a dvd+-r DL support, as in both. And do you know if there are plans to support dvd-r DL for the 1620?

The DW1640 supports 4x DVD-RDL and 8x DVD+RDL, the DW1620 is not getting an upgrade like that. The DW1650 is currently a rumour, nothing more (to the best of my knowledge).

[Alexo]

The DW1650 is currently a rumour, nothing more (to the best of my knowledge).
google is your friend.

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=9057

[apvm]

The TYG02 from blankmedia.ca arrived today, tested two, one on B7S9 and one on B7V9 firmware of my Benq 1620, burn quality is nowhere near as good as MIJ Maxell ?!!! which firmware should I use for these media? TIA

[callous]

The TYG02 from blankmedia.ca arrived today, tested two, one on B7S9 and one on B7V9 firmware of my Benq 1620, burn quality is nowhere near as good as MIJ Maxell ?!!! which firmware should I use for these media? TIA

Can you show us a Disc Quality Scan@8x for the blankmedia stuff?

[apvm]

Can you show us a Disc Quality Scan@8x for the blankmedia stuff?

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=139964#post1020948

1st is B7V9 firmware burnt at 4X TYG02
2nd is B7S9 firmware burnt at 4X MIJ Maxell

Looks like the Maxell is better and the TYG02 doesn't look good....care to comment? TIA

[callous]

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=139964#post1020948

1st is B7V9 firmware burnt at 4X TYG02
2nd is B7S9 firmware burnt at 4X MIJ Maxell

Looks like the Maxell is better and the TYG02 doesn't look good....care to comment? TIA

From what i've been reading, quality is optimal if you burn the media at the max speed it is rated for, in this case 8x. Dont burnt at 4x or quality can be worse.

Some ppl find the "U" version of firmware better than V, so that try that next, after u burn again at 8x. BTW, you need to burn close to 4.3gigs to test the full size of the disc or it becomes pointless.

[apvm]

But they were suppose to be 4X DVD-R when I ordered, I didn't buy the 8X?

[callous]

oh I must have gotten confused somewhere.

Try thefirmware "u" then.

[DVDManiac]

Hi DD, I bought the BenQ DW1620 Pro as you recommended. I did notice that you wrote that the drive is picky with CDR writing. What do you mean in particular? I still do quite a bit of CDR burning and I don't want to continue to use my 5yr old Toshiba writer with the new TY discs I bought. I also have some Maxell CDRs.

Also I have a bunch of blank DVDRs, will it have any trouble burning with them? The list:

TY 8x DVD-Rs (from NCIX)
TY 4x DVD-Rs (from NCIX)
Maxell 8x DVD-Rs MIJ (from FS)
Maxell 8x DVD+Rs MIJ (from FS)
Fuji 8x DVD+Rs MIJ (from London Drugs)
Arco Circle 8x DVD-Rs (from Anitec)

I know you mention TY02s are iffy but with the firmware upgrade should be better. Thanks for your time.

[[buck]]

Hi DD, I bought the BenQ DW1620 Pro as you recommended. I did notice that you wrote that the drive is picky with CDR writing. What do you mean in particular? I still do quite a bit of CDR burning and I don't want to continue to use my 5yr old Toshiba writer with the new TY discs I bought. I also have some Maxell CDRs.

Also I have a bunch of blank DVDRs, will it have any trouble burning with them? The list:

TY 8x DVD-Rs (from NCIX)
TY 4x DVD-Rs (from NCIX)
Maxell 8x DVD-Rs MIJ (from FS)
Maxell 8x DVD+Rs MIJ (from FS)
Fuji 8x DVD+Rs MIJ (from London Drugs)
Arco Circle 8x DVD-Rs (from Anitec)

I know you mention TY02s are iffy but with the firmware upgrade should be better. Thanks for your time.

You should have absolutely no problem burning any of that media (it's all great stuff) - except the Acro Circle, depending of if you get the TYG02 code or the OPTODISCR008. If it's the optodisc code, there should be no problems, but if it's the TY code, it wont burn very well.

There is a program called Media Code Speed Edit (MCSE (http://ala42.cdfreaks.com/MCSE/)) which allows you to swap firmware write strategies, so if you can get that figured out, you might want to swap the TYG02 strat with the OPTODISCR008 strat. HOWEVER - ONLY use this for burning OPTODISC TYG02 - not authentic Taiyp Yuden TYG02.

Have fun with your new drive!

[rahzel]

']You should have absolutely no problem burning any of that media (it's all great stuff) - except the Acro Circle, depending of if you get the TYG02 code or the OPTODISCR008. If it's the optodisc code, there should be no problems, but if it's the TY code, it wont burn very well.

There is a program called Media Code Speed Edit (MCSE (http://ala42.cdfreaks.com/MCSE/)) which allows you to swap firmware write strategies, so if you can get that figured out, you might want to swap the TYG02 strat with the OPTODISCR008 strat. HOWEVER - ONLY use this for burning OPTODISC TYG02 - not authentic Taiyp Yuden TYG02.

Have fun with your new drive!
i dont think Optodisc used Taiyo Yuden's codes in their Arco Circle DVDR's, i think they only used them in their Generic line... could be wrong though.

[[buck]]

i dont think Optodisc used Taiyo Yuden's codes in their Arco Circle DVDR's, i think they only used them in their Generic line... could be wrong though.

I have a spindle of Acro Circles from NCIX to prove it, lol! Unfortunately they do, but i've heard DD say he's tried to make optodisc TYG02 as uncommon as he can. ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

']I have a spindle of Acro Circles from NCIX to prove it, lol! Unfortunately they do, but i've heard DD say he's tried to make optodisc TYG02 as uncommon as he can. ;)

Yup, I've excerted quite a bit of my influence on that, so most Acro Circle will be OPTODISCR008 code. Some exceptions are the inkjet printables, which I can never seem to get Optodisc to keep consistant on :confused:

In other news, there is a chance that the downgrade Optodisc will be getting an upgrade ;) Hopefully sometime in late August or early September, the generic Optodisc sold at NCIX and maybe even Anitec will be switching to OPTODISCR008 code. I've tried this new stuff out on the Pioneer DVR-109 (with firmware 1.50) and the BenQ DW1640 and both have had pretty decent results (much better then the TYG02 code! almost as good as Acro Circle in some cases!! although more variable since it's downgrade). There's some big politics and crap behind everything, but if all goes well, we may see less and less of Optodisc TYG02 code, until we don't see any at all :D

[DVDManiac]

[buck] thanks for the info!

[chump]

Could I get suggestions as to where to buy inkjet "printable to the hub" DVDs for a good price/decent quality? I see that NCIX has the Maxell DVD-R 8X 50's for about $50? What's the ball park in price I should be paying for these in Vancouver? I see night market has 50 no-names 4x DVD's for $23 or 50 Ridata 8x DVDs for $35. What's the best price I can get away with? Thanks.

[[buck]]

Whatever you do, stay away from "no names", Ritek, prodisc, etc.

I would probably buy these:
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=554
They're a little low on stock on those right now, so i'd probably get these
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=302

If you wanted to stay local, you might as well just get those Maxells, they're almost as good as the Taiyo Yudens.

[.iNiz]

Are there any Brother ink cartridges at blankmedia.ca?...I checked and nothing came up..so i'm just wondering if its a prob from my side..

[[buck]]

Are there any Brother ink cartridges at blankmedia.ca?...I checked and nothing came up..so i'm just wondering if its a prob from my side..

nope, they have none!

[.iNiz]

']nope, they have none!

Damnn..are they planning on getting some :lol: ?

[rei]

Just bought a 50 spindle of 8x "Taiyo Yuden" DVD-R from MemoryExpress in Edmonton for $35. Media code in DVDInfoPro is TYG02 but the plastic/mirror band on the thing doesn't resemble what the Dolphin's referred to in his .SIG.

Likely fake?

I -think- this is one disc has on the inner band:
GG00000065 1020
5B525A301106GG

Media Information
Region information N/A not a DVD-VIDEO
Media code/Manufacturer ID TYG02
Format Capacity Blank Disc
Free Blocks 412352512
Free Capacity 4.38GB(4.71GB)
Book Type DVD-R
Media Type DVD-R
Manufacturer Rated Speed 8.0x 11080KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 8.0x 11080KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 4.0x 5540KBps
Write Strategy Speed 4.0x 5540KBps
2x Speed OPC beta 08
2x Speed OPC power 0E
2x Write Strategy field 1 11 87 78 80
2x Write Strategy field 2 88 80 00 00 00 00
4x Speed OPC beta 06
4x Speed OPC power 13
4x Write Strategy field 1 0D 10 0E 07
4x Write Strategy field 2 97 07 0D 0B
4x Write Strategy field 3 80 00 00 00
4x Speed OPC beta multi-pulse 06
4x Speed OPC power multi-pulse 18
4x Write Strategy field 4 17 85 78 75
4x Write Strategy field 5 D6 89 A8 92 01 20
4x Write Strategy field 6 10 00 D0 00 00
Data area starting sector 30000h
Linear Density 0.267um/bit
Track Density 0.74um/track
Number of Layers 1

Complete Media Code
00000000 00 6A 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 87 0D 10 .j...@....R.....
00000010 66 78 80 00 03 54 59 47 30 32 00 00 04 00 00 00 fx...TYG02......
00000020 00 00 00 00 05 AA A2 22 22 20 02 00 06 08 0E 11 ......."" ......

[[buck]]

hmm.. at that price they might be fake. My TYG02 has GG000103 which is alot shorter than GG00000065 1020. Hehe, well at least they did a good job faking them with the GG!

So, my bet is that they're fake. What packaging did they come in and did it say where they're made?

[rei]

i figure they're fake to start with.

no packaging, just a spindle with an memoryexpress 'warranty void if removed' square sticker. marked taiyo yuden, dvd-r silver lacquer, 50pk, dvd-r47zzsb8

there's the dvdhs.com slip in multilanguages warning about using 8x discs in <4x drives. ...uh...that's so 2001.

blankmedia.ca sells them for that much--i think i'll buy a spindle and compare. but the shipping is $10 at the cheapest.

[NG]

Hey DD,

I was wondering if it'd be cool to send a few questions your way I've been wondering about:

- Do you think well ever see (hopefully soon) DVDR drives that will read and burn RAM in the cart?

-With the whole debaucle over the low grade TY media Fuji is using how can we tell (or can we even tell) if places like blankmedia, ncix etc is selling the top grade stuff? I wonder if they can even tell if the codes the same actually.

-I've been having some trouble finding 16x media on the shelf. The only place who seems to have a selection is RadioShack with Nexxtech and Verbatim. I checked the videohelp site but there's no listings for Nexxtech - do you know who makes them for RS/TS or I guess more to the point if they're good discs or that CMC type stuff?

Thanks for any info man and thanks again for providing RFD with the scoop on blank media :D

[[buck]]

-I've been having some trouble finding 16x media on the shelf. The only place who seems to have a selection is RadioShack with Nexxtech and Verbatim. I checked the videohelp site but there's no listings for Nexxtech - do you know who makes them for RS/TS or I guess more to the point if they're good discs or that CMC type stuff?

I can tell you that blankmedia.ca stocks 16X Taiyo Yuden DVD-R (TYG03), Verbatim 16X DVD-R (MCC03RG20), and Verbatim 16X DVD+R (MCC004), all of which are excellent.

16X media seems to be a little slow to hit Canada, there seems to be a good deal of 16X media in the states.

[The Digital Dolphin]

i figure they're fake to start with.

no packaging, just a spindle with an memoryexpress 'warranty void if removed' square sticker. marked taiyo yuden, dvd-r silver lacquer, 50pk, dvd-r47zzsb8

there's the dvdhs.com slip in multilanguages warning about using 8x discs in <4x drives. ...uh...that's so 2001.

blankmedia.ca sells them for that much--i think i'll buy a spindle and compare. but the shipping is $10 at the cheapest.

I'm not sure they're fake, but I know they aren't purchased through proper channels. Memory Express is more like TigerDirct in purchasing then NCIX.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD,

I was wondering if it'd be cool to send a few questions your way I've been wondering about:

- Do you think well ever see (hopefully soon) DVDR drives that will read and burn RAM in the cart?


Not likely, but new burners are coming out that support DVD-RAM, but not with a cartridge.


-With the whole debaucle over the low grade TY media Fuji is using how can we tell (or can we even tell) if places like blankmedia, ncix etc is selling the top grade stuff? I wonder if they can even tell if the codes the same actually.


Well, basically you can't. But in the case of NCIX, their supplier has to answer to me, and in a worst case scenario I can take problems all the way back to Taiyo Yuden (who now owes me a favour ;) ).

One thing I should mention, is that MID code means nothing. Ritek MID's are now being copied, Taiyo Yuden MIDs and Verbatim/MCC codes are being copied, and even TDK codes are being copied.


-I've been having some trouble finding 16x media on the shelf. The only place who seems to have a selection is RadioShack with Nexxtech and Verbatim. I checked the videohelp site but there's no listings for Nexxtech - do you know who makes them for RS/TS or I guess more to the point if they're good discs or that CMC type stuff?


Hrm, looks like ncix.com and blankmedia.ca are the better places for that as well (really for blank media there is no where else to shop!). NCIX has Acro Circle 16x media, and they could have Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-Rs anytime. Blankmedia.ca has Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden, and Prodisc (*NOT* RECOMMENDED!!!).

I have no idea what the Nexxtech stuff is sadly... I've considered buying it, but it's such a no name brand, that no one cares about, I can't justify spending money on it :razz: (yeah, for me it doesn't matter if it's good or crap, only if other people are likely to buy it as well ;) ).


Thanks for any info man and thanks again for providing RFD with the scoop on blank media :D

No prob! It's my pleasure :cheesygri

[NG]

']I can tell you that blankmedia.ca stocks 16X Taiyo Yuden DVD-R (TYG03), Verbatim 16X DVD-R (MCC03RG20), and Verbatim 16X DVD+R (MCC004), all of which are excellent.

16X media seems to be a little slow to hit Canada, there seems to be a good deal of 16X media in the states.

I did see the selecton there and at ncix however since I don't need them asap I'm intent on getting them at RS/TS etc since incl. shipping they're the about same price for both high and low end media and I'm hoping to catch them during a sale to make it cheaper.

[NG]

Not likely, but new burners are coming out that support DVD-RAM, but not with a cartridge.

:sigh: Too bad. I've read about other companies supporting ram so I figured LG might want to bump it up a notch to keep their edge. Plus I'm looking for any excuse to upgrade my Lite/Sony Dw-22-a and lightscribe ain't it :p. Ah well - perhaps they'll make a colour version soon or the lightscribe discs will become as standard as inkjet. Aslong as the sony does burn DL media then it'll be fine tho.

Actually - come to think of it - I just grabbed 6 of those Dynex DL Verbatim coded DL discs. Do you think I should just keep the firmware of the Sony dw22a (currently bys3 I believe) or flash it to the retail Sony or Lite-on to get a good burn?


Well, basically you can't. But in the case of NCIX, their supplier has to answer to me, and in a worst case scenario I can take problems all the way back to Taiyo Yuden (who now owes me a favour ;) ).


Ah cool cool. Well if ncix is the best bet then I'll have to keep an eye on them for upcoming TY sales.


One thing I should mention, is that MID code means nothing. Ritek MID's are now being copied, Taiyo Yuden MIDs and Verbatim/MCC codes are being copied, and even TDK codes are being copied.

Opps...hope those dynex coded Verbatim are the deal I thought they were.


Hrm, looks like ncix.com and blankmedia.ca are the better places for that as well (really for blank media there is no where else to shop!). NCIX has Acro Circle 16x media, and they could have Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-Rs anytime. Blankmedia.ca has Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden, and Prodisc (*NOT* RECOMMENDED!!!).

If they have a sale on for a good price I'll def consider them too but I suppose I'm the typical RFD'er - always looking for a sale :lol:


I have no idea what the Nexxtech stuff is sadly... I've considered buying it, but it's such a no name brand, that no one cares about, I can't justify spending money on it :razz: (yeah, for me it doesn't matter if it's good or crap, only if other people are likely to buy it as well ;) ).

They have a 25 pack on sale this week but the website doesn't list speed, and the retail store I was in only had 16x 50 packs but I'm gonna call around and if I can find a 25pk if you're interested I can run scans on them to see what they are.

[[buck]]

Opps...hope those dynex coded Verbatim are the deal I thought they were.

There's an easy way to tell if they're real MKM. Since, MKM is currently only making DL media in their (not CMC or Prodisc's) plant, it should be made in Singapore. ;)

EDIT - I just read one of DD's post @ CDRLabs and he says there are no visible markings of the country of origin on the packaging.. so YMMV.

Isn't it illegal to not put the country of origin on the packaging?