The Dolphin tells it like it is....

[rahzel]

Hey DD, we've been talking about the quality of dvds lately. This thought suddenly came to mind. Are there any specific dvd burning programs that would make better quality burns in general? Would specific programs prefer specific media? Are there specific programs that perform better when burning data/music/video/console games? I just want to gather information about the different things that might effect the quality of burns.
i havent heard of burning programs liking/not liking certain media, but ive actually found that ImgBurn/DVDDecrypter has slightly better write quality compared to Nero 6 in general. i havent tried any other burning programs though. If you're burning image files, id recommend you use DVDD or ImgBurn to burn them.

[callous]

Costco is the cheapest place in Canada
period

ive done my hw so trust me

Since i have no Costco account, where else would be cheaper.

[woof]

Evil Techie is right. It's Costco for compressed air. There is no where else worth looking at. Start asking around - impose on friends and relatives. Someone will have a Costo membership.

[DVDManiac]

Anyone know where I can find some articles on the bonding issue with Maxell blanks? I want to try and get Maxell to exchange the 180 blanks that I have, and they asked for some proof.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Dolph,

I've got a quick question for you. :)

Just out of curiousity, do you know if the "F" in RitekF1 is for Fujifilm, like it is with ProdiscF01/02? In other words, does RitekF1 use a Fujifilm dye?

Thanks.

Officially? No
Unofficially? Yes

[The Digital Dolphin]

Costco is the cheapest place in Canada
period

ive done my hw so trust me

I don't find that surprising in the least... but thanks for the heads up, I'll pick some up this week when I do my TDK shopping trip :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

Anyone know where I can find some articles on the bonding issue with Maxell blanks? I want to try and get Maxell to exchange the 180 blanks that I have, and they asked for some proof.

Tell them to contact Rob Speers (of Maxell Canada) in Alberta. I ripped a disc (or several discs) apart in front of him a week or two ago... he's well aware of the issue.

[Quick_lude]

Hey DD, this is the media code for the Costco TDK's that someone has posted.

ALL made in Taiwan
DVD+R media code : CMC MAG M01
DVD-R media code : TTH02

Does that tell you anything about their quality? Thank you.

[Seveneighty]

What's the deal with black-bottom CD-R's? Specifically these: http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=947.

Is the archival life/quality any better? And is Prodisc a good brand?

[Seveneighty]

Also I believe you wrote somewhere that its better to burn music CDs with a CD burner rather than a DVD burner.. is this true? If so, why, and how big is the difference?

[DVDManiac]

Tell them to contact Rob Speers (of Maxell Canada) in Alberta. I ripped a disc (or several discs) apart in front of him a week or two ago... he's well aware of the issue.

Thanks DD, can always count on you!

[ootb98]

I went looking for some new Maxell DVDs yesterday... the stock is still quite mixed. Some MIJ, mostly MIT. There seems to be a new type of MIT 25pk, the top of the spindle had a hexagon/octagon shape... not sure who makes it, I still have these Maxell Riteks to use up :P

Also, saw Fujifilm 16X -R at Best Buy, MIT. They had PILES of them, but all the 8X Maxell -R were sold out. Anyone have a report on the new Fujifilms? They come in a silver 50pk.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, this is the media code for the Costco TDK's that someone has posted.

ALL made in Taiwan
DVD+R media code : CMC MAG M01
DVD-R media code : TTH02

Does that tell you anything about their quality? Thank you.

Well, no :P

But it does tell me that the DVD+Rs aren't very compatible. TTH02 is a compatible MID code, but it says nothing about the quality of the disc itself. But with a compatible MID code, quality is more likely... but if the media is low grade, a good MID code can only do so much.

[The Digital Dolphin]

What's the deal with black-bottom CD-R's? Specifically these: http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=947.

Is the archival life/quality any better? And is Prodisc a good brand?

There is reason to believe that black bottomed CD-Rs reduce jitter, and therefore would make better discs for audio.

As for Prodisc, their media has a regular shelf life of 2-3 years. It might last longer, but there's no guarentees. Prodisc and Archival life don't belong in the same sentance, except where seperated by a negative :razz:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Also I believe you wrote somewhere that its better to burn music CDs with a CD burner rather than a DVD burner.. is this true? If so, why, and how big is the difference?

Yeah... most CD Burners pay more attention to CD recording quality then DVD Burners do. But it really depends on both the make of the CD burner and the DVD Burner. I'd take a Plextor DVD Burner over an Arctec CD Burner ANY day!!

[The Digital Dolphin]

I went looking for some new Maxell DVDs yesterday... the stock is still quite mixed. Some MIJ, mostly MIT. There seems to be a new type of MIT 25pk, the top of the spindle had a hexagon/octagon shape... not sure who makes it, I still have these Maxell Riteks to use up :P

Also, saw Fujifilm 16X -R at Best Buy, MIT. They had PILES of them, but all the 8X Maxell -R were sold out. Anyone have a report on the new Fujifilms? They come in a silver 50pk.

Fuji 16x DVD-R can be either PRODISCF02 or RITEKF1 (hrm... both using dyes developed by Fuji... I wonder why? :P). The PRODISCF02 is probably the better and least common of the two.

As for Maxell, the 16x is coming soon... not sure what code it will be, but it'll be outsourced to Taiwan very quickly, if not immediately. Also, Maxell's 100pc pricing will not be remaining at $29.99 on sale, it'll be going up, but the regular price will be coming WAY down... probably around $35-$38 retail. It's quite possible other brands will follow suite, since every one of them is losing money, and can't afford it much longer.

[Gnus]

Hey DD, I've got a few questions:

1. I just bought an NEC-3550A, what is your opinion of the burner?

2. When I try using Nero's CD-DVD Speed quality scanner, I get weird/inconsistent readouts on my Maxell MG03 discs. Is the problem related to the disc, the burner, or the program itself?

3. Is there any way for me to test the quality of discs I burned, besides using that program?

4. Lastly, what media do you recommend?

I'd appreciated any input you can give. Thanks.

[ak47num1]

Hello DD. Need some comments.

Would you recommend the Costco MIT DVD-Rs (TTH02 I believe) or the Walmart Maxell MIJ discs?

I know neither of them are recommended for archiving purposes, but the prices for these are the prices I can afford. >:(

Thanks!

[[buck]]

Hey DD, I've got a few questions:

1. I just bought an NEC-3550A, what is your opinion of the burner?


I don't think it's too impressive.

2. When I try using Nero's CD-DVD Speed quality scanner, I get weird/inconsistent readouts on my Maxell MG03 discs. Is the problem related to the disc, the burner, or the program itself?

NEC drives are notoriously inconsistant scanners, and the new 3550/4550 is even more so.

3. Is there any way for me to test the quality of discs I burned, besides using that program?

Well, not another program, but you can do a transfer rate test in CD Speed. A smooth curve generally indicated a good disc.

4. Lastly, what media do you recommend?

This is really a tough one, because frankly there isn't a whole lot of really good media out there. I'll let DD answer this one.

[Gnus]

What about burning, is it always better to burn at lower speeds, say 4X? I can burn at 16X with the NEC, but would that increase the "errors"?

[[buck]]

What about burning, is it always better to burn at lower speeds, say 4X? I can burn at 16X with the NEC, but would that increase the "errors"?

No. Most media burns best at its rated speed. The exception to this is 16X media, which should generally be burned at 12X for best results.

[rahzel]

its also a good idea to try a lower speed if you're having problems burning at the rated speeds. but this is usually only if you're using crap media.

[Gnus]

OK, these Maxell media are terrible, I'm getting cyclic redundancy check errors even when burned on 4X. I never had this problem even when using Prodisc media, and these are supposed to be MIJ too...
I'm chucking them and from now on, only going for quality TY media. What kind should I be looking for, because I know other manufacturers use TY media ID. I was thinking of picking up a stack of TYs from NCIX, but I rather have something with a label on it :P

What are good archive-grade DVD media? Preferabley ones that aren't too expensive, and can be bought in 100s, if possible.

[ChopSuey]

After reading all this information on bonding lately, some friends and I got together to do our own bonding tests. Here is the media that we tested:

Sony 8X DVD+R MIJ
Sony 8X DVD+R MIT
Sony 8X DVD-R MIJ
Sony 8X DVD-R MIT
Maxell 8X DVD+R MIJ
Maxell 8X DVD-R Plus Series MIJ
Memorex 16X DVD+R MIT
Verbatim 8X DVD+R (Singapore)
Taiyo Yuden 4X DVD-R MIJ

The good news is that we all had two 50 pack spindles to test for each media. It's good to have friends who have different taste in media. :) Anyways, we tested two discs from each spindle (4 discs tested for each media). Here are the results (Spindle A first / Spindle B last):

Sony 8X DVD+R MIJ - (Spindle A- Good Bonding / Spindle B - OK Bonding)
Sony 8X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Bad Bonding)
Sony 8X DVD-R MIJ - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Sony 8X DVD-R MIT - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Maxell 8X DVD+R MIJ - (All Spindles - Bad Bonding)
Maxell 8X DVD-R Plus Series MIJ - (Spindle A - OK Bonding / Spindle B - BAD Bonding) * This really surprised me!
Memorex 16X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Really Bad Bonding)
Verbatim 8X DVD+R (Singapore) - (All Spindles - Very Good Bonding)
Taiyo Yuden 4X DVD-R MIJ - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)

I was quite surprised by this test. I guess it goes to show that no media is truly safe from bad bonding issues. It all depends on the batch you get I guess. It seems the best media (bonding wise) is Verbatim since it also passed a lot of tests done by other people. By the way, all Sony MIJ media tested was Taiyo Yuden media coded.

[[buck]]

Memorex 16X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Really Bad Bonding)

Wow, you really put alot of effort into your tests. Interesting results.

Do you know what the MID of the Memorex 16X DVD+Rs are?

[ChopSuey]

']Wow, you really put alot of effort into your tests. Interesting results.

Do you know what the MID of the Memorex 16X DVD+Rs are?

Memorex 16X media code is CMCMAGM01.

[ootb98]

Fuji 16x DVD-R can be either PRODISCF02 or RITEKF1 (hrm... both using dyes developed by Fuji... I wonder why? :P). The PRODISCF02 is probably the better and least common of the two.

As for Maxell, the 16x is coming soon... not sure what code it will be, but it'll be outsourced to Taiwan very quickly, if not immediately. Also, Maxell's 100pc pricing will not be remaining at $29.99 on sale, it'll be going up, but the regular price will be coming WAY down... probably around $35-$38 retail. It's quite possible other brands will follow suite, since every one of them is losing money, and can't afford it much longer.

Bah, won't be buying Fuji then. I've had *ok* luck with SmartBuy Prodisc media, though. I just hate Ritek ;)

The price drop is good, the regular prices for Maxell CD & DVD media (esp 100pk CD spindles) has been really high. I went into an Office Depot today (there's not many in Ontario) and their media was priced REALLY high - actually everything was priced high!

However, Office Depot did have a good selection of Maxell media, some of which I had never seen before. If anyone is looking for spindle packs of Maxell CD-R Pro discs, Maxell Mini-DVDs, or 10pks of Maxell DVD hub printable media, Office Depot is your place (if you don't mind the price).

[brwnhaggler]

Hey there DD,

Just a quick question. I gotta build a data server for work and my computer that the PLEXTOR 740 16X DVD +/-RW is one the best ones out there. Not that I don't believe him or anything, but I thought I should check with the digital media guru....:)

If it's not one of the better ones, what would recommend for burning large amounts of data.

Dare I venture down the road of which media would be good in this case??

Apperciate the time and the advice.

Have a great day!!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, I've got a few questions:

1. I just bought an NEC-3550A, what is your opinion of the burner?

2. When I try using Nero's CD-DVD Speed quality scanner, I get weird/inconsistent readouts on my Maxell MG03 discs. Is the problem related to the disc, the burner, or the program itself?

3. Is there any way for me to test the quality of discs I burned, besides using that program?

4. Lastly, what media do you recommend?

I'd appreciated any input you can give. Thanks.

1. Why did you buy a burner that's so obsolete? It's been replaced by the NEC 4550 for some time now? My opinion is that it's an ok burner, but will not get a lot more media support as time goes on.

2. NEC drives (like Pioneer), are basically useless when testing media with the quality scanner. Stick to transfer rate tests.

3. Do a transfer rate test. If the graph is smooth, you know the disc can be read back properly. If the graph is NOT smooth, then the drive is having issues reading the disc at full speed, and that is a bad sign.

4. I recommend Acro Circle 8x DVDRs for regular stuff, and Maxell Plus Series (not DVD+R, but their PLUS SERIES, it's like a Pro grade) media for the more important stuff. Neither is perfect, but are more consistant then many other brands.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hello DD. Need some comments.

Would you recommend the Costco MIT DVD-Rs (TTH02 I believe) or the Walmart Maxell MIJ discs?

I know neither of them are recommended for archiving purposes, but the prices for these are the prices I can afford. >:(

Thanks!

I can't in good conscience recommend either. Try to find some Maxell MIT discs.

For anyone wondering what my beef is with TDK media from Costco, check here:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=152446#152446

[The Digital Dolphin]

']I don't think it's too impressive.



NEC drives are notoriously inconsistant scanners, and the new 3550/4550 is even more so.



Well, not another program, but you can do a transfer rate test in CD Speed. A smooth curve generally indicated a good disc.



This is really a tough one, because frankly there isn't a whole lot of really good media out there. I'll let DD answer this one.

I *REALLY* need to start reading ahead to see if you've answered a question already, before I dive into it :razz:

[The Digital Dolphin]

What about burning, is it always better to burn at lower speeds, say 4X? I can burn at 16X with the NEC, but would that increase the "errors"?

[buck]'s response is good as always ;)

My general rule is not to burn slower then half the rated speed of the media. In the case of Taiyo Yuden Value Line DVD-Rs, this applies to the MID code, and not the rated speed of the disc (since burning TYG03 at 2x will probably not work!).

[The Digital Dolphin]

OK, these Maxell media are terrible, I'm getting cyclic redundancy check errors even when burned on 4X. I never had this problem even when using Prodisc media, and these are supposed to be MIJ too...
I'm chucking them and from now on, only going for quality TY media. What kind should I be looking for, because I know other manufacturers use TY media ID. I was thinking of picking up a stack of TYs from NCIX, but I rather have something with a label on it :P

What are good archive-grade DVD media? Preferabley ones that aren't too expensive, and can be bought in 100s, if possible.

what TYPE of media are you using from Maxell? the consumer stuff from Walmart or Futureshop, or the PLUS series from NCIX? Also, what firmware are you running on your NEC 3550?

If you're going to go for TY, I recommend sticking with the 8x DVD-R for now. The 16x seems more inconsistant, and problamatic.

For archive grade, and I mean HIGH level archive grade. Maxell BQ and MAM-A Gold are the best. You pay for it, but you get what you pay for. Maxell BQ is better for stuff that needs to last long, but will be used regularily. MAM-A Gold is good for stuff that will be used less often, but probably has the longer lifespan if stored and left alone in a proper archival area (cool, dark, low humidity).

[Gnus]

what TYPE of media are you using from Maxell? the consumer stuff from Walmart or Futureshop, or the PLUS series from NCIX? Also, what firmware are you running on your NEC 3550?

If you're going to go for TY, I recommend sticking with the 8x DVD-R for now. The 16x seems more inconsistant, and problamatic.


I'm using the Walmart-bought spindle that was on sale during Boxing Week.
MID is MXL RG03, firmware is the latest 1.05. I heard people had bonding issues with these so I guess that's the reason for the problems I'm having?

I ordered 2 spindles of 8X TY media, 1 DVD+R and 1 DVD-R. :)

[[buck]]

I'm using the Walmart-bought spindle that was on sale during Boxing Week.
MID is MXL RG03, firmware is the latest 1.05. I heard people had bonding issues with these so I guess that's the reason for the problems I'm having?

I ordered 2 spindles of 8X TY media, 1 DVD+R and 1 DVD-R. :)

Nah, bonding problems shouldn't affect *burn quality*. There seem to be quite a few defective batches of B grade Maxell (aka consumer grade), and you probably got one of them.

[The Digital Dolphin]

After reading all this information on bonding lately, some friends and I got together to do our own bonding tests. Here is the media that we tested:

Sony 8X DVD+R MIJ
Sony 8X DVD+R MIT
Sony 8X DVD-R MIJ
Sony 8X DVD-R MIT
Maxell 8X DVD+R MIJ
Maxell 8X DVD-R Plus Series MIJ
Memorex 16X DVD+R MIT
Verbatim 8X DVD+R (Singapore)
Taiyo Yuden 4X DVD-R MIJ

The good news is that we all had two 50 pack spindles to test for each media. It's good to have friends who have different taste in media. :) Anyways, we tested two discs from each spindle (4 discs tested for each media). Here are the results (Spindle A first / Spindle B last):

Sony 8X DVD+R MIJ - (Spindle A- Good Bonding / Spindle B - OK Bonding)
Sony 8X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Bad Bonding)
Sony 8X DVD-R MIJ - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Sony 8X DVD-R MIT - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Maxell 8X DVD+R MIJ - (All Spindles - Bad Bonding)
Maxell 8X DVD-R Plus Series MIJ - (Spindle A - OK Bonding / Spindle B - BAD Bonding) * This really surprised me!
Memorex 16X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Really Bad Bonding)
Verbatim 8X DVD+R (Singapore) - (All Spindles - Very Good Bonding)
Taiyo Yuden 4X DVD-R MIJ - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)

I was quite surprised by this test. I guess it goes to show that no media is truly safe from bad bonding issues. It all depends on the batch you get I guess. It seems the best media (bonding wise) is Verbatim since it also passed a lot of tests done by other people. By the way, all Sony MIJ media tested was Taiyo Yuden media coded.

Wow! Really nicely done ChopSuey!! Let's go over the results, shall we?

-Sony 8X DVD+R MIJ - (Spindle A- Good Bonding / Spindle B - OK Bonding)
-Sony 8X DVD-R MIJ - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Both of these are TY according to your notes. It should be mentioned that Sony does their own internal quality control, and do try to make sure the problamatic discs get sent back to TY. That doesn't make them exempt from the problems completely, but does make the chances much smaller of getting a badly bonded disc.

-Sony 8X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Bad Bonding)
-Sony 8X DVD-R MIT - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Almost certainly made by Daxon in Taiwan. I believe they've already been slapped about this. Still Daxon's own brand BenQ media is much worse for bonding then Sony's OEM Daxon media.

-Maxell 8X DVD+R MIJ - (All Spindles - Bad Bonding)
This doesn't surprise me in the least. Almost all of my 8x Maxell MIJ has had bad bonding.

-Maxell 8X DVD-R Plus Series MIJ - (Spindle A - OK Bonding / Spindle B - BAD Bonding) * This really surprised me!
This bothers me a lot as well... I think the problem behind this is the fact that currently there is no automated process for checking the bonding quality of a disc. Yup, you guessed it... you really have to pry them apart by hand, even if you're working in the manufacturing plant itself!! So quality control can be increased in many ways, but knowing 100% that the media is bonded properly is impossible without testing it. Brands like Verbatim, and Maxell's Plus Series will be your best bets for bonding generally. Acro Circle and Ritek will be good bonding candidates as well (notice I said Acro Circle specifically, and not Optodisc, as OEM's and B Grade media don't count).

-Memorex 16X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Really Bad Bonding)
This surprises me as well... CMC is usually good with their bonding. But Memorex does like to buy the crap media from people, so with lower quality control, this sort of thing is bound to happen even with plants normally known for being "ok". It's important to remember that the guy who previously owned Memorex made all his deals by ordering product for both his Memorex brand and his Dysan brand at the same time... and neither is known for being good quality.


-Verbatim 8X DVD+R (Singapore) - (All Spindles - Very Good Bonding)
Verbatim's own stuff is pretty tight when it comes to quality control... but remember what I said about how bonding issues need to be checked by hand, so no brand is 100% safe. Still, it's one of the better ones.... but the country of origin can play with this a lot too!!

-Taiyo Yuden 4X DVD-R MIJ - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Lucky!! If it's the older TYG01 stuff, then it's easier to see... but the newer stuff is not usually so nice.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey there DD,

Just a quick question. I gotta build a data server for work and my computer that the PLEXTOR 740 16X DVD +/-RW is one the best ones out there. Not that I don't believe him or anything, but I thought I should check with the digital media guru....:)

If it's not one of the better ones, what would recommend for burning large amounts of data.

Dare I venture down the road of which media would be good in this case??

Apperciate the time and the advice.

Have a great day!!

The Plextor 740 is an OEM drive... if you're going to buy Plextor, stick with the stuff DESIGNED by Plextor. the PX-755 isn't so bad. The BenQ DW1640, and LG 4167B are good choices also. The BenQ DW1655 should also be pretty good in the long run, and is just about on the level of the DW1640 now from what I've seen (I need to test this MUCH more though!).

As for media.... Acro Circle for simple stuff. Maxell PLUS series for more important stuff, and Maxell BQ or MAM-A Gold DVD-Rs for really important stuff.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm using the Walmart-bought spindle that was on sale during Boxing Week.
MID is MXL RG03, firmware is the latest 1.05. I heard people had bonding issues with these so I guess that's the reason for the problems I'm having?

I ordered 2 spindles of 8X TY media, 1 DVD+R and 1 DVD-R. :)

It looks like that's the latest firmware out for your drive.
It's hard to say if the bonding issues are causing the problem or not. Normally you have some time before the disc seperates and kills everything! Have you burned any other media on your drive successfully?

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Nah, bonding problems shouldn't affect *burn quality*. There seem to be quite a few defective batches of B grade Maxell (aka consumer grade), and you probably got one of them.

Ok, fess up... you've got a sniping program on this thread or something, don't you?? :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Once again (since the post is now buried pretty far away), here are my tests on the TDK 16x media I bought from Costco on sale:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=152444#152444

I think the results lend addiitonal credability to my initial suspicion that the media is B Grade at best.

What really bothers me is being stuck with this crap now... I get better and pretty consistant results out of my B Grade Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs then this!! :evil:

And for all the people who say their media is working great. I have this to say:
The problem with B Grade media is its' high variability. You don't know WHY a disc was flagged as being bad. It may have been a big problem, or a cosmetic problem. The media I got was obviously bad, maybe the media you got was good. That means that either one of us could get the opposite next time. *I* for one don't want to take that chance.

So I'm officially putting the TDK media from Costco on my avoid list.... which I should probably actually make at some point :razz:

[Gnus]

I can't seem to acquire the media IDs for my CD-Rs anymore using Nero CD-DVD Speed, when I used to be able to.

Any ideas what could be causing this? Could it be because I switched from Nero 7 to 6.6, or that I installed ASPI drivers 4.60, besides the Nero one? :mad:

[[buck]]

Ok, fess up... you've got a sniping program on this thread or something, don't you?? :lol:

Err... if you mean i'm subscribed to this thread with instant email notification, well than yeah, I confess. :cheesygri

[Veinless]

So I'm officially putting the TDK media from Costco on my avoid list.... which I should probably actually make at some point :razz:

In the CDRLabs post you stated that you used 16x white inkjet printable media, which to me means you used the MIT disks. Have you tested the MIL disks? Media code also TTH02. Do you have any opinion on this media? I picked up 200 and have had happy results with them on my LG GSA-4167B.

One caveat: My wife's SOHW-812S/B flashed to 832S firmware has NO idea what to do with TTH02 disks. There are write strategies for TTH01, TTG01, and TTG02, but no TTH02. I can write at 2X or 4X, but that's it. Oh well, I will do most of my burning on my PC. I don't suppose you can suggest a write strategy for the TTH02s for this writer?

Thanks!

[[buck]]

One caveat: My wife's SOHW-812S/B flashed to 832S firmware has NO idea what to do with TTH02 disks. There are write strategies for TTH01, TTG01, and TTG02, but no TTH02. I can write at 2X or 4X, but that's it. Oh well, I will do most of my burning on my PC. I don't suppose you can suggest a write strategy for the TTH02s for this writer?

Thanks!TTH01 would probably do the job nicely. Media from the same manufacturer generally have similar write strategies, especially between media only seperated by a single speed notch.

[ChopSuey]

Wow! Really nicely done ChopSuey!! Let's go over the results, shall we?

-Sony 8X DVD+R MIJ - (Spindle A- Good Bonding / Spindle B - OK Bonding)
-Sony 8X DVD-R MIJ - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Both of these are TY according to your notes. It should be mentioned that Sony does their own internal quality control, and do try to make sure the problamatic discs get sent back to TY. That doesn't make them exempt from the problems completely, but does make the chances much smaller of getting a badly bonded disc.
I guess the safest bet for all of those TY fans (and there are lots of them) is if you want to stick to TY media, you have a better chance with Sony brand due to better internal quality controls. Makes sense though for as Sony doesn't want to be known for selling bad media. :)

-Sony 8X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Bad Bonding)
-Sony 8X DVD-R MIT - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Almost certainly made by Daxon in Taiwan. I believe they've already been slapped about this. Still Daxon's own brand BenQ media is much worse for bonding then Sony's OEM Daxon media.
Yes, these were the Daxon brand. I am going to wait a couple months and try again to see if there are any improvements. We could have obtained some older media (and I hate when that happens).

-Maxell 8X DVD+R MIJ - (All Spindles - Bad Bonding)
This doesn't surprise me in the least. Almost all of my 8x Maxell MIJ has had bad bonding.
I think it's safe to say that these discs should be avoided. It's too bad though for as I used to like this media (especially for the $29 for 100 pk sales). :) But then again, you get what you pay for.

-Maxell 8X DVD-R Plus Series MIJ - (Spindle A - OK Bonding / Spindle B - BAD Bonding) * This really surprised me!
This bothers me a lot as well... I think the problem behind this is the fact that currently there is no automated process for checking the bonding quality of a disc. Yup, you guessed it... you really have to pry them apart by hand, even if you're working in the manufacturing plant itself!! So quality control can be increased in many ways, but knowing 100% that the media is bonded properly is impossible without testing it. Brands like Verbatim, and Maxell's Plus Series will be your best bets for bonding generally. Acro Circle and Ritek will be good bonding candidates as well (notice I said Acro Circle specifically, and not Optodisc, as OEM's and B Grade media don't count).
We are going to obtain additional spindle from NCIX soon and obtain another spindle from a different source to do a future comparison. Hopefully, the test results will be better. :)

-Memorex 16X DVD+R MIT - (All Spindles - Really Bad Bonding)
This surprises me as well... CMC is usually good with their bonding. But Memorex does like to buy the crap media from people, so with lower quality control, this sort of thing is bound to happen even with plants normally known for being "ok". It's important to remember that the guy who previously owned Memorex made all his deals by ordering product for both his Memorex brand and his Dysan brand at the same time... and neither is known for being good quality.
Dysan??? Who are they? :cheesygri j/k

Memorex is a mixed bag in my opinion. I usually avoid them to be one the safe side.

-Verbatim 8X DVD+R (Singapore) - (All Spindles - Very Good Bonding)
Verbatim's own stuff is pretty tight when it comes to quality control... but remember what I said about how bonding issues need to be checked by hand, so no brand is 100% safe. Still, it's one of the better ones.... but the country of origin can play with this a lot too!!
Good words of advice. I've always liked Verbatim's DataLifePlus media. If you get a batch with good bonding, you're in good shape.

-Taiyo Yuden 4X DVD-R MIJ - (All Spindles - OK Bonding)
Lucky!! If it's the older TYG01 stuff, then it's easier to see... but the newer stuff is not usually so nice.
Actually I have an update on this media. A friend at work bought a new batch of the 4X TY DVD-R media (100 pk). I tried the test on two pieces of the media and both literally came apart with ease. It was terrible! Now I know why it's called "Value TY Media". :cheesygri I am staying far away from these from now on.

Testing these discs have been fun. I'll be doing more tests in the future. I would love to get my hands on those new expensive Maxell discs with the protective coat (think they are sold on NCIX). But, that would be expensive to test. :)

[[buck]]

I guess the safest bet for all of those TY fans (and there are lots of them) is if you want to stick to TY media, you have a better chance with Sony brand due to better internal quality controls. Makes sense though for as Sony doesn't want to be known for selling bad media. :)

Actually I have an update on this media. A friend at work bought a new batch of the 4X TY DVD-R media (100 pk). I tried the test on two pieces of the media and both literally came apart with ease. It was terrible! Now I know why it's called "Value TY Media". :cheesygri I am staying far away from these from now on.

Testing these discs have been fun. I'll be doing more tests in the future. I would love to get my hands on those new expensive Maxell discs with the protective coat (think they are sold on NCIX). But, that would be expensive to test. :)

So, Dolph, is it safe to say you approve of Sony branded TY? Surely they'd be better than CMC or Acro Circle, at least on average.

ChopSuey: What MID were those Value Line TYs? TYG01, TYG02, or TYG03? BTW, those Maxell BQ discs regularly go on sale for $6/3pack.

You've done a very good job with your tests. :)

[ChopSuey]

']So, Dolph, is it safe to say you approve of Sony branded TY? Surely they'd be better than CMC or Acro Circle, at least on average.

ChopSuey: What MID were those Value Line TYs? TYG01, TYG02, or TYG03? BTW, those Maxell BQ discs regularly go on sale for $6/3pack.

You've done a very good job with your tests. :)

Thanks! :) I may pick up a few packs if they go on sale soon or I may just get one 3 pack for the hell of it. BTW, the value line TYs I tested were TYG01.

I think Dolph would agree that Sony TY media would be better than the regular value line TY media. But, let's wait and see what he has to say. :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I can't seem to acquire the media IDs for my CD-Rs anymore using Nero CD-DVD Speed, when I used to be able to.

Any ideas what could be causing this? Could it be because I switched from Nero 7 to 6.6, or that I installed ASPI drivers 4.60, besides the Nero one? :mad:

Yeah, I've noticed that problem too, I don't know what's causing it though. I generally just use LiteON's SmartBurn Utility, which will work on any drive to check the ATIP on CD-Rs. It's available at www.liteonit.com

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Err... if you mean i'm subscribed to this thread with instant email notification, well than yeah, I confess. :cheesygri

Ah-ha!! I thought so :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

']So, Dolph, is it safe to say you approve of Sony branded TY? Surely they'd be better than CMC or Acro Circle, at least on average.

ChopSuey: What MID were those Value Line TYs? TYG01, TYG02, or TYG03? BTW, those Maxell BQ discs regularly go on sale for $6/3pack.

You've done a very good job with your tests. :)

Hrm... I'd say that the Sony TY DVDRs are the safest TY on the market right now with regard to bonding for sure... but I feel uncomfortable saying I "approve" of them yet.

I would also like to say that Chopsuey has done an excellent job.

Hey Chopsuey, I've personally forwarded your results on to some people keeping tabs on this, and who report it on to some of the big boys amongst some of the brand names you looked at. If you're interested in writing an article on the subject (just reporting your findings), I could probably assist you with it.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks! :) I may pick up a few packs if they go on sale soon or I may just get one 3 pack for the hell of it. BTW, the value line TYs I tested were TYG01.

I think Dolph would agree that Sony TY media would be better than the regular value line TY media. But, let's wait and see what he has to say. :)

Yup, no argument on the Sony vs. Value Line media thing ;)

I think it's scary that the TYG01 media had such bad bonding though... since when TYG01 was out, no one even THOUGHT about this as a possability! :|

[ChopSuey]

Yup, no argument on the Sony vs. Value Line media thing ;)

I think it's scary that the TYG01 media had such bad bonding though... since when TYG01 was out, no one even THOUGHT about this as a possability! :|

I wasn't that surprised by the TYG01 Value Line having bad bonding. Guess that's why it called "value line". Now, when I get my hands on some premium TY, it will be interesting (should be getting my hands on some 16X TY soon).

I just wish there was a method of doing an aging test for bonding (create conditions that speed up the life of the media in order to determine if bonding fails). It's funny though, I would have never checked for bonding issues on media until I started reading this thread and some other threads. Makes you wish we all started to check for bonding issues a long time ago. :)

I was able to dig out some old unused Memorex 8X DVD-R media from a couple years ago. The media code on these discs are RITEKG05. I decided to test a couple of these discs for bonding. Let me tell you, I was impressed. Excellent bonding with these discs. But, since these discs were already a couple years old, PIE and PIF errors were off the charts! Great bonding, terrible writing quality. Life is full of irony. :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I wasn't that surprised by the TYG01 Value Line having bad bonding. Guess that's why it called "value line". Now, when I get my hands on some premium TY, it will be interesting (should be getting my hands on some 16X TY soon).

I just wish there was a method of doing an aging test for bonding (create conditions that speed up the life of the media in order to determine if bonding fails). It's funny though, I would have never checked for bonding issues on media until I started reading this thread and some other threads. Makes you wish we all started to check for bonding issues a long time ago. :)

I was able to dig out some old unused Memorex 8X DVD-R media from a couple years ago. The media code on these discs are RITEKG05. I decided to test a couple of these discs for bonding. Let me tell you, I was impressed. Excellent bonding with these discs. But, since these discs were already a couple years old, PIE and PIF errors were off the charts! Great bonding, terrible writing quality. Life is full of irony. :)

Yeah, I know what you mean about the ageing test! There's lot's of ways to test the discs for susceptability to various things that will cause the disc to die... but there is no way to accurately predict ageing effects for sure.

Regarding RITEKG05... it's mostly crap media in general. I don't trust the stuff at all. It's one of the worst disc types Ritek has ever released!!

By the way, I was 100% serious about the article writing offer! ;)

[ChopSuey]

Yeah, I know what you mean about the ageing test! There's lot's of ways to test the discs for susceptability to various things that will cause the disc to die... but there is no way to accurately predict ageing effects for sure.

Regarding RITEKG05... it's mostly crap media in general. I don't trust the stuff at all. It's one of the worst disc types Ritek has ever released!!

By the way, I was 100% serious about the article writing offer! ;)

Well, I can always use those RITEKs as frisbees or use them for target practice. :)

What would I have to do for the article? And where would it be posted? I am very curious. :)

[Quick_lude]

Once again (since the post is now buried pretty far away), here are my tests on the TDK 16x media I bought from Costco on sale:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=152444#152444



Question, how should I set Nero Speed to test these discs?
I did a disc quality scan with default settings and this is what I got:
Are those "good" results? :confused: Sorry, bit of a noob when it comes to this. :)

General Information
Drive: _NEC DVD_RW ND-3550A
Firmware: 1.05
Disc: DVD-R (TTH02)
Selected speed: 8 X
PI errors
Maximum: 4127
Average: 1060.64
Total: 18048099
PI failures
Maximum: 930
Average: 64.05
Total: 1023399
PO failures: n/a
Jitter: n/a
Scanning Statistics
Elapsed time: 10:14
Number of samples: 17859
Average scanning interval: 8.01 ECC
Glitches removed: 0

[[buck]]

Question, how should I set Nero Speed to test these discs?
I did a disc quality scan with default settings and this is what I got:
Are those "good" results? :confused: Sorry, bit of a noob when it comes to this. :)

General Information
Drive: _NEC DVD_RW ND-3550A
Firmware: 1.05
Disc: DVD-R (TTH02)
Selected speed: 8 X
PI errors
Maximum: 4127
Average: 1060.64
Total: 18048099
PI failures
Maximum: 930
Average: 64.05
Total: 1023399
PO failures: n/a
Jitter: n/a
Scanning Statistics
Elapsed time: 10:14
Number of samples: 17859
Average scanning interval: 8.01 ECC
Glitches removed: 0

Erm... if your drive is reporting those numbers correctly, that disc should be unreadable, or close to it. Even if it's not, it's still a frisbee in my book.

[Quick_lude]

']Erm... if your drive is reporting those numbers correctly, that disc should be unreadable, or close to it. Even if it's not, it's still a frisbee in my book.
Actually you are right. My DVD player couldn't read it.

Which values indicate that it's a bad disk?
If I burn at a slower speed, would that help or is it "the luck of the draw"?

[[buck]]

Actually you are right. My DVD player couldn't read it.

Which values indicate that it's a bad disk?
If I burn at a slower speed, would that help or is it "the luck of the draw"?

Well that drive can peport Parity Inner Errors, and Parity Inner Failures, which are pretty the two most important factors in disc quality.

The DVD specification states that PIEs should not exceed a maximum of 280. It also states that PIFs should not exceed 4 per ECC sector. Your NEC scans at 8ECC, which means it adds up 8 consecutive sectors to get the maximum. A max PIF of 16 scanned at 8ECC generally suggests the disc within the specifications.

As you can see, that disc is WAY out of spec. They are clearly defective. Try and get an exchange or refund.

[Gnus]

Considering I own this drive as well, those results can't be trusted because if you keep rescanning the disk, you will notice that the values will keep changing.
Weren't you the one the mentioned earlier that NEC drives are notoriously bad scanners? Either way, I wouldn't use Nero CD-DVD Speed for quality checks with this drive.
I use CDCheck to test all my discs after I burned them for errors.

[[buck]]

Considering I own this drive as well, those results can't be trusted because if you keep rescanning the disk, you will notice that the values will keep changing.
Weren't you the one the mentioned earlier that NEC drives are notoriously bad scanners? Either way, I wouldn't use Nero CD-DVD Speed for quality checks with this drive.
I use CDCheck to test all my discs after I burned them for errors.

I was, but they're accurate enough for me to call that an unreadable coaster - or close to it.

[Gnus]

I've had numerous scans like that but the disc is fine. Quality would be at 97 and then at the last moment, a huge spike makes it 0. Then I redo it and get an entirely different score.

[Ron]

Anyone got recommendations for miniDV tape?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Well, I can always use those RITEKs as frisbees or use them for target practice. :)

What would I have to do for the article? And where would it be posted? I am very curious. :)

Just write your findings and opinions about the discs in question. I could help provide some additional media probably... goodness knows I have way too much sitting around my room!

It'd be posted either on here, or CDRlabs.com probably, whichever is easier for me to set up :P (probably CDRlabs).

[The Digital Dolphin]

']I was, but they're accurate enough for me to call that an unreadable coaster - or close to it.

I gotta side with Gnus' on this one [buck], NECs are next to completely useless for testing like that. Even discs with error rate reports in the thousands can play perfectly fine. I wouldn't write off a disc simply based on that ever.

And by the way, PIF scanned at 8ECC should be no higher then 32. Although of course 16 is much safer for many reasons, but 32 is considered the max.

Of course, none of the drives we use actually are calibrated for the DVD standards... so it's all a shot in the dark anyways :razz:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Anyone got recommendations for miniDV tape?

Yeah... Maxell or Sony Premium Mini DV's bought only from places who don't greymarket the tape. So London Drugs, Futureshop/Bestbuy, A&B Sound, or any professional dealer.

Not Factory Direct, blankmedia.ca, liquidation world, or any bargain bin crappy stores.

[Ron]

Yeah... Maxell or Sony Premium Mini DV's bought only from places who don't greymarket the tape

Not blankmedia.ca

Do you think they sell fake tape?

[[buck]]

I gotta side with Gnus' on this one [buck], NECs are next to completely useless for testing like that. Even discs with error rate reports in the thousands can play perfectly fine. I wouldn't write off a disc simply based on that ever.

And by the way, PIF scanned at 8ECC should be no higher then 32. Although of course 16 is much safer for many reasons, but 32 is considered the max.

Of course, none of the drives we use actually are calibrated for the DVD standards... so it's all a shot in the dark anyways :razz:

Yeah, I guess I overestimated the value of an NEC scan. I hear the 3550 is particularly bad.

As for the max PIF being 32 when scanned at 8ECC, I like to use 16 because it's for more statiscally accurate for the sum1 PIF values to be under 5. Statiscally, it's extremely unlikely that a disc with a max of 32 PIF (scanned at 8ECC) to be under 5 PIF max. For a disc with a max of 32 PIF scanned at ECC to be in spec, every ECC sector must have exactly 4PIF. That doesn't sound too likely, does it?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Do you think they sell fake tape?

No. But they sell greymarket tape, meant for Asian markets. You can tell by the packaging on it. Whether it's fake or not, I couldn't tell 100%. They certainly don't believe it is.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Yeah, I guess I overestimated the value of an NEC scan. I hear the 3550 is particularly bad.

As for the max PIF being 32 when scanned at 8ECC, I like to use 16 because it's for more statiscally accurate for the sum1 PIF values to be under 5. Statiscally, it's extremely unlikely that a disc with a max of 32 PIF (scanned at 8ECC) to be under 5 PIF max. For a disc with a max of 32 PIF scanned at ECC to be in spec, every ECC sector must have exactly 4PIF. That doesn't sound too likely, does it?

Yeah... I know what you are saying... but even at 16 PIF at 8ECC, you could VERY easily have 8 PIF in the first 2 ECC blocks, and 0 in the next 6.... and that is NOT that impossible to have happen.

But I don't nitpick the scores THAT much... it's not as critical as CD/DVD Speed makes it out to be, in my opinion.

[[buck]]

Yeah... I know what you are saying... but even at 16 PIF at 8ECC, you could VERY easily have 8 PIF in the first 2 ECC blocks, and 0 in the next 6.... and that is NOT that impossible to have happen.

But I don't nitpick the scores THAT much... it's not as critical as CD/DVD Speed makes it out to be, in my opinion.

Yes, it's true, 8ECC can only be so accurate. Luckily though, in my experience, from comparing 1ECC and 8ECC scans, you can generally guess the sum1 PIF count/max pretty accurately by looking at an 8ECC scan.

I personally prefer my PIFs to be under 9 (scanned on my 1640), and my PIEs to be under 20.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Yes, it's true, 8ECC can only be so accurate. Luckily though, in my experience, from comparing 1ECC and 8ECC scans, you can generally guess the sum1 PIF count/max pretty accurately by looking at an 8ECC scan.

I personally prefer my PIFs to be under 9 (scanned on my 1640), and my PIEs to be under 20.

You're REALLY picky about media ;)

Are you trying to put me out of a job? :lol:

[Ron]

No. But they sell greymarket tape, meant for Asian markets.

Do Asian markets get the lower quality tape?

[[buck]]

Are you trying to put me out of a job? :lol:

Trying! :razz:

It's actually not hard to find media that meets my standards. My Fujifilm TY, MIJ Maxell *DVD+R*, Fujifilm RICOHJPN R01, Verbatim MCC004, TDK TTH02 (Luxembourg), all meet my standards.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Do Asian markets get the lower quality tape?

That depends... officially you'll be told "Of course not!!".
Unofficially, it's kind of a dumping ground.

Of course companies are going to sell their lowest quality products to their cheapest markets, otherwise companies can't survive. Things are so competitive now, that companies need to make a return on even their semi-defective stuff, so they blow it out where people will ignore problems because they got a good deal. A good example of this is those TDK's at Costco. I bet you that is the cheapest price you'll find those DVDs anywhere in the world right now, and there's a damn good reason for it :evil:


Another thing that happens is that product that is below a certain quality standard, that is supposed to be destroyed, is sometimes "mistakenly" sold through a "back door" process, at a good price, so instead of spending money getting rid of product, they make money. This is something very characteristic of Ritek. Sony also had some problems with this in the past (remember when all the computer shops in BC had cheap Sony CD-Rs? I actually tracked down where they came from!!).

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Trying! :razz:

It's actually not hard to find media that meets my standards. My Fujifilm TY, MIJ Maxell *DVD+R*, Fujifilm RICOHJPN R01, Verbatim MCC004, TDK TTH02 (Luxembourg), all meet my standards.

Oh yeah.... Maxell 8x DVD+R made in Japan is real sweet stuff... when not seperating in half of course. MCC004 is also quite good. TTH02 has left a sour taste in my mouth however, since Costco ruined it. Luxembourg will probably be not making media for our market anymore though... as the cost of making it is higher then the retail cost we're paying for it :P But don't worry.... Luxembourg will almost certainly be used for BluRay production :cheesygri

[Y2Jared19]

I know you've talked a bit of Quality controls and teams Sony, Maxell, Philips possibly has and everything, I was just wodnering if you could go into detail as to what they specify for and how hard they are on differnt companies like Ritek, CMC and Taiyo.

Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

I know you've talked a bit of Quality controls and teams Sony, Maxell, Philips possibly has and everything, I was just wodnering if you could go into detail as to what they specify for and how hard they are on differnt companies like Ritek, CMC and Taiyo.

Thanks

Well, I know the contracts signed are quite specific and very large.... usually with escape clauses if the manufacturer screws up past a certain point, or too often. But I haven't personally SEEN the contracts myself. But I do get info from them from time to time ;)

Out of anyone, Verbatim is probably the hardest to please in a contract for OEM'ing. Next in line would be Maxell, and TDK, so I'm told.... but TDK seems more likely to blow out bad product in our costco's :evil:

[[buck]]

I've got a tidbit of what is probably bad news, ladies and gents.

It looks (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showpost.php?p=1271797&postcount=27) like the BenQ DW1670 is using a Panasonic chipset. :| Considering every drive out there based on a Panasonic chipset is pretty average at best, it doesn't look good.

Hopefully they'll continue to make Philips based drives.

edit - I should say that this *might* not actually be a DW1670; it is Sony branded, afterall!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Interesting... I'd heard reports it would be Nexperia...

Sadly my BenQ rep is on a well deserved vacation with her family until Monday, so it'll be a little bit before I can get the official word on it.

[Jeff146]

This might be a little off topic but I was wondering what is the best CD Burner out there either a pure CD Burner or a DVD burner?

I have the Benq 1640 and the thing sucks at burning CDs

Need something better to burn CDs preferably a DVD Burner since the price difference is so small


Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

This might be a little off topic but I was wondering what is the best CD Burner out there either a pure CD Burner or a DVD burner?

I have the Benq 1640 and the thing sucks at burning CDs

Need something better to burn CDs preferably a DVD Burner since the price difference is so small


Thanks

Plextor DVD Burners often make quite good CDR burners too (just don't get the BenQ OEM models!). Pioneer is "ok", but tends to suck on a lot of DVDR media :P

If you're going to stop using the DW1640, make sure you put it up for sale!! I'm sure there are many people still looking for one! ;)

[Jeff146]

Plextor DVD Burners often make quite good CDR burners too (just don't get the BenQ OEM models!). Pioneer is "ok", but tends to suck on a lot of DVDR media :P

If you're going to stop using the DW1640, make sure you put it up for sale!! I'm sure there are many people still looking for one! ;)

How can I put a good burner up for sale lol

I'm just thinking of adding another dvd burner that handles better CDR writing

Thanks for the reply Dolphin

BTW what do you think about the Samsungs or NEC DVD burners for CD writing?

[[buck]]

I was under the impression NECs that are excellent CD-R burners... maybe not as good as Plextor, though. Plextors are way too expensive, though!

[Jeff146]

That is true so expensive, it really doesn't justify the price

[The Digital Dolphin]

How can I put a good burner up for sale lol

I'm just thinking of adding another dvd burner that handles better CDR writing

Thanks for the reply Dolphin

BTW what do you think about the Samsungs or NEC DVD burners for CD writing?

I've never heard much good about Samsung DVD Burners...

As for NEC, [buck] probably knows more then me! ;)

[sleepyguy]

wonder how the DW1650 performs... only $45 with $6 shipping at ncix.com right now... dd?

[[buck]]

wonder how the DW1650 performs... only $45 with $6 shipping at ncix.com right now... dd?

It performs about the same as the DW1640, with at least one major problem fixed (the 16X DVD+R PIF spikes). It's a very good drive.

Pair it with these (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16373&vpn=635061&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1021) or these (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=583029&affixedcode=WW) and you've got a great combo.

[soupnazi]

That's good to hear. I havn't seen any reviews on the 1650 thus far. If it is a worthy successor to the 1640, that is good news. (compared to the crappy DQ60)

[brwnhaggler]

Thanks DD,

Sort of stuff I couldn't find elsewhere, I was hearng good things about the BENQ DW1640, so I may go with that.(i.e. somebody else said it was good)

Apperciate the advice.

The Plextor 740 is an OEM drive... if you're going to buy Plextor, stick with the stuff DESIGNED by Plextor. the PX-755 isn't so bad. The BenQ DW1640, and LG 4167B are good choices also. The BenQ DW1655 should also be pretty good in the long run, and is just about on the level of the DW1640 now from what I've seen (I need to test this MUCH more though!).

As for media.... Acro Circle for simple stuff. Maxell PLUS series for more important stuff, and Maxell BQ or MAM-A Gold DVD-Rs for really important stuff.

[[buck]]

Thanks DD,

Sort of stuff I couldn't find elsewhere, I was hearng good things about the BENQ DW1640, so I may go with that.(i.e. somebody else said it was good)

Apperciate the advice.

DW1640s haven't been available for a few months now. It's been replaced with the DW1650 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17704&vpn=DW1650-0B3&manufacture=BENQ&promoid=1021) which performs very similarly, and, in my opinion, is slightly better than the DW1640.

It's hard to go wrong with a 1650 for $45 + $5.99 flat rate shipping. ;)

[brwnhaggler]

ah thanks, that's alot better price than the plextor 740, cool!!! yeah, if it's as good a drive as you guys are saying than you can't go wrong for $45.



']DW1640s haven't been available for a few months now. It's been replaced with the DW1650 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17704&vpn=DW1650-0B3&manufacture=BENQ&promoid=1021) which performs very similarly, and, in my opinion, is slightly better than the DW1640.

It's hard to go wrong with a 1650 for $45 + $5.99 flat rate shipping. ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

That's good to hear. I havn't seen any reviews on the 1650 thus far. If it is a worthy successor to the 1640, that is good news. (compared to the crappy DQ60)

The DW1650 may not end up being as well supported as the DW1655. BenQ won't even GIVE me a DW1650! They want to push the DW1655 as the next big thing from them. The DW1670 may end up replacing the DW1650... although it probably won't be as good, since it confirmed as being based on Panasonic technology (not Nexperia chipset!).

[soupnazi]

Thanks for the insight DD! So the DW1650 is using the Nexperia chipset like the DW1640, correct?:)

I've read up a little the DW1650 and the first reports seem pretty solid.
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=162151

[[buck]]

The DW1650 may not end up being as well supported as the DW1655. BenQ won't even GIVE me a DW1650! They want to push the DW1655 as the next big thing from them. The DW1670 may end up replacing the DW1650... although it probably won't be as good, since it confirmed as being based on Panasonic technology (not Nexperia chipset!).

If it turns out the 1650 isn't that well supported, it can always be crossflashed to 1655, minus the lightscribe support. Still though, I don't think BenQ will drop the ball on it in the end.

[[buck]]

Quick question for Dolph...

Do you know if Maxell is still shipping Ritek in their DVDRs? ie, have they officially dropped them as a supplier completely, or are they using them in conjunction with CMC?

Is Maxell shipping CMC MAG E01 DVD+Rs in volume? I haven't heard many reports of CMC in their DVD+R, only their DVD-R.

THanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Quick question for Dolph...

Do you know if Maxell is still shipping Ritek in their DVDRs? ie, have they officially dropped them as a supplier completely, or are they using them in conjunction with CMC?

Is Maxell shipping CMC MAG E01 DVD+Rs in volume? I haven't heard many reports of CMC in their DVD+R, only their DVD-R.

THanks

It's incredibly hard to get a straight answer out of Maxell about what is CURRENTLY happening. I suspect that current shipments are all RITEKR03 and CMCMAGAE1... HOWEVER, Maxell isn't ordering EITHER anymore, as all their product is about to become 16x. They have not told me who they're OEM'ing to for their 16x media, but they did say it would be from Taiwan (initial product in Canada/USA may be from Japan, but it will be short lived).

[[buck]]

It's incredibly hard to get a straight answer out of Maxell about what is CURRENTLY happening. I suspect that current shipments are all RITEKR03 and CMCMAGAE1... HOWEVER, Maxell isn't ordering EITHER anymore, as all their product is about to become 16x. They have not told me who they're OEM'ing to for their 16x media, but they did say it would be from Taiwan (initial product in Canada/USA may be from Japan, but it will be short lived).

I cant say i'm too excited about almost any 16X disc out of Taiwan, using Taiwanese technology. It seems like the Taiwanese manufacturers need a while to iron out the kinks like they've done with the 8X.

It seems like Maxell is going to be oursourcing to Taiwan permanantly, so maybe they should look at outsourcing using their technology, like most other Japanese companies are doing. :mad:

[The Digital Dolphin]

']I cant say i'm too excited about almost any 16X disc out of Taiwan, using Taiwanese technology. It seems like the Taiwanese manufacturers need a while to iron out the kinks like they've done with the 8X.

It seems like Maxell is going to be oursourcing to Taiwan permanantly, so maybe they should look at outsourcing using their technology, like most other Japanese companies are doing. :mad:

Maxell is supposed to be working on getting a Taiwanese supplier to use their MID and technology for OEMing... but so far have not been seen making any progress. So far it looks like it could be CMC, Ritek, or Optodisc.... but Ritek has burned a lot of bridges with Maxell, so probably more likely to be CMC or Optodisc. CMC because they have been seen as a safe OEM solution, and are proving themselves to Maxell so far... and Optodisc because of the long standing relationship they've shared with DVD-RAM (where Optodisc ALREADY uses their technology and MID code!!).

[ShadowVlican]

ok... so my flashed nec 3500 is too old to burn DVD-R DL

so i went out and bought a benq 1655, and it introduced me to my first coaster in years

not blaming the burner, most likely the crappy media (RiDATA DVD-R DL 4x)

anyone know where i can get higher quality DL discs to burn movies? (local Markham/GTA prefered)

[[buck]]

ok... so my flashed nec 3500 is too old to burn DVD-R DL

so i went out and bought a benq 1655, and it introduced me to my first coaster in years

not blaming the burner, most likely the crappy media (RiDATA DVD-R DL 4x)

anyone know where i can get higher quality DL discs to burn movies? (local Markham/GTA prefered)

Is there any reason why didn't you stick with DVD+R DL discs? They're generally considerered to be more compatible, better supported, and just all around technically superior.

Buy these http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16037&promoid=1017 with the $5.99 shipping promo.

[ShadowVlican]

only reason i bought -R DL was they were readily available

guess i should try +R DL then? nuts.... they don't have the $5.99 shipping right now... arg i need to get these movies off my hdd.....

[[buck]]

only reason i bought -R DL was they were readily available

guess i should try +R DL then? nuts.... they don't have the $5.99 shipping right now... arg i need to get these movies off my hdd.....

umm... the promo is still working for me. Select "SHIPPING PROMO" at checkout.

I'm very surprised you say DVD-R DL were readily available, because they made it to market a full year after DVD+R DL, and the whole market has pretty much ignored DVD-R DL. DVD-R DL is usually RARE!

And don't just buy any DVD+R DL, either. Pretty much the only ones worth buying are Verbatim, and the other common alternatives (Ritek and Ricoh) vary from semi-usable to unusable.

[ShadowVlican]

well infonec has the RiDATA DVD-R DL 4x, and that's where i got them

2 discs have failed now... that's $8 :evil:
they're useless to me if nothing can burn them :evil:
gggrrrr... i'm very angry right now :lol:

time to order some DVD+R DL and hope they work... damn this DL "technology"

[The Digital Dolphin]

and once again, [buck] beats me to it :lol:

Yeah, I've got about 46pcs of the Ritek 4x DVD-RDL....

Let's just say that even VERBATIM DVD-RDL media barely works... it's the format itself, not the media. What hope does RITEK have if Verbatim's don't even work right?

In conclusion: Buy Verbatim DVD+RDL, you won't be dissapointed! :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

If anyone wants to fill out this little word thing for me, I'd appreciate it :cheesygri
http://kevan.org/johari?name=The%20Digital%20Dolphin

Thanks!!

[[buck]]

and once again, [buck] beats me to it :lol:

Yeah, I've got about 46pcs of the Ritek 4x DVD-RDL....

Let's just say that even VERBATIM DVD-RDL media barely works... it's the format itself, not the media. What hope does RITEK have if Verbatim's don't even work right?

In conclusion: Buy Verbatim DVD+RDL, you won't be dissapointed! :cheesygri

I've got a lot more free time than you do... :twisted:

[ShadowVlican]

Let's just say that even VERBATIM DVD-RDL media barely works... it's the format itself, not the media. What hope does RITEK have if Verbatim's don't even work right?

In conclusion: Buy Verbatim DVD+RDL, you won't be dissapointed! :cheesygri
ah... so like [buck] said, it's the -R DL that's the main problem... i guess i'll stick with +R DL

funny how regular RiDATA DVD-R work just fine for me, is the jump to dual layer that difficult for these large companies.... :evil:

[rahzel]

ah... so like [buck] said, it's the -R DL that's the main problem... i guess i'll stick with +R DL

funny how regular RiDATA DVD-R work just fine for me, is the jump to dual layer that difficult for these large companies.... :evil:
Ridata's SL DVDR's arent very good in general either, and dual layer media is a totally different thing. Ricoh makes good media, but their DL media isnt much better than Ritek's DL media. the + standard makes a much more stable DL media, but like buck and DD said, dont just buy any +RDL media, only get Verbatim.

[blitz]

Hey guys,

Do you know if there are any bonding issues with DVD-RAM discs?

[Jon Lai]

']I cant say i'm too excited about almost any 16X disc out of Taiwan, using Taiwanese technology. It seems like the Taiwanese manufacturers need a while to iron out the kinks like they've done with the 8X.

It seems like Maxell is going to be oursourcing to Taiwan permanantly, so maybe they should look at outsourcing using their technology, like most other Japanese companies are doing. :mad:

But Taiwan is the only place making 16X, with the exception of BenQ's Daxon branch in Malay, and some fakes made in HK. Japan is still hesitant about making 16X media, I've never even heard of Japanese 16X media overseas.

[Jon Lai]

The DW1650 may not end up being as well supported as the DW1655. BenQ won't even GIVE me a DW1650! They want to push the DW1655 as the next big thing from them. The DW1670 may end up replacing the DW1650... although it probably won't be as good, since it confirmed as being based on Panasonic technology (not Nexperia chipset!).


DD, any news from BenQ whether or not they'll continue their dual-support for both Panasonic and Nexperia chipsets in their burners for the future? I was expecting that they keep with the XX50 line with Nexperia and XX55 line with Panasonic. I guess I'm wrong with the insiders news that you just mentioned.

BTW, are they planning to go past 1670? Or might they start research on Blu-Ray and manufacturer those instead?

[[buck]]

But Taiwan is the only place making 16X, with the exception of BenQ's Daxon branch in Malay, and some fakes made in HK. Japan is still hesitant about making 16X media, I've never even heard of Japanese 16X media overseas.

I can think of a bunch of companies making 16X media in Japan, and a bunch making 16X in Taiwan with Japanese tech.

Japan: Taiyo Yuden, Sony, TDK (although usually not found in north America).. actually that's all I can name.

Elsewhere with Japanese tech: Ricoh, Fujifilm, TDK, Sony, Mitsubishi.

I was sort of hoping Maxell would at least use something with a Japanese dye until the Taiwanese manufacturers get the kinks worked out.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey guys,

Do you know if there are any bonding issues with DVD-RAM discs?

Excellent question!! (aka, I have no idea :P)

I'll look into this ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

But Taiwan is the only place making 16X, with the exception of BenQ's Daxon branch in Malay, and some fakes made in HK. Japan is still hesitant about making 16X media, I've never even heard of Japanese 16X media overseas.

Sony in Japan, TDK in Luxumnburg, Daxon in Malaysia, Taiyo Yuden in Japan, Verbatim in Singapore....

It's just that most of them don't make it to North America ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, any news from BenQ whether or not they'll continue their dual-support for both Panasonic and Nexperia chipsets in their burners for the future? I was expecting that they keep with the XX50 line with Nexperia and XX55 line with Panasonic. I guess I'm wrong with the insiders news that you just mentioned.

BTW, are they planning to go past 1670? Or might they start research on Blu-Ray and manufacturer those instead?

XX50 and XX55 are Nexperia based, XX70 is Panasonic based, like the DQ60.

I don't know what their long range plans are, but I *DO* know that there is at least ONE more drive coming for DVD from BenQ, most likely with Nexperia chipset. I'll try to get more info on this, but my rep at BenQ Taiwan JUST got back from a 2 or 3 week vacation, and is rather swamped.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Good news!!

Verbatim is finally releasing their 8x DVD+RDL media through proper channels. It looks like the initial testing through BestBuy in the US did well, and they're going to open it up to other US distributors, and eventually Canada.

It'll be a bit pricey, but it'll be available in Canada as soon as I can find who I need to beat over the head to make it happen ;)

[ShadowVlican]

an update with good news :)

i got infonec to order me this:
http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=15936

if you read the previous page, i had bought RiDATA DVD-R DL... and after two failures, i gave up hoping not to waste more money

so i went ahead and bought those verbatim advised by BUCK and DD... AND IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

omg i can finally burn these movies off my HDD!!!

ps: it took 56min 10sec to burn and verify the discs @ 2.4x :|

[[buck]]

an update with good news :)

i got infonec to order me this:
http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=15936

if you read the previous page, i had bought RiDATA DVD-R DL... and after two failures, i gave up hoping not to waste more money

so i went ahead and bought those verbatim advised by BUCK and DD... AND IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

omg i can finally burn these movies off my HDD!!!

ps: it took 56min 10sec to burn and verify the discs @ 2.4x :|

Good to hear. :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

an update with good news :)

i got infonec to order me this:
http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=15936

if you read the previous page, i had bought RiDATA DVD-R DL... and after two failures, i gave up hoping not to waste more money

so i went ahead and bought those verbatim advised by BUCK and DD... AND IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

omg i can finally burn these movies off my HDD!!!

ps: it took 56min 10sec to burn and verify the discs @ 2.4x :|

Out of curiosity, why didn't you get them from Blankmedia.ca or NCIX.com for cheaper??

Either way, I'm glad you got some good media now!! :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Good to hear. :)

ARGH! You did it again!!

LOL

[[buck]]

ARGH! You did it again!!

LOL

My "sniping program" works, damnit! :razz:

[ShadowVlican]

Out of curiosity, why didn't you get them from Blankmedia.ca or NCIX.com for cheaper??

Either way, I'm glad you got some good media now!! :)
who said i paid $39 ;)

we'll leave it there ;)

thanks for the help you guys

[gromitlad]

I think it's about time to upgrade the old LG GSA4040B. I still like it but they haven't released a firmware update for years and it burns all the new media at 2x (grrr), plus I wouldn't mind upgrading to DL.

Anyways was wondering what your current drive recommendations are, DD. I notice that the link in your sig is for a post that is almost a year old now, are those still your favourite drives?

I'm sure there have been a ton of recommendations within this thread, but I'm a little daunted by the 209 pages!

[[buck]]

I think it's about time to upgrade the old LG GSA4040B. I still like it but they haven't released a firmware update for years and it burns all the new media at 2x (grrr), plus I wouldn't mind upgrading to DL.

Anyways was wondering what your current drive recommendations are, DD. I notice that the link in your sig is for a post that is almost a year old now, are those still your favourite drives?

I'm sure there have been a ton of recommendations within this thread, but I'm a little daunted by the 209 pages!

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17704&vpn=DW1650-0B3&manufacture=BENQ&promoid=1043

I just woke up and don't feel like explaining why it's the drive to get, but trust me on this one. ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I think it's about time to upgrade the old LG GSA4040B. I still like it but they haven't released a firmware update for years and it burns all the new media at 2x (grrr), plus I wouldn't mind upgrading to DL.

Anyways was wondering what your current drive recommendations are, DD. I notice that the link in your sig is for a post that is almost a year old now, are those still your favourite drives?

I'm sure there have been a ton of recommendations within this thread, but I'm a little daunted by the 209 pages!

Either the BenQ DW1650 or the BenQ DW1655. I think the DW1655 might be getting better firmware support then the DW1650 though (But I'm not 100% sure on that!).

[concave35]

DD, If like you said, the BenQ 1650 / 1655 are the last of the Nexperia chipset drives, should I be getting them before they go extinct from the market? I own a 1620 now and it works perfectly, so I can't quite justify getting another one; but I know I'll be so disappointed if when I do need a replacement the BenQ's don't produce those excellent drives anymore and I might be stuck with some incompetent drives. How much better are the 1650 than the 1620? The 1620 was an excellent burner in its days as far as I know, but the 1640 seemed to be hailed as THE writer everywhere. If 1650 is an improved 1640 then is it safe to assume that it has huge improvements over the 1620? Are there any differences between 1650 and 1655 beside the lightscribe feature?

On a seperate topic, it is about time for me to replace my CD burner (Liteon 52327S), and I am interested in another CD burner / combo drive rather than a DVD burner (basically I want to have a dedicated burner for CDs and DVDs, since DVD burners are not that great with burning CDs). What would you recommend? It's important that the drive is an excellent reader (for example my Liteon is a much better reader than my BenQ is, it can read some 7-year-old crappy media that BenQ wouldn't even recognize :twisted: ), and at least a 2 sheep burner. Obviously burning quality is important as well. I tried to research into this but all the recent reviews I can find are about DVD burners. It's as if no one cares about their CD writers anymore. :(

Thanks in advance, DD!

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, If like you said, the BenQ 1650 / 1655 are the last of the Nexperia chipset drives, should I be getting them before they go extinct from the market? I own a 1620 now and it works perfectly, so I can't quite justify getting another one; but I know I'll be so disappointed if when I do need a replacement the BenQ's don't produce those excellent drives anymore and I might be stuck with some incompetent drives. How much better are the 1650 than the 1620? The 1620 was an excellent burner in its days as far as I know, but the 1640 seemed to be hailed as THE writer everywhere. If 1650 is an improved 1640 then is it safe to assume that it has huge improvements over the 1620? Are there any differences between 1650 and 1655 beside the lightscribe feature?

Umm... I don't THINK I said BenQ would never make another Nexperia chipset drive. I'm pretty sure they will! But it is not the DW1670. So don't worry too much about it :)


On a seperate topic, it is about time for me to replace my CD burner (Liteon 52327S), and I am interested in another CD burner / combo drive rather than a DVD burner (basically I want to have a dedicated burner for CDs and DVDs, since DVD burners are not that great with burning CDs). What would you recommend? It's important that the drive is an excellent reader (for example my Liteon is a much better reader than my BenQ is, it can read some 7-year-old crappy media that BenQ wouldn't even recognize :twisted: ), and at least a 2 sheep burner. Obviously burning quality is important as well. I tried to research into this but all the recent reviews I can find are about DVD burners. It's as if no one cares about their CD writers anymore. :(

Thanks in advance, DD!

Hrm... tough call. I stand behind my Plextor Premium completely. Other then that, I think LiteON is really the only choice. BenQ makes CD-RW drive also, but I don't know anything about them, and their CD Burning abilities on their DVD Burners don't inspire a heck of a lot of confidence in them from me.

[divx]

DD, when will BD DL drop to a reasonable price?

[[buck]]

DD, when will BD DL drop to a reasonable price?

Blu-ray DL? I think we should wait for BD SL to be available, first. ;)

[[buck]]

This morning, I went to Best Buy and Futureshop for my usual thorough inspection of the media aisle, and I think there are a few interesting developements. :)

#1 I saw 16X Maxell DVD-Rs in 100-pks, made in Taiwan, with a CMC cakebox. MID is most like CMCMAGAM3. Avoid these. No sign of 16X DVD+Rs yet, but they'll probably be CMCMAGM01. I'm not too fond of these either.

#2 It appears that Maxell branded CMC can be picked out by the cakebox used.

The CMC stuff uses a traditional CMC cakebox, the ones with the thin lip on top. See pic below. http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9381/picture0038iv.jpg

The Ritek and Japanese stuff have the usual Maxell cakebox with the wide lip. See below.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2760/picture0026rk.jpg http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2508/picture0014ep.jpg

I only saw the new CMC cakebox in all of the 8X DVD-R 25-pk, and the new 16X 100-pks. The 8X DVD-Rs with the CMC cakebox are the thing to get.

It's also interesting to note that other than the 25-pks, all the 8X DVD-Rs were RitekG05 (excluding some MIJ stuff). It's unfortunate that Maxell is still destroying their repututation by distributing that crap.

#3 Best Buy had Verbatim 16X DVD+R 25-pks on clearance for $13 or $14. This is an okay price for someone who wants to buy decent media off the shelf.

#4 Fuji 16X media is out in full force... avoid this stuff like the plague... although it's probably better than the RitekG05.

#5 No MIJ Sony at my FS/BB... the Merivale ones, FYI.

I think that's all for now... but I feel like i'm forgetting something. :rolleyes:

Cheers.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, when will BD DL drop to a reasonable price?

An RFD reasonable price? Probably never...

A realistic price? A year or two... maybe. Let's let the media COME OUT first ;)

[madcow000]

Hi DD ,
I've read and searched here about the dw1640 and the dw1650 and am still not clear . Is there a difference between them ? and which of them would you say is the better drive . Is there anywhere I can go to get actual stats ?
thanks ,
MC

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD ,
I've read and searched here about the dw1640 and the dw1650 and am still not clear . Is there a difference between them ? and which of them would you say is the better drive . Is there anywhere I can go to get actual stats ?
thanks ,
MC

They have the same specs. Both drive's details can be found here:
http://www.benq.co.uk/products/storage/?product=526&page=specifications
http://www.benq.co.uk/products/storage/?product=603&page=specifications

Personally, I'm still a fan of the DW1640, but the DW1655 (lightscribe version of the DW1650) seems to be a good choice also (and also seems to have better firmware support).

[Y2Jared19]

I've got 3 questions. I'm sure Buck may chime in on these haha

1. Sony media at Walmart in most places are now Japan made. Both +R and -R. The oens I noticed has a hexagon or octagon spacer at the top, which last time was Yuden +R. I prefer -R, and are they done by Sony or by Yuden, and how good are they. 24.99 may seem sort of steep, but where are you gonna get Yuden for that cheap off the shelf?

2. Previously, Walmart used to sell Sony DVD media at a regular price of 19.77. Now, considering everything i read, 19.99 may still be profitable, all things considered. Was there any logic why they dropped the Sony media down for 75pc and 100pc spindles of Maxell or Memorex? Can it still be affordable?

3. I want to hold off on buying on another DVD burner, but i feel it still may be needed. Alot of 16x media are quite crappy when they dont have any right to being as crappy as they are. Any CMC media, including the Maxell 8x, the Philips -16 as well as a few others are unreasonably high. Im usually a Pioneer fan, and i was wondering whats up with the A11 and its newer chipset and Air flow system? Any thoughts on any other future models or is there anything better than my 1620 with the latest firmware from about 3-6 months ago.


Thanks

[[buck]]

I've got 3 questions. I'm sure Buck may chime in on these haha

Right on! :cheesygri

1. MIJ Sony 8X DVD+Rs are 100% YUDEN000T02. MIJ 8X DVD-Rs are a mix between Sony-made SONY08D1 and TYG02. It seems all the new stuff is TYG02, so I guess it all depends how fast the stock at your particular location moves.

SONY08D1 is about average in initial burn quality, however Sony media, for whatever reason, does poorly across the board in C't magazine's accelerated aging tests. I would personally avoid. I also suspect, and this is just a guess, the MIJ Sony we get (made by Sony, not TY) is B grade, with the good stuff staying in Japan, kind of like what Maxell is doing.

If you look *very* carefully, you should be able to see the Taiyo Yuden stamper code in the mirror band, without opening the packaging (i've done it before, but it wasn't easy). You probably won't be able to do this instore, but if you bring home a few spindles, you should be able to determine if they are SONY08D1 or TYG02 by looking for "GG000xx" in the mirror band, basically right at the edge of the spacer.

I would recommend you purchase these (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16373&vpn=635061&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1043) or these (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16375&vpn=635063&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1043) in the place of those Sony, although shipping will be a killer. Too bad you missed flat rate shipping. I think Dolph may like to chime in as to why he like these so much, and why TY has gone so out of favour with him. :lol:

2. Don't know. Maybe Maxell gave them a better price?

3. As long as you're burning your 16X media at 12X, you shouldn't be having trouble with that drive. If you're a heavy DVD-R burner though, it might be worth stepping up to the DW1650 as it does a much better job with DVD-R media.

Cheers.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've got 3 questions. I'm sure Buck may chime in on these haha

1. Sony media at Walmart in most places are now Japan made. Both +R and -R. The oens I noticed has a hexagon or octagon spacer at the top, which last time was Yuden +R. I prefer -R, and are they done by Sony or by Yuden, and how good are they. 24.99 may seem sort of steep, but where are you gonna get Yuden for that cheap off the shelf?

Premium Line Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-Rs can go for $24.99 now. But Premium Line Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+Rs still have a ways to go. Personally I would recommend the Sony brand Taiyo Yuden products ANYWAYS, since Sony has their own internal quality control, and they tend to weed out the crappier TY products that have been coming on to the market lately. [buck]'s details on how to tell the spindles apart is bang on, so just check out his post for that ;)


2. Previously, Walmart used to sell Sony DVD media at a regular price of 19.77. Now, considering everything i read, 19.99 may still be profitable, all things considered. Was there any logic why they dropped the Sony media down for 75pc and 100pc spindles of Maxell or Memorex? Can it still be affordable?

[buck] is probably right about them getting a better deal through Memorex and Maxell. Sony is not exactly known for offering decent margins on their products. They expect stuff to sell because of the Sony name, and often play favourites with vendors.


3. I want to hold off on buying on another DVD burner, but i feel it still may be needed. Alot of 16x media are quite crappy when they dont have any right to being as crappy as they are. Any CMC media, including the Maxell 8x, the Philips -16 as well as a few others are unreasonably high. Im usually a Pioneer fan, and i was wondering whats up with the A11 and its newer chipset and Air flow system? Any thoughts on any other future models or is there anything better than my 1620 with the latest firmware from about 3-6 months ago. Thanks

Yeah, we aren't seeing a lot of GOOD 8x media around here right now... but give it time. The DW1620 is a good drive, and will burn any 8x media pretty effectively. I recommend the Maxell Plus series, as they are a good quality stable 8x disc, made in Japan, and don't suffer from the same level of bonding problems that most Japanese discs suffer from (or at least Taiyo Yuden and Unifino).

[[buck]]

It's time to put Maxell 16X MIT DVD-Rs on the blacklist, until further notice.

Someone in the UK has reported finding a Maxell branded RITEKF1. This is seriously crappy stuff. We'll have to wait for someone to verify Maxell is using RITEKF1 in Canada, though.

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=167871

[Y2Jared19]

lol, thats just dirty.

They give us great media that can't hold together ( japan MXL stuff ), and now thy give us media that will hold together, but is completely lackluster.

I beleive Optodisc is supported better at 16x or it has more quality burns than anything. I dunno how RitekF1 media is gonna meet any quality requirements at a OEM affordable price.

Any news as to who else Maxell may give a shot to?

[[buck]]

lol, thats just dirty.

They give us great media that can't hold together ( japan MXL stuff ), and now thy give us media that will hold together, but is completely lackluster.

I beleive Optodisc is supported better at 16x or it has more quality burns than anything. I dunno how RitekF1 media is gonna meet any quality requirements at a OEM affordable price.

Any news as to who else Maxell may give a shot to?

CMC probably. There might be a few MIJ batches mixed in.

At this point in time I don't recommend 16X media, with just a few exceptions.

-Taiyo Yuden 16X DVD-R and DVD+R need serious work; they just don't compare to their 8X counterparts.

-16X media from the major Taiwanese manufacturers needs to be tweaked a bit more before i'd recommend it.

-16X TDK is good; but the crap sold in Costco is NOT good.

-Mitsubushi (Verbatim) is one of the few that has pulled off 16X media without a hickup.

[The Digital Dolphin]

So, to paraphrase, the following sucks:

Maxell 16x DVD±R made in Taiwan
TDK 16x DVD±R made in Taiwan (Made in India also pending investigation)
Memorex 16x DVD±R media
Philips 16x DVD±R media
Fuji 16x DVD±R

Prodisc 16x has SERIOUS lifespan issues... Ritek has both compatability issues *AND* lifespan issues. CMC's media still poorly supported. Optodisc's media is at least SEMI supported... and doesn't seem to suffer from the same lifespan issues. Maxell's Japanese media is nearly impossible to get, TDK's GOOD media is nearly impossible to get, Sony's 16x media is nearly impossible to get... Verbatim's media is at least generally good and available.

We don't have a lot of options these days do we?

So, I'm going to keep recommending Maxell Plus series 8x DVD-Rs, as they are well supported, and better in terms of lifespan then most other Japanese discs.

[[buck]]

So, I'm going to keep recommending Maxell Plus series 8x DVD-Rs, as they are well supported, and better in terms of lifespan then most other Japanese discs.

Likewise my recommend list, from least to greatest is:

Sony (made in Japan) - Sony or TY coded
Verbatim - I'd recommend their DVD+R over their DVD-R
Maxell Plus 8X DVD-Rs

So, to paraphrase, the following sucks:

Maxell 16x DVD±R made in Taiwan
TDK 16x DVD±R made in Taiwan (Made in India also pending investigation)
Memorex 16x DVD±R media
Philips 16x DVD±R media
Fuji 16x DVD±R

I believe there is *good* MIT TDK, it's just not sold at Costco.

[Veinless]

Any opinion on this media:

DVD+R 8X RICOH GOLD TOP BRANDED
Media Code Mfr: RICOHJPNR02

http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=592

Thanks!

[[buck]]

Any opinion on this media:

DVD+R 8X RICOH GOLD TOP BRANDED
Media Code Mfr: RICOHJPNR02

http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=592

Thanks!

They certainly has the potential to be very good, although there have been quite a few crappy batches of Ricoh lately, although it's probably Ritek (Ricoh's manufacturing partner) fault. It's probably worth the risk, because I doubt you'll find anything consistantly better for that price.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Any opinion on this media:

DVD+R 8X RICOH GOLD TOP BRANDED
Media Code Mfr: RICOHJPNR02

http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=592

Thanks!

From the packaging, we can tell it's an grey market import meant for asian retail sale. I wouldn't go as far as to call it a B Grade product, but I wouldn't
say it's regular A Grade either.

Personally, I don't like to recommend questionable media. I'm sure Blankmedia.ca thinks it's fine though.

[Evil Techie]

They have the same specs. Both drive's details can be found here:
http://www.benq.co.uk/products/storage/?product=526&page=specifications
http://www.benq.co.uk/products/storage/?product=603&page=specifications

Personally, I'm still a fan of the DW1640, but the DW1655 (lightscribe version of the DW1650) seems to be a good choice also (and also seems to have better firmware support).

so DW1655 has better support than DW1650?

im itching to get a faster burner...

[[buck]]

so DW1655 has better support than DW1650?

im itching to get a faster burner...

At the moment, they both have identical firmware support (excluding lightscribe!)

It is *possible* however, that months down the rode, the DW1655 will be better supported than the DW1650. I don't think this is too likely however, given BenQ's excellent firmware track record, as because all they would have to do is disable lightscribe.

[[buck]]

hey buck- (pls take this in a 'benign' way) what sort of backing do you have, for making the above statements?
YES- i do agree that, i always myself prefer MIJ stuff such as maxells mxl rg disks being my personal favorite....but that being said.....i use fuji 16x (@12x) & also memorex 16X (again @12X)- those 2 being ritekf1's & cmc's, & except for the very odd coaster every nofamilies all the time & they never had probs)
DD has even said cmc's can be good, (evenw & then, i've had no problems w/them. (i burn home movies for friends & yourself) that being the maxell 8X-R cmc mag ae1..........

>pls forgive me, but i know diddly about PIF & all those other techie terms.
*i only judge my media by whether the movie plays without skipping, freezing or pixelating.

Hey dealmeister,

Ritek media is very variable stuff. It varies from "good" to completely unusable. Ritek's new 16X media seems to be especially bad. It has poor firmware support, and it's expected lifespan is rather questionable. I don't think I have seen a single good result from RITEKF1.

CMCs 16X media should be much better than RITEKF1, but I still wouldn't recommend it, in most circumstances.

Regarding playability, i'm sure they play well. It takes *really* bad media for any drive to hickup on freshly burned media. Ritek's dye is also known for its compatibility. Having said that, I would peg the expected lifespan of RITEKF1 at somewhere between 3 months and 3 years, with most of it towards the beginning of the scale.

[rahzel]

just to let users of ImgBurn and owners of BenQ and/or Plextor drives know, that ImgBurn v1.2.0.0 was just released, and LIGHTNING UK added A LOT of new features in this release, including the option to change exclusive settings to BenQ and/or Plextor drives, like Solidburn, Overspeed, AutoStrategy, PowerRec etc. I was thinking this would be a good idea, and LIGHTNING UK finally added it in this release.

for anyone who doesnt know what ImgBurn is, its an image burning program (burns ISO, IMG, BIN etc). I use it to do all of my DVD-video burning, and whenever i can, as i find it burns with slightly better quality than Nero.

you can get it HERE (http://www.imgburn.com)

[Evil Techie]

would DW1650 be a good buy now or is there something big thats gonna come out soon that i should wait for?

i dont think i have much use for blueray btw
maybe only for backing OS up

[[buck]]

would DW1650 be a good buy now or is there something big thats gonna come out soon that i should wait for?

i dont think i have much use for blueray btw
maybe only for backing OS up

Nah, there are no upcoming DVD burners that look particularly promising. We'll have Blu-Ray in a few months, but those will cost at least 1K.

[Evil Techie]

']Nah, there are no upcoming DVD burners that look particularly promising. We'll have Blu-Ray in a few months, but those will cost at least 1K.

thanx
also is it safe to burn 8x TY DVD+R at 12x?

i know overspeed doesnt give me great results but would DW1650 be able to do it fairly well?

also how long would it take to fully burn a 4.3GB DVD+R at 12x w/ DW1650?

[[buck]]

thanx
also is it safe to burn 8x TY DVD+R at 12x?

i know overspeed doesnt give me great results but would DW1650 be able to do it fairly well?

also how long would it take to fully burn a 4.3GB DVD+R at 12x w/ DW1650?

No. 8X TY should be burned at 12X max. You're looking at 6:00 vs. 6:30.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']No. 8X TY should be burned at 12X max. You're looking at 6:00 vs. 6:30.

From what I've heard, TY's 8x DVD+Rs burn better at 12x then TY's 16x DVD+Rs do.... but I haven't burned any TY 16x DVD+Rs yet (although I have some!)

[[buck]]

From what I've heard, TY's 8x DVD+Rs burn better at 12x then TY's 16x DVD+Rs do.... but I haven't burned any TY 16x DVD+Rs yet (although I have some!)

That's true... but only because 16X produces poor results on BOTH media!

[[buck]]

Is it safe to burn 8X-R TY's @ 12X????
my 3 writers are: pioneer 109, bq1640 & nec3520.....
thanx DD.....

Depends on the batch. TYG02 varies alot in overspeeding ability; some batches will burn flawlessly at 16X (*cough* Plextor *cough*), while others will have a hard time at 12X (like my batch).

Your 1640 would probably give you the best results of the 3, and avoid using that NEC for TY media.

If you want, burn a few discs at 8X, 12X, and 16X and compare the scans in the 1640. Keep your eye on PIEs and jitter.

[nameht]

Hi DD,

I have a question for you, Im having troubles burning some discs..the discs dont show up as being blank,this is the first time i have had this problem and it only seems to be, (I have and still use 4x TY with no problem.)

I have a LG-4167B and am using TY 8x DVD-R discs

This is the one i bought

Taiyo Yuden 4.7GB 8x DVD-R, Silver Thermal Lacquer, 50 Pack
SKU: 05638 Part No: DVD-R47ZZSB8

from memory express

here is the link

http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?PageTag=&page=file&memx_menu=EmbedProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=5638&SID=

do you know what oculd be causing this problem? any help would be great

thanks

nameht

[[buck]]

Hi DD,

I have a question for you, Im having troubles burning some discs..the discs dont show up as being blank,this is the first time i have had this problem and it only seems to be, (I have and still use 4x TY with no problem.)

I have a LG-4167B and am using TY 8x DVD-R discs

This is the one i bought

Taiyo Yuden 4.7GB 8x DVD-R, Silver Thermal Lacquer, 50 Pack
SKU: 05638 Part No: DVD-R47ZZSB8

from memory express

here is the link

http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?PageTag=&page=file&memx_menu=EmbedProductDetail.php&DisplayProductID=5638&SID=

do you know what oculd be causing this problem? any help would be great

thanks

nameht

That is a very weird problem. In what way do they not show up as being blank?

[nameht]

i guess it isnt not blank however the disc does not show up..ie if i go into My Computer and double click the disc drive it says there is no disk in the drive

and in nero when i have an image to burn it just keep saying waiting for disc and does not change
and it says the status of the disc is --No Disc is inserted or drive not ready, please try again ---

[Seveneighty]

Since Digi Dolphin told me that CD-RW burners are better for burning music CDs than DVD burners, I'd like to know:

What CD burner(s) would be best for burning music CDs? Would the usual suspects (the basic ~$27 Benq/LG/Lite-On ones that all seem similar) do a tip-top job?

[[buck]]

Since Digi Dolphin told me that CD-RW burners are better for burning music CDs than DVD burners, I'd like to know:

What CD burner(s) would be best for burning music CDs? Would the usual suspects (the basic ~$27 Benq/LG/Lite-On ones that all seem similar) do a tip-top job?

LiteOns are usually the best cheap CD-R burners. If you happen to want another DVD burner, i'm sure an NEC would do quite a nice job with CD-Rs.

[rahzel]

Since Digi Dolphin told me that CD-RW burners are better for burning music CDs than DVD burners, I'd like to know:

What CD burner(s) would be best for burning music CDs? Would the usual suspects (the basic ~$27 Benq/LG/Lite-On ones that all seem similar) do a tip-top job?
i dont know about you, but when i burn audio CD's, i never have the same CD for longer than a few months, so as long as it does the job, and its reliable (lasts long) im happy.

i myself only buy LG CD burners, as theyre cheap, and they do the job. ive also bought them for a few people, and ive never had any complaints.

now DVD burning is a different story =].

[mortimusmaximus]

This is a question for the DD.I am a new laptop owner and would like to upgrade the optical drive.Is there an easy way to discover which drive fits which laptop?Also which drive would have the best firmware updates?
I am familiar with liton drives in my desktop but mot in laptops.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Depends on the batch. TYG02 varies alot in overspeeding ability; some batches will burn flawlessly at 16X (*cough* Plextor *cough*), while others will have a hard time at 12X (like my batch).

Your 1640 would probably give you the best results of the 3, and avoid using that NEC for TY media.

If you want, burn a few discs at 8X, 12X, and 16X and compare the scans in the 1640. Keep your eye on PIEs and jitter.

Agreed, better to stick at 8x for TYG02 generally, unless you're paying attention to the results of specific batches and your burner/firmware... and CAREFULLY!

[The Digital Dolphin]

i guess it isnt not blank however the disc does not show up..ie if i go into My Computer and double click the disc drive it says there is no disk in the drive

and in nero when i have an image to burn it just keep saying waiting for disc and does not change
and it says the status of the disc is --No Disc is inserted or drive not ready, please try again ---

Sometimes Nero CD/DVD Speed can cause this problem if it's left open. It's a major pain in the butt!

Does EVERY blank disc do that?

Also, Memory Express is still not a guarenteed source of TY media. They tend to ignore me when I try to talk to them about it, and don't consider my input to be of any importance. Really the attitude difference between Memory Express and NCIX or Blankmedia.ca is *HUGE*.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Since Digi Dolphin told me that CD-RW burners are better for burning music CDs than DVD burners, I'd like to know:

What CD burner(s) would be best for burning music CDs? Would the usual suspects (the basic ~$27 Benq/LG/Lite-On ones that all seem similar) do a tip-top job?

The Plextor Premium is probably the best CD burner on the market, and probably will be until it's discontinued.

LiteON's are the next likely choice. Ultra cheap, and relatively good for CDR burning.

If you're going to go with a DVD Burner, go with Pioneer (yeah, I don't like NEC as much as Pioneer, unlike [buck]). Plextor is a better choice for CD-R recording, but also WAY more expensive.

[The Digital Dolphin]

i dont know about you, but when i burn audio CD's, i never have the same CD for longer than a few months, so as long as it does the job, and its reliable (lasts long) im happy.

i myself only buy LG CD burners, as theyre cheap, and they do the job. ive also bought them for a few people, and ive never had any complaints.

now DVD burning is a different story =].

Nothing wrong with LG CD Burners.... nothing impressive about them either though ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

This is a question for the DD.I am a new laptop owner and would like to upgrade the optical drive.Is there an easy way to discover which drive fits which laptop?Also which drive would have the best firmware updates?
I am familiar with liton drives in my desktop but mot in laptops.

Well, you'll need to go with a slim style drive. They're not as easy to find as regular ones.

Panasonic, and LiteON both make them, I don't know of too many others though. Toshiba ALSO makes them, but they tend to suck. Almost every CD/DVD related problem I hear comes from Toshiba laptops running Toshiba drives ;)

[digdoug]

No offense, but do any of you have proof that the bonding on all these DVDs will go in the future? I know some of you have seen it happen, but that could have been some specific circumstance that caused it to happen (too much heat, etc.)

DigitalD: what did maxell say when you told them about the bonding issue? did they agree with your assessment? also, what would you say is the average lifespan of the badly-bonded media? (can u provide both a range and an average?) and are you defining its lifespan according to whether or not every byte of data can be read or just general playability in a DVD? tx.

[mortimusmaximus]

Well, you'll need to go with a slim style drive. They're not as easy to find as regular ones.

Panasonic, and LiteON both make them, I don't know of too many others though. Toshiba ALSO makes them, but they tend to suck. Almost every CD/DVD related problem I hear comes from Toshiba laptops running Toshiba drives ;)
So as long as it's a slim style I'll be good to go?My toshiba ,,new uses a matshita dvd super drive.

[The Digital Dolphin]

So as long as it's a slim style I'll be good to go?My toshiba ,,new uses a matshita dvd super drive.

Yeah, it should be standard :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

No offense, but do any of you have proof that the bonding on all these DVDs will go in the future? I know some of you have seen it happen, but that could have been some specific circumstance that caused it to happen (too much heat, etc.)

DigitalD: what did maxell say when you told them about the bonding issue? did they agree with your assessment? also, what would you say is the average lifespan of the badly-bonded media? (can u provide both a range and an average?) and are you defining its lifespan according to whether or not every byte of data can be read or just general playability in a DVD? tx.

We only have longevity tests, which seem consistantly to favour discs with good bonding, and quality manufacturing in general. However, when you get discs that seperate when you're trying to take them out of a jewel case, you don't need to run any tests ;)

As for Maxell, they sent the info back to the plant in Japan. I'll have to bug them about that soon and see if they've made any further comments.

[Max_Dealing]

Hello DD,

I have read you post for ever and respect your advise.

I need to the buy the (relatively) best CD-R media and need justification for it. I have heard good reviews on Taiyo Yuden but never used them. Can you please advise .

I will be using the disks to store video for a number of years. Compatibility is important was well as they will be distributed to others

Thank you

[Webslinger]

I need to the buy the (relatively) best CD-R media . . . I will be using the disks to store video for a number of years.

For archival purposes, the best cd-rs were Mitsui Gold, hands down. Mitsui Gold use to be what a lot of corporations used to trust their data with (and audiophiles, for that matter). These discs are now MAM-A (archive) Gold (and in some cases, not as good as the older Mitsui Gold, but the MAM-A, archive quality, Golds are still pretty decent). There is a distinction between MAM-A Gold Archive and MAM-A Gold Standard (the Archive Golds are 74 minutes only and are the top of the line; the MAM-A Gold standards are available in 74 or 80 min varieties and while they are produced on the same line as the MAM-A Gold Archives, the standards are not cherry-picked like the Archive Gold cd-rs are). Mitsui owns the patent on Phthalocyanine dye, which in every single aging test I've seen outlasts all other types. Also the Gold reflective layer is less prone to rot (gold is less reactive). All of my Mitsui golds are still working without issue, years later, whereas a number of my blank discs from other companies no longer work (and these were kept in jewel cases in relatively decent environments). The "diamond coat" for surface scratches is relatively effective as well.

You will pay through the nose for MAM-A (Archive) Golds--approximately $1.80 to $2.00+tax per blank (with jewel case).

If you see MAM-A silvers anywhere, run away screaming (they are terrible; I've heard rumours MAM-A/CSI may be improving them, but I'm not holding my breath).

Taiyo Yuden's cd-rs have a decent reputation for compatibility (and lower error rates), but they won't last as long as MAM-A Gold archive cd-rs. Actually, I just transferred something off one of my old Taiyos (because it was starting to degrade) to a Mitsui Gold.

Some of the (really) high-end Maxell line cd-rs are also worth looking into.

Similarly, for archival purposes, the MAM-A 4.7GB Gold Archive dvd-r, is probably the longest lasting dvd-r on the market (although Maxell also has a decent archival dvd-r line, they're unlikey to last as long as MAM-A golds--unless you're scrubbing both with steel wool). Again, you're going to pay through the nose for these blanks.

[[buck]]

For archival purposes, the best cd-rs were Mitsui Gold, hands down.

Actually, I would have to say the best CD-Rs were Kodak Ultima Gold, but they haven't been made in years. ;) Mitsui/MAM are a clode second.

However, Taiyo Yuden should be adequate for most archival purposes.

If you only need a few discs, these (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10044200&catid=20001) with this (http://digitalphotographycontest.fujifilm.ca/CDR_Coupon.pdf) rebate should be fine. Rebate should come in about 3 weeks, and they don't enforce the 1 per household limit.

[Webslinger]

']Actually, I would have to say the best CD-Rs were Kodak Ultima Gold, but they haven't been made in years. ;) Mitsui/MAM are a clode second.

Mitsui, of course, owns the patent on phthalocyanine dye, which was licensed for use by Kodak. I use to use Kodak Gold Ultimas for stuff I didn't care about that much (I only used Mitsui Gold and Kodak Gold Ultima at one point; when Kodak Golds stopped being made, I grugingly moved to Taiyo Yuden for stuff I didn't care about that much). I tested them by using them excessively in cars during the summer, leaving them on dashboards, etc (along with Mitsui Golds). The Kodak Gold Ultimas didn't hold up as well to heat (under extremely abusive conditions)--and the "Infoguard" feature, under these conditions, wasn't that effective either. That said, "flaking" wasn't uncommon with either discs under these conditions.

I still have a couple unused Kodak Gold Ultimas tucked away somewhere, I think actually.

Moreover, I found compatibility with the Kodak Golds to be less than stellar on some high-end cd players from Europe, suggesting a difference in the reflective layer being used by Kodak. Of course, I've found silver discs tend to have a higher compatibility rate (not always, but, on average). The tradeoff is so-called silver discs don't last as long in longevity tests. An audio/studio actually stopped using the Kodak Ultimas in favour of the Mitsui Golds (they had previously been using the Kodaks, since they were cheaper than Mitsui Gold). On most Plextors (and on a few Yamahas) at that time, Mitsui Gold was also producing better burns than Kodak Gold Ultimas.

Unfortunatley, now, the junk being sold under Kodak's name isn't worth anyone's time. And, now, MAM-A silvers are just as bad.

[DVDManiac]

']Actually, I would have to say the best CD-Rs were Kodak Ultima Gold, but they haven't been made in years. ;)

I still have about a dozen of these lying around in their original jewel cases for important stuff, wonder if they still will give a good burn.

[Webslinger]

I still have about a dozen of these lying around in their original jewel cases for important stuff, wonder if they still will give a good burn.


They should, depending on the burner (and I probably wouldn't burn them faster than 12x, even if you can).

[Max_Dealing]

How long are we talking about 5 years or 20 years? What justifies $2 over a 20cent disk?

[[buck]]

How long are we talking about 5 years or 20 years? What justifies $2 over a 20cent disk?

Taiyo Yuden should be good for 10 years... we don't know how much longer because they haven't been around for much longer than that.

Gold CD-Rs are supposed to degrade slower, and *should* last longer. How long, I don't know.

[Webslinger]

']
Gold CD-Rs are supposed to degrade slower, and *should* last longer.

They do last longer.

Take any Taiyo Yuden disc and any MAM-A Gold Archive disc (or use one of your Kodak Gold Ultimas . . . but back it up first, of course). Run them both under water. Stick them on a dashboard or outside during the summer and expose them to sunlight and 30+ degree heat each day. Bring them in at night and test both discs. Rinse and repeat. Discover which disc you can read longer. The Taiyo Yuden disc will fail before the MAM-A Gold Archive disc will. I'm not saying people normally treat their discs this way, but this should reflect what light, heat, and humidity do to cd-rs over time.

The thing is, at one time, I was getting lower error rates with Mitsui Gold than Taiyo Yuden discs. After Mitsui changed to MAM-A, that's no longer the case. Taiyo Yuden cd-rs are generally more compatible with audio cd players (possibly due to a higher reflectivity) and tend to produce slightly less errors (at least in my experience) with a wide variety of burners. But the Taiyo Yudens don't last as long.

[[buck]]

They do last longer.

Take any Taiyo Yuden disc and any MAM-A Gold Archive disc (or use one of your Kodak Gold Ultimas . . . but back it up first, of course). Run them both under water. Stick them on a dashboard or outside during the summer and expose them to sunlight and 30 degree heat each day. Bring them in at night and test both discs. Rinse and repeat. Discover which disc you can read longer. The Taiyo Yuden disc will fail before the MAM-A Gold Archive disc will. I'm not saying people normally treat their discs this way, but this should reflect what light, heat, and humidity do to cd-rs over time.

The thing is, at one time, I was getting lower error rates with Mitsui Gold than Taiyo Yuden discs. After Mitsui changed to MAM-A, that's no longer the case. Taiyo Yuden cd-rs are generally more compatible with audio cd players (possibly due to a higher reflectivity) and tend to produce slightly less errors (at least in my experience) with a wide variety of burners. But the Taiyo Yudens don't last as long.

I would agree, they do last longer, but the question is how much longer. HOWEVER, i'm not sure your testing method is very representative of the real world.

It is well known the cyanine dyes (TY's dye) does not withstand heat or light very well, pretty much any phthalocyanine based CD-R (ie Ritek) will outlast a TY CD-R in a harsh environment. Cyanine should be fine when stored in proper conditions.

[Webslinger]

']I would agree, they do last longer, but the question is how much longer.

I agree; no one knows for sure. Depends on usage, storage environment, etc. And as you say the NIST tests (and others) clearly indicate phthalocyanine dye lasts longer.

[The Digital Dolphin]

hrm.... Kodak actually used their own dye formulation, based on Phthalocyanine and Cyanine. You'll find they had the rights to all 3 major dyes (Azo, Phthalocyanine and Cyanine) for use in their discs ;)

But I believe it was considered a Phthalocyanine dye officially... but it was more of a mix in reality.

as for the best media... Mitsui's ARCHIVAL Gold CD-Rs are a good choice. They're used by Libraries and Government organizations around North America. The only place I know who sells this particular flavour of Gold Mitsui CD-Rs is www.precisionsound.com. They carry a premium price above Mitsui's regular Gold CD-Rs.

Now... I don't have any test data to backup that these are any better then Mitsui's regular Gold... so probably you may as well go with the regular Gold :P But if you want to be really particular, there is the one step higher (Archival Gold).

Taiyo Yuden makes an excellent secondary backup. Keeping your data on two completely different high grade discs is an EXCELLENT way of keeping your data secure, no matter what storage conditions. Likely, one of the discs will be stronger then the other, but you'll have your bases covered :)

[Webslinger]

hrm.... Kodak actually used their own dye formulation, based on Phthalocyanine and Cyanine.

Yeah, formazan dye . . .

But I believe it was considered a Phthalocyanine dye officially... but it was more of a mix in reality.

I think so as well. That said, most Kodak media was also being identified as phthalocyanine by the cd-r atip reading programs back then. Not that I trust atip reader information . . .

http://www.cdmediaworld.com/hardware/cdrom/kodak.shtml

Those Kodak Digital Science cd-rs looked dark green with a gold reflective layer, so I really can't see those discs using phthalocyanine dye (the type 7s).

I believe people were using that chart to make false claims (mostly by examining dye type numbers), such as "Kodak DID patent Formazan, but those gold and gold+silver discs are phthalocyanine. The Formazan discs were the dark-green-colored "Digital Science" and "Digital Audio" discs, and were phthalocyanine type 7, as opposed to type 5 of the phthalo discs." (http://keskustelu.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/8133)
I believe such claims are incorrect.

I actually called Kodak (to clarify what cd-r lines were using formazan dye) on two different occasions and was given two different answers. /shrug

from http://www.kodak.com/cluster/global/en/service/faqs/faq1630.shtml

"What dye is used on KODAK CD-R media?
Kodak uses their version of phthalocyanine dye in all their general purpose and hybrid media. Kodak uses a metal-stabilized cyanine dye in their audio media to enhance low-speed recording performance."

and

"Do KODAK CD-R Gold Ultima and KODAK CD-R Ultima media use the same dye?
A phthalocyanine dye is used in all KODAK general purpose and hybrid media."

So, I suspect the "metal-stabilized cyanine dye" is what was used in their Digital Science/Digital Audio line, and everything else Kodak made contained formazan. But I've never been given a definitive answer.


You'll find they had the rights to all 3 major dyes (Azo, Phthalocyanine and Cyanine) for use in their discs

I have no doubt Kodak is licensed to use Azo dye, but I'm not aware of them using it back then (or I certainly don't recall ever having the option of buying Azo-based Kodak cd-rs back then; that said, I wouldn't have wanted to either).

Now... I don't have any test data to backup that these are any better then Mitsui's regular Gold... so probably you may as well go with the regular Gold :P But if you want to be really particular, there is the one step higher (Archival Gold).

You will find greater variation in quality amongst the standard line, even within the same spindle (especially if you use 80 min discs; the archival discs are 74 min only, and I've never seen them sold in spindles).

The only place I know who sells this particular flavour of Gold Mitsui CD-Rs is www.precisionsound.com.

blankmedia.ca sells the MAM-A archive Gold discs, but they appear to be out of stock at the moment:
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=870

Another place that use to sell them was www.computerultra.com (but I haven't checked with them in ages). I've found the price difference between the standards/archives is nominal once you factor in the cost of jewel cases (depending on the number ordered). There were also a couple of stores locally in Toronto that used to order them (but they eventually stopped doing so, because they had place a huge order for them, just to get them in).

[The Digital Dolphin]

You will find greater variation in quality amongst the standard line, even within the same spindle (especially if you use 80 min discs; the archival discs are 74 min only, and I've never seen them sold in spindles).

Makes sense. And the Archival gold *IS* available in spindle form. The part# is 40113 for 100pcs bulk unbranded (I believe it is unbranded).


blankmedia.ca sells the MAM-A archive Gold discs, but they appear to be out of stock at the moment:
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=870

I'm actually surprised about that! Their part number checks out too, it's the right product.


Another place that use to sell them was www.computerultra.com (but I haven't checked with them in ages).

Yup, I forgot about them. Like Precision Sound they are Mitsui dealers, and have access to the full line. Unlike Precision Sound (and like Blankmedia.ca), they don't follow Canadian law with regard to the levy however.


I've found the price difference between the standards/archives is nominal once you factor in the cost of jewel cases (depending on the number ordered). There were also a couple of stores locally in Toronto that used to order them (but they eventually stopped doing so, because they had place a huge order for them, just to get them in).

The price difference seems to be about +35% to the cost or so....

[pcguy]

Noticed on your recommend burner list

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1405843&postcount=1509

that these recommendations are almost a year old? Are there any newer DVD drive that would be on the list?

[[buck]]

Noticed on your recommend burner list

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1405843&postcount=1509

that these recommendations are almost a year old? Are there any newer DVD drive that would be on the list?

DD recommends the BenQ DW1640/1650/1655 drives. ;) (so do I!)

[pcguy]

']DD recommends the BenQ DW1640/1650/1655 drives. ;) (so do I!)

I already have a DW1640 and am looking for a burner for another computer here. Are you saying that I should still stick with Benqs? The 1640 I have will not do CD-RWs. I have to use a LG CD burner to create those.

[[buck]]

I already have a DW1640 and am looking for a burner for another computer here. Are you saying that I should still stick with Benqs? The 1640 I have will not do CD-RWs. I have to use a LG CD burner to create those.

If CD burning is important to you, a Pioneer would likely be a good choice.

[pcguy]

']If CD burning is important to you, a Pioneer would likely be a good choice.

I thought of Pioneer but DD does not recommend the Pioneer DVR-110D :(

[Webslinger]

Makes sense. And the Archival gold *IS* available in spindle form. The part# is 40113 for 100pcs bulk unbranded (I believe it is unbranded).

Thanks for the info. I've never seen the spindles for the archive stuff (I have for the standard line) in the GTA. But yeah, I do see that part number on MAM-A's website.

The price difference seems to be about +35% to the cost or so....

It depends a bit on the quantity you buy. I'm seeing about a 25% increase to switch from gold/wo jcs to gold archivals /w jcs. The U.S. price increase to switch from standards to archivals (both having 25 pack jewel cases) is less than 10%.

[Y2Jared19]

I recently went into Source to purchase Verbatim DVD's and was expecting to have guaranteed acceptable results. They had only 1 spindle of 16x -r media, which i thought would still be ok, as its freaking MCC coding which has worked well before at lower speeds and the 1620 is good when you give it something to work with.

2 discs later with the same results, Im completely astonished at these discs. I looked at the serial number in the middle, which are 5250E4123-01316819 AND ZD4079-DVR-J47C1.

These are Prodisc BUT where are these MCC standards and quality control!?

Heres the latest scan. Burnt at 12x.
Scan (http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5397/verbatim16xrscan8x6pz.jpg)

At least PIFS were great.......

General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Firmware: B7W9
Disc: DVD-R (MCC 03RG20 )
Selected speed: 8 X

[[buck]]

I recently went into Source to purchase Verbatim DVD's and was expecting to have guaranteed acceptable results. They had only 1 spindle of 16x -r media, which i thought would still be ok, as its freaking MCC coding which has worked well before at lower speeds and the 1620 is good when you give it something to work with.

2 discs later with the same results, Im completely astonished at these discs. I looked at the serial number in the middle, which are 5250E4123-01316819 AND ZD4079-DVR-J47C1.

These are Prodisc BUT where are these MCC standards and quality control!?

Heres the latest scan. Burnt at 12x.
Scan (http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5397/verbatim16xrscan8x6pz.jpg)

At least PIFS were great.......

General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD DD DW1620
Firmware: B7W9
Disc: DVD-R (MCC 03RG20 )
Selected speed: 8 X

That is interesting. This is the first report i've heard of Verbatim 16X media being made by Prodisc. Up until now I thought it was exclusively made by CMC Magnetics for our market, which is good. Prodisc Verbatim is NOT good thing, though!

And you're right, where is the MCC quality control? That's an absolutely unacceptable result.

If I were you i'd call Verbatim at 800-538-8589 and complain they skip in some of your standalones. Hopefully they'll replace them.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']DD recommends the BenQ DW1640/1650/1655 drives. ;) (so do I!)

Yup, the DW1640 is still my favourite of the bunch too.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I thought of Pioneer but DD does not recommend the Pioneer DVR-110D :(

It's a great 8x burner for DVDs, and does well with CD-Rs. The DVR-111D should be better I'm told.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for the info. I've never seen the spindles for the archive stuff (I have for the standard line) in the GTA. But yeah, I do see that part number on MAM-A's website.

It helps having a direct line to MAM-A ;)



It depends a bit on the quantity you buy. I'm seeing about a 25% increase to switch from gold/wo jcs to gold archivals /w jcs. The U.S. price increase to switch from standards to archivals (both having 25 pack jewel cases) is less than 10%.

Well then let me say this.... MAM-A's price list has a ~35% increase in price. I can double check unless something has changed recently though. Also, because the Jewel Case product doesn't sell that well usually... many places just blow it out when it sits too long. Also, some people repackage it ;)

[pcguy]

Yup, the DW1640 is still my favourite of the bunch too.

I have a 1620 here and as indicated it can not created CD-RWs which I use frequently. As well it has problems working reliably with DVD RWs. Therefore I want to try to stay away from another Benq so I hopefully am not restricted on what format I can use.

[[buck]]

I have a 1620 here and as indicated it can not created CD-RWs which I use frequently. As well it has problems working reliably with DVD RWs. Therefore I want to try to stay away from another Benq so I hopefully am not restricted on what format I can use.

You *shouldn't* have trouble using CD-RWs or DVDRWs in your DW1620, but I can't tell you why you're having troubles. I had no problems with DVD-/+RWs and the occasional CD-RW in my 1620. Granted though, it's not exactly the best drive for any sort of CD-R media.

[RW99]

So based on DD's recommendations, I'm picking up the BenQ. I've tried reading some of the thread, but it's a lot and I don't know squat about DVD burning :D

My question is about media. I want to do dual layer burning, and lightscribe if that's possible. Playing on DVD players is no big deal, mostly want to store data, rewritable if possible. I've seen posts about genuine Taiyo Yudens, not sure if those work with what I'm looking for?. And there's a Staples right next to me. Is there anything at Staples that would work well? Or should I be buying something specific for somewhere else?

If anyone could simplify this for me, I would be grateful :D

[[buck]]

So based on DD's recommendations, I'm picking up the BenQ. I've tried reading some of the thread, but it's a lot and I don't know squat about DVD burning :D

My question is about media. I want to do dual layer burning, and lightscribe if that's possible. Playing on DVD players is no big deal, mostly want to store data, rewritable if possible. I've seen posts about genuine Taiyo Yudens, not sure if those work with what I'm looking for?. And there's a Staples right next to me. Is there anything at Staples that would work well? Or should I be buying something specific for somewhere else?

If anyone could simplify this for me, I would be grateful :D

Hello RW99!

A BenQ is definately the best choice as far as DVD burners go. Good choice!

So, you want to do dual layer burning? Well, there's only one company makes a decent DVD+R DL, and that's MCC, who sells it under the Verbatim name. These (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16037&vpn=DVD-95166&manufacture=VERBATIM&promoid=1001) are what you want. If what you're burning is important, you'd be better off with single layer media because dual layer media is both expensive and somewhat unproven.

Now, you say you want to burn data on rewritables. That's generally not recommended because rewritables are somewhat questionable when it comes to lifespan. That is, unless what you're burning is temporary.

About Lightscribe: Lightscribe is an impractical marketing gimmick. Lightscribe DVDRs generally cost $1+ and can only be found under a 2 or 3 brands in small quantities, at least in Canada. It takes about 30mins to label a disc. A far more practical, and economical way to label your discs is with an inkjet printer that will print on inkjet printable disc, like the Epson R200.

I recommend these (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16373&vpn=635061&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1001) inkjet printable discs for anything important. These are a professional Maxell product but the price is not much more than the usual junk that you'll find at Futureshop or Staples.

I think that covers most of it... any questions? :cheesygri

[pcguy]

Yup, the DW1640 is still my favourite of the bunch too.

Any comments re the Benq 1650 or the 1655 models?

I can get these models from an OEM supplier but I am hesitate on purchasing either one from a non retail location because I can not return with out incurring a shipping charge.

Both of the 1620 Benq's here have problems with RW media DVD and CD. The latter one appears to burn the data to the CD-RW but Nero indicates and error when the burn is complete. The other 1620 has a problem with DVD-RWs in that Nero InCD takes forever to format a SL DVD blank and if it does complete and data is copied over to the DVD-RW the data is unreadable after the computer is restarted. Both computers are using XP PRO SP2 and Nero 6.

This DVD burner is going into a computer that has no burner whatsoever and I need to be able to burn RW media.

[[buck]]

Any comments re the Benq 1650 or the 1655 models?

I can get these models from an OEM supplier but I am hesitate on purchasing either one from a non retail location because I can not return with out incurring a shipping charge.

Both of the 1620 Benq's here have problems with RW media DVD and CD. The latter one appears to burn the data to the CD-RW but Nero indicates and error when the burn is complete. The other 1620 has a problem with DVD-RWs in that Nero InCD takes forever to format a SL DVD blank and if it does complete and data is copied over to the DVD-RW the data is unreadable after the computer is restarted. Both computers are using XP PRO SP2 and Nero 6.

This DVD burner is going into a computer that has no burner whatsoever and I need to be able to burn RW media.

You'll have no problems with either drives. Sure, they may be marginally worse than the 1640, but they're still great.

[RW99]

']Hello RW99!

A BenQ is definately the best choice as far as DVD burners go. Good choice!

So, you want to do dual layer burning? Well, there's only one company makes a decent DVD+R DL, and that's MCC, who sells it under the Verbatim name. These (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16037&vpn=DVD-95166&manufacture=VERBATIM&promoid=1001) are what you want. If what you're burning is important, you'd be better off with single layer media because dual layer media is both expensive and somewhat unproven.

Now, you say you want to burn data on rewritables. That's generally not recommended because rewritables are somewhat questionable when it comes to lifespan. That is, unless what you're burning is temporary.

About Lightscribe: Lightscribe is an impractical marketing gimmick. Lightscribe DVDRs generally cost $1+ and can only be found under a 2 or 3 brands in small quantities, at least in Canada. It takes about 30mins to label a disc. A far more practical, and economical way to label your discs is with an inkjet printer that will print on inkjet printable disc, like the Epson R200.

I recommend these (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16373&vpn=635061&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1001) inkjet printable discs for anything important. These are a professional Maxell product but the price is not much more than the usual junk that you'll find at Futureshop or Staples.

I think that covers most of it... any questions? :cheesygri

Thanks for all the info! I'll stay away from lightscribe and will keep to basic labels. And I'll stay away from Staples, real big difference in price for those disks. What would you recommend if I keep with single layer?

[callous]

']You'll have no problems with either drives. Sure, they may be marginally worse than the 1640, but they're still great.

Why are the 1650 and 1655 marginally worse than 1640? Are the quality scores lower with TY media or what's the story?

[Y2Jared19]

In my opinion, is that they are all made very similar, i think that the 1640 had a TON of firmware updates as it is ahead of them all at this point.

[rahzel]

remember the 1650/55 is still fairly new. theres only been 1 firmware update for it thus far. im guessing it will definitely become as good as the 1640, and possibly better. Also, since its newer, it will be supported by BenQ better. BSOB may be the last firmware update we see for the DW1640. its been months since theyve released BSOB for the DW1640.

Thanks for all the info! I'll stay away from lightscribe and will keep to basic labels. And I'll stay away from Staples, real big difference in price for those disks. What would you recommend if I keep with single layer?
right now, your best bet is with Verbatim, Maxell Plus series (available at NCIX.com) and/or Sony Made in Japan media. With Sony MIJ media, preferably +R since theyre ALL Taiyo Yuden, whereas -R, theres a chance you will get Sony's own media. Although its pretty good, its not as good as Taiyo Yuden.

[RW99]

right now, your best bet is with Verbatim, Maxell Plus series (available at NCIX.com) and/or Sony Made in Japan media. With Sony MIJ media, preferably +R since theyre ALL Taiyo Yuden, whereas -R, theres a chance you will get Sony's own media. Although its pretty good, its not as good as Taiyo Yuden.

Thanks again!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Why are the 1650 and 1655 marginally worse than 1640? Are the quality scores lower with TY media or what's the story?

They seem to be less mature drives compared to the DW1640. The DW1640 is still my #1 preferred drive.

[Ryelle]

Hi DD,

Which firmware revision do you recommend for the Benq 1640?

Thanks,
Ryelle

[rahzel]

so- does this mean as long as you get sony -R MIJ media that's TYG02, there s/b no preference to -R or +R??
i know i can bitset to dvdrom on 1640 for compatibility to most players- but i just feel safer w/ the -'Rs......is it really true that +R is superior to -R? or is it just an urban legend? over to DD or rahzel.............or buck..............
i would hate to think i'm buyng the 'lesser' format! :confused:
btw- i have bought many, many sony -R MIJ spindles & have not come across anything else but TY's yet (knock on wood)............. :)
i didnt say +R is superior. but with Sony MIJ media, ALL +R is Taiyo Yuden, whereas -R, theres a chance you can get SONY08D1, instead of TYG02. I actually prefer TYG02 over YUDEN000T02 with my DW1640, im just saying to go with +R since theres 100% chance youll get Taiyo Yuden.

+ and - are pretty much the same with small differences. its all really just a thing of personal preference. Some manufacturers make better +R than -R, and vice versa. it also depends on your DVD burner, as some burners generally write one standard better than the other. Also, someone over at CDRLabs made a test of various media, testing the manufacturing quality, and -R consisntatly showed that they were better made than +R.

Hi DD,

Which firmware revision do you recommend for the Benq 1640?

Thanks,
Ryelle
Just to throw in my opinion, i find BSLB and BSMB are the best firmware revisions for the DW1640.

[[buck]]

i didnt say +R is superior. but with Sony MIJ media, ALL +R is Taiyo Yuden, whereas -R, theres a chance you can get SONY08D1, instead of TYG02. I actually prefer TYG02 over YUDEN000T02 with my DW1640, im just saying to go with +R since theres 100% chance youll get Taiyo Yuden.

+ and - are pretty much the same with small differences. its all really just a thing of personal preference. Some manufacturers make better +R than -R, and vice versa. it also depends on your DVD burner, as some burners generally write one standard better than the other. Also, someone over at CDRLabs made a test of various media, testing the manufacturing quality, and -R consisntatly showed that they were better made than +R.


Just to throw in my opinion, i find BSLB and BSMB are the best firmware revisions for the DW1640.

I do prefer YUDEN000T02 to TYG02, but I'm pretty sure there's a very easy way to id TYG02 Sony 8X DVD-R spindles. For TYG02 50-pks should have an octogonal spacer on top; i'm not sure what the SONY08D1 packs have, but I don't think it's octogonal. For 25-pks, SONY08D1 will have an extremely thin foam spacer (almost paper thing), while TYG02 will probably have no spacer at all.

Ryelle: I prefer BSOB.

[rahzel]

']I do prefer YUDEN000T02 to TYG02, but I'm pretty sure there's a very easy way to id TYG02 Sony 8X DVD-R spindles. For TYG02 50-pks should have an octogonal spacer on top; i'm not sure what the SONY08D1 packs have, but I don't think it's octogonal. For 25-pks, SONY08D1 will have an extremely thin foam spacer (almost paper thing), while TYG02 will probably have no spacer at all.

Ryelle: I prefer BSOB.
well if there is a way to check as you say, then you can just go with whatever you want. i dunno, as i havent bought any Sony media, or looked at any spindles.

my results with TYG02 seem to be generally a little better than YUDEN000T02 with my DW1640, but maybe its just my batches.

[rahzel]

buck & rahzel are 'sword fighting'- :lol:
what's your preference, DD?? TYG02 or YUDEN000T02, & is BSOB (the latest firmware for the 1640) the best one?- i always thought the lastest firmware update would be the *BEST* or is that not the case?
well really, there isnt a best firmware revision for everyone IMO. it depends on the media you use. usually the latest firmware version is the best, as it fixes bugs, adds media support, adds features or modifies write strategies for certain media etc, but for the media i use anyway, i find BSLB or BSMB (currently using BSMB) to be the best for me. the best thing for you to do, is to experiment with different firmware revisions for the media you use. BSLB, BSMB and BSOB seem to be the most popular choices.

[The Digital Dolphin]

buck & rahzel are 'sword fighting'- :lol:
what's your preference, DD?? TYG02 or YUDEN000T02, & is BSOB (the latest firmware for the 1640) the best one?- i always thought the lastest firmware update would be the *BEST* or is that not the case?

Hehehe....

Well, on the DW1640 I prefer YUDEN000T02 I think, but really I use more TYG02 :cheesygri Basically, it's not a HUGE difference.

BSOB is ok, but I think some of the earlier firmwares may have been a bit better in some areas. I use BSOB myself however.

[rahzel]

i cant see it getting much better than this. this is one of my old scans that i dug up (its all i have on me) but all of my TYG02 from GG000110 and GG000032 were like this scan (if not better).
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/7832/asd4ri.png (http://imageshack.us)

[[buck]]

i cant see it getting much better than this. this is one of my old scans that i dug up (its all i have on me) but all of my TYG02 from GG000110 and GG000032 were like this scan (if not better).
http://img484.imageshack.us/img484/7832/asd4ri.png (http://imageshack.us)

Rahzel, you just happen to have one of the best lots of TYG02 ever. ;) That isn't representative of most TYG02, although most YUDEN000T02 isn't far off!

[Y2Jared19]

Tried some more of my Prodisc Verbatim 16x discs hoping that at least soem are good, at its really variable, but consistently high PIE errors and high jitter.

is there any email for verbatim or is it a must call to their toll free number listed before?

I would exchnage but The Source where i go to is a small mall location and dont really have any more stock.

Thanks once again fellas

[[buck]]

Tried some more of my Prodisc Verbatim 16x discs hoping that at least soem are good, at its really variable, but consistently high PIE errors and high jitter.

is there any email for verbatim or is it a must call to their toll free number listed before?

I would exchnage but The Source where i go to is a small mall location and dont really have any more stock.

Thanks once again fellas

I'm not surprised. Prodisc made Verbatim is often somewhat dissapointing.

Yeah, I think you have to call Verbatim. Yes, would agree that email would be better!

Your best bet would be convincing Verbatim Canada that your media is crap. Good luck, though.

[rahzel]

']Rahzel, you just happen to have one of the best lots of TYG02 ever. ;) That isn't representative of most TYG02, although most YUDEN000T02 isn't far off!
yeah i know =]. my GG000118 is not as good as these, but not far off either. overall, i think TYG02 and YUDEN000T02 are pretty close in general (with the DW1640 anyway).

[rahzel]

Tried some more of my Prodisc Verbatim 16x discs hoping that at least soem are good, at its really variable, but consistently high PIE errors and high jitter.

is there any email for verbatim or is it a must call to their toll free number listed before?

I would exchnage but The Source where i go to is a small mall location and dont really have any more stock.

Thanks once again fellas
just curious, what speed did you burn them at?

[Y2Jared19]

Ive tryed 8, 12x and 16x haha. I was hoping to hit 1 speed that worked, but to my dismay..it never found its groove haha.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Tried some more of my Prodisc Verbatim 16x discs hoping that at least soem are good, at its really variable, but consistently high PIE errors and high jitter.

is there any email for verbatim or is it a must call to their toll free number listed before?

I would exchnage but The Source where i go to is a small mall location and dont really have any more stock.

Thanks once again fellas

There may be contact information on the spindle itself. Unfortunately, none of my contacts at Verbatim are appropriate for this sort of thing.

[pcguy]

Well so much for me buying the Benq 1650 from NCIX. They won't tell me if I bought it can I return the drive if RWs are not burnable in it.

Going to take my business elsewhere probably somewhere locally that will take returns without pulling teeth!

[[buck]]

There may be contact information on the spindle itself. Unfortunately, none of my contacts at Verbatim are appropriate for this sort of thing.

I pulled that 1-800 number from my Verbatim packaging. ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Well so much for me buying the Benq 1650 from NCIX. They won't tell me if I bought it can I return the drive if RWs are not burnable in it.

Going to take my business elsewhere probably somewhere locally that will take returns without pulling teeth!

Why didn't you just ask me if the media/drive is compatible?

[pcguy]

Why didn't you just ask me if the media/drive is compatible?

Then are the Sony DVD-RWs and Verbatim CD-RWs compatible ( ie DVD-RWs can be formatted without waiting an hour + and not lose the data on the DVD and can I burn to the Verb CD-RWs with Nero) with the 16550 drive and if so what firmware? As I stated elsewhere in this thread I have 2 1620s that both have RW problems and have been told by others in this thread that the BENQ DVD burners do a better job burning DVDs than CDs.

[[buck]]

Then are the Sony DVD-RWs and Verbatim CD-RWs compatible ( ie DVD-RWs can be formatted without waiting an hour + and not lose the data on the DVD and can I burn to the Verb CD-RWs with Nero) with the 16550 drive and if so what firmware? As I stated elsewhere in this thread I have 2 1620s that both have RW problems and have been told by others in this thread that the BENQ DVD burners do a better job burning DVDs than CDs.

I quickly ran the latest DW1650 firmware (BCDC) through Media Code Speed Edit and I can tell you that it does support the Sony 2X DVD-RWs, both MIT and MIJ.

[rahzel]

Then are the Sony DVD-RWs and Verbatim CD-RWs compatible ( ie DVD-RWs can be formatted without waiting an hour + and not lose the data on the DVD and can I burn to the Verb CD-RWs with Nero) with the 16550 drive and if so what firmware? As I stated elsewhere in this thread I have 2 1620s that both have RW problems and have been told by others in this thread that the BENQ DVD burners do a better job burning DVDs than CDs.
i told you on the NCIX boards that you should be ok, although im not 100% sure about those CD-RW's. you should be ok with the DVD-RW's (Sony DVD-RW's arent as good as their +RW's but they should still be ok). the thing i wasnt sure on is the CD-RW's, as BenQ drives arent the greatest CD writers, although, theyre not that bad. its true that DVD writers are usually not the greatest CD writers, as the manufacturers usually focus more on DVD writing performance.

those DVD-RW's should have been ok on your DW1620 too. do you have the latest firmware for your DW1620?

if i had known you had a RFD's account, i would have directed you to DD as i wasnt 100% sure myself on the CD-RW's.

[pcguy]

Just as I thought NCIX got back to me with this response:

"You can return it for the first 15 days subject to a restocking charge (usually 15%) and it is mentioned on our Terms and Condition of Sales before you place your order."

P.S. Just tried the current 1620 firmware and the Verbatim 12x CD-RW in Nero and tried to create a SVCD on the disk. The result was that Nero could only burn the disc at 10x also the verification afterwards indicated no problem but the disc was unplayable in both my standable DVD player as well as in the BENQ drive using Windows Media player 10. Nero media player however was able to play the disc.

[Fatman]

Got a DW1650 from NCIX and the burns have not been too great so far...

Some people say that it is better to have solidburn off. Is this true? When they say solidburn off, does that mean known or unknown media?

People also say to disable WOCP...is this a good idea?

Will there be an improvement of burns if I put the drive as master instead of slave? Thanks in advance! :)

[rahzel]

Got a DW1650 from NCIX and the burns have not been too great so far...

Some people say that it is better to have solidburn off. Is this true? When they say solidburn off, does that mean known or unknown media?

People also say to disable WOCP...is this a good idea?

Will there be an improvement of burns if I put the drive as master instead of slave? Thanks in advance! :)
there are 2 settings for solidburn, one for unknown media (default on), and one for known media (default off). for both Solidburn and WOPC, it depends on your media. some media has better results with solidburn/wopc on or off, so i suggest you do your own testing. i myself use the default settings for all my media now, as im too lazy =]. you should also know that it takes atleast 1 burn for the drive to learn the media. in qsuite, it lists the media that it has learned and theres an option to clear all the media.

there will be no noticeable improvement if you use master instead of slave. if you have a second drive hooked up to the same IDE cable, you will notice performance loss when you are using both drives simultaneously.

[Fatman]

I'm using the TYG01 100pk value stuff from NCIX...any idea what settings are good for those discs?

[rahzel]

I'm using the TYG01 100pk value stuff from NCIX...any idea what settings are good for those discs?
well, with Taiyo Yuden, the initial burn quality will be good with any settings. I recommend you only use solidburn for media that is variable in quality (ie Ritek). With good media like Taiyo Yuden, the default settings will be fine. I dont know what would be best, so if you want, you can do your own testing, or perhaps someone else will know.

if you plan on buying more DVD media anytime soon, i dont recommend you buy OEM Taiyo Yuden media for now. Right now, they are having bonding issues, where the 2 layers sandwiching the dye is not put together very well. this should not affect the initial burn quality, but it will affect the longevity of the media. dont be too worried, though. TY media with bad bonding should still last a fairly long time. but the next you buy media, i would recommend you buy Maxell Plus series (available at NCIX), Verbatim, or Sony Made in Japan media. Sony Made in Japan media is mostly Taiyo Yuden too, but they seem to be bonded better than OEM unbranded TY.

[Fatman]

interesting...thanks. The lousy burn that I made was using one of them 9 cent maxell plus series discs but maybe it is because it was the first burn with those discs. I was using solid burn with known media. So...Iunno :|

[rahzel]

interesting...thanks. The lousy burn that I made was using one of them 9 cent maxell plus series discs but maybe it is because it was the first burn with those discs. I was using solid burn with known media. So...Iunno :|
hmm, interesting. i havent tried those myself, yet, but DD highly recommends them. They are a professional grade media from Maxell, and theyre supposed to be very high quality media. it should be fine with the DW1650.

[Max_Dealing]

Thank you all.

I am going with the MAM-A MITSUI gold. I am curious what is DD's relationship with Blankmedia?

I am curious to try these disc's out as I have never used a "good" quailty disc.

[[buck]]

Thank you all.

I am going with the MAM-A MITSUI gold. I am curious what is DD's relationship with Blankmedia?

I am curious to try these disc's out as I have never used a "good" quailty disc.

There is no relationship between Dolph and blankmedia.ca ;) He just answers a few questions for them...

Trust me, he gains nothing from anything blankmedia sells. :razz:

[[buck]]

I'm using the TYG01 100pk value stuff from NCIX...any idea what settings are good for those discs?

Well, the DW1640/DW1650/DW1655 do not have firmware support for any 4X DVDR media. Therefore, you're pretty much forced to use SolidBurn. I would experiment with 4X and 8X, and see which one works best for you. The quality tradeoff will probably be minimal.

[[buck]]

Got a DW1650 from NCIX and the burns have not been too great so far...

Some people say that it is better to have solidburn off. Is this true? When they say solidburn off, does that mean known or unknown media?

People also say to disable WOCP...is this a good idea?

Will there be an improvement of burns if I put the drive as master instead of slave? Thanks in advance! :)

I would say most media does better with SolidBurn off, especially media made by multiple manufacturers (ie Ricoh, MCC, and Fujifilm coded disc) or if the media fluctuates in quality alot.

WOPC should generally left on... disabling it will lower burn times but quality may suffer, depending on the media.

Its really up to you to find the settings that work best for your media/drive combination.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just as I thought NCIX got back to me with this response:

"You can return it for the first 15 days subject to a restocking charge (usually 15%) and it is mentioned on our Terms and Condition of Sales before you place your order."

P.S. Just tried the current 1620 firmware and the Verbatim 12x CD-RW in Nero and tried to create a SVCD on the disk. The result was that Nero could only burn the disc at 10x also the verification afterwards indicated no problem but the disc was unplayable in both my standable DVD player as well as in the BENQ drive using Windows Media player 10. Nero media player however was able to play the disc.

The Sony 2x DVD-RWs should be no problem. 2x DVD-RWs are REALLY easy to burn!

12x CD-RWs from Verbatim are about the best you can get. I'll try running one through my DW1655 and see how it handles them.

Keep in mind that SVCDs use MPEG2 technology, and I don't know if WMP 10 can play them regardless of disc quality. Also, some DVD players can't play CD-RWs, or SVCDs. So the problems you encountered may have nothing to do with the drive you used to burn the disc.

[The Digital Dolphin]

if you plan on buying more DVD media anytime soon, i dont recommend you buy OEM Taiyo Yuden media for now. Right now, they are having bonding issues, where the 2 layers sandwiching the dye is not put together very well. this should not affect the initial burn quality, but it will affect the longevity of the media. dont be too worried, though. TY media with bad bonding should still last a fairly long time. but the next you buy media, i would recommend you buy Maxell Plus series (available at NCIX), Verbatim, or Sony Made in Japan media. Sony Made in Japan media is mostly Taiyo Yuden too, but they seem to be bonded better than OEM unbranded TY.

You might want to scratch Verbatim off of that list for now.... We've been getting a lot of crappy Prodisc made Verbatim media lately. It's funny, EUROPE never seems to get the Prodisc manufactured stuff :evil:

[The Digital Dolphin]

']There is no relationship between Dolph and blankmedia.ca ;) He just answers a few questions for them...

Trust me, he gains nothing from anything blankmedia sells. :razz:

Well, to say I have *NO* relationship is not exactly true. I know the owner, and would call him a friend. I do a favour of answering media questions for his customers at no charge. Sometimes we share jokes about the media industry. That's about it :cheesygri

[[buck]]

You might want to scratch Verbatim off of that list for now.... We've been getting a lot of crappy Prodisc made Verbatim media lately. It's funny, EUROPE never seems to get the Prodisc manufactured stuff :evil:

Nope, they don't get Prodisc, but they do get MBIL, which can be questionable at times. For a while we got the sweet deal with 16X Verbatim - 100% CMC.

If we're luckly, someone will figure out away to pick out the Prodisc from the CMC from the packaging.

[rahzel]

You might want to scratch Verbatim off of that list for now.... We've been getting a lot of crappy Prodisc made Verbatim media lately. It's funny, EUROPE never seems to get the Prodisc manufactured stuff :evil:
yeah, im aware of this now. ive seen a few people with pretty lousy results (myself included). I bought a 50 pack of verbatim 8x DVD+R's, and almost half of the 20 i used were coasters. luckily i was able to return them and luckily the verbatim 16x DVD+R's i have range from good to very good.

instead, i just bought some Maxell Plus series DVD-R's.

and yeah, as buck said, seems like verbatim media in europe is MBIL.

[Jeff146]

how can you identify the prodisc-made verbatims?
are their discID actually 'prodisc'? or is it still 'mcc' coded, but made by prodisc??? :confused:
.....& if that's the case, how can we ever able to identify them????!!!!

I would like to know also ... If someone can tell us that would be great

I've bought some Verbatim 16X +R from The Source ... I get some bad burns @ 16X but @ 12X it seems to be fine

Anyone have any troubles also?

BTW I have the Benq 1640

[rahzel]

how can you identify the prodisc-made verbatims?
are their discID actually 'prodisc'? or is it still 'mcc' coded, but made by prodisc??? :confused:
.....& if that's the case, how can we ever able to identify them????!!!!
right now, i dont think anyone knows how to identify prodisc made from cmc made. there might not even be a way, other than to use the media.

they are all MCC coded, including the made in india stuff (MBIL).

there may be some small differences in the spindles and/or the packaging.

I would like to know also ... If someone can tell us that would be great

I've bought some Verbatim 16X +R from The Source ... I get some bad burns @ 16X but @ 12X it seems to be fine

Anyone have any troubles also?

BTW I have the Benq 1640
bad burns at 16x with MCC 004 is normal. 12x seems to be the sweet spot for 16x media.

[soupnazi]

I've bought some Verbatim 16X +R from The Source ... I get some bad burns @ 16X but @ 12X it seems to be fine

Anyone have any troubles also?

BTW I have the Benq 1640

Agreed on burning at 12x. I have a Benq 1640 and it's a known issue that there will be PIE spikes at the end of 16X burns.

[rahzel]

ALL authentic MCC media is SUPPOSED to be made to mitsubishi's standards, whether its made by prodisc, CMC, or moser baer. Its made with different materials and higher standards than CMC's own media. CMC made MCC seems to have the best quality control. moser baer seems to be second, and prodisc is definitely last. the sh*tty thing is that prodisc and cmc are both taiwanese, so its hard to find a difference (if there is a way) between the 2 by just looking at it.

also, believe it or not, there ARE good batches of CMC media. not amazing or anything, but not bad.

[[buck]]

No no no... it is *very* easy to pick out Prodisc MCC from CMC MCC just by looking at the serials.

CMC MCC will have a hub serial that's something like this: PAPA24II26131 2
Prodisc MCC will have a hub serial that's something like this: 4264E0821-0526C00

Prodisc serials always have a "-" or "+" in the middle of the serial depeding on if it's a DVD+R or DVD-R, and CMC serials should start with a 3 or 4 letters.

[Jeff146]

I just checked my verbatim's and they do have a + sign in the middle of the serial

darn and I thought I got some decent media

[Jeff146]

I just checked my Memorex batch of DVD+R and the manufacturer is Verbatim and they have the same media code

I thought that most Memorex media are crap?

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks

[rahzel]

']No no no... it is *very* easy to pick out Prodisc MCC from CMC MCC just by looking at the serials.

CMC MCC will have a hub serial that's something like this: PAPA24II26131 2
Prodisc MCC will have a hub serial that's something like this: 4264E0821-0526C00

Prodisc serials always have a "-" or "+" in the middle of the serial depeding on if it's a DVD+R or DVD-R, and CMC serials should start with a 3 or 4 letters.
well by 'hard' to find out which is which, i meant you cant just simply look at where it was made, until someone actually finds out how to tell them appart (which you did).

I just checked my Memorex batch of DVD+R and the manufacturer is Verbatim and they have the same media code

I thought that most Memorex media are crap?

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks
Memorex media is generally crap, as it usually comes with CMC or Ritek. Its pretty rare to find MCC in Memorex media.

[[buck]]

I just checked my Memorex batch of DVD+R and the manufacturer is Verbatim and they have the same media code

I thought that most Memorex media are crap?

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks

Those are most likely made by Prodisc or CMC, and not sold under the Verbatim name because they didn't mean Verbatim's standards in some way.

[[buck]]

well by 'hard' to find out which is which, i meant you cant just simply look at where it was made, until someone actually finds out how to tell them appart (which you did).

Now we need a few people to figure out how to pick them apart by the packaging. Differences to look for are things like height of the top spindle lip, and the font used on the "OPEN/CLOSE".

[rahzel]

i should have examined the spindle of the crap prodisc 8x DVD+R's i had before i returned them. i checked one of them that i kept, and they were infact prodisc made.

[Jeff146]

well by 'hard' to find out which is which, i meant you cant just simply look at where it was made, until someone actually finds out how to tell them appart (which you did).


Memorex media is generally crap, as it usually comes with CMC or Ritek. Its pretty rare to find MCC in Memorex media.


So I got lucky with the Memorex than

Maybe it didn't meet Verbatim standards .. but I'm assuming it's still better than the CMC or Ritek crap

[[buck]]

unless it's a *black* colour serial #'s on the hub.....it's pretty difficult to see throught the shrink wrap & plastic casing! :cheesygri
only other thing you can do is open the freakin pkg up-!! the sales dude will not be very *amused*, if they catch you doing that..... :D
GOING to check my 4 remaining spindles of verbatims NOW! :lol:

*update*-- just checked my verbatims- no way you can see centre hub serials b/c the pkg label is sitting right on top!
i open the pkg -sigh!! no - or + on the serials! btw the serials are 'clear' (i.e. very difficult to read!!), had to hold it up against a light to just read it!

Well of course... it's impossible to pick out Prodisc from CMC from the serials because of the way Verbatim packages their discs.

[digdoug]

']Well, the DW1640/DW1650/DW1655 do not have firmware support for any 4X DVDR media. Therefore, you're pretty much forced to use SolidBurn. I would experiment with 4X and 8X, and see which one works best for you. The quality tradeoff will probably be minimal.

I don't understand why they'd leave out 4x media in the first place. they're still being sold.

My SolidBurn's only 'learned' 2 discs even though I've put in a bunch of others. so you're saying I should turn SolidBurn on for both Supported & Unknown discs? I'm not even sure what Benq means by those two terms. Could someone clarify what supported & unknown means to Benq? I have the default on for unknown, but off for supported.


To Digital Dolphin:
hi, are you still recommending the LG GSA-4167B? my friend was considering buying one since it's much cheaper ($45 OEM) than the benq 165x ($80-90). do you know what the difference is between the 4167B & 4167F? aske posted a criticism of it here,

I have this LG drive, and I would not recommend it. It's my 4th LG DVD drive, and the worst of the lot.

Problems:
1. Cheap and flimsy construction compared to previous models (LG moved manufacturing from Korea to a new plant in China)
2. Incredibly noisy, especially when spinning CDs. Sounds like an airplane taking off in the room. Far louder than any other CD or DVD drive I've encountered.
3. Problems with power filtering means that it doesn't work in many people's systems unless you are prepared to buy a new power supply (see the LG forum at CDFreaks.com).
4. Still can't do media quality tests, a problem shared with earlier LG drives.
5. Built-in copy-protection (ripguard) limits speeds when ripping dual-layer DVD-ROM.

is this true? thanks.

[rahzel]

To Digital Dolphin:
hi, are you still recommending the LG GSA-4167B? my friend was considering buying one since it's much cheaper ($45 OEM) than the benq 165x ($80-90). do you know what the difference is between the 4167B & 4167F? aske posted a criticism of it here,



is this true? thanks.
the 1655 is around 70 bucks (because it has solidburn). the DW1650 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17704&vpn=DW1650-0B3&manufacture=BENQ&promoid=1061) is around the same price as the GSA-4167B (45 bucks at NCIX). Pretty much the only difference between the DW1650 and the 55, is the 55 has lightscribe. i would get this over the 4167B.

the GSA-4167B fixed some of the problems the 4163B had, but many have reported it being louder and less reliable. i dont know for sure as i havent owned either drive myself, but i think i heard that the 4163B's were made in Korea (LG is a korean company) but the 4167B's are usually made in China (the OEM ones that are sold at NCIX anyway).

[[buck]]

I don't understand why they'd leave out 4x media in the first place. they're still being sold.

My SolidBurn's only 'learned' 2 discs even though I've put in a bunch of others. so you're saying I should turn SolidBurn on for both Supported & Unknown discs? I'm not even sure what Benq means by those two terms. Could someone clarify what supported & unknown means to Benq? I have the default on for unknown, but off for supported.

Very, very little 4X media is sold these days. Perhaps they ran out of space in the EEPROM for write strategies, so decided to dump the 4X strategies. SolidBurn is generally more than adequate.

By default, SolidBurn will only support discs that do not have firmware support, ie, 4X media. That's why your drive has only learned 2 discs. If you turn on SolidBurn for supported media, the drive will learn all media you burn.


hi, are you still recommending the LG GSA-4167B? my friend was considering buying one since it's much cheaper ($45 OEM) than the benq 165x ($80-90). do you know what the difference is between the 4167B & 4167F? aske posted a criticism of it here,



is this true? thanks.

I would not recommend the LG GSA-4167B, at least in comparison to BenQ drives. There really is no comparison. If I had to recommend a drive other than a BenQ, it would be a Pioneer.

The BenQ DW1650 is only $44.98 here (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17704&vpn=DW1650-0B3&manufacture=BENQ&promoid=1061) + $10 air shipping to anywhere in Canada.

[[buck]]

For those of you trying to avoid Prodisc made Verbatims, this (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=128909) guide should help.

[rahzel]

']For those of you trying to avoid Prodisc made Verbatims, this (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=128909) guide should help.
nice find.

all along, ive had Verbatim DVD-R's, and didnt check whether they were prodisc made or CMC made. a few days ago, i checked, and they are actually prodisc made. this kind of suprised me, as ive used about half of this 50 pack, and they were all pretty good.

anyway, the font on the text for the "OPEN" and "LOCK" is different. i dont know the exact fonts, but the CMC spindle text is skinnier, and the Prodisc spindle font is bolder. the prodisc spindle is for 50 8x DVD-R's, and my CMC spindle is for 25 16x DVD+R's, though.

[Fatman]

wondering if anyone could help me out....

I think my 712-A died but not sure. It has Offset adjustment failure

can these be fixed? If so, how or where? Thanks

[callous]

LOL Dolphin created monsters. He was supposed to be answering the questions..

[sunnybwoy]

wondering if anyone could help me out....

I think my 712-A died but not sure. It has Offset adjustment failure

can these be fixed? If so, how or where? Thanks

Not worth fixing. Just pick up a BenQ 1650 and be happy that you didn't spend more than fifty dollars, btw which is a much better burner than your 712A. Did you buy the 712A less than a year ago, cuz then memofix will give u a replacement, though i went through 4 defective 712A rma's before they decided to upgrade me to a brand new 716A TLA 0308

[Fatman]

past warranty

I also do have a 1650 and a working 712-A

I still say that the quality of the burns of the 712-A are better than the DW1650.

They are both solid burners anyhow. I got this broken 712-A for free so I wanted to try to fix it if possible. As I feel that it is the last best burner plextor has made :)

[sunnybwoy]

Actually, the 716A is better than the 712A, and the new 760A is out in japan, which uses the updated chipset from the 716A. Don't get me wrong, my 712A was a great drive and lasted about 1000 dvd's with great burn's before it started crapping out, but looking at the scan's i've saved from the 712A, the 716A was burning better in general. Also, I don't have the BenQ1650 but rather the 1655 and was using that as a reference of being a better burner than the 712A (I've just read that the 1655 burn's with better quality than the 1650 on cdfreaks) so I may of been wrong about it burning better than the 712A.

[[buck]]

Actually, the 716A is better than the 712A, and the new 760A is out in japan, which uses the updated chipset from the 716A. Don't get me wrong, my 712A was a great drive and lasted about 1000 dvd's with great burn's before it started crapping out, but looking at the scan's i've saved from the 712A, the 716A was burning better in general. Also, I don't have the BenQ1650 but rather the 1655 and was using that as a reference of being a better burner than the 712A (I've just read that the 1655 burn's with better quality than the 1650 on cdfreaks) so I may of been wrong about it burning better than the 712A.

Just for the record, the DW1650 and DW1655 are the exact same drive except for the lightscribe component. Their firmwares are even interchangable, excluding the Lightscribe part, of course. Anyone who says otherwise is talking out of their ass.

[sunnybwoy]

Well, what I was reading was that the 1655's firmware was better than that of 1650's. Yes, I too was aware of the interchangeable firmware since i was running hte 1650's on my 1655 to see if there were any differences in quality, though didn't really find any.

[[buck]]

Well, what I was reading was that the 1655's firmware was better than that of 1650's. Yes, I too was aware of the interchangeable firmware since i was running hte 1650's on my 1655 to see if there were any differences in quality, though didn't really find any.

The reason why you haven't noticed any difference is because the drives' respective firmwares are identical, excluding Lightscribe support!

[Fatman]

in terms of my 712 problem,

seems like my drive is dead but what does offset adjustment failed mean exactly? :|

[The Digital Dolphin]

LOL Dolphin created monsters. He was supposed to be answering the questions..

Sadly, I just don't have time to be on here as much as I used to be able to. I'm going full speed on a BenQ DW1655 review, and working on another review for something non burner related as well, and I've got the DW1670 due to arrive soon as well!

I used to do a lot of posting from work too... but now I no longer have the free time to do such things.

Luckily there are really some excellent people here who have consistantly assisted me in this thread for quite some time. I have a great deal of faith in both Rahzel and [buck], and both know how to contact me fairly effectively if something is beyond them, or they want to double check something with me.

I promise I'll still come and answer questions though! But the next week or two are going to be crazy for me!

[The Digital Dolphin]

in terms of my 712 problem,

seems like my drive is dead but what does offset adjustment failed mean exactly? :|

That's a new one for me, I don't know off hand.

[callous]

Sadly, I just don't have time to be on here as much as I used to be able to. I'm going full speed on a BenQ DW1655 review, and working on another review for something non burner related as well, and I've got the DW1670 due to arrive soon as well!

I used to do a lot of posting from work too... but now I no longer have the free time to do such things.

Luckily there are really some excellent people here who have consistantly assisted me in this thread for quite some time. I have a great deal of faith in both Rahzel and [buck], and both know how to contact me fairly effectively if something is beyond them, or they want to double check something with me.

I promise I'll still come and answer questions though! But the next week or two are going to be crazy for me!


What chipset is the 1670 based on? I dont want to wind up stuck with the same garbage chipset as the one from the DQ-model

[[buck]]

What chipset is the 1670 based on? I dont want to wind up stuck with the same garbage chipset as the one from the DQ-model

It's actually based on a Panasonic chipset, like the DQ60. However, all indications are that it's no where near as bad as the DQ60, but still doesn't compare to the Philips Nexperia based drives in burn quailty or features. It's unlikely that will suport features such as SolidBurn.

I will probably be avoiding this drive...

[callous]

Should i be stocking up on a 1655 or 1650 just about now..? This really doesnt look good when the retailers are almost out of thet 165x and the 1670 might be crap

[[buck]]

Should i be stocking up on a 1655 or 1650 just about now..? This really doesnt look good when the retailers are almost out of thet 165x and the 1670 might be crap

Well, the DW1655 won't be going anywhere, because it's BenQs only planned Lightscribe drive (as far as I know). The DW1650 might be phased out in favour of the DW1670, but it's very possible that it won't because of its additional features and lack of DVD-RAM (which means less licensing costs).

Personally, I won't be "stocking up". :lol:

[callous]

I bought some MIJ Sony (Sony11 MID) 4x DVD+RW.

Out of 5 discs (discs were burnt at 4x), disc 1 had POF sectors the first time I burnt the dvd and also PIE of 1000+ many areas of the disc, disc 3 had PIE of 1000+ many areas of the disc but no POF. Reburning the discs at 4x had similar results. Reburning the 2 discs at 2.4x showed good to excellent results.

My question is this: is it possible to burn the disc wrong the first time around, so that there is permanent damage to the DVD+RW? Or is this likely just a manufacturing defect on 2/5 discs?

I have already tried reformating and erasing the discs many times to no avail.

I also remember I was running Bittorrent in background while playing a game in the foreground while burning :cheesygri The remaining 3 discs that had no problems were burnt when I wasnt playing a game but with Bittorrent running in foreground.

EDIT: I am using Benq 1620 latest firmware and Windows XP SP2, Nero 6.x

[[buck]]

callous: that happens to me sometimes with my BenQ DW1640, too. Usually the problem will correct itself after a few write/full erase cycles.

What can I say... rewritables are pretty flakey.

[callous]

I have already burnt on those 2 DVDs many times, and the problem persists.

I guess I pooched the 2 +RWs :|

[The Digital Dolphin]

You really shouldn't be playing games while burning DVDs... it's just a bad idea really.

As for the Sony DVD+RWs... it's possible there's a bad batch out there. This sort of thing happens. Generally its' one of the best RWs available however.

[callous]

Any ideas how to fix these RW's? Would a DC erase fix this?

[DVDManiac]

I know the drive is a year old and there are better ones out there but I have the BenQ 1620 with B7P9 firmware (never changed it). What is the best firmware to have on this drive, I have a separate drive to burn CDRs so no need to worry about CDR quality burns. Currently have not had much success with 8x (TY and Sony) and 16x (Verbatim) DVD-Rs, meaning they are not burning at their rated speed, even if I try 8x for the Verbatims, very slow. After some of the DVD-R burns, I look at the disc and there are three shades of purple.

The DVD+Rs are much better and burn at their rated speed.

[NG]

Awhile ago DD mentioned that the Maxell Mastering Grade DVDs would be coming out in spindles - has anybody seen or heard anything about them?

I've been checking ncix but they've just been stocking the 3 packs in DVD cases.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Any ideas how to fix these RW's? Would a DC erase fix this?

It's the best chance you have. If your drive supports it, give it a shot!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Awhile ago DD mentioned that the Maxell Mastering Grade DVDs would be coming out in spindles - has anybody seen or heard anything about them?

I've been checking ncix but they've just been stocking the 3 packs in DVD cases.

Nothing yet... I'm still bugging them about it though!

[squigly1]

Why so? Would it matter if you have dual core cpu?


[QUOTE=The Digital Dolphin]You really shouldn't be playing games while burning DVDs... it's just a bad idea really.
QUOTE]

[[buck]]

Why so? Would it matter if you have dual core cpu?


[QUOTE=The Digital Dolphin]You really shouldn't be playing games while burning DVDs... it's just a bad idea really.
QUOTE]

Actually I think the bottleneck would be at the hard drive level... although I guess in theory you could burn from one hard drive and play games off another. Regardless, it's a ******** idea.

[The Digital Dolphin]

'][QUOTE=squigly1]Why so? Would it matter if you have dual core cpu?

Actually I think the bottleneck would be at the hard drive level... although I guess in theory you could burn from one hard drive and play games off another. Regardless, it's a ******** idea.

Agreed!

[callous]

It's the best chance you have. If your drive supports it, give it a shot!

Actually since i only own a 1620, I dont have DC Erase :cheesygri

Anything you would recommend? Perhaps some odd utility that formats or erases differently?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Actually since i only own a 1620, I dont have DC Erase :cheesygri

Anything you would recommend? Perhaps some odd utility that formats or erases differently?

From my experience, EVERY program does it differently :eek:

When I have problems with erasing a disc, I try Nero CD/DVD Speed, Nero Burning Rom, and DVDInfoPro. One of those three will usually solve the problem for me. But I'm talking about not being able to erase the disc, and not having problems with burn quality on the disc. But it's worth a try, since you've got nothing to lose!

[NG]

Nothing yet... I'm still bugging them about it though!

Well that's just ********! I wonder what's wrong with them.

What does everybody think for the best archival results (excluding Maxell mastering grade) - the Maxell Plus series DVDs or Fuji TY/Verbatim CDr's?

[rahzel]

Well that's just ********! I wonder what's wrong with them.

What does everybody think for the best archival results (excluding Maxell mastering grade) - the Maxell Plus series DVDs or Fuji TY/Verbatim CDr's?
if i had to take a guess, i would lean towards the TY CD-R's.

[[buck]]

Well that's just ********! I wonder what's wrong with them.

What does everybody think for the best archival results (excluding Maxell mastering grade) - the Maxell Plus series DVDs or Fuji TY/Verbatim CDr's?

TY CD-Rs for sure. Quality CD-Rs have been proven to last 10 or more years, which certainly can't be said for DVDRs.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Well that's just ********! I wonder what's wrong with them.

What does everybody think for the best archival results (excluding Maxell mastering grade) - the Maxell Plus series DVDs or Fuji TY/Verbatim CDr's?

I would suggest Maxell's Pro CD-Rs. They are TY's with an extra protective coating which helps protect the disc in the long term. Probably the best quality CD-Rs you can get in North Americ that aren't made with Gold.

[NG]

I would suggest Maxell's Pro CD-Rs. They are TY's with an extra protective coating which helps protect the disc in the long term. Probably the best quality CD-Rs you can get in North Americ that aren't made with Gold.

Wow. Alot of votes for TY CDs - how bad are Verbatim CDs compared to them?

I have a few TY discs around here I think a few stores still sell the TY Fuji's around here (however they might be the old 24x discs) but couldn't find any on either ncix or blankmedia for the Maxell Pro CDs. I know I've seen them before - is there anywhere I can get spindles of them at a fair price?

[[buck]]

Wow. Alot of votes for TY CDs - how bad are Verbatim CDs compared to them?

I have a few TY discs around here I think a few stores still sell the TY Fuji's around here (however they might be the old 24x discs) but couldn't find any on either ncix or blankmedia for the Maxell Pro CDs. I know I've seen them before - is there anywhere I can get spindles of them at a fair price?

Well, Verbatim DataLifePlus CD-Rs and a tad bit hard to come by these days, and when you do find them, quality isn't exactly guaranteed. The problem is that they're made all over the place: Mexico, China, Taiwan, and maybe India. I really can't think of a reason to use Verbatim CD-Rs over Taiyo Yuden.

AFAIK, the only places that sell Maxell CD-R Pro's to the public are Staples and Compusmart, but i'm likely missing a few. They usually run $9-15 for a 10pk, so they *will* cost you. If that's too much, you could probably get away with unbranded TY.

If you decide to go for the CD-R Pro's, just keep in mind that MAM-A Gold CD-Rs are about the same price.
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=780

Good luck!

[cgl]

I am looking to get some DVD+RW disks and I was wondering what is recommeded and where might I get them. (I am hoping to use 4X or faster). Burnerwise I have 2 LGs 2 Sonys 2 Benqs and a Nec.

Thanks

[[buck]]

I am looking to get some DVD+RW disks and I was wondering what is recommeded and where might I get them. (I am hoping to use 4X or faster). Burnerwise I have 2 LGs 2 Sonys 2 Benqs and a Nec.

Thanks

Sony 4X DVD+RW *made in Japan!* I think they're on sale at Staples now for $11.xx for 10, but make sure you don't get the "made in Taiwan" ones.

[rahzel]

verbatim dvd+rw's are also good, although they are more expensive everywhere ive looked. the best price ive seen per disc, is 39.85 for 30 at staples.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Well, Verbatim DataLifePlus CD-Rs and a tad bit hard to come by these days, and when you do find them, quality isn't exactly guaranteed. The problem is that they're made all over the place: Mexico, China, Taiwan, and maybe India. I really can't think of a reason to use Verbatim CD-Rs over Taiyo Yuden.

AFAIK, the only places that sell Maxell CD-R Pro's to the public are Staples and Compusmart, but i'm likely missing a few. They usually run $9-15 for a 10pk, so they *will* cost you. If that's too much, you could probably get away with unbranded TY.

If you decide to go for the CD-R Pro's, just keep in mind that MAM-A Gold CD-Rs are about the same price.
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=780

Good luck!

Keep in mind the REASON that Maxell's Pro CD-Rs cost more is because they've got that little +$0.21 added on to them that Blankmedia.ca doesn't charge on CD-Rs. Although in fact, Maxell's Pro CD-Rs *ARE* quite expensive. I'll see if I can't do something about that at some point... I think I may have been abusing Maxell a little too much lately :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

verbatim dvd+rw's are also good, although they are more expensive everywhere ive looked. the best price ive seen per disc, is 39.85 for 30 at staples.

True, Verbatim DID write the book on quality RW media... But as you have said, I've never seen a great price on it.

One thing I *WILL* recommend is not to go with faster then 4x DVD+RWs!. Even Verbatim's 8x DVD+RWs are not ready to be used yet. Not enough drives have good writing quality at this speed (for any 8x DVD+RW media) consistantly.. at least in my opinion.

[NG]

']Well, Verbatim DataLifePlus CD-Rs and a tad bit hard to come by these days, and when you do find them, quality isn't exactly guaranteed. The problem is that they're made all over the place: Mexico, China, Taiwan, and maybe India. I really can't think of a reason to use Verbatim CD-Rs over Taiyo Yuden.

AFAIK, the only places that sell Maxell CD-R Pro's to the public are Staples and Compusmart, but i'm likely missing a few. They usually run $9-15 for a 10pk, so they *will* cost you. If that's too much, you could probably get away with unbranded TY.

If you decide to go for the CD-R Pro's, just keep in mind that MAM-A Gold CD-Rs are about the same price.
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=780

Good luck!

Keep in mind the REASON that Maxell's Pro CD-Rs cost more is because they've got that little +$0.21 added on to them that Blankmedia.ca doesn't charge on CD-Rs. Although in fact, Maxell's Pro CD-Rs *ARE* quite expensive. I'll see if I can't do something about that at some point... I think I may have been abusing Maxell a little too much lately :cheesygri

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/sc/30558541-2-200-0.gif. I do have a few dozen of these Verbatim CDs in slim cases (Staples deal awhile ago) - they're made in Taiwan (along with those TY Fuji's I have around here).

If they're archival quality then superb since I already have a number of them around however if they're not I am def interested in getting what would qualify that wouldn't break the bank.

It's a shame nobody seems to be willing to sell high quality media in spindles since it's not the price that's making me balk at them - it's the paying for a package I have no use for (actually pretty close to garbage for me) and the higher shipping costs incurred for packages like that if I order online (like the Maxell Pro DVDs). It's not even the levy for the CDs since I have to be the only person I've ever spoken to who supports the levy. I wish there was one for DVDs.

If I can't find a better price for the Maxell Pro CDs I may very well grab some more of the MAM'A's since the price seems about the same and the Maxell Pro DVD's from ncix have the quality behind them but they're still just dvds.

Thanks for the advice all! It's a shame blank media doesn't have just A,B,C grades on the package to make it easier for the consumer lol.

[cmge]

question about DVD media

are these any good??

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10061548&catid=

i mean ive always been inclined to using Verabtim for DVD+R DL but im quite hesistant about buying those Memorex.. any insights?

[rahzel]

question about DVD media

are these any good??

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10061548&catid=

i mean ive always been inclined to using Verabtim for DVD+R DL but im quite hesistant about buying those Memorex.. any insights?
verbatim DVD+RDL is the only DL media you should buy. those memorex will be Ritek, and they are absolute crap. expect them to only last a couple months, if you can even get them to burn right. doesnt make sense to me to buy expensive DL media for temporary use, so just stick with Verbatim DVD+RDL.

[Jon Lai]

Just found this interesting link - using BRASSO to resurface a scratched CD/DVD:
http://www.instructables.com/ex/i/2EC632F40B1E1029BC4A001143E7E506/?ALLSTEPS

Any experts here willing to give some advice on how good this actually works?

[callous]

Is there any evidence that the Benq 1650 is being phased out?

I look over at newegg.com and 1620/1625/1640/1650 are no longer being sold. Only thing left are the DQ and the 1655.

Any comments from our resident experts?

[[buck]]

Is there any evidence that the Benq 1650 is being phased out?

I look over at newegg.com and 1620/1625/1640/1650 are no longer being sold. Only thing left are the DQ and the 1655.

Any comments from our resident experts?

No evidence that I know of. The reason why you only see the DW1655 at NewEgg is becuase the DW1650 is JUST starting to show up at American distributors. Yes, for some reason, we got DW1650s a couple months before the Americans.

[Mr. Robo]

Are CMC MAG.M01 media any good? Does anybody know, thanks?

[callous]

My Benq 1620 no longer burns at 8x using Alc120 and Nero6.x. It always burns at 4x even though 8x is selected on 8x capable dvds.

I guess my burner's about to die? Opinions?

[NG]

Are CMC MAG.M01 media any good? Does anybody know, thanks?

Acording to: http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia?dvdmediadvdridsearch=CMC%20MAG.M01%20

no......they look bad...very bad...

Edited to add: I believe the the only 16x media you should be touching is Verbatim. There is 16x TY however it seems to be few and far between and I'm not sure where the current TY crop stands with the bonding issue :confused:

[ak47num1]

Does anyone know whether this media is ok?

http://www.cty.ca/image/285-3.jpg

[[buck]]

Does anyone know whether this media is ok?

http://www.cty.ca/image/285-3.jpg

For everyday, short term use, probably.

[ak47num1]

']For everyday, short term use, probably.

Short-term only? :( Can it last around 5 years usually?

Would you suggest that I buy this, or Ridata (red wrap), or Ridata (green spindle) or the HP brand?

Appreciate any advice as I can't afford the premium Maxell pro line.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've had good success with BenQ CD-Rs.... but I don't know how long they'll last. Ritek CD-Rs will usually last ~5 years. HP CD-Rs are nothing special, and are faked very often.

[NG]

Short-term only? :( Can it last around 5 years usually?

Would you suggest that I buy this, or Ridata (red wrap), or Ridata (green spindle) or the HP brand?

Appreciate any advice as I can't afford the premium Maxell pro line.

Check your local Giant Tiger - they have/had Fuji TY CD's for $20 a spindle.

Wal-Mart apprently also have/had the Fuji TY Photo CDs on for a decent clearence price as well.

I hate to beat a dead horse but does anybody have any take on these:

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/sc/30558541-2-200-0.gif

Along with my Fuji TYs I have alot of these around here so it'd be good to know if they're junk or not lol. They are from Taiwan and are DLP.

[[buck]]

Short-term only? :( Can it last around 5 years usually?

Would you suggest that I buy this, or Ridata (red wrap), or Ridata (green spindle) or the HP brand?

Appreciate any advice as I can't afford the premium Maxell pro line.

Ritek CD-Rs are a much safer bet than Daxon. I wouldn't trust Daxon CD-Rs past a couple years.

Have you considered the Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs at blankmedia for $0.35-$0.45/disc?

[[buck]]

Check your local Giant Tiger - they have/had Fuji TY CD's for $20 a spindle.

Wal-Mart apprently also have/had the Fuji TY Photo CDs on for a decent clearence price as well.

I hate to beat a dead horse but does anybody have any take on these:

http://i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/sc/30558541-2-200-0.gif

Along with my Fuji TYs I have alot of these around here so it'd be good to know if they're junk or not lol. They are from Taiwan and are DLP.

If they're made in Taiwan, they're probably good. I'd still take the TYs over them, but they're still probably suitable for archival.

[mahjongmaniac]

Wal-Mart apprently also have/had the Fuji TY Photo CDs on for a decent clearence price as well.


i'd consider that only "decent" and/or "hot" only if the *rebate* that goes along w/ it works out... otherwise, that's a pretty cold deal ;)


btw, not to mention that deal is prbly dead now...

[NG]

Wal-Mart apprently also have/had the Fuji TY Photo CDs on for a decent clearence price as well.


That's why I included past tense since I didn't know if they were still selling them and Fuji rebates seem pretty liberal (people sending in mutiple rebates when only one was allowed etc) so I'm not sure what you're talking about there.

Can you link to a source where past Fuji rebates were refused MJM?

Thanks for the advice Buck. They have been burning quite well so far but based on your advice I'll save them for my "B grade" archiving and use the TYs I have here for the A grade stuff.

[ak47num1]

Thanks for all your response guys! $0.35 cents for disc (for TY CD-R) is great! Thanks for letting me know! I think Ridata discs are what I am going to try first.

I already have a Maxell, consumer line, fail on me (it has been 5 years). >:(

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for all your response guys! $0.35 cents for disc (for TY CD-R) is great! Thanks for letting me know! I think Ridata discs are what I am going to try first.

I already have a Maxell, consumer line, fail on me (it has been 5 years). >:(

Maxell consumer line CD-Rs are mostly Ritek.... :|

[bodobodo]

Keep in mind the REASON that Maxell's Pro CD-Rs cost more is because they've got that little +$0.21 added on to them that Blankmedia.ca doesn't charge on CD-Rs. Although in fact, Maxell's Pro CD-Rs *ARE* quite expensive. I'll see if I can't do something about that at some point... I think I may have been abusing Maxell a little too much lately :cheesygri

If I understand you correctly blankmedia.ca isn't paying the levy on CD-Rs. How is it that they can get away with doing that?

[NG]

If I understand you correctly blankmedia.ca isn't paying the levy on CD-Rs. How is it that they can get away with doing that?

Because even tho (as far as I'm concerned) it's a form of tax evasion the government doesn't actually have any enforcement agency going after blankmedia or the thousands of local stores across Canada selling cdr media w/o the levy.

[The Digital Dolphin]

If I understand you correctly blankmedia.ca isn't paying the levy on CD-Rs. How is it that they can get away with doing that?

They purchase their CD-Rs from local companies that are taking the risk of being sued onto themselves.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Because even tho (as far as I'm concerned) it's a form of tax evasion the government doesn't actually have any enforcement agency going after blankmedia or the thousands of local stores across Canada selling cdr media w/o the levy.

That is QUITE incorrect!

The Canadian Private Copyright Collective (www.cpcc.ca) is in charge of hunting down the levy evading companies. So far they've gotten some results through the court:

http://cpcc.ca/english/pdf/CPCC-Press-Release-Federal-Court-judgment%20against%20Vortek-March8-06.pdf
http://cpcc.ca/english/pdf/CPCCReleaseCWOcourt%20Order20050601.pdf
http://cpcc.ca/english/pdf/CPCCRelease_Jan24_05_reCourtOrder.pdf
http://cpcc.ca/english/pdf/Amico-EN.pdf

The most recent one has this to say:

The penalty amounts to just over $900,000. This amount is in addition to the $1.65 million in outstanding levies, plus interest, which the company must pay.

So this compay (Vortek) has to pay more then 2.5 million dollars in levies and fines, plus additional interest!

I happen to know that many companies all over Canada are being investigated, and in some cases are already in litigation!

[NG]

That is QUITE incorrect!


In this case I am QUITE happy that I am incorrect :D

Good for them!

[Jon Lai]

Just found this interesting link - using BRASSO to resurface a scratched CD/DVD:
http://www.instructables.com/ex/i/2...7E506/?ALLSTEPS

Any experts here willing to give some advice on how good this actually works?

[lead]

not an expert but I polished a scratched cd to get it readable again. As long as the scratch doesn't hit the dye the data should still be there.Or if the scratch is on the soft side your screwed anyway. I'd be carefull you keep the brasso away from the edges, if it leaches there, it will corrided the dye and ruin it completely. i remember I had a bad music cd it was unuseable in any standalone but I gave her a good clean and did a cd clone image of it.Took awhile to read but got my retail cd of van morrison's veedon fleece back. I was able to replicate a perfect copy.

However I wouldn't do what the article recommends when it says "After 15 minutes or so, Rince the CD off under water and check the CD."
I wouldn't put it under water i'd use rubbing alcohol on soft cloth to get the crap off. And avoid the soft(top) side from any wetness of any type.

[mudman24]

My Maxell cd-r are Prodisk ....how are they?

[mudman24]

Just to recap this long thread

1)What are the best DVD for long term storage today, where can the be bought, and are they easy to come by? Preferablly something in a spindle pack.
2)What are the best CD-R for long term storage today, where can the be bought, and are they easy to come by? Preferablly something in a spindle pack.

[[buck]]

My Maxell cd-r are Prodisk ....how are they?

Yeah, those cheap jewel cased Maxell CD-Rs from Boxing Day were Prodisc. There are some concerns regarding the suitability of Prodisc for long term use, and they seem to be prone to "flaking".

[[buck]]

Just to recap this long thread

1)What are the best DVD for long term storage today, where can the be bought, and are they easy to come by? Preferablly something in a spindle pack.
2)What are the best CD-R for long term storage today, where can the be bought, and are they easy to come by? Preferablly something in a spindle pack.

1) That's a really tough one. Dolph might say those MAM-A Gold Archive 4X DVD-Rs that cost approx $2/each are most suitable for archiving, but I just don't trust them. Maxell Broadcast Quality DVD-Rs available @ NCIX are a good choice with a scratch resistant coating, but they too, cost over $2/disc.

Practically, Maxell Plus Series (available at NCIX, and soon, blankmedia.ca :cheesygri), Sony branded Taiyo Yuden, and *CMC made* Verbatim, in that order, are good choices.

2) Definately the MAM-A Gold CD-Rs at blankmedia for ~$1/disc. Second best would be Taiyo Yuden.

[Jon Lai]

Just found this interesting link - using BRASSO to resurface a scratched CD/DVD:
http://www.instructables.com/ex/i/2...7E506/?ALLSTEPS

Any experts here willing to give some advice on how good this actually works?

Anyone?

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Yeah, those cheap jewel cased Maxell CD-Rs from Boxing Day were Prodisc. There are some concerns regarding the suitability of Prodisc for long term use, and they seem to be prone to "flaking".

Yeah, and dying within 2 years or so.... Prodisc CD-Rs are absolute crap for lifespan.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']1) That's a really tough one. Dolph might say those MAM-A Gold Archive 4X DVD-Rs that cost approx $2/each are most suitable for archiving, but I just don't trust them. Maxell Broadcast Quality DVD-Rs available @ NCIX are a good choice with a scratch resistant coating, but they too, cost over $2/disc.

Practically, Maxell Plus Series (available at NCIX, and soon, blankmedia.ca :cheesygri), Sony branded Taiyo Yuden, and *CMC made* Verbatim, in that order, are good choices.

2) Definately the MAM-A Gold CD-Rs at blankmedia for ~$1/disc. Second best would be Taiyo Yuden.

I agree with your 1), but would add Maxell Pro CD-Rs in between MAM-A Gold and Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs on your 2).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Anyone?

Sorry, I don't have the time to do that sort of thing... too busy with a handful of reviews, attempting to fix my BenQ contacts, fix my semi-broken PC, and finish Kingdom Hearts 1 so I can play Kingdom Hearts 2.

[callous]

Burn a few bridges, Dolph?

[Jon Lai]

Sorry, I don't have the time to do that sort of thing... too busy with a handful of reviews, attempting to fix my BenQ contacts, fix my semi-broken PC, and finish Kingdom Hearts 1 so I can play Kingdom Hearts 2.

I thought it would be relavent to your life, lol. But you probably have the best media that doesn't scratch anyways :P

Lol, playing KH1.. :lol: Great game. I got KH2 already :P

BTW, your definition of "finish"-ing, does that mean the game or finish making backups of the game and testing them? :lol: :lol:

[balou911]

welll, ive recently read DD best dvd burners to buy, and none of them are available at most pc shops anymore.

so whats good to buy today?

[rahzel]

welll, ive recently read DD best dvd burners to buy, and none of them are available at most pc shops anymore.

so whats good to buy today?
the best drive thats available at most pc shops (not far from the best all around drive released to date, the DW1640) is the BenQ DW1650 or DW1655. the latter of the 2 is pretty much the same, but it has lightscribe technology, which is why its more expensive.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Burn a few bridges, Dolph?

Nope, but my regular contact quit, and the new contact doesn't seem to know where the reply button is for e-mails... still working on it.

[The Digital Dolphin]

BTW, your definition of "finish"-ing, does that mean the game or finish making backups of the game and testing them? :lol: :lol:

I always buy my games, and I don't play them so much to need backups... more so it's that I don't have a mod chip to PLAY backups, and I don't play enough to make it worth getting one.

But when I say "finish" a game, I mean beating it ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

welll, ive recently read DD best dvd burners to buy, and none of them are available at most pc shops anymore.

so whats good to buy today?

Most recommended burners:

#1) BenQ DW1655 / DW1650
#2) Sony 810 (BenQ DW1640 clone) - Running BenQ firmware
#3) Plextor PX-755 or Pioneer DVR-111

[balou911]

Most recommended burners:

#1) BenQ DW1655 / DW1650
#2) Sony 810 (BenQ DW1640 clone) - Running BenQ firmware
#3) Plextor PX-755 or Pioneer DVR-111


interesting #1 - i guess benq learned alot from the 1640 days.

just bought a plex 716a.

but i will look into the benq 1650/5

Hows the LG H10a?
any good? good/same/better than 4167b?

[[buck]]

I agree with your 1), but would add Maxell Pro CD-Rs in between MAM-A Gold and Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs on your 2).

Maxell Pro CD-Rs fall under the "Taiyo Yuden" category. After all, they are Taiyo Yuden, just better! :razz: But, as I've said before, if I was spening $1+ on CD-Rs , I'd go for MAM-A Gold CD-Rs.

Most recommended burners:

#1) BenQ DW1655 / DW1650
#2) Sony 810 (BenQ DW1640 clone) - Running BenQ firmware
#3) Plextor PX-755 or Pioneer DVR-111

If you're going to list a BenQ DW1640 clone, you might as well throw in the Plextor PX-740, the OTHER clone.

I'm not so sure about the PX-755, but the rest of your list is perfect. edit: Did a little research, the PX-755 looks ok, but definately not worth the premium price.

balou911: The last good LG in my oppinion was the GSA-4163, although the GSA-4167 was ok. Don't waste your time with any of the newer LGs, as they need ALOT of work! (Your PX-716 is fine)

[ProfessorChaos]

sigh my BenQ 1640 broke the other day...

I had the front door of my case closed and I was burning something with Nero...I forgot that Nero auto-ejects the disc after burning...so I come back 10 minutes later...and to my surprise the disc tray was pushed against the door....so i push the button to close the tray....and i was like...hmmm why isnt it responding...and the led wasn't even on at anytime.

so...i restarted my pc...and suddenly i started smelling the signature odour of burnt electronics....so i quickly powered off....took out the dvd burner..and took a whiff through the holes at the side......gross...it was dead.

now im not an expert by any stretch but im pretty sure that the closed door overheated the motor or something when the dvd tray was trying come out.

that was last week...im going to canada computers this weekend to rma my drive because i didnt get around to doing it(bought it in september)

i hope i get a dw1640 back...firmware BSOB(originally BSHB when i purchased the drive) manufactured June 2005.

[[buck]]

sigh my BenQ 1640 broke the other day...

I had the front door of my case closed and I was burning something with Nero...I forgot that Nero auto-ejects the disc after burning...so I come back 10 minutes later...and to my surprise the disc tray was pushed against the door....so i push the button to close the tray....and i was like...hmmm why isnt it responding...and the led wasn't even on at anytime.

so...i restarted my pc...and suddenly i started smelling the signature odour of burnt electronics....so i quickly powered off....took out the dvd burner..and took a whiff through the holes at the side......gross...it was dead.

now im not an expert by any stretch but im pretty sure that the closed door overheated the motor or something when the dvd tray was trying come out.

that was last week...im going to canada computers this weekend to rma my drive because i didnt get around to doing it(bought it in september)

i hope i get a dw1640 back...firmware BSOB(originally BSHB when i purchased the drive) manufactured June 2005.

I can GUARANTEE you will not get a DW1640. They are long gone. You'll get a DW1650, DW1655, or DQ60, depending on what they have. You do NOT want a DQ60, so be sure to specify that you want the proper replacement for your drive (that would be a DW1650).

[The Digital Dolphin]

one wonders the DD has anytime to do 'anything' neverless play video games....... :cheesygri

I played Kingdom Hearts 1 for the first time in months last night for 2 hours or so. I think 2 hours of video games every couple months is ok, even for me ;)

[Y2Jared19]

Since none of this belongs anywhere else, I thought this would be the most appropriate place, I suppose

Walmart has now started carrying 16X Maxell's, for the 24.96 regular price. Whats odd, is it looks like Maxell has boosted soem extra funds to better casing, and they now have a Taiyo Yuden type cakebox with their name etched into the top. Both formats are in Taiwan, so dont get your hopes up.

I bought a 16x -R pack from Future for 10 bucks, didnt want to risk a ton of cash. I got ProdiscF02. The walmart cakes seemed to have the Ritek hub markings on them if I saw right. F1 media ahead, like previously annoucned.

So it looks like Maxell is the new Memorex, except their have a pro line with their own stuff. Sad day indeed.

Never saw any 16x Sony yet, unlike those lucky bastards down south who are getting 100 packs for around 35 Canadian.

And in other news, Walmart has introduced a full barrage of RetailPlus 16x media. Both Plus and Minus. "Printed in China" I looked at a disc, and it looked like the same as some cheap discs I got at office depot for 4 bucks after rebate. They ahd a fake ID for Taiyo. Undoubtedly, I expect more of the same. I saw 50 packs for $18, and 75 for $26. The 75 packs look ridiculous with about 20 spaces on top.

And to wrap things up, some pictures to see what im talking about. Pictures are good, just not froma cheap camera phone haha.

Top of Maxell
http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/5029/picture52oy.jpg

Weird bottom of Maxell cakebox.
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/1223/picture60nl.jpg

Retail Plus 16x 75pk Cake Box
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/3783/picture70yy.jpg

Inside RetailPlus 16x
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/8788/picture104ry.jpg

[NG]

So it looks like Maxell is the new Memorex, except their have a pro line with their own stuff. Sad day indeed.


Agreed :( A friend has been using the regular Maxell CDs based on his experience with the old High Bias II tape days and I've been trying to steer him to *at least* get Verbatim because of how crappy Maxell has become for their consumer line. It' such a shame Maxell has let Wal-Mart etc bastardize their good name by selling this crap media. At the least what they should have done is to demand they be called "Maxell Value" or something so consumers would at least have a hint that this stuff isn't as good as their old video/audio cassette days

[NG]

Been sick for the past week or so otherwise I would have posted sooner but I wanted to thank everybody again for their advice on archival blank cds.

Although the MAM-A's are great (have some myself for my personal spoken word recordings based on a previous recommendation from DD) and not that much more than the Maxell CD Pro's I did grab a 10 pack of the Maxell Pro's from Staples tonight with a $15 dividends GC I had around here that was expiring soon so I figured it was worth it to compare them to the MAM-A's.

These look like *great* discs and exactly what I was looking for that would be a reasonable compromise between quality and price. I agree with what DD said earlier about the scratch protection making them better than the regular TY cds.

They actually remind me of the Verbatim DVDs with VideoGuard scatch protection with how they "feel" compared to a regular disc w/o any coating. I really liked the Verbatim VideoGuard 10 pack I picke up at the Source for $10 awhile back but they didn't say Datalifeplus anywhere on them so I'm guessing they're crap discs with just a good coat job on them. Perhaps Maxell will consider selling their Mastering Grade DVDs in larger packages like 10 pack Pro CDs.

Now all I have to do is find these Maxell CD Pros in spindles. They sell them in 25/50 packs in the states (lucky devils) so hopefully there'll be an importer in Canada or Maxell Canada will start to carry them.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Been sick for the past week or so otherwise I would have posted sooner but I wanted to thank everybody again for their advice on archival blank cds.

Although the MAM-A's are great (have some myself for my personal spoken word recordings based on a previous recommendation from DD) and not that much more than the Maxell CD Pro's I did grab a 10 pack of the Maxell Pro's from Staples tonight with a $15 dividends GC I had around here that was expiring soon so I figured it was worth it to compare them to the MAM-A's.

These look like *great* discs and exactly what I was looking for that would be a reasonable compromise between quality and price. I agree with what DD said earlier about the scratch protection making them better than the regular TY cds.

They actually remind me of the Verbatim DVDs with VideoGuard scatch protection with how they "feel" compared to a regular disc w/o any coating. I really liked the Verbatim VideoGuard 10 pack I picke up at the Source for $10 awhile back but they didn't say Datalifeplus anywhere on them so I'm guessing they're crap discs with just a good coat job on them. Perhaps Maxell will consider selling their Mastering Grade DVDs in larger packages like 10 pack Pro CDs.

Now all I have to do is find these Maxell CD Pros in spindles. They sell them in 25/50 packs in the states (lucky devils) so hopefully there'll be an importer in Canada or Maxell Canada will start to carry them.

Precision Sound Corp. will order in 25pk spindles of the Maxell Pro CD-Rs for you, and they have locations in BC, Alberta, and Ontario, so most people are pretty covered.

As for the Maxell BQ media, it'll be surfacing in 25pks soon I'm told... but Maxell is the one who said it, so soon could = months still :|

[redmaple]

I got the verbatim dvd+r 50pk (prodisc) last time they were on sale at TS. I've burned about 25 discs so far and no coasters.
Is this still bad? Will they last a long time?

[NG]

Precision Sound Corp. will order in 25pk spindles of the Maxell Pro CD-Rs for you, and they have locations in BC, Alberta, and Ontario, so most people are pretty covered.

As for the Maxell BQ media, it'll be surfacing in 25pks soon I'm told... but Maxell is the one who said it, so soon could = months still :|

Sweet :D Will check it out. Good to here about the Professional line DVDs coming to spindles as well - they'll be worth the wait. The info is much appreciated :)

I have been waiting for another $6 flat shipping rate to order a few packs of 3 packs and noticed that they've upped the price from $6.89 to like $7.12 - I know it's a minor amount (then again this is a cheapskates message board) but do you have any theories on why this could happen?

It prompted me to check around online to see if I could find anyone else selling them to compare and even checking in the US the only other seller was the US B&H Photo (with them being out of stock) so that got me wondering if NCIX might be using their monopoly on them to jack up the price?

[ShadowVlican]

hey DD, what does this mean for the end user :?:

Lite-On IT takes over BenQ’s ODD business unit
http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20060410PR206.html

better liteon drives? or worse benq drives? ;)

[Jon Lai]

hey DD, what does this mean for the end user :?:

Lite-On IT takes over BenQ’s ODD business unit
http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20060410PR206.html

better liteon drives? or worse benq drives? ;)


DD's gonna be very dissapointed at this... so am I.

[[buck]]

DD's gonna be very dissapointed at this... so am I.

I'm thinking I might have to stock up on BenQ drives before they dissapear... >:(

This is TERRIBLE news.

[NG]

']
This is TERRIBLE news.

Perhaps I'm missing something but why? Benq seems to have a *much* higher reputation than lite-on so I'd guess (and just a guess) that they'd want to opt for the benq technology and not the lite-on.

However if I'm wrong I'll be grabbing a 1650 as well. Too bad I couldn't find any reviews on line that gave a detailed take on what it supports and doesn't :confused:

[Johnny Powel]

']I'm thinking I might have to stock up on BenQ drives before they dissapear... >:(

This is TERRIBLE news.

My 1620 is overworked anyway, so I grabbed a 1650 when I saw this news on CDfreaks

[[buck]]

Perhaps I'm missing something but why? Benq seems to have a *much* higher reputation than lite-on so I'd guess (and just a guess) that they'd want to opt for the benq technology and not the lite-on.

However if I'm wrong I'll be grabbing a 1650 as well. Too bad I couldn't find any reviews on line that gave a detailed take on what it supports and doesn't :confused:

Let me just say this, it is not features, burn quality, and firmware support that sells drives, especially to the big OEMs. Price plays a very large role.

I can't see LiteON scrapping their product line in favour of BenQs product line, and I also doubt whether Philips, from which BenQ licences many patents, will stock around after the acquisition. Without Philips, BenQ drives won't be anything special.

We'll have to see how this all turns out...

[rahzel]

[buck], i saw you post that the DW1650 and DW1655's firmwares are interchangeable. can you just simply use the DW1655's firmware with the DW1650, or do you have to use a 3rd party flashing utility, like winflash?

[[buck]]

[buck], i saw you post that the DW1650 and DW1655's firmwares are interchangeable. can you just simply use the DW1655's firmware with the DW1650, or do you have to use a 3rd party flashing utility, like winflash?

BQFlasher (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=149980) is best.

[Jon Lai]

']Let me just say this, it is not features, burn quality, and firmware support that sells drives, especially to the big OEMs. Price plays a very large role.

I can't see LiteON scrapping their product line in favour of BenQs product line, and I also doubt whether Philips, from which BenQ licences many patents, will stock around after the acquisition. Without Philips, BenQ drives won't be anything special.

We'll have to see how this all turns out...

Agree. I mean, if Liteon were to sell OEM drives for $70 (1655), I doubt they'll live.

[[buck]]

Agree. I mean, if Liteon were to sell OEM drives for $70 (1655), I doubt they'll live.

To be fair, Lightscribe licencing costs are around $20, so perhaps the DW1655 was a bad example. Non-lightscribe BenQs are actually quite cheap, but maybe not as cheap as LiteON.

[NG]

']Let me just say this, it is not features, burn quality, and firmware support that sells drives, especially to the big OEMs. Price plays a very large role.

I can't see LiteON scrapping their product line in favour of BenQs product line, and I also doubt whether Philips, from which BenQ licences many patents, will stock around after the acquisition. Without Philips, BenQ drives won't be anything special.

We'll have to see how this all turns out...

Ohhh...I see. Thanks for the fyi :) My only concern is if Lite-on takes over BenQ if - will they continue firmware updates on the 1650? From my understanding, it's a great drive, however the firmware hasn't fully matured yet? Or am I wrong here?

I've got a 1650 in my cart so thanks ShadowVlican, DD and all the regulars in this thread for keeping us abreast on the best drive around and it's possible extinction.

[Madcatmk2]

Ohhh...I see. Thanks for the fyi :) My only concern is if Lite-on takes over BenQ if - will they continue firmware updates on the 1650? From my understanding, it's a great drive, however the firmware hasn't fully matured yet? Or am I wrong here?



I was wondering the same thing, does the 1650 or 1655 firmware will be better than the 1640 one?
Is the 1650 has overall worst performance than the 1640 or its specific, if so, with what?
I have access to both the 1640 and 1650 but the latter is 3 bucks cheaper.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Sweet :D Will check it out. Good to here about the Professional line DVDs coming to spindles as well - they'll be worth the wait. The info is much appreciated :)

I have been waiting for another $6 flat shipping rate to order a few packs of 3 packs and noticed that they've upped the price from $6.89 to like $7.12 - I know it's a minor amount (then again this is a cheapskates message board) but do you have any theories on why this could happen?

It prompted me to check around online to see if I could find anyone else selling them to compare and even checking in the US the only other seller was the US B&H Photo (with them being out of stock) so that got me wondering if NCIX might be using their monopoly on them to jack up the price?

A 3.3% increase in price now equals "jacking up the price" ??? :confused:

It might be as simple as a reflection of increased shipping costs due to gas prices going up (shipping to THEM I mean). I know the price has not gone up.

As for a monopoly, Blankmedia.ca has the option to carry them as well (they now carry the PLUS series of Maxell), but they haven't opted to do it.

[Johnny Powel]

I was wondering the same thing, does the 1650 or 1655 firmware will be better than the 1640 one?
Is the 1650 has overall worst performance than the 1640 or its specific, if so, with what?
I have access to both the 1640 and 1650 but the latter is 3 bucks cheaper.

Who still sells the 1640 ? From the Google reviews the 1650 has a slight performance edge on the 1640.

[[buck]]

Ohhh...I see. Thanks for the fyi :) My only concern is if Lite-on takes over BenQ if - will they continue firmware updates on the 1650? From my understanding, it's a great drive, however the firmware hasn't fully matured yet? Or am I wrong here?

Well, I'll just say this, the DW165x firmware is probably more mature in its current form than the firmware of any other drive manufacturer will ever be. Frankly, SolidBurn reduces the need for firmware updates dramatically.

[rahzel]

']BQFlasher (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=149980) is best.
ahh yes, BQFlasher. so since it can flash with EXE format, you just download the DW1655 firmware from the BenQ site, and flash it with BQflasher?

also, are you sure this can be done safely? any threads or anything with successful crossflashes being done?

[NG]

']Well, I'll just say this, the DW165x firmware is probably more mature in its current form than the firmware of any other drive manufacturer will ever be. Frankly, SolidBurn reduces the need for firmware updates dramatically.

Thanks :D Just ordered. NCIX has a pretty good price for one now at $44.99 that ends today for anybody interested.

Edit: Doesn't appear to show up in the searches. Here's a direct: link:http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=1158819&sku=17704&promoid=1015

Perhaps it's a Price Network . ca exclusive?

Only thing to decide now is if it's time to retire my ancient but lovely LG 4040B or my newer but crappy Lite-on cloned Sony :D

[NG]

A 3.3% increase in price now equals "jacking up the price" ??? :confused:

It might be as simple as a reflection of increased shipping costs due to gas prices going up (shipping to THEM I mean). I know the price has not gone up.

As for a monopoly, Blankmedia.ca has the option to carry them as well (they now carry the PLUS series of Maxell), but they haven't opted to do it.

Yeah...gas is going through the roof :( But this is a messageboard built around cheapskates. Too bad blankmedia didn't carry them actually. Heak even big box stores should carry them as web only special orders perhaps.

btw - the price is now up to $7.60 :(
http://search.ncix.com/displayproductdetail.php?sku=16377&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL

I actually had a couple in my cart from before for $6.89 that I forgot about so I grabbed 'em with the 1650 :D

[rahzel]

Thanks :D Just ordered. NCIX has a pretty good price for one now at $44.99 that ends today for anybody interested.

Edit: Doesn't appear to show up in the searches. Here's a direct: link:http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?affiliateid=1158819&sku=17704&promoid=1015
its on the sale flyer for 44.98.

[Madcatmk2]

Who still sells the 1640 ? From the Google reviews the 1650 has a slight performance edge on the 1640.

Some local mom & pop shop. I also did a little search and found this:
1. Benq drives hates ritek G05, so don't ever get those.
2. The 1640 does better quality tests when it got fixed with some firmware, don't know if it will happen with the 1650. Found out it varies between each drive of the same model.

Does anyone know if the 1650 is noisier than the 1640?

I wish DD made a review of the 1650 or 1655 on Cdrlabs. Too soon maybe.

[[buck]]

ahh yes, BQFlasher. so since it can flash with EXE format, you just download the DW1655 firmware from the BenQ site, and flash it with BQflasher?

Bingo. ;)

[[buck]]

Only thing to decide now is if it's time to retire my ancient but lovely LG 4040B or my newer but crappy Lite-on cloned Sony :D

Burn with the BenQ, rip/read with the LiteON. ;)

[[buck]]

Some local mom & pop shop. I also did a little search and found this:
1. Benq drives hates ritek G05, so don't ever get those.
2. The 1640 does better quality tests when it got fixed with some firmware, don't know if it will happen with the 1650. Found out it varies between each drive of the same model.

Does anyone know if the 1650 is noisier than the 1640?

I wish DD made a review of the 1650 or 1655 on Cdrlabs. Too soon maybe.

1. Every drive hates RITEKG05. Okay, that's not completely true, but BenQs are no worse than any other drive at burning it. RITEKG05 is crap media, period.

2. If you're referring to speed dips with Nero CD-DVD Speed, thes yes, the DW1640 is a better scanner.

DD is still is the media testing phase of his review, sorry! :razz:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Yeah...gas is going through the roof :( But this is a messageboard built around cheapskates. Too bad blankmedia didn't carry them actually. Heak even big box stores should carry them as web only special orders perhaps.

btw - the price is now up to $7.60 :(
http://search.ncix.com/displayproductdetail.php?sku=16377&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL

I actually had a couple in my cart from before for $6.89 that I forgot about so I grabbed 'em with the 1650 :D

Why don't you just order them from www.precisionsound.com then??
http://www.precisionsound.com/PScatalogue.pdf
Regular price on a 3pk is $6.75 (3x $2.25). If you buy 6pcs they're $6.45/3pk, and if you buy a 12pk, they're $6/3pk.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I wish DD made a review of the 1650 or 1655 on Cdrlabs. Too soon maybe.

Half way done.... finished testing all the 8x media.... now I'm starting the fun stuff! and boy do I have a lot of fun stuff this time around ;)

[Madcatmk2]

Half way done.... finished testing all the 8x media.... now I'm starting the fun stuff! and boy do I have a lot of fun stuff this time around ;)

Is it noisier than the 1640? Did you got any problems with cd dvd speed on your drive?

[Madcatmk2]

I think i just got one of the two answers i needed.
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276235

Just bought a BenQ DVD Burner DW1655 and found it's very noisy when it spins. Using the Nero CD-DVD Speed helps a bit but it's still noisier than a 3 year old 48x LG CD burner. Does anyone here have the similar experience with BenQ burners? I will probably exchange the drive for an LG 4167B.. would appreciate any input.

[chalmers]

Hi there, I'm looking to pick up a burner in the next couple of days. Because shipping from elsewhere in the country seems to kill any deals, I am looking locally, and have found a few to choose from. Can anyone comment on these drives (for better or for worse)? They are all around the $50 range, which is what I am hoping to spend.

LG GSA-H10A
NEC ND3550A
AOPEN DUW1616L
PIONEER DVR-111D

Thanks for the help.

I will be using it to make backups of my DVD collection, as well as burn data on a regular basis (2-3 DVDs a week).

[[buck]]

Hi there, I'm looking to pick up a burner in the next couple of days. Because shipping from elsewhere in the country seems to kill any deals, I am looking locally, and have found a few to choose from. Can anyone comment on these drives (for better or for worse)? They are all around the $50 range, which is what I am hoping to spend.

LG GSA-H10A
NEC ND3550A
AOPEN DUW1616L
PIONEER DVR-111D

Thanks for the help.

I will be using it to make backups of my DVD collection, as well as burn data on a regular basis (2-3 DVDs a week).

Pioneer DVR-111 > NEC ND-3550 > LG GSA H10A > Aopen DUW1616

However, are you SURE you're not willing to order a BenQ DW1650 from NCIX.com? They're ~$45 + $10 express shipping, no PST. It really is the best drive out there by leaps and bounds.

[Jon Lai]

']Pioneer DVR-111 > NEC ND-3550 > LG GSA H10A > Aopen DUW1616

However, are you SURE you're not willing to order a BenQ DW1650 from NCIX.com? They're ~$45 + $10 express shipping, no PST. It really is the best drive out there by leaps and bounds.

I'll have to agree with buck here. And I'm frustrated to see LG going down with their burners. Loud noise, bad burn quality... I'm still running a 4160 and it's incredibly perfect is so many ways, for it's generation at least. I have friends with BenQ's and they're loud compared to my 4160. However, ever since the 4167 (I bought it from Futureshop once believe it or not just to try it out), it was a loud machine, MIC, total crapeau. A year ago, it would probably be LG at first, or on par with the Pioneer. When I got my 4160 1.5 years ago, I actually decided upon it or the DVR-108 model at the time, and picked the LG up.

BTW, perhaps there arne't any BenQ's in Halifax? Who knows.

[chalmers]

']Pioneer DVR-111 > NEC ND-3550 > LG GSA H10A > Aopen DUW1616

However, are you SURE you're not willing to order a BenQ DW1650 from NCIX.com? They're ~$45 + $10 express shipping, no PST. It really is the best drive out there by leaps and bounds.

Thanks for the info. Looks like the DW1650 isn't on sale anymore, so it's up to $52+$10 shipping+HST (being in NS, I always pay 15% tax). But from your response, it looks like it's the one to get.

Thanks again!

[[buck]]

Thanks for the info. Looks like the DW1650 isn't on sale anymore, so it's up to $52+$10 shipping+HST (being in NS, I always pay 15% tax). But from your response, it looks like it's the one to get.

Thanks again!

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17704&promoid=1015

Sale prices don't actually expire until one week after the sale ends. You just need to know the promo id, which isn't hard if you subscribe to the newsletter.

[Jon Lai]

Thanks for the info. Looks like the DW1650 isn't on sale anymore, so it's up to $52+$10 shipping+HST (being in NS, I always pay 15% tax). But from your response, it looks like it's the one to get.

Thanks again!

^^yes

and they go on sale every thursday anyways.

[[buck]]

NG, you'll be pleased to know that NCIX has Maxell Broadcast Quality DVD-R 3pks on sale for $5 this week. I suspect Dolph may have had something to do with this occurance. :cheesygri

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16377&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1001

[Evil Techie]

DD, would u suggest me to go pick up a DW1650 since Benq 's ODD is now owned by Liteon?

would we still be able to see quality dvd burners from them or will it all go downhill from here?

[callous]

I got my 1650 yesterday.. partly because liteon's taking over benq.

Much louder than my 1620 ever was but acceptable.

[DVDManiac]

I was just at Staples today, checking out the Verbatim DVD+-Rs. Saw that the majority of the labels did not show (unless it's somewhere else now) the Advanced Azo label on them and were rated 8x. Verbatim stop using the dye?

[rahzel]

I was just at Staples today, checking out the Verbatim DVD+-Rs. Saw that the majority of the labels did not show (unless it's somewhere else now) the Advanced Azo label on them and were rated 8x. Verbatim stop using the dye?
all verbatim mitsubishi coded media uses Azo dye, whether its made by CMC, Prodisc, MBIL or MCC - and afaik, all verbatim DVDR's in north america will be mitsubishi coded.

[rahzel]

DD, would u suggest me to go pick up a DW1650 since Benq 's ODD is now owned by Liteon?

would we still be able to see quality dvd burners from them or will it all go downhill from here?
we dont know exactly what will happen, only time will tell, but its not looking good. most of the usuals in this thread are getting DW1650/55's while theyre still here (myself included).

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, would u suggest me to go pick up a DW1650 since Benq 's ODD is now owned by Liteon?

would we still be able to see quality dvd burners from them or will it all go downhill from here?

In the short term, BenQ will remain BenQ.... meaning Nexperia chipsets (and Panasonic possibly), and quality drives. In the longterm, it's expected that BenQ will move to Mediatek.

So stocking up isn't a BAD idea... I'm considering purchasing an extra DW1655 myself.

[Ghetto_Child]

I have a PX-716A and I noticed on Plextor's website that there is now a PX-760A that can write Dual Layer at 10X and DVD+R at 18X :-0

Anyway what's so great about DW1650/55? How does it compare to PX-716A?

[CoFfEeMaKeR]

I got my 1650 yesterday.. partly because liteon's taking over benq.

Much louder than my 1620 ever was but acceptable.

I just got a 1655 and also found it loud. I guess 1655/1650 spin a bit faster than the previous BenQ models so that's probably normal.

[DVDManiac]

all verbatim mitsubishi coded media uses Azo dye, whether its made by CMC, Prodisc, MBIL or MCC - and afaik, all verbatim DVDR's in north america will be mitsubishi coded.

Hmmm I wonder why they stop putting that little Advanced Azo stamp on the label. Unless it was an old batch and they didn't put it on back whenever.

[rahzel]

I just got a 1655 and also found it loud. I guess 1655/1650 spin a bit faster than the previous BenQ models so that's probably normal.
sometimes (most of the time) my DW1640 is just as loud as my DW1650. not saying theyre loud, im just saying theyre pretty similar, atleast mine are.

Hmmm I wonder why they stop putting that little Advanced Azo stamp on the label. Unless it was an old batch and they didn't put it on back whenever.
just looking at the verbatim site, all 8x spindles dont have the azo stamp on the label, but all 16x do. all 8x DVD-R's in jewel cases dont have the azo stamp either, but the 8x DVD+R's in JC's do. i dunno why they dont have the stamp on all of their labels either.

[Ghetto_Child]

I have a PX-716A and I noticed on Plextor's website that there is now a PX-760A that can write Dual Layer at 10X and DVD+R at 18X :-0

Anyway what's so great about DW1650/55? How does it compare to PX-716A?

Repost

[rahzel]

I have a PX-716A and I noticed on Plextor's website that there is now a PX-760A that can write Dual Layer at 10X and DVD+R at 18X :-0

Anyway what's so great about DW1650/55? How does it compare to PX-716A?
there is no 18x media, nor is there going to be any afaik. it can only write some media at 18x. i think the 18x write speed is more of a marketing gimmick.

i'm not too familiar with the 716a, but i think the DW165x is the better all around drive. the px-716a may have better write quality with some media, but the DW165x costs MUCH less. might want to wait for DD or bucks reply on this.

[[buck]]

rahzel is right, 18X writing is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. Plextor's 18X is actually slower than LG's 16X. 18X burn quality sucks, too.

[dmdsoftware2]

Does gold really make a difference for DVD-R blank media? I'm trying to decide between Maxell Broadcast Quality DVDs and the MAM Gold Archive Grade with 24K Gold recording surface. Apparantly they claim a life expectancy of 300 years. DD, can you break the hype?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Does gold really make a difference for DVD-R blank media? I'm trying to decide between Maxell Broadcast Quality DVDs and the MAM Gold Archive Grade with 24K Gold recording surface. Apparantly they claim a life expectancy of 300 years. DD, can you break the hype?

They're both good discs. The gold really is a good stabalizer, but the discs have different values really. You should think about what you are using them for, and how each disc might perform in your situation. The Gold is probably better for straight out archiving, but the BQ is better if you're going to be using it over that time, or abusing it in any way.

[Y2Jared19]

Checked out Staples, and the Sony DVD+R DL are indeed Verbatim (MKM)OEM. If it was a couple dollars less, I would have bought a pack.

Alot of Staples media in general is now Made in India now, i havent seen any CMC stuff in a while.

They also had new shipments of 16x + and - R Sony discs, so you can now PM sony media there. There regular price is a ridiculous 47 dollars and some change. You gotta be a nitwit to buy a 50 pack of anything at a retailer that high.

Im going to go enjoy my "genuine 16x drive certified" verbatim +R. Must be a very early 16x batch or something to have a gold sticker like that still.

[[buck]]

Checked out Staples, and the Sony DVD+R DL are indeed Verbatim (MKM)OEM. If it was a couple dollars less, I would have bought a pack.

Alot of Staples media in general is now Made in India now, i havent seen any CMC stuff in a while.

They also had new shipments of 16x + and - R Sony discs, so you can now PM sony media there. There regular price is a ridiculous 47 dollars and some change. You gotta be a nitwit to buy a 50 pack of anything at a retailer that high.

Im going to go enjoy my "genuine 16x drive certified" verbatim +R. Must be a very early 16x batch or something to have a gold sticker like that still.

Thanks for checking stuff out for us! :cheesygri

The MII Staples are MBIL, which can be good, especially with a BenQ drive with SolidBurn.

The 16X Sonys are a very interesting developement too. The US has had 16X Sony for many months, so it's about time they show up. Did you notice if they were MIJ/MIT or a mix?

[JAC]

D.D.,

What is the best 16x -R currently available at blankmedia.ca?

Thanks.

[[buck]]

D.D.,

What is the best 16x -R currently available at blankmedia.ca?

Thanks.

That's a really though one because blankmedia doesn't have a large selection of 16X DVD-Rs. It comes down to Verbatim 16X DVD-Rs and Taiyo Yuden 16X DVD-Rs, and which one is better will probably come down to which drive you ahve.

However, if you can live with 8X, I would strongly recommend Maxell's Plus Series (http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1009) which are $32.95 for a 50pk inkjet printables.

[Y2Jared19]

Japan's, with the infamous octagon spacer. Both +R and -R had them. never ran through too any, but a couple I checked were like that. Taiyo Yuden anyone? :)

But Taiyo 16x :|

[The Digital Dolphin]

D.D.,

What is the best 16x -R currently available at blankmedia.ca?

Thanks.

I would say Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs for sure. I don't have much faith in TY 16x DVD-Rs (poor drive support and very high variability between batches), and nothing else is in the ballpark really.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Japan's, with the infamous octagon spacer. Both +R and -R had them. never ran through too any, but a couple I checked were like that. Taiyo Yuden anyone? :)

But Taiyo 16x :|

Great... now I need to go see if I can score a good supply of YUDEN000T03 :twisted: (I only have a couple of That's brand 16x DVD+Rs right now)

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Thanks for checking stuff out for us! :cheesygri

The MII Staples are MBIL, which can be good, especially with a BenQ drive with SolidBurn.

The 16X Sonys are a very interesting developement too. The US has had 16X Sony for many months, so it's about time they show up. Did you notice if they were MIJ/MIT or a mix?

MBIL has a LOT of different grades of media, from really good to really crappy. They're similar to CMC this way. But I have some doubts that Staples is buying high end MBIL for their low end brand name...

[JAC]

Thanks to both [buck] and Digital Dolphin.

I'll be buying for use with a Pioneer 109 and a new Plextor PX-740UF external. I've been using the TY 8X-R at 12X lately, but I find my 109 drive spins down and stops burning a few times per disk. No problems with the movies, though.

I think I'll give the Verbatim 16X -R a try this time. Thanks again for the tip.

[[buck]]

MBIL has a LOT of different grades of media, from really good to really crappy. They're similar to CMC this way. But I have some doubts that Staples is buying high end MBIL for their low end brand name...

But it's got a lifetime warranty!!! :lol:

[[buck]]

Thanks to both [buck] and Digital Dolphin.

I'll be buying for use with a Pioneer 109 and a new Plextor PX-740UF external. I've been using the TY 8X-R at 12X lately, but I find my 109 drive spins down and stops burning a few times per disk. No problems with the movies, though.

I think I'll give the Verbatim 16X -R a try this time. Thanks again for the tip.

I will say this... Pioneer's DVR-109 is perhaps the best burner for TYG03... but Verbatim is fine too.

If you do plan on getting Verbs, you'll probably want to know that Staples has 50pks for $18.55 and the The Source has 25pks for $9.99.

http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=DVD_minus&product=2619565
http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=583028&affixedcode=WW

[NG]

Why don't you just order them from www.precisionsound.com then??
http://www.precisionsound.com/PScatalogue.pdf
Regular price on a 3pk is $6.75 (3x $2.25). If you buy 6pcs they're $6.45/3pk, and if you buy a 12pk, they're $6/3pk.

For some reason in my head I thought ncix was the only retailer in Canada selling them. I'll blame it being on a pdf sheet instead of a froogle indexable web store and not me being short sighted lol

[NG]

']NG, you'll be pleased to know that NCIX has Maxell Broadcast Quality DVD-R 3pks on sale for $5 this week. I suspect Dolph may have had something to do with this occurance. :cheesygri

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16377&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1001

Indeed I am :D and added like 15 packs to my cart and have my fingers crossed that they'll have a $6 flat shipping soon in the next couple weeks.

[NG]

They're both good discs. The gold really is a good stabalizer, but the discs have different values really. You should think about what you are using them for, and how each disc might perform in your situation. The Gold is probably better for straight out archiving, but the BQ is better if you're going to be using it over that time, or abusing it in any way.

I'm guessing it's because of the BQ's scratch coating? If so I wonder if MAM-A will ever make a scratch coated version of their discs.

Regarding the MAM-A's I'm thinking it might be time to get a few more of them to have lying around with the price of gold shooting up...

[The Digital Dolphin]

']I will say this... Pioneer's DVR-109 is perhaps the best burner for TYG03... but Verbatim is fine too.

If you do plan on getting Verbs, you'll probably want to know that Staples has 50pks for $18.55 and the The Source has 25pks for $9.99.

http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/Product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=DVD_minus&product=2619565
http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=583028&affixedcode=WW

Get the 50pks at Staples now, they expire next week ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm guessing it's because of the BQ's scratch coating? If so I wonder if MAM-A will ever make a scratch coated version of their discs.

Regarding the MAM-A's I'm thinking it might be time to get a few more of them to have lying around with the price of gold shooting up...

Yup, they're making a scratch protected version of their Gold... it's just only available through custom order, and it's not going to be available for a bit.

[NG]

Yup, they're making a scratch protected version of their Gold... it's just only available through custom order, and it's not going to be available for a bit.

Sweet. I'll have to send them a e-mail do be put on their wait list. Hopefully they'll allow small quantity purchases.

[Y2Jared19]

Well, i got myself a pack of the RetailPLus DVD's Walmart has been sporting, and low and behold, they were fake media, and sold as MCC004 (+r) and I can only assume the -R is the 16x Mitsubishi code as well.

And the 75 packs continued as they got Maxell 75 packs, which the majority were CMC for -R and Im only guessing Ritek R03 or CMC +r for the +r. They also had a few 16x +R 75 packs. All for about 30 bucks.

New restock of Sony came in my local Walmart, and it was back to taiwan -R's 8x. Hopefull its just old news. +R's are still Tuden and still only 8x atm.

[[buck]]

Well, i got myself a pack of the RetailPLus DVD's Walmart has been sporting, and low and behold, they were fake media, and sold as MCC004 (+r) and I can only assume the -R is the 16x Mitsubishi code as well.

Are you sure they're fake? They could very well be from one of Mitsubishi's partners, be it CMC, Prodisc, or MBIL. What's the mirror band serial?

[Y2Jared19]

Buck, there are no serial numbers, unless "DVD+R" and "M817" count :)

[[buck]]

Buck, there are no serial numbers, unless "DVD+R" and "M817" count :)

Ok, they are fake! First time I've actually heard of a fake MCC004, but I'm not exactly surprised.

[Y2Jared19]

I'll try to scan it on my brother 1620 that i handed down to him, as I got a LG 4166 instaed with lightscribe. Doing 16x MUCH better than the Benq surprisingly.

[[buck]]

I'll try to scan it on my brother 1620 that i handed down to him, as I got a LG 4166 instaed with lightscribe. Doing 16x MUCH better than the Benq surprisingly.

DW1620's and DW1640's have a problem with 16X DVD+R burning, so that's not a surprise. That's why I burn at 12X. ;)

[Y2Jared19]

...are actually not catastrophically bad. Just "Meh" bad, and definately as good as alot of media out there selling cheap.

In the long run though...yikes, i dunno.

The Scan done on a LG 4166 with version 2 firmware (http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/1963/benqdvddddw1620b7v919april2006.png)

[rahzel]

...are actually not catastrophically bad. Just "Meh" bad, and definately as good as alot of media out there selling cheap.

In the long run though...yikes, i dunno.

The Scan done on a LG 4166 with version 2 firmware (http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/1963/benqdvddddw1620b7v919april2006.png)
that was burned with your LG 4166 at 16x? if so, the jitter is a little high, and im not sure how well the LG 4166 writes MCC 004 at 16x, but thats not terribly bad for a 16x burn.

try burning one at 12x, and post the scan if you can. just judging by the quality, that very well could be genuine MCC, but the serial tells differently.

[callous]

So the best 16X DVD-R is Verbatim (CMC)?

Best 16x DVD+R is what?

[Jon Lai]

So the best 16X DVD-R is Verbatim (CMC)?

Best 16x DVD+R is what?
On the consumer level, yes. Verbatim makes better +R than -R though.

[NG]

Since there really isn't a better place for this since it's not like it's that good of a deal but still good to know...

Giant Tiger has gotten in a new shipment of Fuji CDR's. Whoever does the ordering must know something about blank media since even tho the packaging is *very* different it's still made in Japan so it's TY.

It's coming in a 50 pack "color tower" with 5 different coloured spindles that matches the discs in each spindle. I'm thinking these are US imports since they use the American spelling of color on the package.

http://www.audiooutfitter.com/images/items/65604-fujcdrc50s.jpg

Edited to add: Got my BenQ DW1650. Must say I'm liking it so far. Thanks for all the positive reviews from all who endorsed it in this thread.

[NG]

']Without Philips, BenQ drives won't be anything special.


Hmmm...this line has been sticking in my head ever since I first read it.

If it's Philips that makes the BenQ rock then would that = Philips standalone DVD recorders giving the best quality burns for standalones?

[woof]

Giant Tiger has gotten in a new shipment of Fuji CDR's. Whoever does the ordering must know something about blank media since even tho the packaging is *very* different it's still made in Japan so it's TY.

It's coming in a 50 pack "color tower" with 5 different coloured spindles that matches the discs in each spindle. I'm thinking these are US imports since they use the American spelling of color on the package.



How much????

[prying eyes]

How much????
And link too..Cant find any reference to Fuji CDr's in Tigerdirect.ca..if thats what he meant by Giant tiger

[rahzel]

And link too..Cant find any reference to Fuji CDr's in Tigerdirect.ca..if thats what he meant by Giant tiger
giant tiger is giant tiger, and they have no website afaik.

[gordholio]

And link too..Cant find any reference to Fuji CDr's in Tigerdirect.ca..if thats what he meant by Giant tiger
Giant Tiger is a Canadian retail store. They have a website, but you can't order on-line.
I used to buy Fujifilm CD-R's from Giant Tiger in Midland. They had Taiyo Yuden's for $19.99 for 50.

[JAC]

Ordered 3 50-packs of 16X -R online from Stooples, got them next day. All had the Times New Roman font.

This is the result of my first burn with them. It was not a full DVD, btw, which probably accounts for the mess at the end.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/1098/untitled3lq.jpg



General Information
Drive: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109
Firmware: 1.58
Disc: DVD-R (MCC 03RG20 )
Selected speed: Maximum
PI errors
Maximum: 3562
Average: 482.18
Total: 8127807
PI failures
Maximum: 83
Average: 2.77
Total: 35021
PO failures: n/a
Jitter: n/a
Scanning Statistics
Elapsed time: 17:48
Number of samples: 17855
Average scanning interval: 8.00 ECC
Glitches removed: 0
____________________________
This is the result of the Create Data Disc function with CD-DVD speed. Good? Bad?

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/7509/untitled20dz.jpg

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hmmm...this line has been sticking in my head ever since I first read it.

If it's Philips that makes the BenQ rock then would that = Philips standalone DVD recorders giving the best quality burns for standalones?

Not neccissarily, but they probably are pretty good.

[The Digital Dolphin]

@JAC:

Hard to know much about the disc since you're scanning it with a Pioneer drive, but based on the transfer rate test, I can see two things:

#1: You need to power off your system for a few seconds to clear some buffers, your transfer rate should be smooth afterwards.

#2: The transfer rate seems to indicate no reading problems. So I would ignore the quality test completely and not worry about the disc. However if you have a BenQ, or even a LiteON DVD burner it would be worth doing a scan with them.

[prying eyes]

@ JAC,

Is it about Verbatim 16x u r talking about..

I ordered Verbatim 16x _R online and staples sent me 8 x and they r prodisc as per label n serial...called them..they said staples online doesnt carry 50 pack 16x (not even +) and the item no is really about 8x..its a mistake on their website and they r gonna correct it...

Just curious, how come u got 16x, when staples online says they dont carry it..
I may call them again..

[Siefer999]

@ JAC,

Is it about Verbatim 16x u r talking about..

I ordered Verbatim 16x _R online and staples sent me 8 x and they r prodisc as per label n serial...called them..they said staples online doesnt carry 50 pack 16x (not even +) and the item no is really about 8x..its a mistake on their website and they r gonna correct it...

Just curious, how come u got 16x, when staples online says they dont carry it..
I may call them again..
so you ordered the -r ones? i got my 50pack verbs +r and its 16x and even has a gold sticker on it saying genuine 16x certified visit best16xburn.com

[[buck]]

#1: You need to power off your system for a few seconds to clear some buffers, your transfer rate should be smooth afterwards.

#2: The transfer rate seems to indicate no reading problems. So I would ignore the quality test completely and not worry about the disc. However if you have a BenQ, or even a LiteON DVD burner it would be worth doing a scan with them.

He didn't post a transfer rate test... only a a create data disc. All those dips are just WOPC/AOPC or whatever Pioneer calls it doing its job. :razz: JAC, do a transfer rate test in that drive (the benchmark tab).

[NG]

Giant Tiger is a Canadian retail store. They have a website, but you can't order on-line.
I used to buy Fujifilm CD-R's from Giant Tiger in Midland. They had Taiyo Yuden's for $19.99 for 50.

DOH! Would have helped if I listed the price lol - and yes - they're still $20 for 50 with the new packaging.

[Y2Jared19]

quick question:

the retailplus discs end up scanning great til about the 4 gig mark, then theres major problems and skipping.

would walmart allow for me to return them and use the credit to exchnage for something else they have, like sony? thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

']He didn't post a transfer rate test... only a a create data disc. All those dips are just WOPC/AOPC or whatever Pioneer calls it doing its job. :razz: JAC, do a transfer rate test in that drive (the benchmark tab).

D'oh, didn't pay enough attention.... I was jacked on 3 cans of redbull when I posted that :twisted:

[The Digital Dolphin]

quick question:

the retailplus discs end up scanning great til about the 4 gig mark, then theres major problems and skipping.

would walmart allow for me to return them and use the credit to exchnage for something else they have, like sony? thanks

Bring them back to the store and let them know they are defective. They SHOULD take them back, if they have any warranty support at all.

[prying eyes]

WALMART will take anything back...their motto is customer is always right..i did work their once..and during training they show us a video of a customer returning an opened item without any box or receipt and walmart doesnt even carry that item..(its their video)..the video shows the lady gets a refund (obviously a giftcard) compared to a similar item in the shop...

Now hows that...Well, in real life, things will not be as smooth...but walmart will take back used products with receipt even upto an year (maybe except shoes) and without receipt, for who knows.. i personally have returned a safety shoes (not used, in box) and without receipt after an year..(yeah, am bad at impulse buying..)

Basically they dont care for returned items..as long as we hand them all the sales

[gordholio]

Yeah, I used to work for Walmart. Customer service actually gave a refund to a guy without a receipt and the product wasn't even probably bought at Walmart to begin with, as no record of it could be found on the system.
Plus, I had worked in the Electronics department for a year and knew that the blank discs he returned were not sold at Walmart.
They are pretty lenient most times.

[gordholio]

http://www.audiooutfitter.com/images/items/65604-fujcdrc50s.jpg

Almost looks like a tin of coffee. :)

[miss_swan]

D'oh, didn't pay enough attention.... I was jacked on 3 cans of redbull when I posted that :twisted:

Oh boy DD, that's expensive if you drank 3 cans of RedBull. Hope you got a good RFD deal on that.

1 bottle, 100 tabs of 200mg caffeine. ~ 6 bucks
1 bottle, 100 tabs of 8mg ephedra ~ 5 bucks.
1 L of water.

wooooooo! Like the ING guys says "Save your money!"

[Jon Lai]

WALMART will take anything back...their motto is customer is always right..i did work their once..and during training they show us a video of a customer returning an opened item without any box or receipt and walmart doesnt even carry that item..(its their video)..the video shows the lady gets a refund (obviously a giftcard) compared to a similar item in the shop...

Now hows that...Well, in real life, things will not be as smooth...but walmart will take back used products with receipt even upto an year (maybe except shoes) and without receipt, for who knows.. i personally have returned a safety shoes (not used, in box) and without receipt after an year..(yeah, am bad at impulse buying..)

Basically they dont care for returned items..as long as we hand them all the sales

that should be within the POLICY of EVERY store with GOOD customer service.. not a motto IMO. I love going to stores saying the customer is always right ;)

[[buck]]

DOH! Would have helped if I listed the price lol - and yes - they're still $20 for 50 with the new packaging.

Pretty decent price. You can't really get non-shiny silver Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs for that price anywhere in Canada.

[NG]

']Pretty decent price. You can't really get non-shiny silver Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs for that price anywhere in Canada.

The cheapest I could find besides GT's TYs was here:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=968

and even ordering 2 spindles were a *tad* more than Giant Tiger's price including shipping. Plus it's TY rebranded discs from a company I've never heard of so I'd wonder if they were fakes or b grade etc.

Giant Tiger has some great prices. Been shopping there and at Superstore mostly (both Cancon) and everytime I go in there they have atleast one thing that makes me go *wow* over the price.

Last time it was a $2 oven cookie sheet lol.

[[buck]]

The cheapest I could find besides GT's TYs was here:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=968

and even ordering 2 spindles were a *tad* more than Giant Tiger's price including shipping. Plus it's TY rebranded discs from a company I've never heard of so I'd wonder if they were fakes or b grade etc.

Giant Tiger has some great prices. Been shopping there and at Superstore mostly (both Cancon) and everytime I go in there they have atleast one thing that makes me go *wow* over the price.

Last time it was a $2 oven cookie sheet lol.

Those are shiny silver, so they don't count ;)

But don't worry about "Microboards" brand, they're just regular premium Taiyo Yuden with a Microboards insert. In case you didn't know, Microboards is probably the largest Taiyo Yuden distributor in North America.

[JAC]

Update:

Series 1: Verbatims at 16X
Series 2: Verbatims at 12X
Series 3: TY 8X at 12X
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series 1: Verbatims at 16X

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6917/createdisc5uz.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3821/discquality9ud.jpg

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/8818/benchmark4tl.jpg

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series 2: Verbatims at 12X

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3006/creatediscv12x4ww.jpg

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/6153/discqualityv12x3wk.jpg

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/9766/benchmarkv12x2vu.jpg

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series 3: TY 8X at 12X

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/7606/createdisc6nl.jpg

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9938/discquality2wk.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/580/benchmark2jy.jpg

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Microboards is probably the largest Taiyo Yuden distributor in North America.

*cough*the world*cough*

[The Digital Dolphin]

@Jac:

It's time to burn at 12x with those Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs I think. The end of that transfer rate test doesn't look good (it really is a transfer rate test this time!! :P)

[JAC]

@Jac:

It's time to burn at 12x with those Verbatim 16x DVD-Rs I think. The end of that transfer rate test doesn't look good (it really is a transfer rate test this time!! :P)

Update:

Series 1: Verbatims at 16X
Series 2: Verbatims at 12X
Series 3: TY 8X at 12X

The Verbatim at 16X has less errors; at 12x it actually burned worse!

The TY has more errors, but less of a drop in the transfer rate at the end of the disk.

I'm confused.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Update:

Series 1: Verbatims at 16X
Series 2: Verbatims at 12X
Series 3: TY 8X at 12X

The Verbatim at 16X has less errors; at 12x it actually burned worse!

The TY has more errors, but less of a drop in the transfer rate at the end of the disk.

I'm confused.

Hrm.... maybe stick with the TY then.

[IamTazak-47]

Hello everyone hope Im not interupting any threads, but I was wondering if all you DVD Media experts could help me with a question,

Right now I have been using Optodisc 8x Printable surface and TDK 16x printable surface DVDs, really like the TDKs but the optos have been showing very large quality swings in the same spindles, anyway to continue I found that futureshop has the 16x Memorex Printable surface 100 spindles on for $35 this week, I know after reading threads on these forums that most memorex seem to be junk media
,I cant find out much info on the TDK so I was wondering if any of you media experts out there have any advice on which of the three media above would be best for quality burns, I know the Tayos are the best but they cost %50 more than the three above, any help would be greatly appreciated, i will post the three media codes also.

memorex 16x DVD+r Printable Surface

** 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 07 43 4d 43 20 4d 41 47 00 4d 30 31 00 38 ...CMC MAG.M01.8
0020 : 23 54 37 18 00 3e 6e 00 70 62 15 15 0b 0b 08 08 #T7..>n.pb......
0030 : 01 19 1b 0b 0b 0e 0f 01 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
0040 : 01 00 38 38 00 1d 62 35 07 30 22 10 08 20 1c 01 ..88..b5.0".. ..
0050 : 00 00 00 1d 62 35 07 30 22 10 08 20 1c 01 00 00 ....b5.0".. ....
0060 : 02 00 54 70 02 38 5f 56 20 14 0b 0b 01 18 00 00 ..Tp.8_V .......
0070 : 00 00 02 3d 5d 7a 20 14 0c 0a 01 18 00 00 00 10 ...=]z .........
0080 : 03 00 54 df 02 1f 65 5a 20 14 0c 0a 01 18 00 00 ..T...eZ .......
0090 : 00 00 02 06 67 86 20 14 0c 0a 01 18 00 00 00 89 ....g. .........
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 ........

Optodisc 8x Dvd-R Printable

** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Media Code'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'Media Code'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 0Eh - Pre-Recorded Information In Lead-In
0000 : 01 40 c1 fd 9e d8 52 00 02 87 0d 10 66 78 80 00 .@....R.....fx..
0010 : 03 54 59 47 30 32 00 00 04 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 .TYG02..........
0020 : 05 aa a2 22 22 20 02 00 06 08 0e 11 87 78 80 00 ..."" .......x..
0030 : 07 88 80 00 00 00 00 00 08 06 13 0d 10 0e 07 00 ................
0040 : 09 97 07 0d 0b 78 88 00 0a 80 00 00 00 00 10 00 .....x..........
0050 : 0b 06 18 17 85 78 75 00 0c d6 89 a8 92 01 20 00 .....xu....... .
0060 : 0d 10 00 d0 00 00 00 00 0e 09 21 35 2d 29 1b 00 ..........!5-)..
0070 : 0f 50 1b 2b 1d 97 b5 00 10 88 84 00 04 00 04 00 .P.+............
0080 : 11 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 12 09 2d 35 2d 2b 1a 00 ..........-5-+..
0090 : 13 50 1d 2b 1f 97 b5 00 14 88 80 00 00 00 00 00 .P.+............
00a0 : 15 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ........

** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Control Data Zone'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'CDZ'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 10h - Physical Format Information Of Control Data Zone
0000 : 25 0f 02 00 00 03 00 00 00 26 12 7f 00 00 00 00 %........&......

TDK 16x DVD-r Printable

** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Media Code'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'Media Code'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 0Eh - Pre-Recorded Information In Lead-In
0000 : 01 40 c1 fd 9e d8 52 00 02 84 0d 12 98 99 90 00 .@....R.........
0010 : 03 54 54 48 30 32 00 00 04 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 .TTH02..........
0020 : 05 88 80 00 00 00 02 00 06 09 0a 15 98 89 90 00 ................
0030 : 07 88 80 00 00 00 00 00 08 07 14 0a 0e 09 04 00 ................
0040 : 09 95 07 0d 0b 88 88 00 0a 80 00 00 00 00 10 00 ................
0050 : 0b 06 17 15 b8 99 85 00 0c b8 9a 32 03 20 32 00 ...........2. 2.
0060 : 0d 00 00 d0 00 00 00 00 0e 0b 21 39 35 2d 1f 00 ..........!95-..
0070 : 0f 50 21 2d 15 98 b5 00 10 88 80 00 00 00 00 00 .P!-............
0080 : 11 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 12 0b 2b 39 35 2d 1f 00 ..........+95-..
0090 : 13 50 23 2f 19 97 b5 00 14 88 80 00 00 00 00 00 .P#/............
00a0 : 15 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 16 0a 3c 47 43 2c 27 00 ..........<GC,'.
00b0 : 17 80 21 2e 1a 78 b5 00 18 88 8c 00 0c 00 0c 00 ..!..x..........
00c0 : 19 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 1a 09 58 46 44 27 28 00 ..........XFD'(.
00d0 : 1b 70 21 2d 19 ba a5 00 1c 88 84 00 04 00 04 00 .p!-............
00e0 : 1d 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ........

** INFO : Hex Dump Of 'Control Data Zone'-Block Listed Below
** INFO : 4-Byte Header Preceding 'CDZ'-Block Discarded
** INFO : Format 10h - Physical Format Information Of Control Data Zone
0000 : 25 0f 02 00 00 03 00 00 00 26 12 7f 00 00 00 00 %........&......


Thanks again everyone, hope you can help me make an informed choice.

[[buck]]

Hello everyone hope Im not interupting any threads, but I was wondering if all you DVD Media experts could help me with a question,

Right now I have been using Optodisc 8x Printable surface and TDK 16x printable surface DVDs, really like the TDKs but the optos have been showing very large quality swings in the same spindles, anyway to continue I found that futureshop has the 16x Memorex Printable surface 100 spindles on for $35 this week, I know after reading threads on these forums that most memorex seem to be junk media
,I cant find out much info on the TDK so I was wondering if any of you media experts out there have any advice on which of the three media above would be best for quality burns, I know the Tayos are the best but they cost %50 more than the three above, any help would be greatly appreciated, i will post the three media codes also.

OK, so the Memorex is CMC MAG. M01, the Optodisc is (fake) TYG02, and the TDK is TTH02.

CMC MAG. M01: Not the best firmware support for this mid, and quality is lacking from what I've seen. Since this is Memorex branded, these might not even be A grade.

Optodisc TYG02: These are Optodisc with a "borrowed" Taiyo Yuden media code for increased compatibility. Problem is, the write strategy is tuned for this media, it's tuned for authentic Taiyo Yuden media! Unless these are Acro Circle branded (which I seriously doubt), stay far away from these.

TDK TTH02: Some people (*cough* Digital Dolphin ;)) have suggested that TDK might be dumping their B or worse grade media in Costco's under the PrintOn label. Having said that, these are probably better than the above two.

So, in this case, TTH02 > CMC MAG. M01 > TYG02 (fake).

I don't know what you're using this media for, but if it's anything remotely important, you're going to want, at the very least, Taiyo Yuden (http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=302), or better yet, Maxell Plus Series (http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1009).

[JAC]

Hrm.... maybe stick with the TY then.
I ran a transfer test on an old TY 16X -R, and it was worse than the Verbatim; and yet, I never noticed any problems with movie playback when I used them. I think I'll at least try the Verbatim for a while. The price was right, anyway.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi IamTazak-47,

Let's take a look at your choices here...

TDK White Inkjet Printable from Costco:
This media was SOMETIMES made in Luxenburg, which had fairly good results, although could also be somewhat variable. Unfortunately, most of the Costco stock is made by CMC, and appears to be of a very low grade. The media I have from Costco (the CMC made TDK's) are almost completely unburnable by ANY drive (even the BenQ DW1640 has a lot of trouble, and no other drive even comes close!!). I would avoid this media at all costs personally, but make sure you don't use it for anything but SHORT TERM storage.

Optodisc white inkjet printables:
Wow, you are still finding Optodisc 8x DVD-Rs with TYG02 MID code?!?! They were discontinued a LONG time ago!! That also says to me that you are likely getting B Grade Optodisc, which may be cheap, but will also give you variable results like you have experienced... although will probably be no worse then the TDK's made by CMC. Like the TDK's I wouldn't recommend them for anything long term or overly important. Keep to SHORT TERM storage purposes only. (For better results I recommend Acro Circle, which is A Grade Optodisc).

Memorex white inkjet printables:
Memorex is a weird brand... sometimes they have decent media, but a lot of times they have crap. The media they are using (CMCMAGM01, and CMCMAGAM3) don't have overly great support from older drives, and even some new ones too. If you're using a Pioneer drive, then you might even be limited to recording these 16x discs at 4x only!!

Honestly speaking, these 3 options are kinda lousy! The Memorex MIGHT be the best option of the 3, depending on your drive, and the luck of the draw. Personally, I would like to know what your drive is before making alternative suggestions, but in general I would recommend this:


Acro Circle 8x or 16x DVD+R white inkjet printable (Burn results tend to be better with Acro Circle DVD+R on newer drives)
Maxell Plus Series White Inkjet Printable 8x DVD-Rs

The Acro Circle is available though www.ncix.com, and the Maxell Plus is available from www.ncix.com and www.blankmedia.ca.

Verbatim inkjet printables are not bad either. I don't however recommend Taiyo Yuden at this time, because of potential lifespan issues and their 16x media is really quite lousy.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I ran a transfer test on an old TY 16X -R, and it was worse than the Verbatim; and yet, I never noticed any problems with movie playback when I used them. I think I'll at least try the Verbatim for a while. The price was right, anyway.

For some reason I was thinking you were using TYG02 against the Verbatim... yeah don't bother with TYG03, it's so badly supported and the media isn't that great even when it is.

[IamTazak-47]

Thanks everyone for your input and advice, as to what drives im using i have 2 systems with 4 drives total, Nec 3540, nec 3500, benq 1640, benq 1650, all the drives seem to love the TDK 16x, no glitches no errors no bad burns, so far, the optodiscs are different and all over the place, errors, burning at 4x, the memorex 16x seem to be fine the older nec 3500a dosent like them alot 6x max speed also the nec 3540 seems to like burning them at 6x also, the benq drives burn them at 12x fine,
I was also wondering about Taiyo Yuden 8x printable surface -R, saw them on for $50 for 100 spindle, I take it they would be the best choice above the three cheaper brands, thanks again for your help everyone.

[[buck]]

Hi IamTazak-47,

Let's take a look at your choices here...

TDK White Inkjet Printable from Costco:
This media was SOMETIMES made in Luxenburg, which had fairly good results, although could also be somewhat variable. Unfortunately, most of the Costco stock is made by CMC, and appears to be of a very low grade. The media I have from Costco (the CMC made TDK's) are almost completely unburnable by ANY drive (even the BenQ DW1640 has a lot of trouble, and no other drive even comes close!!). I would avoid this media at all costs personally, but make sure you don't use it for anything but SHORT TERM storage.

Just FYI, I am confident that there was never any printable "made in Luxembourg" TDK sold at Costco. My understanding is that all of the made in Luxembourg stock was unprintable, and sold in 25pks. ;)

[DVDManiac]

*edit* nevermind

[digdoug]

there appears to be a new firmware for the 1655: BCDB
http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=2224

is it worth the bother of upgrading? can someone try it and report back?

[The Digital Dolphin]

there appears to be a new firmware for the 1655: BCDB
http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=2224

is it worth the bother of upgrading? can someone try it and report back?

BCGB is newer, and has been out for weeks. It's available on the BenQ China webpage I believe.

[woof]

For BenQ firmware info and discussions you're better off going to one of the hardware discussion sites such as the one at CDfreaks:

Benq/Philips Forum at CDFreaks (http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=92)

[The Digital Dolphin]

For BenQ firmware info and discussions you're better off going to one of the hardware discussion sites such as the one at CDfreaks:

Benq/Philips Forum at CDFreaks (http://club.cdfreaks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=92)

I've always found RPC1.org to be far superior to CDFreaks when it comes to firmwares.

[digdoug]

I've always found RPC1.org to be far superior to CDFreaks when it comes to firmwares.

so would you recommend the BCGB or should I go for the BCDB update?

could someone explain why DVD Decrypter keeps hanging at the Write LeadIn stage on an RW (several types) in my BENQ 1655? I mean the time keeps running, but nothing seems to be done and writing is at 0%. I'll try ImgBurn and see if that helps.

[Larsin]

DD have tested the Pioneer DVR-111D yet , any thoughts.

[The Digital Dolphin]

so would you recommend the BCGB or should I go for the BCDB update?

could someone explain why DVD Decrypter keeps hanging at the Write LeadIn stage on an RW (several types) in my BENQ 1655? I mean the time keeps running, but nothing seems to be done and writing is at 0%. I'll try ImgBurn and see if that helps.

Well, I'm using BCGB since it's the later version... I only burned 8x DVDRs on BCDB but it did pretty good for the most part. 16x recording isn't THAT great with BCGB, but I'm not sure if BCDB is any better, but I do kind of doubt it. So go with BCGB. At least with BenQ drives you can switch back and forth easily :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD have tested the Pioneer DVR-111D yet , any thoughts.

Nope, Pioneer won't send one to CDRlabs for some reason...

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking for a computer store in Calgary or Edmonton, that isn't MemoryExpress or BCom, that I can hopefully work with. They have to be open to selling GOOD quality media, and can't have a bad reputation for misleading customers or mis-representing products. I'm also looking for a store like this in saskatewan, and one or two in Ontario (other then Blankmedia.ca).

I would really appreciate some help on this!!

[JAC]

Is online sales a prerequisite? If not, I'd recommend Bestbyte Computers in Whitby, Ontario. They currently sell crap media, but I've bought components from them from years and never been scammed.

http://www.bestbytecomputer.com/main.htm

[tjuzer]

What is best firmware for Benq 1650 :?: How do I know what version I have :?:

What's wrong with bcom :?: I buy my Benq from them. :|

[[buck]]

Is online sales a prerequisite? If not, I'd recommend Bestbyte Computers in Whitby, Ontario. They currently sell crap media, but I've bought components from them from years and never been scammed.

http://www.bestbytecomputer.com/main.htm

Actually, their media selection is above average for computer stores. They don't even sell any generic media!

[JAC]

']Actually, their media selection is above average for computer stores. They don't even sell any generic media!
Really? They must have upgraded since I was there last. I don't recall seeing any decent brands.

They could also use a little help with their burner selection.

[NG]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking for a computer store in Calgary or Edmonton, that isn't MemoryExpress or BCom, that I can hopefully work with. They have to be open to selling GOOD quality media, and can't have a bad reputation for misleading customers or mis-representing products. I'm also looking for a store like this in saskatewan, and one or two in Ontario (other then Blankmedia.ca).

I would really appreciate some help on this!!

Again if on-line isn't a requirement I'd recommend Chiphead Computers: http://chiphead.com/ for Ontario.

Great service and 100% honest. I think Robin would be open to selling it however afaik he doesn't sell any blank media. It's been years since I've been there :( (just never had the heart to ask him if he can match those $300 Dell PCs) and the website hasn't been updated in ages so I can't tell for sure what his current prices are.

[digdoug]

Well, I'm using BCGB since it's the later version... I only burned 8x DVDRs on BCDB but it did pretty good for the most part. 16x recording isn't THAT great with BCGB, but I'm not sure if BCDB is any better, but I do kind of doubt it. So go with BCGB. At least with BenQ drives you can switch back and forth easily :)

tx, I'll do my update now. hope it fixes the dvd decrypter hanging problem.

for those looking for the BCGB download link, it's here
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=148988&page=2

It also says
DW1655 BCHB is out.
DW1650 BCHC is out.
DW1640 BSPB is out.

btw, what's the diff. between profile and book-type. I notice the +R says DVD-ROM for one of them, while the -R says DVD-ROM for the other.

also, does multisession work for anyone? the only time I've ever done a successful multisession CD/DVD was when I did it less than an hour apart. if I try it, like days, or even months apart, the DVD won't recognize the other sessions and will often fail file verification. I'm using MIJ stuff on my BENQ 1655 & LG GSA4040. is this common?

[balou911]

Been reading the last 5+ pages.

Other than paying $80/100pk, whats the best cost/disk out there right now?

Isnt there anything good under say 50c/disk?

NCIX - OPTODISC ACRO CIRCLE SUPER GRADE DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100 DVD DISC SILVER INKJET PRINTABLE SURFACE $41.93 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15678&vpn=OP-DVD-R8X-100-P&manufacture=Optodisc%20Technology)

OEM Tru Blu by Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100 Disc Shrink Wrap Bulk Pack Silver $31.98 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18329&promoid=1068) - but i dont like the shinny tops.

I like writting in marker (cd/dvd safe) whats on my discs.

My FujiFulm 8x DVD+R MIJ YUDEN000T02 are running out.
need some replacement soon.

Not really interested in writing faster than 8x. I can wait the extra 4mins.

[rahzel]

Been reading the last 5+ pages.

Other than paying $80/100pk, whats the best cost/disk out there right now?

Isnt there anything good under say 50c/disk?

NCIX - OPTODISC ACRO CIRCLE SUPER GRADE DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100 DVD DISC SILVER INKJET PRINTABLE SURFACE $41.93 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15678&vpn=OP-DVD-R8X-100-P&manufacture=Optodisc%20Technology)

OEM Tru Blu by Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100 Disc Shrink Wrap Bulk Pack Silver $31.98 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18329&promoid=1068) - but i dont like the shinny tops.

I like writting in marker (cd/dvd safe) whats on my discs.

My FujiFulm 8x DVD+R MIJ YUDEN000T02 are running out.
need some replacement soon.

Not really interested in writing faster than 8x. I can wait the extra 4mins.
id say theres CURRENTLY nothing really good for under 0.50/disc (after tax anyway).

i'd recommend Maxell Plus Series DVD-R's. theyre not on sale at NCIX (atleast in cakeboxes, only a single in a jewel case is on sale), but blankmedia.ca also sells them, and at a price thats slightly lower than NCIX's regular price. NCIX might add some to their sale, though. NCIX's regular price is around $35-$37/50 and blankmedia.ca's price is around $32-$33/50.

you might also want to check your local Wal-mart for Sony (Made in Japan) DVD+/-R's. their everyday low price is 24.95/50pcs. if you get -R, make sure you look for the octagonal spacer at the top of the spindle. these will also be Taiyo Yuden, but Sony's Taiyo Yuden media seems to be properly bonded, while Taiyo Yuden's OEM unbranded media is generally not.

id also recommend Verbatim DVD+R's (CMC made ONLY) but there arent any sales on them currently afaik. but for future reference, to determine if theyre CMC made, without opening them, is to look at the top of the spindle at the "OPEN/LOCK". youll want to look for spindles that use a thinner TIMES NEW ROMAN font, and youll want to avoid a bolder arial style font. these will be Prodisc made, which again youll want to avoid.

Verbatim DVD+R's go on sale quite often at the source, or staples for around $9.99/25, or $18-$19/50 so you might want to wait for a sale on them.

[[buck]]

Been reading the last 5+ pages.

Other than paying $80/100pk, whats the best cost/disk out there right now?

Isnt there anything good under say 50c/disk?

NCIX - OPTODISC ACRO CIRCLE SUPER GRADE DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100 DVD DISC SILVER INKJET PRINTABLE SURFACE $41.93 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=15678&vpn=OP-DVD-R8X-100-P&manufacture=Optodisc%20Technology)

OEM Tru Blu by Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100 Disc Shrink Wrap Bulk Pack Silver $31.98 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18329&promoid=1068) - but i dont like the shinny tops.

I like writting in marker (cd/dvd safe) whats on my discs.

My FujiFulm 8x DVD+R MIJ YUDEN000T02 are running out.
need some replacement soon.

Not really interested in writing faster than 8x. I can wait the extra 4mins.

If you need media *now*, I'd go for the made in Japan Sony 8X DVD+Rs at Walmart. It's hard to go wrong with properly bonded YUDEN000T02 with a nice surface.

[ChopSuey]

Anyone here use these discs before?

Verbatim DVD+R 8X /w VideoGard Protection (http://www.verbatim.com/products/product_detail.cfm?product_id=AA34F350-65B0-5A0F-8B41B83DE42AF804&pc_parent=76F06320-48F1-485E-8E286B6E0039C276)

I saw these at CompUSA in Buffalo for $9.99 for a pk of 10. The discs also come with slim DVD cases. I thought it was a good deal considering the cases and the protective coating.

Anyone know where we can get these in Canada for a good price?

Also, anyone here use Maxell CD-R Pro? These also have a protective coating. They were available at CompUSA for $9.99 for 25 pk.

[NG]

Anyone here use these discs before?

Verbatim DVD+R 8X /w VideoGard Protection (http://www.verbatim.com/products/product_detail.cfm?product_id=AA34F350-65B0-5A0F-8B41B83DE42AF804&pc_parent=76F06320-48F1-485E-8E286B6E0039C276)

I saw these at CompUSA in Buffalo for $9.99 for a pk of 10. The discs also come with slim DVD cases. I thought it was a good deal considering the cases and the protective coating.

Anyone know where we can get these in Canada for a good price?

Also, anyone here use Maxell CD-R Pro? These also have a protective coating. They were available at CompUSA for $9.99 for 25 pk.

I've used both.

The Verbatim's are at The Source and Staples. Reg price $20 however they go on sale for $10 on a semi-regular basis

The Maxell CD-R pros are at Staples and Compusmart 10 in jewel cases for about $13.

[balou911]

']If you need media *now*, I'd go for the made in Japan Sony 8X DVD+Rs at Walmart. It's hard to go wrong with properly bonded YUDEN000T02 with a nice surface.


yeah i bought 2 sony MIJ, but gave them to a freind when he complained about running outta media.
I get to use his newsgroup service periodically as payment.

went back a week later, all I can find are MIT now, damnit.

So i guess I should stay away from the 2 i posted?

[rahzel]

yeah i bought 2 sony MIJ, but gave them to a freind when he complained about running outta media.
I get to use his newsgroup service periodically as payment.

went back a week later, all I can find are MIT now, damnit.

So i guess I should stay away from the 2 i posted?
both of your choices should be ok for mid-term use. if you're looking for good media however, i suggest you wait for a sale on verbatim DVD+R's (and use the method of spotting CMC made that i posted above) or get some Maxell Plus Series DVD-R's at either blankmedia.ca or NCIX.com if you need media now. Sony MIJ Taiyo Yuden would probably be your best bet if you need media now as buck said... maybe try other walmarts? lucky for me, theres lots of MIJ Sony DVD+R's here.

[callous]

The Sony Store.

[The Digital Dolphin]

The Sony Store.

But they're SO expensive.... :|

[USB]

Just wondering what's good out there and that is not expensive but is reliable? Who carries them and what's approximately the best price?

Tia

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just wondering what's good out there and that is not expensive but is reliable? Who carries them and what's approximately the best price?

Tia

Do you mean Digital Audio CD-Rs for stand alone consumer recorders? Or are you meaning CD-Rs for burning audio on to with you regular CD burner in a PC?

[ootb98]

I've found some old Maxell 4X MIJ RG02 DVD-R in silver jewel case (the old style packaging). They have a silver top with light yellow & green silk screening.

How is the quality of these? I searched the thread and I couldn't find much previous commentary.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've found some old Maxell 4X MIJ RG02 DVD-R in silver jewel case (the old style packaging). They have a silver top with light yellow & green silk screening.

How is the quality of these? I searched the thread and I couldn't find much previous commentary.

Probably quite good :cheesygri

[[buck]]

Probably quite good :cheesygri

Most definately! :cheesygri

[USB]

Do you mean Digital Audio CD-Rs for stand alone consumer recorders? Or are you meaning CD-Rs for burning audio on to with you regular CD burner in a PC?

Sorry, I should've been clearer: CD-R's for burning audio on to with you regular CD burner in a PC.

The other day, I burnt some music in wave format and the last 4 or so tracks of the 14 were very staticy and cut-out.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Sorry, I should've been clearer: CD-R's for burning audio on to with you regular CD burner in a PC.

The other day, I burnt some music in wave format and the last 4 or so tracks of the 14 were very staticy and cut-out.

The audio quality does not change from manufacturer to manufacturer... however the media's quality DOES change. Since with the CD-DA format (Audio CD) one level of error correction is removed, you want to make sure you go with a pretty good disc. I recommend Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs. Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs are available through Blankmedia.ca, and NCIX.com I think also has them. Ritek CD-Rs should also work alright, but the quality of media can fluctuate from batch to batch.

It may also be your CD burner causing the problems...

[ootb98]

']Most definately! :cheesygri

Thats good :D I wonder if i should try a bonding test...

Then I should pick up some more!

[NG]

Just was at FutureShop today and saw they were selling openbox MIT Fuji's (in a 50 pack) for $30 (reg priced $32) and a 25 pack of Sony's for $18 (reg $20).

Guess that's a way for FS to get around crap media being sold in their store - resell it some other poor sucker when the other guy returns it.

[Mok]

Hi, recently purchased the Samsung SH-W162C (http://www.samsung.com/Products/OpticalDiskDrive/DVDWritables/OpticalDiskDrive_DVDWritables_SH_W162C.asp) (transfer speeds here (http://www.samsung.com/Products/OpticalDiskDrive/DVDWritables/OpticalDiskDrive_DVDWritables_SH_W162C.asp?page=Sp ecifications)) .... i want to purchase some quality blank dvds, prefer 16x write speed, for data, where and which blank dvd should i buy? prefer something less than $0.75 a disc...

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi, recently purchased the Samsung SH-W162C (http://www.samsung.com/Products/OpticalDiskDrive/DVDWritables/OpticalDiskDrive_DVDWritables_SH_W162C.asp) (transfer speeds here (http://www.samsung.com/Products/OpticalDiskDrive/DVDWritables/OpticalDiskDrive_DVDWritables_SH_W162C.asp?page=Sp ecifications)) .... i want to purchase some quality blank dvds, prefer 16x write speed, for data, where and which blank dvd should i buy? prefer something less than $0.75 a disc...

I recommend these:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=663
Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-Rs are also ok, but I find they vary in quality a lot more then the 8x DVD-Rs, and you mentioned specifically 16x media. If you want 8x I recommend Maxell Plus Series.

[[buck]]

I recommend these:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=663
Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-Rs are also ok, but I find they vary in quality a lot more then the 8x DVD-Rs, and you mentioned specifically 16x media. If you want 8x I recommend Maxell Plus Series.

Or, if he can live with 8X, these (http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1009) or these (http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=406), the former being a bit more desirable.

[Mok]

I recommend these:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=663
Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-Rs are also ok, but I find they vary in quality a lot more then the 8x DVD-Rs, and you mentioned specifically 16x media. If you want 8x I recommend Maxell Plus Series.

thanks! i will be picking up a couple of spindles...wanna use these to store data for long term.

']Or, if he can live with 8X, these (http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1009) or these (http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=406), the former being a bit more desirable.

maybe pick up some of these too...hehe...

[bobbyt]

why is it the inkjet coating on ridata dvd-rs are less white than "ritek" branded packs. aren't they made in the same place?

Here is 8x taiyo vs 8x ridata vs 8x ritek
http://www.ok-hi.com/dropbox/rock.jpg

[The Digital Dolphin]

why is it the inkjet coating on ridata dvd-rs are less white than "ritek" branded packs. aren't they made in the same place?

Here is 8x taiyo vs 8x ridata vs 8x ritek
http://www.ok-hi.com/dropbox/rock.jpg

Well, Taiyo Yuden's inkjet layer kinda sucks... so I'm not even going to try to defend it. As for the Ritek/RiData question, from my experience the RiData hub printable discs have always been the single nicest print surface I've ever seen.... it's just that the discs always tend to fail in short periods of time, but I've never compared to generic Ritek. Actually I've never seen generic Ritek with a hub printable surface, only a regular printable surface. I'll bug my friend with good ties to Ritek and see if I can find something out on this.

[bobbyt]

I purchased at blankmedia from the following url back when they were in stock:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=305
sku etc on the page.
haven't seen it back in stock since dec 05

[Y2Jared19]

In an update to Walmarts mission to drive 75 pks into all of our heads, they now have started 75 packs of sony media, which all were TAIWAN and 16x. >:( Not even sony's own stuff was included, i guess that deal with Daxon aint over at all, despite everything being japan stuff for the last while.

[gordholio]

why is it the inkjet coating on ridata dvd-rs are less white than "ritek" branded packs. aren't they made in the same place?

Here is 8x taiyo vs 8x ridata vs 8x ritek
http://www.ok-hi.com/dropbox/rock.jpg
Wow. Printing on DVDs and CDs is really nice. Looks like an original!
Just a question: What printer are you using and do you spray a clear coat type of varnish on the disc to protect it from smudging - or is this spray not needed?
Thanks.
Gord
PS. Disc 2 has really nice white in it.

[NG]

Not sure if this is new news or not but it certainly is disappointing none the less....I noticed some air bubbles around one of my Fuji TY 8x +R discs

You can see a small row of them in the upper right and one lone one in the lower left.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2785/dscw00611qk.jpg

Sorry for the crappy pic (can't expect that much from Mercury digial cameras lol) but this was the best of like 4 shots or so.

[[buck]]

Not sure if this is new news or not but it certainly is disappointing none the less....I noticed some air bubbles around one of my Fuji TY 8x +R discs

You can see a small row of them in the upper right and one lone one in the lower left.

Sorry for the crappy pic (can't expect that much from Mercury digial cameras lol) but this was the best of like 4 shots or so.

If I'm seeing what I'm supposed to see, I see ~6 tiny air bubbles. Is that what you're concerned about?

You will find tiny air bubbles on almost ALL media, and they don't really have any effect on media quality. Tiny air bubbles =/ bad bonding.

So far, I've seen air bubbles, in varying degrees on Taiyo Yuden, CMC made MCC, CMC, Ritek, Daxon made Sony, made in Luxembough TDK, CMC TDK, Ritek made Ricoh, Maxell, and probably a few others I'm forgetting. But yeah, that's nearly ALL my media. Of them all, Taiyo Yuden has been by far the best, with maybe 5 pcs having TINY air bubbles out of many hundreds.

I guess it's just accepted in the industry.

If you want to do a real bonding test, try pulling it apart from the centre hub with your bare fingersnails. It helps to have medium length to long fingernails. ;)

edit - an honourable mention goes out to my Sony-made SONY08D1 for lacking air bubbles. My sample size is only 25, though. :razz:

[ootb98]

In an update to Walmarts mission to drive 75 pks into all of our heads, they now have started 75 packs of sony media, which all were TAIWAN and 16x. >:( Not even sony's own stuff was included, i guess that deal with Daxon aint over at all, despite everything being japan stuff for the last while.

Have a closer look at the 50pks. Most Wal Mart's stock is a mess.. and they have stuff all over the place. I saw some Sony 50pk -R 16X Japan media the other day... didn't buy it because I'm not sure how good the 16X media is yet.

[pcguy]

Looking for CD-Rs as well as DVD-R and possibly DVD-RWs. The media will be used for data storage as well as for video. I did not read through the thousands of posts in this thread but it appears to me that it is a crap shoot these days buying media these days that is unless one purchases out of town it in large quantities and can spread the shipping costs incurred over the entire shipment.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I purchased at blankmedia from the following url back when they were in stock:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=305
sku etc on the page.
haven't seen it back in stock since dec 05

Hrm... a picture of CD-Rs and a description of DVD-Rs.... :confused:

Anyways, I'm hoping that in the next 2 weeks I might can an answer to this one. I have to rely on a friend of mine with even less time then *I* have :lol:

[miss_swan]

Hmmmnnnnn ...I noticed something interesting while using QSuite while updating my firmware ... the 100pk 4x TY -r media that I bought from NCIX 4-5 months ago (iirc) is reading as:

TYG01

I thought that the '01 code was not around anymore.

Is this a good thing? Or a bad thing? I was expecting TYG02.

tDD? [Buck], Rahzel? Bueller? Bueller?

[[buck]]

Hmmmnnnnn ...I noticed something interesting while using QSuite while updating my firmware ... the 100pk 4x TY -r media that I bought from NCIX 4-5 months ago (iirc) is reading as:

TYG01

I thought that the '01 code was not around anymore.

Is this a good thing? Or a bad thing? I was expecting TYG02.

tDD? [Buck], Rahzel? Bueller? Bueller?

It's probably about the same. TYG01 is Taiyo Yuden's 4X DVD-R code, and TYG02 is Taiyo Yuden's 8X DVD-R code. They're both just fine, and I'm sure you can burn the TYG02 at 8X no problems.

You're just lucky you didn't get TYG03... now THOSE are problematic!!

[Ghetto_Child]

I remember once that the G04 or G05 media was no good to use due to some advanced degradation going on with the discs? At least I think I read that somewhere in this thread. DD can you confirm? I've been searching the thread and can't find it. However I do have some discs that were working 1 year ago and are not full of various errors from unrecoverable TOC, CRC errors, written discs showing up as "blank/empty", discs freezing the comp until windows removes the drive spontaneously which requires me to reboot to retrieve the drive again.

[rahzel]

Hmmmnnnnn ...I noticed something interesting while using QSuite while updating my firmware ... the 100pk 4x TY -r media that I bought from NCIX 4-5 months ago (iirc) is reading as:

TYG01

I thought that the '01 code was not around anymore.

Is this a good thing? Or a bad thing? I was expecting TYG02.

tDD? [Buck], Rahzel? Bueller? Bueller?
yeah, you probably wont find anymore TYG01 anymore. Taiyo Yuden changed the rating of their value line to 8x, so you probably wont see anymore TYG01. most value line Taiyo Yuden DVD-R's these days will be TYG03, so you pretty much want to avoid value line TY DVD-R's completely now.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I remember once that the G04 or G05 media was no good to use due to some advanced degradation going on with the discs? At least I think I read that somewhere in this thread. DD can you confirm? I've been searching the thread and can't find it. However I do have some discs that were working 1 year ago and are not full of various errors from unrecoverable TOC, CRC errors, written discs showing up as "blank/empty", discs freezing the comp until windows removes the drive spontaneously which requires me to reboot to retrieve the drive again.

For RITEKG05 I think the going life expectancy is 6 months to a year or so. I know [buck] has a number of discs that have died in that time. Of course that doesn't mean that EVERY disc will fail in that time frame, but it becomes dangerous to expect more then that out of them.

[batman321123]

ok, i've never really paid attention to dvd media because i used to think they were always the same. now rfd tells me otherwise. So in regards to the last post, does this mean that after 6 months of burning, the stuff i put on the DVD will just dissappear? :confused: sorry for the noobism

[rahzel]

ok, i've never really paid attention to dvd media because i used to think they were always the same. now rfd tells me otherwise. So in regards to the last post, does this mean that after 6 months of burning, the stuff i put on the DVD will just dissappear? :confused: sorry for the noobism
not with all DVD media, but RitekG05 media is SO variable in quality, that you should only expect them to last 6 months to a year. you should definitely not trust important data on them, but only use them for temporary use. better yet, don't buy ritek DVDR's PERIOD ;].

all recordable media degrades over time, but some last longer than others. the burn quality, type of dye used, how well theyre bonded and put together, how you store the DVDR's (dark and cool places are recommended) all play a role in how long the media will last.

[tmpz]

I don't what happened to G05... I've bought like 2-4 spindles of them and they work fine. I even bought one that had was different (branded with a arrow saying Ridata). Those worked fine on my PS2. The new spindles that I bought, don't seem to read on my PS2. I tried it on another PS2 and it works... >:(

Whats the best media now (most compatible)?

[batman321123]

this sucks, i always thought the movies i've burned - legit ones of course, not the copyrighted kind - would last forever :(

[rahzel]

this sucks, i always thought the movies i've burned - legit ones of course, not the copyrighted kind - would last forever

good media, like properly bonded Taiyo Yuden (Sony MIJ DVD+R's), Maxell Plus Series and/or Verbatim (CMC made) should last 10+ years. and if you want to backup really important stuff, look at Maxell Broadcast Quality DVD-R's, or Mitsui Gold DVD-R's, but these are quite a bit more expensive.

Whats the best media now (most compatible)?
any of the DVDR's i mentioned above.

if you get Sony DVD+R's, make sure theyre made in Japan. And to spot CMC made Verbatim DVDR's, this is how:
to determine if theyre CMC made, without opening them, is to look at the top of the spindle at the "OPEN/LOCK". youll want to look for spindles that use a thinner TIMES NEW ROMAN font, and youll want to avoid a bolder arial style font. these will be Prodisc made, which again youll want to avoid.

[[buck]]

I don't what happened to G05... I've bought like 2-4 spindles of them and they work fine. I even bought one that had was different (branded with a arrow saying Ridata). Those worked fine on my PS2. The new spindles that I bought, don't seem to read on my PS2. I tried it on another PS2 and it works... >:(

Whats the best media now (most compatible)?

There's a good chance those RITEKG05 will be unreadable within a year.

Best media with good compatibility with consoles? I hear Verbatim is good with consoles.

[bobbyt]

Wow. Printing on DVDs and CDs is really nice. Looks like an original!
Just a question: What printer are you using and do you spray a clear coat type of varnish on the disc to protect it from smudging - or is this spray not needed?
Thanks.
Gord
PS. Disc 2 has really nice white in it.

Epson R220
Ya I can't go back after using the generic riteks. i have to find more somewhere. I have sprayed a couple in the past to protect them but for the most part I just leave them unprotected.

[pcguy]

Is there any way of knowing what good CD-Rs and DVD-/+Rs are these days when puying them in person as well as online? It seems these days that one brand will be a favorable one to get and then the next time they are apparently crap. Need to be able to rely on reading the data off the media a year or two from now.

Any suggestions on what is currently good makes to purchase and if possible pointers to figure out if buying them in person what to look for?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Is there any way of knowing what good CD-Rs and DVD-/+Rs are these days when puying them in person as well as online? It seems these days that one brand will be a favorable one to get and then the next time they are apparently crap. Need to be able to rely on reading the data off the media a year or two from now.

Any suggestions on what is currently good makes to purchase and if possible pointers to figure out if buying them in person what to look for?

Maxell Plus series DVD-Rs are probably the safest bet for regular DVDs. Taiyo Yuden has more common bonding issues, Verbatim has crappy product from Prodisc to watch out for, Sony has product from Daxon that kind of sucks, all the consumer grade stuff at Futureshop varies something fierce.

So yeah, Maxell Plus Series is the safest I think.

[Tmayhem]

Maxell Plus series DVD-Rs are probably the safest bet for regular DVDs. Taiyo Yuden has more common bonding issues, Verbatim has crappy product from Prodisc to watch out for, Sony has product from Daxon that kind of sucks, all the consumer grade stuff at Futureshop varies something fierce.

So yeah, Maxell Plus Series is the safest I think.

After buying Fujifilm's 16x (DVD+R), I was afraid to have crappy media, but I've been pleasantly surprised so far. Media code is Prodisc R05.

With a Benq DW1620, I can make decent copies at 16X that will play without problems in all the players I have. At 8x, I get really exceptionnal burns (PIF lower than 100 for the total disc, maximum 4). Longevity is a question mark though.

So far I'm having better reliability than my batch of TY02, which hasn't been that great for me. :(

[[buck]]

After buying Fujifilm's 16x (DVD+R), I was afraid to have crappy media, but I've been pleasantly surprised so far. Media code is Prodisc R05.

With a Benq DW1620, I can make decent copies at 16X that will play without problems in all the players I have. At 8x, I get really exceptionnal burns (PIF lower than 100 for the total disc, maximum 4). Longevity is a question mark though.

So far I'm having better reliability than my batch of TY02, which hasn't been that great for me. :(

Longevity is a HUGE question mark. :|

[pcguy]

Maxell Plus series DVD-Rs are probably the safest bet for regular DVDs. Taiyo Yuden has more common bonding issues, Verbatim has crappy product from Prodisc to watch out for, Sony has product from Daxon that kind of sucks, all the consumer grade stuff at Futureshop varies something fierce.

So yeah, Maxell Plus Series is the safest I think.

Those DVDs are .76 each for 100 + GST from blankmedia.ca. Dam its expensive to get reliable media these days.

[ChopSuey]

If you want to use TY media, I would go with the Sony Brand TY media (Sony MIJ). Tests have shown that bonding is better with this media (probably due to Sony's testing). You can find Sony MIJs fairly cheap at a lot of Walmarts (about $22.00 for a 50 pack).

[rahzel]

If you want to use TY media, I would go with the Sony Brand TY media (Sony MIJ). Tests have shown that bonding is better with this media (probably due to Sony's testing). You can find Sony MIJs fairly cheap at a lot of Walmarts (about $22.00 for a 50 pack).
walmarts ELP is 24.95, but thats still a little cheaper than Maxell Plus Series, and IMO, they're a little better.

in bigger cities, it may be harder to find MIJ Sony DVDR's, but it might be a little easier in Manitoba. i know here in SK, there is plently of MIJ Sony DVD+R's.

instead of looking for MIJ, you could just look for the octagonal spacer at the top (this might be easier).

[miss_swan]

walmarts ELP is 24.95, but thats still a little cheaper than Maxell Plus Series, and IMO, they're a little better.



Just wondering, why do you think that the Sony MIJ are a little better than the Maxell Plus?

More consistent burns? Better quality? Better compatibility?

[rahzel]

Just wondering, why do you think that the Sony MIJ are a little better than the Maxell Plus?

More consistent burns? Better quality? Better compatibility?
properly bonded Taiyo Yuden (Sony MIJ) is very good media. imo, its the best media you can get for around $0.50/disc.

i know DD and buck have had very good results with Maxell Plus Series, but my experience with them has not been very good. i bought some from NCIX, and mine are pretty similar to consumer grade, as far as burn quality. i showed DD and buck my results, and with the help of DD, i was able to get some replacements sent to me. my replacements are a little better, scan wise, but the bonding on them are actually quite worse.

i dont know if maxell just had a bad batch, but i believe DD contacted Maxell about this, so hopefully it was just a bad batch and Maxell cleared this up.

i believe the current stock of Maxell Plus Series is a different batch than the ones i have, so if anyone has purchased some within the last month or so, some scans would be nice. :)

[Jon Lai]

Just wondering, what's the media code for Memorex and Fujifilm Dual Layer dvds, and what are the chances of getting "good" stuff in the Fujifilm spindles? I had Memorex Dual Layer, a pack of 25 as my first batch, and although they aren't the best, my burner seemed to like it, and as I got it for cheap off clearance tables at Futureshop, it seemed worth it to keep. Fujifilm Dual Layer is something I've never seen before. Right now they're $1.66 each at Futurehsop, about half the price of Verbatim dual layers. I ordered a batch just to see what media code I might get (who knows, might get some Singaporean stuff as in the Dynex packs).

[rahzel]

Just wondering, what's the media code for Memorex and Fujifilm Dual Layer dvds, and what are the chances of getting "good" stuff in the Fujifilm spindles? I had Memorex Dual Layer, a pack of 25 as my first batch, and although they aren't the best, my burner seemed to like it, and as I got it for cheap off clearance tables at Futureshop, it seemed worth it to keep. Fujifilm Dual Layer is something I've never seen before. Right now they're $1.66 each at Futurehsop, about half the price of Verbatim dual layers. I ordered a batch just to see what media code I might get (who knows, might get some Singaporean stuff as in the Dynex packs).
Memorex should be all RITEKD01 and Fujifilm should be a mix of RITEKD01 and RICOHJPND00. so the chances of getting the one and only good DVD+RDL media (MKM), is nill.

[miss_swan]

properly bonded Taiyo Yuden (Sony MIJ) is very good media. imo, its the best media you can get for around $0.50/disc.

i know DD and buck have had very good results with Maxell Plus Series, but my experience with them has not been very good. i bought some from NCIX, and mine are pretty similar to consumer grade, as far as burn quality. i showed DD and buck my results, and with the help of DD, i was able to get some replacements sent to me. my replacements are a little better, scan wise, but the bonding on them are actually quite worse.

i dont know if maxell just had a bad batch, but i believe DD contacted Maxell about this, so hopefully it was just a bad batch and Maxell cleared this up.

i believe the current stock of Maxell Plus Series is a different batch than the ones i have, so if anyone has purchased some within the last month or so, some scans would be nice. :)

Okay, I can do this. Never posted scans before though.

Are you talking about the Qsuite or the CDspeed scans? Let me know what exactly you want. I'll look up the order dates of my Plus series.

Okay, this 50pk spindle I got during Xmas '05 when they first went on special.

[rahzel]

Okay, I can do this. Never posted scans before though.

Are you talking about the Qsuite or the CDspeed scans? Let me know what exactly you want. I'll look up the order dates of my Plus series.

Okay, this 50pk spindle I got during Xmas '05 when they first went on special.
CDSpeed scans.

i bought mine like 2 months ago, so ours may not be the same batch.

[miss_swan]

CDSpeed scans.

i bought mine like 2 months ago, so ours may not be the same batch.

uhhhh, where do the printscreen pics go to again? XP is the OS. I'm still looking ...

[rahzel]

uhhhh, where do the printscreen pics go to again? XP is the OS. I'm still looking ...
if you push the print screen key on your keyboard, i dont think it goes anywhere. i usually hit the print screen key, then paste the picture in MS paint.

but to save pics of scans with CDSpeed, you dont have to print screen; you can just click on the picture of the diskette on the top right corner.

[miss_swan]

if you push the print screen key on your keyboard, i dont think it goes anywhere. i usually hit the print screen key, then paste the picture in MS paint.

but to save pics of scans with CDSpeed, you dont have to print screen; you can just click on the picture of the diskette on the top right corner.

That's right. Print screen saves to buffer iirc. I'll get the pics up in a little bit. I'm at work right now so don't have access to home comp.

[miss_swan]

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/125/transfertest4mz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nero CD-DVD Speed: Disc Info
Basic Information
Disc type: : DVD-R
Book Type : DVD-R
Manufacturer: : Maxell
MID : MXL RG03
Write speeds: : 2.4 X - 4 X - 8 X
Blank Capacity : 4.38 GB
: 4489 MB
: 4707319808 bytes
Extended Information
Layers : 1
Usage : General
Copyright protection : n/a
Recorder information
Disc Status : Open
Raw Data
Pre-recorded Information in Lead-in (0Eh)
0000 - 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 86 0E 0D 88 9A 80 00 - .@....R.........
0010 - 03 4D 58 4C 20 52 47 00 04 30 33 00 00 00 00 00 - .MXL.RG..03.....
0020 - 05 88 80 00 00 00 02 00 E0 D4 05 00 18 EE 90 7C - ...............|
0030 - 78 FB 90 7C FF FF FF FF 71 FB 90 7C 18 6A DD 77 - x..|....q..|.j.w
0040 - 51 6A DD 77 00 00 15 00 02 00 00 80 30 00 00 00 - Qj.w........0...
0050 - 18 00 00 00 30 00 00 00 18 D5 05 00 40 00 01 00 - ....0.......@...
0060 - 0B 00 00 00 20 D4 05 00 4E 00 4E 00 98 D5 05 00 - ........N.N.....

Is this what you're looking for? I also noticed that I'm having trouble accessing the disc quality and scan disk tabs ... although I suppose you have to have a non-blank dvd to use those options?

What is that huge dip in the first third of the graph signify?

[[buck]]

Is this what you're looking for? I also noticed that I'm having trouble accessing the disc quality and scan disk tabs ... although I suppose you have to have a non-blank dvd to use those options?

Close... we were actually looking for a "disc quality" test. It should work on any disc with data already burned on it.

[miss_swan]

']Close... we were actually looking for a "disc quality" test. It should work on any disc with data already burned on it.

Okay, how's this? Good? Decent? Mediocre for Maxell Plus Series?

Same spindle, bought late December '05 from ncix

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/9346/benqdvddddw1640bspb23may200609.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[The Digital Dolphin]

It's not *BAD* by ANY means... but the PIF spikes bug me a bit. PIE could be a little lower too.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Looks like Verbatim 8x DVD+RDL will soon be available at NCIX:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18618

Listed at $28.25 per 5pk right now, but they'll probably put it on sale in a week or two I'd imagine.

[Sgt_Strider]

NCIX have Ritek 50 pack CD-R's for sale right now. Is it worth buying? I have a Benq 1640 and I do need CD's. I won't use it for archival purposes though.

[blitz]

Hey guys,

Are all MIJ Sony = Taiyo Yuden?
I only see DVD+Rs mention but does this also apply to DVD-R?

[Tsuioku]

Who still sells the 1640 ? From the Google reviews the 1650 has a slight performance edge on the 1640.

Just saw some 1640s at the Lansdowne Futureshop earlier this week... Don't know if you want to pay the FS premium though...

[callous]

The MIJ's + are TY, but MIJ - are sony's own creation.

[rahzel]

NCIX have Ritek 50 pack CD-R's for sale right now. Is it worth buying? I have a Benq 1640 and I do need CD's. I won't use it for archival purposes though.
well, they usually go on sale for 9.99. if you absolutely need them now, then go for it. Ritek CD-R's are still ok (unlike their DVD+/-R's). if you're just using them for temporary or mid-term use, they should be fine.

Hey guys,

Are all MIJ Sony = Taiyo Yuden?
I only see DVD+Rs mention but does this also apply to DVD-R?
i believe with -R's, you can either get TYG02 or SONY08D1. a sure way to spot Taiyo Yuden Sony DVD+/-R's, is by looking for the octagonal spacer. this applies to the 50 cakeboxes though - i don't think the 25 cakeboxes have a spacer, and i dunno about the 100 cakeboxes.

all MIJ +R's are Taiyo Yuden.

[Jon Lai]

So what happened to the supposedly "deals" on Maxell BQ disks from NCIX?

[The Digital Dolphin]

So what happened to the supposedly "deals" on Maxell BQ disks from NCIX?

Expect them in the next sale. And pester [buck] to remind me on tuesday evening next week to pester NCIX to make sure it happens ;)

[[buck]]

And pester [buck] to remind me on tuesday evening next week to pester NCIX to make sure it happens ;)

I'll see what I can do :lol: :lol:

[Jon Lai]

It'd be great to see them on surprise special for, oh, $0.99? :lol: :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

It'd be great to see them on surprise special for, oh, $0.99? :lol: :cheesygri

Hrm... I'll see what I can do ;)

[NG]

Just in Superstore and saw they're selling 5 pks of DVDs in DVD cases mixed in with the VHS.

I was really surprised to see that the DVD+R's were made in China (with the -R's in Malaysia).

Wonder if it's as bad as almost every other (or every other) MIC blank media...

[Gromit]

Hi, I'm going to buy a new drive this afternoon. I'm tired of my old Liteon, it's several years old and I've been forced to buy TYG02's just to get decent burn quality.

Reading, seems like the Benq 1650 and 1655 are the drive of choice for burn quality. I've read conflicting info, is the 1655 the same drive+lightscribe or not?

I've got a batch of TYG03 from my last order, I know they're suspect quality, but will the Benq burn them ok if I do it at low speeds? I've been burning at 4X for years, so speed isn't a concern for me.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi, I'm going to buy a new drive this afternoon. I'm tired of my old Liteon, it's several years old and I've been forced to buy TYG02's just to get decent burn quality.

Reading, seems like the Benq 1650 and 1655 are the drive of choice for burn quality. I've read conflicting info, is the 1655 the same drive+lightscribe or not?

I've got a batch of TYG03 from my last order, I know they're suspect quality, but will the Benq burn them ok if I do it at low speeds? I've been burning at 4X for years, so speed isn't a concern for me.

The DW1655 is just a DW1650 + Lightscribe, but that doesn't mean the firmwares written for them will be the same all the time. There is a good chance the DW1650 will be discontinued sooner then the DW1655, but that's just a guess still.

With the DW1650/DW1655 you'll probably want to enable SolidBurn on TYG03 media, and then run a couple discs through it first. I don't recommend burning 16x media slower then 8x though.

[Gromit]

Thanks for the quick reply. Hmm, so $10 more for a possibly extra future-proofing? I'm a cheap bastard...

So you can burn media too slow? Didn't think that was possible.

[rahzel]

the DW1650 and DW1655 firmwares are interchangeable, through third party flashing utilites, so if lightscribe is useless to you, then just get the DW1650.

simply download the DW1655 firmware of your choice, and use a tool called BQFlasher (http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=149980) to flash.

remember, you MUST use BQFlasher if you're using the DW1655's firmware with your DW1650 and vice versa.

[NG]

Just in Superstore and saw they're selling 5 pks of DVDs in DVD cases mixed in with the VHS.

I was really surprised to see that the DVD+R's were made in China (with the -R's in Malaysia).

Wonder if it's as bad as almost every other (or every other) MIC blank media...

Opps...Forgot to add I'm referring to the TDK brand name. If it wasn't one of the big boys I wouldn't have thought twice about MIC stuff.

Either way the price ($6 for 5) it doesn't matter since I'm not paying that price for media unless the BQ stuff goes on sale for that price :lol:

[[buck]]

Opps...Forgot to add I'm referring to the TDK brand name. If it wasn't one of the big boys I wouldn't have thought twice about MIC stuff.

Either way the price ($6 for 5) it doesn't matter since I'm not paying that price for media unless the BQ stuff goes on sale for that price :lol:

They're almost certainly CMC media from one of their Chinese plants... not too sure about quality, but probably in a different league than the usual fake mid chinese manufacturers.

[NG]

']They're almost certainly CMC media from one of their Chinese plants... not too sure about quality, but probably in a different league than the usual fake mid chinese manufacturers.

Man you guys are good! CMC has a Chinese factory? News to me!

And I here I thought I was actually "reporting" that TDK had stopped to using that uber crappy MIC media :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Man you guys are good! CMC has a Chinese factory? News to me!

And I here I thought I was actually "reporting" that TDK had stopped to using that uber crappy MIC media :lol:

Well, they MAY have.... It's worth looking at in my opinion. But As [buck] says, it's more likely they're using CMC and maybe Daxon (for the Malaysian media).

[Tmayhem]

Anyone has a clue about how good "Duplicator Grade" is? I'm looking at CD-R and that's what they are rated. Good or bad?

[[buck]]

Anyone has a clue about how good "Duplicator Grade" is? I'm looking at CD-R and that's what they are rated. Good or bad?

Sounds like marketing bull***** to me. There isn't really a "duplicator grade". Do you have a link?

[Sgt_Strider]

Does Maxell have archive grade CD's? What are the best archive grade CD's that money can buy? I got some stuff to backup.

[[buck]]

Does Maxell have archive grade CD's? What are the best archive grade CD's that money can buy? I got some stuff to backup.

Good question. The best readily available CD-R would either be Maxell CD-R Pro (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=453970&affixedcode=WW) or MAM-A/Mitsui Gold CD-R.

Maxell CD-R Pro is a Taiyo Yuden CD-R with a protective coat on top that is supposed to be scratch resistant and somehow protect the disc in the long term. MAM-A Gold CD-Rs have a gold reflective layer, which is supposed to stabilize the dye over the long term. They're both great.

http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=780
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=889
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=870

[Sgt_Strider]

']Good question. The best readily available CD-R would either be Maxell CD-R Pro (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=453970&affixedcode=WW) or MAM-A/Mitsui Gold CD-R.

Maxell CD-R Pro is a Taiyo Yuden CD-R with a protective coat on top that is supposed to be scratch resistant and somehow protect the disc in the long term. MAM-A Gold CD-Rs have a gold reflective layer, which is supposed to stabilize the dye over the long term. They're both great.

http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=780
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=889
http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=870

Holy ****, each disc cost more than $10! Are there any cheaper alternatives?

[[buck]]

Holy ****, each disc cost more than $10! Are there any cheaper alternatives?

Erm... Maxell CD-R Pro's are ~$13/10, and MAM-A Gold CD-Rs are ~$14/10. :confused:

[Tmayhem]

']Sounds like marketing bull***** to me. There isn't really a "duplicator grade". Do you have a link?

http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?CategoryID=25&ArticleID=8235

You can find Alera products in many online canadian shops.

[rahzel]

Does Maxell have archive grade CD's? What are the best archive grade CD's that money can buy? I got some stuff to backup.
the 2 [buck] suggested are the best CD-R's you can buy, but if you want to cheap out, regular Taiyo Yuden CD-R's should still last a very long time, and are less than $0.50/disc. of course they won't last quite as long, but its up to you to decide whether theyre worth it or not.

[[buck]]

http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?CategoryID=25&ArticleID=8235

You can find Alera products in many online canadian shops.

Never heard of Alera, but they appear to make/sell DVD duplicators. I'm 99% certain they don't actually manufacture their own media, so this "duplicator grade" stuff they're selling has to be rebranded something or other.

It could very easily be crap.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Sounds like marketing bull***** to me. There isn't really a "duplicator grade". Do you have a link?

Actually, that isn't true.... but the only company I know who ever made good on the whole "Duplicator Grade" thing was Optodisc, and I think they may have stopped doing it.

Basically, the discs are made with the intent to better handle the power fluctuations caused by the laser going on and off constantly like in duplicator towers when recording on the fly. Really, the only reason people run INTO that problem is because they buy only the cheap crappy duplicator towers on the market, or try to build their own.

Generally speaking though, duplicator grade refers to discs not being archival grade, and is akin to consumer grade, which is another way of saying the discs that are somewhere between useless and low grade.

HOWEVER, Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs are also sometimes called duplicator grade, but that is because they are HIGHLY favoured discs for use in duplicator towers.

[callous]

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=1728

Bye bye Benq. Get your drives while it's still available!

[[buck]]

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=1728

Bye bye Benq. Get your drives while it's still available!

Yeah, old news. ;)

Don't completely worry though, as far as I understand BenQ will be quite independant from LiteON. There will still be different LiteON and BenQ drives for awhile.

[callous]

No, I meant this:

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2737

!!!!

[[buck]]

No, I meant this:

http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=2737

!!!!

I think the first LiteON Blu-ray drives will be BenQ designs, so they shouldn't suck. LiteON will focus on HDDVD IIRC.

edit Along with this announcement Lite-On also announced that BenQ will abandon manufacturing in favor of Lite-On.

Is that what you're referring to? We don't know when BenQ will stop making their own drives...

[The Digital Dolphin]

']
Is that what you're referring to? We don't know when BenQ will stop making their own drives...

Besides, that doesn't actually mean that BenQ will stop DESIGNING the drives, or that the Nexperia chipset will cease to be used. All it means is that LiteON will do the physical manufacturing. I've had this confirmed from within LiteON itself by the way ;)

Although ALSO confirmed is that LiteON believes BenQ will give in and start using Mediatek chipsets in the future... but they haven't gotten to that point yet (since that would be the first step to BenQ drives just disappearing).

[[buck]]

I ordered Maxell Plus Series Thermal White 8X DVD-Rs + BenQ DW1650 on the weekend. I know *someone* wants me to post scans, so here they are. :)

Disc 1: Burned on BenQ DW1640/BSPB firmware/Solidburn off/WOPC on at 8X. Scanned on DW1640 + DW1650 at 8X CAV.
http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/8896/maxellplusseriesmxlrg03scangra.png
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/8896/maxellplusseriesmxlrg03scangra.png

Disc 2: Burned on BenQ DW1650/BCHC firmware/Solidburn off/WOPC on at 8X. Scanned on DW1640 + DW1650 at 8X CAV.
http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/6836/maxellplusseriesmxlrg03scangra1.png
http://img453.imageshack.us/img453/756/maxellplusseriesmxlrg03scangra2.png

The results are interesting. While the DW1640 nearly butchered it, the DW1650 did a respectable job, which is odd, because rahzel has said his DW1650 is better than his DW1640 for his Plus Series. What's is perhaps even more interesting is how the two drives interpret the discs so differently. It's kind of ironic that for the first disc, the DW1650 showed a better scan than the DW1640, and for the second disc the DW1640 showed a better scan than the DW1650. They seem to like media burned be the other drive more than their own :lol:

I tested the bonding on the first disc and while it wasn't very good, it was better than consumer grade for sure.

I must say I'm a litte dissapointed. For $0.60, I was really hoping for very good scanning discs, with good bonding. PIF & PIE could be a bit better. Instead, what I got is just a bit better than consumer grade. I really feel like Maxell's quality control has slipped quite a bit in the last 2 years for nearly all their product lines. Maxell is very capable of making exceptional media and their 4X DVD-R took first place an accelerated aging test I saw the other day.

Given this result, I would have a hard time recommending Plus Series mainly because of the price. While the result is far from bad, alternatives can be had for nearly half the cost. Hopefully newer batches will be better.

[ShadowVlican]

?are dual layer dvds out yet
:!: :?:

of course... i bought some verbatim (thanks to buck and DD) to burn a movie a while back :)

[rahzel]

']The results are interesting. While the DW1640 nearly butchered it, the DW1650 did a respectable job, which is odd, because rahzel has said his DW1650 is better than his DW1640 for his Plus Series. What's is perhaps even more interesting is how the two drives interpret the discs so differently. It's kind of ironic that for the first disc, the DW1650 showed a better scan than the DW1640, and for the second disc the DW1640 showed a better scan than the DW1650. They seem to like media burned be the other drive more than their own :lol:
yeah, my DW1640 is slightly better than my DW1650, although, i am using BSLB with my DW1640 and BCDC with my DW1650. my results are almost the complete opposite of yours... my DW1650 burns have higher PIE's and PIF's (yours show higher PIE's with the DW1640 burns). my DW1650 burns have higher PIE's, but when i scan with my DW1650, the PIE's are MUCH lower (and PIF's slightly lower) which shows how both drives scan differently.

']I must say I'm a litte dissapointed. For $0.60, I was really hoping for very good scanning discs, with good bonding. PIF & PIE could be a bit better. Instead, what I got is just a bit better than consumer grade. I really feel like Maxell's quality control has slipped quite a bit in the last 2 years for nearly all their product lines. Maxell is very capable of making exceptional media and their 4X DVD-R took first place an accelerated aging test I saw the other day.

Given this result, I would have a hard time recommending Plus Series mainly because of the price. While the result is far from bad, alternatives can be had for nearly half the cost. Hopefully newer batches will be better.
i'd haveta agree with you... when i bought mine a few months ago, i felt the exact same way.

[[buck]]

?are dual layer dvds out yet

They've been out for what, 18 months or 2 years?

http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=818

Order those and you'll have no troubles. You won't find a better price anywhere, either (if you prefer, you can pricematch them at NCIX).

[digdoug]

would Digital Dolphin or the other 'pros' care to comment on how good the Sony MIT SONY-D11-00's are? (25 packs were only sale @ Compusmart for $4.88)
are they at least better than Fujifilm MIT RITEK-R03-02's? or is the 100 pack CMC Phillips on sale for $25 @ FS better?

[The Digital Dolphin]

would Digital Dolphin or the other 'pros' care to comment on how good the Sony MIT SONY-D11-00's are? (25 packs were only sale @ Compusmart for $4.88)
are they at least better than Fujifilm MIT RITEK-R03-02's? or is the 100 pack CMC Phillips on sale for $25 @ FS better?

SONYD11 seems to be pretty good.... at this point I'd recommend avoiding Sony DVD-R media though.

[teknoluv]

at this point I'd recommend avoiding Sony DVD-R media though.
Sorry if I've missed anything, but care to elaborate a bit here? Sony DVD-R Made In Taiwan or even incl. those Made In Japan?

[[buck]]

Sorry if I've missed anything, but care to elaborate a bit here? Sony DVD-R Made In Taiwan or even incl. those Made In Japan?He means Sony DVD-R with SONY media code, which could be MIT or MIJ. TY is excluded.

Personally, I would recommend avoiding Sony DVD+R long term use, too. There is some data suggesting it may be having lifespan problems too.

[[buck]]

Personally, I would recommend avoiding Sony DVD+R long term use, too. There is some data suggesting it may be having lifespan problems too.

i hope that excludes the TY +R's :confused: (yuden002)[/QUOTE]Of course ;)

[[buck]]

i hope that excludes the TY +R's :confused: (yuden002)Of course ;)

[Y2Jared19]

Im in a bit of a pickle here.

My dad, who doesnt get bitsetting, or understand anything really with all that, prefers -R media. Now he doesnt need anything too long term, but is there anythign you would recommend as a consumer line if somethign went on sale at Best Buy or Futureshop, besides the fake media brands liek DataSafe, Hyundai and that sorta thing? The 25.00 deal for a 100 Philips CMC -R doesnt seem too bad, but im wondering if you guys got any recommendations for that sorta thing.

I would get value Line TY at the very least, but again, shipping kills the deal. Looking for something around 30-35 cents each and a 100 pack.

EDIT- I should mention he has an updated Pioneer 108 burner

[[buck]]

Im in a bit of a pickle here.

My dad, who doesnt get bitsetting, or understand anything really with all that, prefers -R media. Now he doesnt need anything too long term, but is there anythign you would recommend as a consumer line if somethign went on sale at Best Buy or Futureshop, besides the fake media brands liek DataSafe, Hyundai and that sorta thing? The 25.00 deal for a 100 Philips CMC -R doesnt seem too bad, but im wondering if you guys got any recommendations for that sorta thing.

I would get value Line TY at the very least, but again, shipping kills the deal. Looking for something around 30-35 cents each and a 100 pack.

EDIT- I should mention he has an updated Pioneer 108 burner
Will this do? (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=583028&affixedcode=WW)

[Tmayhem]

']Will this do? (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=583028&affixedcode=WW)

What if you get MIT spindles?

[[buck]]

What if you get MIT spindles?
North American Verbatim is all MIT. They're Mitsubishi Chemical (MCC) coded discs made in CMC Magnetics or Prodisc factories. I recommend, if possible, you get the CMC made stock, though, which can be distiguished by it's times new roman/serif style font on the LOCK/OPEN part of the spindle, as opposed to a standard bold arial font found on Prodisc made stock.

[Y2Jared19]

didnt know the sale was still on. I think Ill pickup a spindle, most spindles i see are now CMC. Maybe they realized a mistake with prodisc so they are ordering less from them?

[digdoug]

SONYD11 seems to be pretty good.... at this point I'd recommend avoiding Sony DVD-R media though.

thanks, guess I'll keep all my Compusmart (25-pack for $4.88) purchase then.

[Ghetto_Child]

I've got some really really old CD-RWs. They're PNY Technologies labelled and labelled as 4X 80min 700MB Re-Writable. I bought them in a 25pk spindle back in 2001. The wierd thing is even though the package and the discs themselves are all labelled as 80min 700MB 4X CD-RW, whenever I tried to write with them they always came up as 650MB discs. I tested the overburn capacity just to see if maybe the there were 50MB leftover undetected as the reason for their "700MB" labelled capacity. Overburn only found these discs to be 685MB total (35MB extra). Back in the day I tried contacting PNY for support about it I mean, it appears to be a serious error of false advertising but I never got a response and would appreciated it if they had just told me what went wrong or if it indeed was an error on their part. Wasn't going to sue them or anything over incorrect labelled capacity :lol: . So your opinion on why this capacity mismatch? Did I damage the discs, was it 650MB and they just put the wrong size on the labels, was it a bad batch? All 25 discs seem to have the same 650MB size and 80min 700MB labels.

I'm using a Plextor PX-716A; my Plextools Pro V2.32a says "unknown brand, 74:52:31 - 4X NS CD-RW" and my Nero CD-DVD Speed gives me the following info.

Nero CD-DVD Speed: Disc Info
Basic Information
Disc type: : CD-RW
Manufacturer: : unknown
MID : 97m27s00f
Write speeds: : 4 X
Capacity: : 74:52.31
: 658 MB
Extended Information
Usage : Audio
Disc Status : Open
Raw Data
ATIP
0000 - D1 40 C6 00 61 1B 00 00 4A 34 1F 00 02 4C B0 00 - .@..a...J4...L..
0010 - 5A C8 06 00 00 00 00 00 - Z.......

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've seen a LOT of CD-RWs advertised as 74min or 80min and they ended up being the opposite. I'm not sure why this seems to be a problem, but I've seen it happen again and again with different brands and different manufacturers. Kind of annoying!

[DC5R]

I just swung by my local BB and picked up a couple of +R 100 spindles with "Made in Japan" stickers on top of the "Made in Taiwan" packaging label. Are these actually MIJ or a gimmick to sell these disks? BTW, these DVD's are 8x not the current 16x.

DD, [buck] are these good disks or should I go back and return them?

[[buck]]

I just swung by my local BB and picked up a couple of +R 100 spindles with "Made in Japan" stickers on top of the "Made in Taiwan" packaging label. Are these actually MIJ or a gimmick to sell these disks? BTW, these DVD's are 8x not the current 16x.

DD, [buck] are these good disks or should I go back and return them?
Nah, they're MIJ. Maxell sometimes has problems when it comes to putting MIT stickers ON TOP of MIJ labels, but not the other way around I think.

As to whether they are good... it depends. What are you going to use them for? This media is highly compatible and the chance of any sort of playback problem is quite slim, but consumer grade Maxell is not the best for long term use.

[DC5R]

']What are you going to use them for?

I'll be using them to back up movies. I just don't want to see some of these back ups go to hell in a few of months. For example, my GF's brother backed up a couple of movies for us. The back up was flawless. However, a few months later, pixelation and/or freezing suddenly appears and the disc becomes usless.

']... consumer grade Maxell is not the best for long term use.

What is your definition of long-term? I think if the back-up lasts me 5 years, I'd be pretty happy.

Thanks for the help!! :)

[[buck]]

I'll be using them to back up movies. I just don't want to see some of these back ups go to hell in a few of months. For example, my GF's brother backed up a couple of movies for us. The back up was flawless. However, a few months later, pixelation and/or freezing suddenly appears and the disc becomes usless.

What is your definition of long-term? I think if the back-up lasts me 5 years, I'd be pretty happy.

Thanks for the help!! :)
Heh, I bet those DVDs that started pixelating after a few months were Ritek :lol:

My defintion of long-term is 5 or so more years. I asked Dolph and he agreed that consumer MIJ Maxell should be good for 5 years... possibly more, although it isn't guaranteed.

It's too bad you missed The Source's sale on Verbatims for $8/25pk. They would have been a better choice :|

[Spike]

Anyone buy any of those Maxell DVD+RW discs (RITEK004) that were on sale a few months ago? They burned great at first (Quality ~90-95), but I'm getting consistently lousy burns on my 1620 (Quality ~7-50). :mad:

[DC5R]

']Heh, I bet those DVDs that started pixelating after a few months were Ritek :lol:
I'd love to be able to tell you, but I've tossed all those discs out.

']It's too bad you missed The Source's sale on Verbatims for $8/25pk. They would have been a better choice :|
Thing is, I never really paid attention to DVD media sales because major brand name media (eg Maxell, Sony, TDK) were readily available at low prices (eg the TDK BOGO at Costco). However, after reading through all 3000+ posts of this thread and discovering that even brand name media can be crap, I regret not having taken advantage of the Verbatim sale.

BTW, someone mentioned that the +R Maxell media I picked up have the CMC MAG.M01 MID. Wouldn't this mean they ARE made in Taiwan rather than in Japan? Again, should these discs go back to BB?

[[buck]]

Thing is, I never really paid attention to DVD media sales because major brand name media (eg Maxell, Sony, TDK) were readily available at low prices (eg the TDK BOGO at Costco). However, after reading through all 3000+ posts of this thread and discovering that even brand name media can be crap, I regret not having taken advantage of the Verbatim sale.
If you'd still like Verbatims, they're on sale at Staples at the moment, but for $0.40.
http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=582121&affixedcode=WW
http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=589723&affixedcode=WW

If you do decide to go with those, you're going to want to make sure you get the CMC made discs, as opposed to Prodisc made discs. The easiest way to identify CMC made Verbatim is to look at LOCK/OPEN on the top of the spindle. On CMC spindles, LOCK/OPEN is in a times new roman type font, while on Prodisc spindles, LOCK/OPEN is in a bold arial style font. See pics below.

http://img431.imageshack.us/img431/8670/cmc4cq.jpg
http://img431.imageshack.us/img431/8921/prodisc0ou.jpg

BTW, someone mentioned that the +R Maxell media I picked up have the CMC MAG.M01 MID. Wouldn't this mean they ARE made in Taiwan rather than in Japan? Again, should these discs go back to BB?
Are you discs made in Japan? If yes, they're MAXELL002.

[DC5R]

']If you'd still like Verbatims, they're on sale at Staples at the moment, but for $0.40.
Thanks [buck], I'll check them out!!

']Are you discs made in Japan? If yes, they're MAXELL002.
Well, that's the funny thing. The original packaging label says MIT but a sticker has been placed over the MIT label stating its MIJ. What do you think, MIT or MIJ?

[[buck]]

Thanks [buck], I'll check them out!!


Well, that's the funny thing. The original packaging label says MIT but a sticker has been placed over the MIT label stating its MIJ. What do you think, MIT or MIJ?
MIJ.

[Mike71]

DD what media would you recommend for Xbox 360 back-ups? I was thinking some of the verbatim +R DL that are available from www.blankmedia.ca Would you recommend these or would you go with something else? Thanks for any advice.

[DC5R]

DD what media would you recommend for Xbox 360 back-ups? I was thinking some of the verbatim +R DL that are available from www.blankmedia.ca Would you recommend these or would you go with something else? Thanks for any advice.
I think both DD and [buck] have stated earlier in this thread that the DL media out there is pretty much crap all around. I could be wrong as there were a lot of posts to try and remember :D

On another note, of the two listed DVD's below, which would you DVD gurus recommend for movie back-ups:

Maxell MIJ 8x with MAXELL02 MID (bonding issue?) or
Imation MIT 4x with RICOHJPN01 MID

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD what media would you recommend for Xbox 360 back-ups? I was thinking some of the verbatim +R DL that are available from www.blankmedia.ca Would you recommend these or would you go with something else? Thanks for any advice.

If you're going DVD+RDL, then the only real choice is Verbatim DVD+RDL.

Currently, the rating of DVD+RDL quality looks like this:

Verbatim DVD+RDL
*empty space*
*empty space*
*empty space*
*empty space*
CMC / Ricoh DVD+RDL
Fake Ricoh DVD+RDL
dog poop
Ritek DVD+RDL
Prodisc DVD+RDL

;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I think both DD and [buck] have stated earlier in this thread that the DL media out there is pretty much crap all around. I could be wrong as there were a lot of posts to try and remember :D

On another note, of the two listed DVD's below, which would you DVD gurus recommend for movie back-ups:

Maxell MIJ 8x with MAXELL02 MID (bonding issue?) or
Imation MIT 4x with RICOHJPN01 MID

Well, if you can avoid bonding problems, the Maxell is by far the better way to go.

[Alexo]

Currently, the rating of DVD+RDL quality looks like this:

Verbatim DVD+RDL
*empty space*
*empty space*
*empty space*
*empty space*
CMC / Ricoh DVD+RDL
Fake Ricoh DVD+RDL
dog poop
Ritek DVD+RDL
Prodisc DVD+RDLUm, could you post a scan of the third one from the bottom?

[rahzel]

Well, if you can avoid bonding problems, the Maxell is by far the better way to go.
by far DD?

i've had good results with ricohjpn DVD+R's. the initial burn quality is good, but i can't comment on the longevity as i only have some that are ~2 years old. even after 2 years, they still scan and read fairly well.

[rahzel]

I think both DD and [buck] have stated earlier in this thread that the DL media out there is pretty much crap all around. I could be wrong as there were a lot of posts to try and remember :D
i don't think either of them said this. there is one and only one good DVD+RDL media, and that is Verbatim.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Um, could you post a scan of the third one from the bottom?

Well, as long as you aren't asking me to put a Ritek DVD+RDL in my drive ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

by far DD?

i've had good results with ricohjpn DVD+R's. the initial burn quality is good, but i can't comment on the longevity as i only have some that are ~2 years old. even after 2 years, they still scan and read fairly well.

I've been looking over Maxell's life span in accelerated and real time ageing tests (including my own results), and it's currently my opinion that Maxell's DVD dye is superior to anything else on the market. I've actually seen occasions where burn quality IMPROVED with time... although I can't actually explain that with my current knowledge of DVD workings. *(I don't expect this sort of behavoir to be normal either).

Ricoh's media is quite good too.... but the whole Ritek manufacturing thing can really skew the performance from time to time. Most of my RICOHJPNR01 is lasting very well... but some of them are not fairing quite so well. So between the two, if you can rule out the bonding problem on the Maxell, then I'd deffinately suggest the Maxell.

[[buck]]

Ricoh's media is quite good too.... but the whole Ritek manufacturing thing can really skew the performance from time to time. Most of my RICOHJPNR01 is lasting very well... but some of them are not fairing quite so well. So between the two, if you can rule out the bonding problem on the Maxell, then I'd deffinately suggest the Maxell.
To be honest, I think the chances of being able to rule out bonding problems are quite *slim*. I'd probably go for the RICOHJPNR01.

[The Digital Dolphin]

i don't think either of them said this. there is one and only one good DVD+RDL media, and that is Verbatim.

I believe [buck] has stated that he doesn't believe even Verbatim DVD+RDL is as good as it SHOULD be. He's not overly happy with the layer break spikes that sometimes occur, and also the high jitter and higher then single layer PIF levels on DVD+RDL media. Over all though *I* am relatively happy with Verbatim DVD+RDL (which I can't say about any other brand of DVD+RDL)... but [buck] is also pickier then I am in some ways ;)

[[buck]]

can you share some of your findings on the bonding problems w/the MIJ maxells?
what sort of longevity testing & ageing/experiments have you done on the maxells to back your above statement?....& i'm not just talking about using your finger-nails or a screwdriver to pry apart the discs.....
Good question ;)

Unfortunately, there isn't really any hard data on how bonding affects long term stability, simply because this problem has only been widely acknowledged for quite a short period of time. Your average poorly bonded disc likely will not be affected by it for AT LEAST a few years.

One can, however extrapolate that an inadequately glued disc, will in the long term, oxidize more easily than a properly glued one, simply because air can and will seep into the dye layer.

It's worth noting though that poorly bonded media IS less physically durable, and it's not uncommon to hear reports of it splitting from being dropped or similar abuse.

That's all I have for now :)

[RFD Junkie]

Dolphin,

I was hoping that this is in the right section.

I haven't viewed any movies on my computer for a while and I tried viewing one and the colour is way off. I ran some AVI files and they are affected too.

It seems that there is no red being produced. Can you tell me what controls AVI/DVD playback colour?

I must have messed with something but the big question is what?

[The Digital Dolphin]

....only time will REALLY tell....
btw- DD, any stories or reasons why verbatim is 'in BED' w/FS over carrying their blank media spindles?.....i never thought verbatim would have 'caved in' to FS/BB........

Heh, believe me I'm trying to find out ;)

Verbatim managed to single handidly piss off every major distribution centre of their media with FS'd latest sale. It went a little something like this:

Verbatim:
Hey distributors, here's a really good price on Verbatim 16x 100pks. You can sell them to resellers and they can sell them for $37-$40.

Distributor: Wow... we can finally compete with Staples and The Source at Circuit City, let's cut our margins and make it a REALLY good sale and move a lot of media. (*orders lot's of spindles)

*note, it takes about 1 week shipping from Verbatim's eastern Canada warehouse to Western Canada, and then up to 1 week shipping from Western distributors to their resellers across Canada. Within 2 weeks time, all resellers should have received their shipments of media

*exactly 2 weeks after Verbatim launched the promo with their distribution centres...
Verbatim:
Here you go Futureshop, now you can sell our 100pk 16x DVD spindles for $30 retail... good luck

Distributors:
WTF?!?!? Now all our resellers are going to be pissed off at *US* !!!!

Verbatim:
It's retail versus distribution.. it's a completely different market

Distributor:
WTF?!?! You can't seriously believe that!!

Verbatim:
Futureshop orders more then you do

Distributor:
So does that mean they're the ONLY customer you want to push your product?? How are we supposed to sell the same spindles for $37-$40 now?!?!

Verbatim:
Futureshop is only going to sell them for a week

Distributor:
But now the market is ruined at that price... no one will want to spend ~$10 more for something that sold for $30 only 1 or 2 weeks ago! You've completely screwed us over!

Verbatim:
Tough.

---------------------------------------------------------------

That's paraphrased, but that's pretty much how it went.

[callous]

Does BB/FS or distributors have the clout to demand only the Verbatim spindles with Times New Roman font and not the other stuff

[[buck]]

Does BB/FS or distributors have the clout to demand only the Verbatim spindles with Times New Roman font and not the other stuff
Don't think so, and I also don't think Verbatim would would to admit there's a difference!

[NG]

Verbatim:
Hey distributors, here's a really good price on Verbatim 16x 100pks. You can sell them to resellers and they can sell them for $37-$40.

Distributor: Wow... we can finally compete with Staples and The Source at Circuit City, let's cut our margins and make it a REALLY good sale and move a lot of media. (*orders lot's of spindles)

Verbatim:
Here you go Futureshop, now you can sell our 100pk 16x DVD spindles for $30 retail... good luck

Distributors:
WTF?!?!? Now all our resellers are going to be pissed off at *US* !!!!

Distributor:
But now the market is ruined at that price... no one will want to spend ~$10 more for something that sold for $30 only 1 or 2 weeks ago! You've completely screwed us over!


Hmm...if I was the distributor I'd offer to refund any difference they made on the spindles to the resellers if they agreed to sell the product at cost to keep the Verbatim price point low in the consumers mind then just delete any contacts with Verbatim from my address book and just deal with Maxell/JVC/TDK et al.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hmm...if I was the distributor I'd offer to refund any difference they made on the spindles to the resellers if they agreed to sell the product at cost to keep the Verbatim price point low in the consumers mind then just delete any contacts with Verbatim from my address book and just deal with Maxell/JVC/TDK et al.

Maxell is not any better, except that they have a LOT more products that aren't offered to Futureshop and other box stores. TDK *ONLY* deals with Costco, and JVC isn't a real option... they aren't setup to be a proper brand in North America really.

And even if every spindle was sold at the cost Verbatim sold them to distributors, it'd still be more expensive then buying the spindles from Futureshop.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Does BB/FS or distributors have the clout to demand only the Verbatim spindles with Times New Roman font and not the other stuff

Not worded like THAT no...

But in sufficient quantities, and with the proper contacts, I believe an arrangement COULD be made (maybe with a slightly higher cost, if CMC is charging more then Prodisc right now, and I think they are).

For instance, I have the contacts to make that sort of thing happen. But I don't know ANYONE willing to trust Verbatim enough to make the sort of quantities happen for it to work.

[bodobodo]

A lot has been mentioned about the bonding problems with the mainstream 8x MIJ Maxell media that could be found (rarer now) at FS and BB. Since this media has been on the market for a while has the situation improved in more recent batches like the ones that seemed to reappear just before last Christmas or does it affect all of them equally? I noticed in some older batches of those discs that you could look at the hub and see blotches or gaps indicating areas of uneven gluing but those don't seem to be a present in the newer batches.

[[buck]]

A lot has been mentioned about the bonding problems with the mainstream 8x MIJ Maxell media that could be found (rarer now) at FS and BB. Since this media has been on the market for a while has the situation improved in more recent batches like the ones that seemed to reappear just before last Christmas or does it affect all of them equally? I noticed in some older batches of those discs that you could look at the hub and see blotches or gaps indicating areas of uneven gluing but those don't seem to be a present in the newer batches.
I personally haven't seen any evidence that it's improving, but it's possible. You might, though, be happy to know that my 1+ year old Maxell is doing very, very well.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hrm... looks like Verbatim is taking some heat over the Futureshop deal, and they are becoming a little more reasonable. We'll have to wait and see what this means in the long run though.

[rahzel]

']I personally haven't seen any evidence that it's improving, but it's possible. You might, though, be happy to know that my 1+ year old Maxell is doing very, very well.
my 1+ year old consumer MIJ is also doing just fine. transfer rate test and disc quality test are similar to when i first burned them, although the jitter is a little high, but still acceptable.

[Jon Lai]

Hrm... looks like Verbatim is taking some heat over the Futureshop deal, and they are becoming a little more reasonable. We'll have to wait and see what this means in the long run though.

Interesting.. mind telling us more DD? ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Interesting.. mind telling us more DD? ;)

I don't know much more just yet... but I'll share what I can when I can ;)

What I *CAN* say, is that Futureshop will NOT have a strangle hold on the Verbatim DVD+RDL market, and stocking up on 20pks on their sale is neither needed, nor recommended ;)

I would also say that we've probably seen the last of $30/100pks of Verbatim media for a while. But I'm not 100% sure on that one yet.

[Jon Lai]

I don't know much more just yet... but I'll share what I can when I can ;)

What I *CAN* say, is that Futureshop will NOT have a strangle hold on the Verbatim DVD+RDL market, and stocking up on 20pks on their sale is neither needed, nor recommended ;)

I would also say that we've probably seen the last of $30/100pks of Verbatim media for a while. But I'm not 100% sure on that one yet.


So bascially:
1) Other stores will HAVE THE POTENTIAL (from Verbatim) to sell at $1.70/DL as well, in the near future
2) DVD+/-R media prices are going up?

[The Digital Dolphin]

So bascially:
1) Other stores will HAVE THE POTENTIAL (from Verbatim) to sell at $1.70/DL as well, in the near future
2) DVD+/-R media prices are going up?

Hrm... more like:

1) Other stores *WILL* sell Verbatmi DVD+RDL at $1.75 ($35/20 is $1.75 not $1.70) per disc.

and

2) Verbatim will not be offering insane sale promo's, with no regard for their distribution channels. This is more complicated to explain, because you really need to have an understanding of how the system works, and I suspect 99.99999% of people don't know anything about it (or more likely, have mistaken notions). I don't think I can put it simply... however, if you have decided that $30/100pk for Verbatim 16x is a reasonable and normal price (based on a single 1 week sale), then yes, you might see a "price increase" from that perspective.

[Jon Lai]

Hrm... more like:

1) Other stores *WILL* sell Verbatmi DVD+RDL at $1.75 ($35/20 is $1.75 not $1.70) per disc.

and

2) Verbatim will not be offering insane sale promo's, with no regard for their distribution channels. This is more complicated to explain, because you really need to have an understanding of how the system works, and I suspect 99.99999% of people don't know anything about it (or more likely, have mistaken notions). I don't think I can put it simply... however, if you have decided that $30/100pk for Verbatim 16x is a reasonable and normal price (based on a single 1 week sale), then yes, you might see a "price increase" from that perspective.


That's nice to know. I'm more interested in the fact that Verbatim is actually decreasing the price of their DLs. So does that imply production rates have gone up and the new prices are a result of mass production? About the packaging - will other stores be getting 20-pack spindles as well?

[The Digital Dolphin]

.....might be a *good idea* today (being thurs. -last day FS $30/100 Verbs.), to drop by FS to stock-up on a few extra verbatim 100 spindles, RIGHT?? :)

Yeah, that's a good idea ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

That's nice to know. I'm more interested in the fact that Verbatim is actually decreasing the price of their DLs. So does that imply production rates have gone up and the new prices are a result of mass production? About the packaging - will other stores be getting 20-pack spindles as well?

Yup, Verbatim increased their production of DVD+RDL media, so the decreased prices are a result of that :cheesygri Unfortunately, outsourcing is the next step, and talks are already underway with a couple of manufactures, to see who can begin manufacturing Verbatim's DVD+RDL media for them. I'll be keeping an eye on that one for sure!!

As for other places carrying the 20pks, I know Blankmedia.ca is going to pick them up soon. Staples will eventually... but probably not for a little while (they are more cautious). London Drugs didn't even pickup the 10pks! (they don't push DVD+RDL very much). Bestbuy almost certainly will because Futureshop has them. The Source will get them eventually, but I have no idea if they'll do a promotion on them or not.

[Jon Lai]

Yup, Verbatim increased their production of DVD+RDL media, so the decreased prices are a result of that :cheesygri Unfortunately, outsourcing is the next step, and talks are already underway with a couple of manufactures, to see who can begin manufacturing Verbatim's DVD+RDL media for them. I'll be keeping an eye on that one for sure!!

As for other places carrying the 20pks, I know Blankmedia.ca is going to pick them up soon. Staples will eventually... but probably not for a little while (they are more cautious). London Drugs didn't even pickup the 10pks! (they don't push DVD+RDL very much). Bestbuy almost certainly will because Futureshop has them. The Source will get them eventually, but I have no idea if they'll do a promotion on them or not.

But if Verbatim is looking to outsource them soon, then it might be a good idea to stock up on them after all, even if the price will stay the same, no?

[The Digital Dolphin]

But if Verbatim is looking to outsource them soon, then it might be a good idea to stock up on them after all, even if the price will stay the same, no?

Well, they're in the middle of beginning talks. So that means that at best, it's 1 month before production begins, probably at least a week of production/packaging and such, and then at LEAST 1 month shipping. So I would say you're at LEAST 2 months safe before any remote chance of seeing outsourced DVD+RDL from Verbatim. Maybe even 3 months.

[7-Endless]

Just wondering what firmware you guys recommend for the Benq DW1640 these days? I last had BSOB put on but noticed that there have been quite a few updates since then.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just wondering what firmware you guys recommend for the Benq DW1640 these days? I last had BSOB put on but noticed that there have been quite a few updates since then.

I use BSLB... but that's mostly because I use it more as a scanning drive then anything else these days, and I like my scans to be consistant (same drive, same firmware, etc...).

[[buck]]

I use BSLB... but that's mostly because I use it more as a scanning drive then anything else these days, and I like my scans to be consistant (same drive, same firmware, etc...).
x2

[7-Endless]

Thanks, I was thinking of going back to BSLB before I checked today. Is it true that Liteon is developing the firmware updates for the 1640 too?

I'm really weary about buying another Benq now that Liteon has acquired their optical drive business. :(

[rahzel]

i also use BSLB... i think its the best firmware anyway.

[apvm]

Is BSLB the best? Good for Verbatim DL? Using BSRB right now. TIA

[rahzel]

Is BSLB the best? Good for Verbatim DL? Using BSRB right now. TIA
ive only tried BSLB, BSMB and BSOB with MKM 001, but BSLB had the best results. i havent even bothered trying new firmware for the DW1640 since BSOB. i really cant see it getting much better than BSLB with MKM 001. id say BSLB is a safe choice, unless you want to experiment for yourself with ~$2+ discs.

[apvm]

ive only tried BSLB, BSMB and BSOB with MKM 001, but BSLB had the best results. i havent even bothered trying new firmware for the DW1640 since BSOB. i really cant see it getting much better than BSLB with MKM 001. id say BSLB is a safe choice, unless you want to experiment for yourself with ~$2+ discs.

Thanks, I haven't use BSLB for Verbatim DL but I have no problem with BSRB so I'll leave it there...anyway which is the latest best drive if one wants to replace the 1640? TIA

[[buck]]

Thanks, I haven't use BSLB for Verbatim DL but I have no problem with BSRB so I'll leave it there...anyway which is the latest best drive if one wants to replace the 1640? TIA
The DW1640 has been replaced by the the DW1650 or DW1655 (Lightscribe version). They both perform very similarly, but personally I prefer my DW1650 by a slim margin.

[The Digital Dolphin]

ive only tried BSLB, BSMB and BSOB with MKM 001, but BSLB had the best results. i havent even bothered trying new firmware for the DW1640 since BSOB. i really cant see it getting much better than BSLB with MKM 001. id say BSLB is a safe choice, unless you want to experiment for yourself with ~$2+ discs.

You mean $1.75+ discs right?? :cheesygri

[rahzel]

You mean $1.75+ discs right?? :cheesygri
well, +tax and its pretty close to $2 =].

[[buck]]

well, +tax and its pretty close to $2 =].
That's what I thought when I saw that :lol: It rounds up half a penny to $2 when taking a 14% sales tax into consideration :razz:

[bodobodo]

ive only tried BSLB, BSMB and BSOB with MKM 001, but BSLB had the best results. i havent even bothered trying new firmware for the DW1640 since BSOB. i really cant see it getting much better than BSLB with MKM 001. id say BSLB is a safe choice, unless you want to experiment for yourself with ~$2+ discs.

What writing speed would you recommend for the combination of the 1640 with BSLB and MKM 001 discs?

[Jon Lai]

What writing speed would you recommend for the combination of the 1640 with BSLB and MKM 001 discs?

4x~6x, former for performance, ladder for speed.

[bodobodo]

4x~6x, former for performance, ladder for speed.

Ok thanks for the help.

[7-Endless]

Do you guys have any firmware recommendations for the 1650 and 1655 as well? I'm thinking of picking up another burner for my wife's system...if I decide to go with the 1650/1655 I'd like to know what the best firmware for it currently is...thanks in advance!

[The Digital Dolphin]

']That's what I thought when I saw that :lol: It rounds up half a penny to $2 when taking a 14% sales tax into consideration :razz:

Who has 14% sales tax??

[gordholio]

Who has 14% sales tax??

Wouldn't Ontario?
8% provincial tax.
6% GST.

[Jon Lai]

Wouldn't Ontario?
8% provincial tax.
6% GST.

Yup. Unfortunately we are taxed 1%+ more by our government when we are technically wealthier :(

http://www.taxtips.ca/provincial_sales_tax.htm

[bodobodo]

Are there any good sources for Verbatim DataLifePlus Azo CD-Rs in Canada at the moment?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Are there any good sources for Verbatim DataLifePlus Azo CD-Rs in Canada at the moment?

Precision Sound Corp is currently selling a 100pk for $25 + $21 levy. I don't know anyone selling it cheaper. Verbatim #94797.

[[buck]]

Precision Sound Corp is currently selling a 100pk for $25 + $21 levy. I don't know anyone selling it cheaper. Verbatim #94797.
Alternatively, Buy.com Canada is selling branded 50pks for $32.29 with free shipping.

http://www.ca.buy.com/prod/Verbatim_DataLifePlus_CD_R_x_50_700_MB_80min_52x_s torage_media/q/loc/59205/10341368.html

Having said that, I see no reason to use Verbatim DLP CD-Rs instead of Taiyo Yuden CD-R - they're more expensive and harder to get.

http://blankmedia.ca/prodsubcats.asp?id=111

Personally, my favourite TY CD-R deal is buying Fujifilm CD-R for Photo 5pks for just under $5 when they go on sale at FS/BB and then using this (http://digitalphotographycontest.fujifilm.ca/CDR_Coupon.pdf) $4 MIR. They don't enforce the 1 per household limit and the rebate turnaround time is usually under 3 weeks ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I have to agree with [buck], TY CD-Rs are really quite stable. I can't say the same for their DVDRs mind you... but the CD-Rs are fine even after many years.

[Jon Lai]

I have to agree with [buck], TY CD-Rs are really quite stable. I can't say the same for their DVDRs mind you... but the CD-Rs are fine even after many years.

That's because of bonding, right? Any words on if they're trying to fix it up?

[The Digital Dolphin]

That's because of bonding, right? Any words on if they're trying to fix it up?

Hrm... if it were JUST because of bonding then the Maxell DVD-Rs wouldn't be performing so much better in my own (and many other) longevity tests. Something is wrong with Taiyo Yuden's DVDs, and it reaches back as far as their 4x media. Also, it doesn't seem to affect ALL TY DVDs... but a very significant amount of them.

[ezdoesit]

How good are those Verbatims from Staples??
http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=583028&affixedcode=WW
Ive been using the Taiyo Yuden 4x which DD suggested when I first got my burner.
Which would be better with my burner, its a Pioneer DVR-108.
I remember reading about bonding issues with the TY's in this thread but I havent had any problems with that.
If the Verbatims are the better choice should I go with - or +??
I dont care about the speed really, its about the performance.

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

How good are those Verbatims from Staples??
http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=583028&affixedcode=WW
Ive been using the Taiyo Yuden 4x which DD suggested when I first got my burner.
Which would be better with my burner, its a Pioneer DVR-108.
I remember reading about bonding issues with the TY's in this thread but I havent had any problems with that.
If the Verbatims are the better choice should I go with - or +??
I dont care about the speed really, its about the performance.

Thanks.

Hrm... I think those would be good for your burner :)

[ezdoesit]

Which would be better, the - or +??
Ive been using the TY DVD-R but not sure if its different for each brand.
It says 16x in the description but 8x in the picture, what speed to you recommend burning at??
Are there any other discs that work well with my burner for roughly the same price??
I will be stocking up so I want to be sure.

Thanks.

[Jon Lai]

Which would be better, the - or +??
Ive been using the TY DVD-R but not sure if its different for each brand.
It says 16x in the description but 8x in the picture, what speed to you recommend burning at??
Are there any other discs that work well with my burner for roughly the same price??
I will be stocking up so I want to be sure.

Thanks.

Verbatim makes better +'s than -'s

[ezdoesit]

How is this one https://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=421
Which one would be better with my burner (Pioneer DVR-108) in terms of compatibility??
It'll be one or the other depending on what you guys say.

Thanks.

[rahzel]

How is this one https://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=421
Which one would be better with my burner (Pioneer DVR-108) in terms of compatibility??
It'll be one or the other depending on what you guys say.

Thanks.
Verbatim DVD+R's are MUCH better. I would recommend avoiding value line Taiyo Yuden, as most of them are TYG03 (sometimes TYG02). TYG03 is by far Taiyo Yuden's worst media, especially value line.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Verbatim DVD+R's are MUCH better. I would recommend avoiding value line Taiyo Yuden, as most of them are TYG03 (sometimes TYG02). TYG03 is by far Taiyo Yuden's worst media, especially value line.

TYG03 is only the worst media if you don't count their lame-ass attempt at DVD-RDL media (TYG11). It has almost no drive support, and performs horribly on drives that *DO* support it!! I think Ritek DVD-RDL might even be better :-0

[[buck]]

TYG03 is only the worst media if you don't count their lame-ass attempt at DVD-RDL media (TYG11). It has almost no drive support, and performs horribly on drives that *DO* support it!! I think Ritek DVD-RDL might even be better :-0
Hey! Go easy on Taiyo Yuden! It's their first try at dual layer, after all :lol:

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Hey! Go easy on Taiyo Yuden! It's their first try at dual layer, after all :lol:

Well, I'm looking at Taiyo Yuden like this:

Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs -> near godlike quality and excellent lifespan
Taiyo Yuden 4x DVDRs -> near godlike compatability, and good lifespan
Taiyo Yuden 8x DVDRs -> excellent compatability, and ok lifespan
Taiyo Yuden 16x DVDRs -> Ok compatability, and questionable lifespan
Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-RDL -> Crap compatability, who even CARES about the lifespan?

It's this whole pattern thing I'm not liking... :mad:

[Jon Lai]

It's this whole pattern thing I'm not liking... :mad:

You mean, newer technology = worse quality for TY?

[paleo]

From my understanding +/- doesn't matter anymore, although I may be wrong.

Also, what is the compatibility like for Verbatim DVD-R (DL's)?

From all that i've digested from RFD re: media, i'm actually AFRAID to buy anything OTHER than Verbatim!

[NG]

From all that i've digested from RFD re: media, i'm actually AFRAID to buy anything OTHER than Verbatim!

Them and the Maxell Plus/BQ lines are really the only options for media that isn't crap these days it seems however the HP + media is all right I guess.

[Jon Lai]

Them and the Maxell Plus/BQ lines are really the only options for media that isn't crap these days it seems however the HP + media is all right I guess.

HP is not much better than the rest, IMO.

And Maxell Plus/BQ isn't very considered consumer media, rather for professional use, FYI.

[NG]

QUOTE=Jon Lai]HP is not much better than the rest, IMO.[/QUOTE]

I'd say it's slightly better than the standard MIT Maxell/Fuj etc hence my "alright I guess"


And Maxell Plus/BQ isn't very considered consumer media, rather for professional use, FYI.

That's moot to those who just want good media.

Also forgot to add earlier that I *think* buck also recommends the Sony +R's from Wal-Mart.

[rahzel]

the good thing about HP DVD's, is you know what you're going to get (CMC) and HP seems to get pretty good CMC media.

Maxell Plus Series/BQ, Sony MIJ DVD+R's, Verbatim (CMC made) and HP DVD's are all safe choices IMO.

[[buck]]

I really like HP's 8X DVD+R... high grade CMCMAGE01 really is quite awesome. Their 8X DVD-R is not quite as good (although still quite good), but I wouldn't recommend 16X HP at all.

[ezdoesit]

Thanks for the help, heading to Staples tomorrow to buy a few spindles.

[Y2Jared19]

so my friend bought a 50pc spindle of Maxell at Walmart recently for some things Ive done for him in the past,

Problem is, Besides being 16x maxell media, is that its Ritek F1. :eek:

So I called warranty and they say just send it into them for replacement with my information.

My questions are as follows.

I got like 45 pieces of crappy media in this spindle still, are they simply going to send a 50 pack back or perhaps a 100 pack. the Maxell rep didnt know. :confused:

Kind of a stupid question second, do i have to send it in a neat spindle, costing me extra $$$ for a parcel, or would i be able to simply let my frustrations out on the discs and send them back in a bubble mailer loose. I forgot to ask the rep that. haha

Any answers welcome. The end result, if they send another $#itty ritek pack back...ehhh....not so much.

[[buck]]

so my friend bought a 50pc spindle of Maxell at Walmart recently for some things Ive done for him in the past,

Problem is, Besides being 16x maxell media, is that its Ritek F1. :eek:

So I called warranty and they say just send it into them for replacement with my information.

My questions are as follows.

I got like 45 pieces of crappy media in this spindle still, are they simply going to send a 50 pack back or perhaps a 100 pack. the Maxell rep didnt know. :confused:

Kind of a stupid question second, do i have to send it in a neat spindle, costing me extra $$$ for a parcel, or would i be able to simply let my frustrations out on the discs and send them back in a bubble mailer loose. I forgot to ask the rep that. haha

Any answers welcome. The end result, if they send another $#itty ritek pack back...ehhh....not so much.
Are you sure they're actually defective? Sure, RITEKF1 is, in general, crap media, but that doesn't mean Maxell will take them back. What kind of troubles are you experiencing?

Maxell's usual replacement policy is to replace the media and include some extra product to "cover" shipping. Getting a 100pk as a replacement for 45pcs doesn't sound too unreasonable - hell, Maxell sent me a 100pk for one bad disc (although I'm sure I lucked out) :razz:

If you think you can get most of the discs to Maxell in decent enough shape by using a bubble mailer, I say go for it :cheesygri

[Y2Jared19]

Crappy or not, when a Benq 1655 with old or new firmware cann't burn these or sometimes at 4x, then maxell needs to find somebody else that has a better code and media. Even prodisc F2 media i had good experiences with with the benq 1655.


Well I assume they would be ok in a big bubble mailer, can't scratch up that badly i dont think.

[[buck]]

Crappy or not, when a Benq 1655 with old or new firmware cann't burn these or sometimes at 4x, then maxell needs to find somebody else that has a better code and media. Even prodisc F2 media i had good experiences with with the benq 1655.
So you're saying when you select 12X or 16X burnspeed, it ends up burning at 4X or just failing altogether? If that's the case, it's kind of hard for me to argue that your media isn't defective. :| Maxell seriously needs to stop selling garbage, just a few weeks ago I swiped a blank Maxell 8X DVD+R RITEKR03 disc off a friend that ended up being unreadable :eek:

[Chookman]

I have a newbie question of sorts.

My burners: Benq DW1655 (FW BCHB), LITE-ON SOHW-1693S (FW KSOB) - Old burner was Pioneer DVR-108

Media used is Fuji 8x FUJIFILM03

Whenever I burn to these dvds (regardless of burn speed) with the Lite-on or Pioneer, I can read them on my home DVD player/recorder (Citizen C801DVR). When I burn to these discs with the Benq, they are fine in the computer but unreadable in the home DVD player. However, I have burned to lightscribe verbatim 16x at 8x speed and they have read on my home machine fine. Are there some incompatibility issues with the Benq and FUJIFILM03 media?

[rahzel]

I have a newbie question of sorts.

My burners: Benq DW1655 (FW BCHB), LITE-ON SOHW-1693S (FW KSOB) - Old burner was Pioneer DVR-108

Media used is Fuji 8x FUJIFILM03

Whenever I burn to these dvds (regardless of burn speed) with the Lite-on or Pioneer, I can read them on my home DVD player/recorder (Citizen C801DVR). When I burn to these discs with the Benq, they are fine in the computer but unreadable in the home DVD player. However, I have burned to lightscribe verbatim 16x at 8x speed and they have read on my home machine fine. Are there some incompatibility issues with the Benq and FUJIFILM03 media?
try burning 2 with solidburn enabled (1 burn to learn the media, the second to improve on it).

to enable solidburn, download and use Qsuite 2.1 from HERE (http://support.benq.com/front/BenqMain.asp?MenuHead=128&ShowType=program&FileURL=service/driverlist.asp&Dataid=18368&downloadclass=Software&product=3731&langu=null&ops=2756&GenMenu=&RootId=undefined) (for win2000/xp)

[Canadianpsycho]

Anyone here have any opinions on the Plex 755SA? Looking to go SATA Optical. I typically only use good quality media.

Wuold the 716 or 755 be a better unit. Not really concerned about speeds, just quality.

Thanks.

[NG]

Does anybody have a way I can contact Verbatim Canada (none of the info on the website seemed specific to Canada)?

I had a Verbatim DL fail on me (using a BenQ DW1650 which makes it all the more confusing) and I used the form on the website to request a warrenty replacement however it's been about a week and I haven't heard anything back from them yet so I'm starting to wonder what's up.

[[buck]]

Does anybody have a way I can contact Verbatim Canada (none of the info on the website seemed specific to Canada)?

I had a Verbatim DL fail on me (using a BenQ DW1650 which makes it all the more confusing) and I used the form on the website to request a warrenty replacement however it's been about a week and I haven't heard anything back from them yet so I'm starting to wonder what's up.
Call the number on the packaging.

[Chookman]

try burning 2 with solidburn enabled (1 burn to learn the media, the second to improve on it).

to enable solidburn, download and use Qsuite 2.1 from HERE (http://support.benq.com/front/BenqMain.asp?MenuHead=128&ShowType=program&FileURL=service/driverlist.asp&Dataid=18368&downloadclass=Software&product=3731&langu=null&ops=2756&GenMenu=&RootId=undefined) (for win2000/xp)


Thanks, I tried this and the media FUJIFILM03 now shows up as a learned media but still no luck playing it in my home dvd player. Weird that the same media works in the home dvd player when burned with the Lite-On.

[NG]

']Call the number on the packaging.

Long thown away (just kept the spindle).

However if they're not going to reply to e-mail warrent requests I'll try one more e-mail and then take it from there if they don't reply :twisted:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Does anybody have a way I can contact Verbatim Canada (none of the info on the website seemed specific to Canada)?

I had a Verbatim DL fail on me (using a BenQ DW1650 which makes it all the more confusing) and I used the form on the website to request a warrenty replacement however it's been about a week and I haven't heard anything back from them yet so I'm starting to wonder what's up.

Here you go :)
1-800-538-8589

That should be their tech support line, which can help you get replacement media I'm told. I'm not sure if it's specifically Verbatim Canada, but it's the right number. (At least according to Verbatim themselves it is :razz: ).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Anyone here have any opinions on the Plex 755SA? Looking to go SATA Optical. I typically only use good quality media.

Wuold the 716 or 755 be a better unit. Not really concerned about speeds, just quality.

Thanks.

They both aren't bad drives. I've got a PX-716SA myself (simply because it's SATA). I think the PX-755 might be a little more compatible with media types though.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks, I tried this and the media FUJIFILM03 now shows up as a learned media but still no luck playing it in my home dvd player. Weird that the same media works in the home dvd player when burned with the Lite-On.

Some Prodisc media just REALLY doesn't get along with BenQ drives. Although it's the first time I've heard of problems between FUJIFILM03 and the BenQ DW1655!

[MTL-TechY]

Hey DD,

i have been through this thread but i can't seem to find a solution to my problem : i have a OEM LG GSA-4167B that i bought when future shop was having a sale, i have a lot, lot of 4x media, mostly maxell TY, but also a few benq and tdk, and this burner is capable of doing up to 16x

my question is - where can i find a hack to be able to burn my 4x media at higher speed, like 6x, 8x or 12x or even 16x

i did it before with an hp drive, but in vain haven't been able to find a firmware capable of helping me out.

Thanks in advance.

[[buck]]

Hey DD,

i have been through this thread but i can't seem to find a solution to my problem : i have a OEM LG GSA-4167B that i bought when future shop was having a sale, i have a lot, lot of 4x media, mostly maxell TY, but also a few benq and tdk, and this burner is capable of doing up to 16x

my question is - where can i find a hack to be able to burn my 4x media at higher speed, like 6x, 8x or 12x or even 16x

i did it before with an hp drive, but in vain haven't been able to find a firmware capable of helping me out.

Thanks in advance.
I'm not aware of any ways to hack LG drives for overspeed support... you'll probably have a buy something like a BenQ for that.

[rahzel]

Hey DD,

i have been through this thread but i can't seem to find a solution to my problem : i have a OEM LG GSA-4167B that i bought when future shop was having a sale, i have a lot, lot of 4x media, mostly maxell TY, but also a few benq and tdk, and this burner is capable of doing up to 16x

my question is - where can i find a hack to be able to burn my 4x media at higher speed, like 6x, 8x or 12x or even 16x

i did it before with an hp drive, but in vain haven't been able to find a firmware capable of helping me out.

Thanks in advance.
haven't looked into hacked firmware for the LG GSA-4167B, but your best bet is probably using Media Code Speed Edit (http://ala42.cdfreaks.com/MCSE/) (aka MCSE). what it does, is allow you to swap media codes with different ones to allow you to write them at different speeds. ie, if you wanted to burn TYG01 at 8x, you could try swapping TYG01 with the TYG02 (TY's 8x code for DVD-R).

just make sure your firmware revision is supported.

[[buck]]

haven't looked into hacked firmware for the LG GSA-4167B, but your best bet is probably using Media Code Speed Edit (http://ala42.cdfreaks.com/MCSE/) (aka MCSE). what it does, is allow you to swap media codes with different ones to allow you to write them at different speeds. ie, if you wanted to burn TYG01 at 8x, you could try swapping TYG01 with the TYG02 (TY's 8x code for DVD-R).

just make sure your firmware revision is supported.
Ah, didn't realize MCSE supports LG. If you plan on screwing around in MCSE, please make sure you know what you're doing first!

[Canadianpsycho]

They both aren't bad drives. I've got a PX-716SA myself (simply because it's SATA). I think the PX-755 might be a little more compatible with media types though.

Thanks DD.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']Ah, didn't realize MCSE supports LG. If you plan on screwing around in MCSE, please make sure you know what you're doing first!

Seconded. LG doesn't even offer warranty support if their own OFFICIAL firmware updates kill the drive! :-0

[NG]

Here you go :)
1-800-538-8589

That should be their tech support line, which can help you get replacement media I'm told. I'm not sure if it's specifically Verbatim Canada, but it's the right number. (At least according to Verbatim themselves it is :razz: ).

Awesome :D thanks.

[MTL-TechY]

Thanks Guys

Buck, Rahzel And Of Course - Dd -

[François L.]

Hello Digital Dolphin & the experts,

I am currently using a Plextor PX-716SA (firmware 1.09 Oct. 2005)

I am suddenly getting this in Nero 7 when doing a verify after a burn:

"Sectors from xxxxxx to xxxxxx on disc are different to source"

Maybe my burner is kaput, maybe it's the media I picked up (Maxell DVD+R 8x, Memorex 16x DVD+R given by my dad)I never had any problems with TY before but I am suddenly out of them.

Since I currently have crappy media, can you please recommend the best 16x DVD+R discs I can buy I Canada?

I am actually looking at getting the best burns possible (most reliable) so I don't mind buying another burner (SATA is needed) and I know I absolutely need new media, it's just that the combinations are difficult to follow. I need the recipe (burner+firmware+media) for excellent burns please!

Thanks

Francois

[balou911]

DD, buck, rahzel, any other dvd burner/ blank media guru..

can you guys, anyone of you guys please make up an updated list of the best dvd burner(s) to buy, and possible a top 5 list of dvd-/+r to buy.

Benq 1650vs55
LG's any good? 4163 was recommended.......
Plextor worth the money?

Currently Futurehop has 100 packs of verbatim on sale for $30,meanwhile, Walmart may have dropped the price of their sony 50pks to $18.

this makes the 2 in direct competition to each other.

Im wondering which set is better to buy.

I know to buy verb's with Times New Roman font on the open/close.
Sony 8x with octagonal sacers.

then you have the optodisc ncix always puts on sale, i hate silver tops, but are they good?

[Y2Jared19]

I gots a 1655, and its running very well. Im running it with firmware BCDB, as i heard its the more reliable firmware you can get for that model.

In terms of media, i get good results from verbatim, ANY Taiyo Yuden 8x coded media, and althought their Ritek media is garbage, Ive had good experiences with Maxell prodisc F02, I had a burn average just less than 1 for PIE and very low PIFS with no large spikes in errors. You can tell which ones are which, as the prodisc ones have a very shiny gold layer at top, while ritek's are fairly dull.

The best deal you can get is on the Verbatim, which is on sale at futureshop.

In terms of sony, i think that Taiyo Yuden Sony +R 8x is a very solid deal at 17.97. They have a white octagon spacer at top. Get them before 16x media hits.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hello Digital Dolphin & the experts,

I am currently using a Plextor PX-716SA (firmware 1.09 Oct. 2005)

I am suddenly getting this in Nero 7 when doing a verify after a burn:

"Sectors from xxxxxx to xxxxxx on disc are different to source"


My first suggestion is ditch Nero 7. Use Nero 6.6, it's MUCH more stable. I don't think I've EVER gotten a proper DVD-VIDEO burn out of Nero 7, OR a proper CD-AUDIO burn. If Nero keeps reporting the problem once you've switched to Nero 6.6 then maybe it's a media compatability problem?


Maybe my burner is kaput, maybe it's the media I picked up (Maxell DVD+R 8x, Memorex 16x DVD+R given by my dad)I never had any problems with TY before but I am suddenly out of them.

Since I currently have crappy media, can you please recommend the best 16x DVD+R discs I can buy I Canada?

Grab the Verbatim 16x DVD+Rs on sale at Futureshop or Staples for $29.95. I recommend burning them at 12x though (for best results). Don't bother with TY 16x DVD+Rs.


I am actually looking at getting the best burns possible (most reliable) so I don't mind buying another burner (SATA is needed) and I know I absolutely need new media, it's just that the combinations are difficult to follow. I need the recipe (burner+firmware+media) for excellent burns please!

Thanks

Francois

With SATA you don't have a lot of choice. I think stick with the drive you have unless you are sure it's dying.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, buck, rahzel, any other dvd burner/ blank media guru..

can you guys, anyone of you guys please make up an updated list of the best dvd burner(s) to buy, and possible a top 5 list of dvd-/+r to buy.

Benq 1650vs55
LG's any good? 4163 was recommended.......
Plextor worth the money?

Currently Futurehop has 100 packs of verbatim on sale for $30,meanwhile, Walmart may have dropped the price of their sony 50pks to $18.

this makes the 2 in direct competition to each other.

Im wondering which set is better to buy.

I know to buy verb's with Times New Roman font on the open/close.
Sony 8x with octagonal sacers.

then you have the optodisc ncix always puts on sale, i hate silver tops, but are they good?

The Verbs are the best right now for sure. Acro Circle isn't bad, but not worth it while Verbatim is that cheap. Although to be honest, the Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs I have, when burned at 12x on my Pioneer DVR-111, outdue most premium media (or at least are comparable!) that I've seen.

[[buck]]

DD, buck, rahzel, any other dvd burner/ blank media guru..

can you guys, anyone of you guys please make up an updated list of the best dvd burner(s) to buy, and possible a top 5 list of dvd-/+r to buy.

1. BenQ DW1640/50/55
2. Pioneer DVR-111
3. Everything else (eh, Plextor may be the real #3, but they're too expensive for this list!)

I absolutely would not recommend current generation LGs.

[balou911]

thanks guys.

I currently have the plextor 716 and a benq 1655.

gonna go buy some verbatims right now ;)

[ezdoesit]

I have a few spindles of the Verbatim +R from the Staples sale but apparently the the -R are better because of the font??
My question is, should I keep the +R Ariel or go for the -R Times New Roman??
Im using the old Pioneer DVR-108.

Thanks.

[callous]

The Verbs are the best right now for sure. Acro Circle isn't bad, but not worth it while Verbatim is that cheap. Although to be honest, the Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs I have, when burned at 12x on my Pioneer DVR-111, outdue most premium media (or at least are comparable!) that I've seen.

Why are the Verbs considered that good? Both 25 packs I bought with that TNR font burn with 130+ PIE rates at 12x or higher on my 1650. At 16x it'll be 300+.

Basically it comes down to inconsistent quality of batches, and if the batch isnt so great then you'll have to burn at 8x which is not any better than TG02 or even the MIJ Maxells

[[buck]]

Why are the Verbs considered that good? Both 25 packs I bought with that TNR font burn with 130+ PIE rates at 12x or higher on my 1650. At 16x it'll be 300+.

Basically it comes down to inconsistent quality of batches, and if the batch isnt so great then you'll have to burn at 8x which is not any better than TG02 or even the MIJ Maxells
They would be MCC03RG20, correct? I'm not terribly impressed with the consistancy of that media, regardless of manufacturer. I try and get CMC-made MCC004 whenever possible.

[gordholio]

I don't do a quality scan on discs that I burn.
I don't have the time to do that, nor the interest.
I just buy the better discs and hope for the best.
So far, no problems.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I don't do a quality scan on discs that I burn.
I don't have the time to do that, nor the interest.
I just buy the better discs and hope for the best.
So far, no problems.

What burner/media are you using?

[callous]

']They would be MCC03RG20, correct? I'm not terribly impressed with the consistancy of that media, regardless of manufacturer. I try and get CMC-made MCC004 whenever possible.

MCC004 made in Taiwan (not India).. Several ppl on cdfreaks have also mentioned they had bad batches.

[The Digital Dolphin]

MCC004 made in Taiwan (not India).. Several ppl on cdfreaks have also mentioned they had bad batches.

Can you post the serial number on the disc please? Both if you don't mind (the mirror band, and inner serial number). Any disc from the spindle will do.

Thanks!!

[François L.]

Digital Dolphin,

Thank you for the advice.

It think it was a combination of both the Plextor not working well, and poor media.

I am using my LG burner with the Future Shop Verbatims (thanks for the heads-up on that deal!) and it's working well.

Thanks for taking the time to help a busy guy with a young child (i.e. I don't have so much time anymore to do research on these issues)

Francois

[soupnazi]

Can you post the serial number on the disc please? Both if you don't mind (the mirror band, and inner serial number). Any disc from the spindle will do.

Thanks!!

Hey DD,

I ran into a bad spindle of 25pk Verbatim 16X +R MCC004 Times New Roman MIT from TheSource. (half the spindle burned with these weird shadow spots on my Benq DW1650 & 1655 at 12x; the discs were corrupt at the defects) I almost exclusively use this type of Verbatim and it was the first time I had a bad batch. Here's the serial # 3 of the bad discs.

PAPA26II28222096 2.............ZD2636-DVR-T47D
PAPA26II28222102 2.............ZD2639-DVR-T47D
PAPA26II28222104 4.............ZD2639-DVR-T47D

http://members.shaw.ca/soup.nazi/pics/dvd/dvd1.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/soup.nazi/pics/dvd/dvd2.jpg
http://members.shaw.ca/soup.nazi/pics/dvd/dvdquality1.jpg

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey Soupnazi,

I would DEFFINATELY return those to Verbatim!!
You can contact them at 1-800-538-8589

[callous]

Can you post the serial number on the disc please? Both if you don't mind (the mirror band, and inner serial number). Any disc from the spindle will do.

Thanks!!

ZD2632-DVR-T47D, PAPA22JA29134732 5
ZD2632-DVR-T47D, PAPA22JA29162453 2

From 2 x 25 spindles. Both bought from Staples Canada. At least these arent quite as bad as the guy above mine :lol:

[soupnazi]

Hey Soupnazi,

I would DEFFINATELY return those to Verbatim!!
You can contact them at 1-800-538-8589

Thanks for the contact# DD.:)

1. Do you usually return the entire spindle? (already threw out half the disks and have 10 disks left on the 25pk spindle; receipt is gone since I purchased it a few months ago)

2. Do you pay shipping?

[Capt.]

Awesome thread DD. So much info, I think I need an afternoon to sit down and get through it all!

I've been using Sony DVD-Rs to backup my DVD videos. I bought all mine from Wal-Mart but dont' know anything about what kind they are specifically. I was sticking with Sony because I use Sony DVD players so I thought it would be a good idea to keep the two the same. Is there any merit behind this? You mentioned longevity problems with some Sonys, is there anything I can do to keep them lasting as long as possible? I store my DVDs in a binder case.

After reading all the good stuff on here about the 100 packs of Verbatims, I'm on my way over to Staples at lunch to see if I can score a PM on a pack or two.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for the contact# DD.:)

1. Do you usually return the entire spindle? (already threw out half the disks and have 10 disks left on the 25pk spindle; receipt is gone since I purchased it a few months ago)

2. Do you pay shipping?

Honestly I don't know all of what's involved. It might differ from situation to situation as well. Your best bet is to just call them, and then report back here what your experience is like please :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Awesome thread DD. So much info, I think I need an afternoon to sit down and get through it all!

I've been using Sony DVD-Rs to backup my DVD videos. I bought all mine from Wal-Mart but dont' know anything about what kind they are specifically. I was sticking with Sony because I use Sony DVD players so I thought it would be a good idea to keep the two the same. Is there any merit behind this? You mentioned longevity problems with some Sonys, is there anything I can do to keep them lasting as long as possible? I store my DVDs in a binder case.

After reading all the good stuff on here about the 100 packs of Verbatims, I'm on my way over to Staples at lunch to see if I can score a PM on a pack or two.

We're not sure why the media is degrading with the Sony's... it might just be a flaw in the manufacturing and can't be avoided. My recommendation would be to check the readability of your discs periodically (maybe every 6-8 months?). I wouldn't get too paranoid about it, but at the 2-3 year mark you might start losing discs (not ALL of them, but maybe a few).

I should also point out that some binders have been noted at greatly increasing the error rate of discs over a shorter period of time then normal. However I've yet to see conclusive proof that this is entirely a fault of the binder itself (or the sleeves)... so take this info with a grain of salt (as the saying goes).

[Capt.]

Are there any other good options for mass storage of DVDs? I don't want to put them all in individual cases if I can avoid it.

How bad are the Verbatim arial font discs? I just went to Staples and bought a pack for 29.99 but they are the wrong ones. :mad: The open/close is not in times new roman and the discs say ZD4076-DVR-J47C1 on them. Made in Taiwan. Should I return them? If they're decent I will probably just keep them.

[Mailliw]

I've wondered about the pronunciation of Taiyo Yuden, is it tie-o you-den?

Thanks :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Are there any other good options for mass storage of DVDs? I don't want to put them all in individual cases if I can avoid it.

How bad are the Verbatim arial font discs? I just went to Staples and bought a pack for 29.99 but they are the wrong ones. :mad: The open/close is not in times new roman and the discs say ZD4076-DVR-J47C1 on them. Made in Taiwan. Should I return them? If they're decent I will probably just keep them.

Mass storage is always a difficult thing. Personally, I recommend this sort of jewel case:
http://www.maxellcanada.com/webgallery/Accessories/images/190131.jpg
It's only 5.2mm thick and it holds 2 discs.

Regarding the Verbatim discs with the arial font. They are made by Prodisc most likely (assuming you are inturpreting the font correctly). This is not ideal, but not as bad as it could be. I don't personally think it's worth returning them over.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've wondered about the pronunciation of Taiyo Yuden, is it tie-o you-den?

Thanks :)

I would say it's Tie-yo you-den, but close enough ;)

[rahzel]

Mass storage is always a difficult thing. Personally, I recommend this sort of jewel case:
http://www.maxellcanada.com/webgallery/Accessories/images/190131.jpg
It's only 5.2mm thick and it holds 2 discs.

Regarding the Verbatim discs with the arial font. They are made by Prodisc most likely (assuming you are inturpreting the font correctly). This is not ideal, but not as bad as it could be. I don't personally think it's worth returning them over.
i myself have had some bad experiences with Prodisc made Verbatim DVD+R's. my DW1640 has never spit out a coaster before, but i've had about a 60% success rate out of 20 burned. this was a while ago, before i knew how to find out if theyre prodisc made or cmc made. but then again, could have been the odd bad batch, but ill never buy prodisc made verbatim again.

i myself would exchange them for CMC made, or at least try a few to make sure theyre ok.

[Jon Lai]

Are there any other good options for mass storage of DVDs? I don't want to put them all in individual cases if I can avoid it.

How bad are the Verbatim arial font discs? I just went to Staples and bought a pack for 29.99 but they are the wrong ones. :mad: The open/close is not in times new roman and the discs say ZD4076-DVR-J47C1 on them. Made in Taiwan. Should I return them? If they're decent I will probably just keep them.

Depends what mass storage means for you.

DD's suggested Maxell cases are quite good, but might not be your budget. Personally, I use paper sleeves but put them in plastic boxes that fit CD cases perfectly. Then, I have a whole shelf with ~20 of those plastic boxes each dated from what I put in there, be it anime or backups.

The ones I use are from JIPS/Smart Maple, $6.99 for 3, but Staples has similar boxes, however they're cubic, whereas the ones I get are rectangular and Japanese made ;)

[hello1214]

hey dolphin dont know if someone already asked but what exactly is the problem with prodisc verbatim? also are binders ok to store dvds in?

[The Digital Dolphin]

i myself have had some bad experiences with Prodisc made Verbatim DVD+R's. my DW1640 has never spit out a coaster before, but i've had about a 60% success rate out of 20 burned. this was a while ago, before i knew how to find out if theyre prodisc made or cmc made. but then again, could have been the odd bad batch, but ill never buy prodisc made verbatim again.

i myself would exchange them for CMC made, or at least try a few to make sure theyre ok.

Good point, BenQ drives and Prodisc do NOT usually play well together... despite the fact that Prodisc is using all the same materials as are used in Singapore to make Verbatim media... and there is a Verbatim tech guy keeping watch at Prodisc when the media is made, and in every discernable way, Prodisc made Verbatim discs are made EXACTLY the same way as CMC made Verbatim or MKM's own Verbatim in Singapore.... Prodisc always manages to do SOMETHING to the media that a lot of BenQ drives don't like.

It's really a rather odd mystery, and I can tell you from experience, the more research you do into it, the more you get confused!

So yeah, if you have a BenQ drive, then it's a good idea to avoid the Prodisc made Verbatim.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Depends what mass storage means for you.

DD's suggested Maxell cases are quite good, but might not be your budget. Personally, I use paper sleeves but put them in plastic boxes that fit CD cases perfectly. Then, I have a whole shelf with ~20 of those plastic boxes each dated from what I put in there, be it anime or backups.

The ones I use are from JIPS/Smart Maple, $6.99 for 3, but Staples has similar boxes, however they're cubic, whereas the ones I get are rectangular and Japanese made ;)

That is really quite brilliant!!

It reminds me of how I store my Mini CD-R and Mini DVDR media! I keep them in mini jewel cases, and then store them in 3.5" diskette storage cases :razz:

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey dolphin dont know if someone already asked but what exactly is the problem with prodisc verbatim? also are binders ok to store dvds in?

Look a little higher on this page... really it was *JUST* asked and discussed! ;)

[NG]

Awesome thread DD. So much info, I think I need an afternoon to sit down and get through it all!

I've been using Sony DVD-Rs to backup my DVD videos. I bought all mine from Wal-Mart but dont' know anything about what kind they are specifically. I was sticking with Sony because I use Sony DVD players so I thought it would be a good idea to keep the two the same. Is there any merit behind this?

Can't say regarding Sony product but Panasonic DVD recorders specify using their brand of DVD-R's to record (usually outsoruced Taiyo Yuden) and found if I did not use them it'd be hit and miss on brands of DVDs that would record successfully on the unit. I did find that all TY's and Verbatim's record properly. So there's precedent on what you're saying however having said that for DVD players (especially ones made in the last ~3 years) have become pretty refined and "bugs" like what you're trying to avoid have been pretty much weeded out. The primary concern really is which discs are high quality and the rest will "take care of itself".

[Capt.]

Excellent advice from everyone. I decided to return the Arial font Verbatims and got a couple packs of the Times New Roman ones from a different place. I figure it's worth the time to get quality discs that will hopefully last for years.

Thanks for the storage ideas as well. I'll look into it and see what I can find for a decent price.

[hello1214]

lol i missed that...thanks dd

[Calmuser]

maybe someone here can help me with this, I got a good burner so I got that covered. What i'm looking for is a dvd reader / player.

preferably a player that I can play dvds on my comp without skipping while its spinning up. Say I pause a dvd while I take a break, when I come back to it and hit pause again to unpause it the drive will take too long to spin up and my movie will skip and pause. very annoying! I can't seem to find a drive that will do this! I had an old sony plain dvd drive that did that till it broke. But since they don't sell them anymore I looking for another one. The only drive I have now that will do it is an old NEC ND-1100A, but its not reading very well anymore. So far i've tried lite-on, pioneer and benq drives with no luck!

[BeaverLiquor]

got a question, what are some decent lightscribe dvd's?

just want to see what all the hubbub is aboot and try it oot.

[[buck]]

got a question, what are some decent lightscribe dvd's?

just want to see what all the hubbub is aboot and try it oot.
Verbatim is the only way to go :)

The other 2 Lightscribe vendors that I know of, HP and Memorex, have only limited availability in Canada AFAIK.

[BeaverLiquor]

yeah all the sites of local dealers i've looked at only have verb/hp/memorex's

i guess i'll pick up a stack of 5 or 10 to try out

thanks.

[[buck]]

yeah all the sites of local dealers i've looked at only have verb/hp/memorex's

i guess i'll pick up a stack of 5 or 10 to try out

thanks.
Heh, 10pks are about as big as they get in Canada, anyways :razz:

[ezdoesit]

Hey guys.

I just opened one of the spindles, heres what I have
PAPA22JK24022527 1
ZD5141-DVR-T47D

[img=http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6559/dvdsp6.th.jpg] (http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dvdsp6.jpg)

Are these the good ones?

Thanks.

[[buck]]

Hey guys.

I just opened one of the spindles, heres what I have
PAPA22JK24022527 1
ZD5141-DVR-T47D

[img=http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6559/dvdsp6.th.jpg] (http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dvdsp6.jpg)

Are these the good ones?

Thanks.
Yep ;)

[ezdoesit]

OK, good.

Thanks.

[sfrancis]

Question for DD and all disc experts:

Found your FAQ thread through your signature and I have some basic questions: bought the Verbatim DVD-R spindle with TNR font lately but I'm having some problems. The burnt DVD read fine on the desktop PC where I burnt it, but not on my laptop. Also I bring the disc to work and find it does not read on my own PC but works fine on my colleague's laptop. Was wondering what could cause this ? This never happens when I used Fuji DVD-R I bought a year ago but I'm running out of those.

My burner is Pioneer DVR-109 and I'm using Nero 6 (Nero express). The is a written as a data disc.

Thanks very much.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Question for DD and all disc experts:

Found your FAQ thread through your signature and I have some basic questions: bought the Verbatim DVD-R spindle with TNR font lately but I'm having some problems. The burnt DVD read fine on the desktop PC where I burnt it, but not on my laptop. Also I bring the disc to work and find it does not read on my own PC but works fine on my colleague's laptop. Was wondering what could cause this ? This never happens when I used Fuji DVD-R I bought a year ago but I'm running out of those.

My burner is Pioneer DVR-109 and I'm using Nero 6 (Nero express). The is a written as a data disc.

Thanks very much.

Honestly, this one is stumping me for the moment... I'll ask around come of my contacts and see if they have any ideas.

One thought that occurs to me:
Was the disc burned in multisession mode? (I don't even know if this is an option in Nero Express?). Multisession mode could cause the odd readability between some systems and not in others. But it SHOULD be the same on any DVD-R...

Also, are you 100% sure the Fuji's weren't DVD+R?

[Capt.]

I've got a question about something that appears to be a form of disc corrosion or mold. My friend first noticed round black marks on some older DVDs. Then he checked his discs and many of them have smaller marks but the same type of thing. The black dots get bigger as the disc gets older. I checked some of my Sony discs in my album and sure enough they have the same thing. This is very worrying.

He thinks he figures out the cause. If there's dust or hair or anything on the disc when it gets burned, there will be the small black dots. Does this sound right? Besides cleaning the disc before burning, are there any ways to prevent them? Also, are certain brands/quality of discs more likely to get these problems than others?

[sfrancis]

Honestly, this one is stumping me for the moment... I'll ask around come of my contacts and see if they have any ideas.

One thought that occurs to me:
Was the disc burned in multisession mode? (I don't even know if this is an option in Nero Express?). Multisession mode could cause the odd readability between some systems and not in others. But it SHOULD be the same on any DVD-R...

Also, are you 100% sure the Fuji's weren't DVD+R?

DD:

Thank you so much for your reply. I did the check the "Multisession" mode yesterday and I believe that's what I used, although I saw "finalized disc" is chosen by default and I'm not allowing "adding more data later". In Nero Express I don't seem to be able to change multi or single session but I will try the Nero Buring Rom and change to single session and see how it goes. Will report back.

Will double check my Fuji DVD to confirm whether it's + or -. This is bought more than a year ago and at that time it is recommended due to its good quality -- maybe the recommendation is from you but I can't remember exactly. Very happy with the Fuji disc as I don't have a single failure. Too bad it appears their quality goes down lately.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've got a question about something that appears to be a form of disc corrosion or mold. My friend first noticed round black marks on some older DVDs. Then he checked his discs and many of them have smaller marks but the same type of thing. The black dots get bigger as the disc gets older. I checked some of my Sony discs in my album and sure enough they have the same thing. This is very worrying.

He thinks he figures out the cause. If there's dust or hair or anything on the disc when it gets burned, there will be the small black dots. Does this sound right? Besides cleaning the disc before burning, are there any ways to prevent them? Also, are certain brands/quality of discs more likely to get these problems than others?

Yup, some discs can suffer from disc rot... usually only if stored in areas with high humidity though. No disc is 100% impervious to it though.

How old is the media??

[Capt.]

I believe the old discs he first noticed it on are 1-2 years old. Most of his are around 4-6 months and mine are even less than that!

I'm going to try cleaning them really well before burning to see if that helps like my friend said it would. So keeping them away from humidity can also lengthen lifespan?

[sfrancis]

My bad: The Fuji DVD I have is +R not -. Does that mean my burner works better with +R ?

Also using Nero Info tool I can see that my burner firmware version is 1.17. Does it help if I flash it to the latest ?

Also, Verbatim -R MID is MCC 03RG20. Wonder whether that's good or bad.

Thanks

[hello1214]

.

[sfrancis]

Update the firmware solved the problem. Thanks DD for your help.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Update the firmware solved the problem. Thanks DD for your help.

Glad to hear it's working now! :cheesygri

The reason I thought the Fuji's were DVD+R, is because if you were burning multisession, I think the DVD+R format is slightly easier to read (it links the sessions better, and I don't THINK it needs to be closed for good playback compatability on computers).

[sfrancis]

Thanks for the education, DD. I'm glad that this happened as otherwise I won't be able to learn all these stuff about DVD drive and disc.

[NG]

I've run into a weird problem with my DW1650. It appears to only be burning from the harddrive at 4x (but displays the selected 8x, 12x or 16x while burning in Nero). Odd thing is doing a DVD to DVD copy between drives it appeared to be burning at the proper speed.

Even before it starts to burn the status bar stays blank in Nero for quite awile before the burn starts to begin for files being burned from the HD.



I'm running firmware BDHC and checked some threads online not finding any references to problems.

[whargoul]

Glad to hear it's working now! :cheesygri

The reason I thought the Fuji's were DVD+R, is because if you were burning multisession, I think the DVD+R format is slightly easier to read (it links the sessions better, and I don't THINK it needs to be closed for good playback compatability on computers).


On the subject of multisession discs: do you have any ideas why a standalone DVD player would read multisession DVD+RWs but not DVD+Rs?

[The Digital Dolphin]

On the subject of multisession discs: do you have any ideas why a standalone DVD player would read multisession DVD+RWs but not DVD+Rs?

Nope... maybe a quality issue?

[callous]

Hey dolp, are the Benq 1650/55 being phased out?

Newegg have no more new ones at all. Is the Benq burner brand being phased out based on what you know

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey dolp, are the Benq 1650/55 being phased out?

Newegg have no more new ones at all. Is the Benq burner brand being phased out based on what you know

BenQ is starting to move away from the optical disc drive business... and they may drop their line entirely in North America. Also, a lot of vendors are getting pissed off at NewEgg for constantly selling products below cost, and disrupting the marketplace. I wouldn't be surprised if NewEgg's allocation of drives has been reduced. I know a couple other companies are taking actions against NewEgg for this sort of behaivoir.

But to answer your question, I don't think the drive is being phased out, so much as BenQ might be dropping ODD's in general.

[callous]

BenQ is starting to move away from the optical disc drive business... and they may drop their line entirely in North America. Also, a lot of vendors are getting pissed off at NewEgg for constantly selling products below cost, and disrupting the marketplace. I wouldn't be surprised if NewEgg's allocation of drives has been reduced. I know a couple other companies are taking actions against NewEgg for this sort of behaivoir.

But to answer your question, I don't think the drive is being phased out, so much as BenQ might be dropping ODD's in general.


So the Benq drives have stopped being manufactured? Any news on whether the Benq engineers were moved to Liteon, or just moved on?

[NG]

Hey dolp, are the Benq 1650/55 being phased out?

Newegg have no more new ones at all. Is the Benq burner brand being phased out based on what you know

If they are then good riddance to bad rubbage imho. I've tried everything I can think of and am about one step away from just tossing it in the trash.

[The Digital Dolphin]

So the Benq drives have stopped being manufactured? Any news on whether the Benq engineers were moved to Liteon, or just moved on?

A know a lot of people quit and/or were moved to other sections of BenQ. I don't know any specifics really, other then my contact who was an engineer, quit.

[The Digital Dolphin]

If they are then good riddance to bad rubbage imho. I've tried everything I can think of and am about one step away from just tossing it in the trash.

Well, I can't say I'm impressed with BenQ's DW1650/DW1655 in a lot of areas... but the DW1640 was by far the most solid drive I've ever seen. Makes me glad I have 2 of them!! The DW1620 was pretty good also :cheesygri

[Alexo]

Well, I can't say I'm impressed with BenQ's DW1650/DW1655 in a lot of areas... but the DW1640 was by far the most solid drive I've ever seen. Makes me glad I have 2 of them!! The DW1620 was pretty good also :cheesygri
Are you saying that the 1640 is better than the 1650/1655? Even today, given the time they had to tweak the firmware?
(this may be academic, as I don't think that the 1640 is sold anywhere)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Are you saying that the 1640 is better than the 1650/1655? Even today, given the time they had to tweak the firmware?
(this may be academic, as I don't think that the 1640 is sold anywhere)

Well, drive to drive it can vary for sure.... but both my DW1655 and my DW1650 seem to produce lower quality results then both of my DW1640's. [buck]'s DW1650 however seems to do better then my two drives. Also, the DW165x doesn't seem to be as universally compatible with media as the DW1640 is. Using SolidBurn may correct this however. I haven't been using SolidBurn in most of my burns lately, since I'm doing a longevity study, and I don't have enough media to give it time to learn how to burn it better.

[[buck]]

Are you saying that the 1640 is better than the 1650/1655? Even today, given the time they had to tweak the firmware?
(this may be academic, as I don't think that the 1640 is sold anywhere)
It is the opinion of many that the DW1640 is better than the DW165x, although my DW1650 seems to be a marginally better burner than my DW1640.

And you're right, it's very very difficult to find a new DW1640 these days.

[rahzel]

i think it depends on the drive, the firmware and the media you use. my DW1650 is marginally better with my YUDEN000T02 and my MCC 004, but my DW1640 is marginally better with my MXL RG03. everything else i have (some HP CMC and premium TYG02), both drives are pretty similar.

i'm using firmwares BSLB with my DW1640 and BCDC with my DW1650 btw.

[BeaverLiquor]

can you guys post some quality screen's of your 165*'s? i'm using the rpc1 bcgb firmware and just want to see a loose comparison for the trn verb's.

[[buck]]

Verbatim 16X DVD+R MIT by CMC burned @ 12X in DW1650 BCHC

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3/mcc0041fb8.png

TDK 16X DVD-R MIT (in Snap N' Save cases; bought in US) burned @ 12X in DW1650 BCHC

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8286/tdktth02scangraph12xsolidburnoffwopconbenqdw1650bc hcaeb9.png

Sony 8X DVD+R MIJ burned @ 8X in DW1650 BCHC

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5311/sonyyuden000t02scangraph8xsolidburnoffwopconbenqdw 165ap3.png

All of the above would be considered very good to excellent results. If you want to see more, take a look here (http://cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=31&sid=bce228a1de3ac2046b8621410c4dcc1a) ;)

[Canadianpsycho]

OK, I'm running low on TY CD-Rs.

Are there any current deals (FS, BB, Source, etc.) that include decent quality media? Or should I just pay more and head over to blankmedia?

TIA!

[NG]

OK, I'm running low on TY CD-Rs.

Are there any current deals (FS, BB, Source, etc.) that include decent quality media? Or should I just pay more and head over to blankmedia?

TIA!

Check your local Giant Tiger for Fuji TY 50 packs for $20.

[[buck]]

OK, I'm running low on TY CD-Rs.

Are there any current deals (FS, BB, Source, etc.) that include decent quality media? Or should I just pay more and head over to blankmedia?

TIA!
It's nearly impossible to find quality CD-R media B&M for anything resembling a reasonable price. An alternative to buying from blankmedia is buying these (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10044200&catid=12500) Fuji branded TY CD-Rs, and redeeming this (http://digitalphotographycontest.fujifilm.ca/CDR_Coupon.pdf) rebate. It works out to about $3.50 incl tax and stamp for a 5 TY discs with jewel cases. It's also worth noting, that as myself and others have found, Fuji rebates are extremely fast and reliable (and they don't appear to enforce the household limit).

If that deal isn't to your liking, blankmedia has the cheapest TY CD-Rs in the country AFAIK.

edit: or do as NG suggested. Unfortuantely, the GTs I've been to don't have Fuji CD-Rs >:(

[Gnus]

What about CD-RWs? I was thinking of picking up the ones they have at blandmedia.ca. I was using Maxell CD-RWs but for some reason they all decided to stop working..

Does TY make CD-RWs as well? What brand should I look at?

[NG]

']It's nearly impossible to find quality CD-R media B&M for anything resembling a reasonable price. An alternative to buying from blankmedia is buying these (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10044200&catid=12500) Fuji branded TY CD-Rs, and redeeming this (http://digitalphotographycontest.fujifilm.ca/CDR_Coupon.pdf) rebate. It works out to about $3.50 incl tax and stamp for a 5 TY discs with jewel cases. It's also worth noting, that as myself and others have found, Fuji rebates are extremely fast and reliable (and they don't appear to enforce the household limit).

If that deal isn't to your liking, blankmedia has the cheapest TY CD-Rs in the country AFAIK.

edit: or do as NG suggested. Unfortuantely, the GTs I've been to don't have Fuji CD-Rs >:(

It does seem to vary from store to store. If you've only tried a couple in the Ottawa area it might pay to check around. Even if they don't stock them at the location closest to you I've often found that store managers are willing to bring an item in if a customer says they'll be a buying a few of them.

[NG]

What about CD-RWs? I was thinking of picking up the ones they have at blandmedia.ca. I was using Maxell CD-RWs but for some reason they all decided to stop working..

Does TY make CD-RWs as well? What brand should I look at?

I don't believe TY makes rewriteable media.

I *think* endosements of Verbatim's RW line will be coming in from others.

[The Digital Dolphin]

What about CD-RWs? I was thinking of picking up the ones they have at blandmedia.ca. I was using Maxell CD-RWs but for some reason they all decided to stop working..

Does TY make CD-RWs as well? What brand should I look at?

Verbatim makes the best CD-RWs really. CMC and Daxon aren't that bad, but still not as good as Verbatim. Both NCIX and Blankmedia.ca have access to Verbatim CD-RWs.

[Canadianpsycho]

Check your local Giant Tiger for Fuji TY 50 packs for $20.


Thanks for the tip, no GT here, but I can ask my sister. Thanks for the suggestion buck, but I was thinking along the lines of 100 or so ;)

I don't burn a lot of CDs and DVDs, so I try to burn with the best stuff if I can.

[Gnus]

I checked the site and all I found under CD-RWs were these:

http://blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=85

NCIX has them in 5s, for ~10 bucks but the S/H kills it for me. :|

[[buck]]

It does seem to vary from store to store. If you've only tried a couple in the Ottawa area it might pay to check around. Even if they don't stock them at the location closest to you I've often found that store managers are willing to bring an item in if a customer says they'll be a buying a few of them.
I would, but right now I've got enough TY CD-Rs to last me QUITE a while. I bought a MIJ Fuji CD-R 50pk in the US a couple weeks ago ;)

[jaszy]

I have an old Sony dw-d22a(or something along those lines; lazy to check) DVD burner that I've been using for maybe a year now. Also, i've always been a fan of Ridata/Ritek CD-R's and DVD-R's(RITEKG05) and those are what I mainly use. I am told though that these don't last long in terms of time and some of them have "bonding issues" (?).

Anyway, since a NCIX sale is about to come up (don't really know when, but somewhere in the next few days). I'm looking to pick up maybe a 50 or a 100 pack spindle. I am wondering which I should pick up? There are many choices but I have a tight budget! I'm looking at this OPTODISC ACRO CIRCLE SUPER GRADE DVD-R 8X. Are they any good? Any other Blank DVD Media to recommend? Or Should I continue to use my RITEKG05 that I can purchase locally? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance to all the MEDIA EXPERTS here :D

[BeaverLiquor]

']Verbatim 16X DVD+R MIT by CMC burned @ 12X in DW1650 BCHC

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3/mcc0041fb8.png

TDK 16X DVD-R MIT (in Snap N' Save cases; bought in US) burned @ 12X in DW1650 BCHC

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/8286/tdktth02scangraph12xsolidburnoffwopconbenqdw1650bc hcaeb9.png

Sony 8X DVD+R MIJ burned @ 8X in DW1650 BCHC

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5311/sonyyuden000t02scangraph8xsolidburnoffwopconbenqdw 165ap3.png

All of the above would be considered very good to excellent results. If you want to see more, take a look here (http://cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=31&sid=bce228a1de3ac2046b8621410c4dcc1a) ;)

thanks, is that verb burn with solidburn on? i've been burning my verb mcc004's with it off (recognized media) but on the cdrlabs the "datman" got a 98 score with solidburn on! have to do some tests tomorrow. i usually skim through cdfreaks but that site makes you register before you can see the attachments. http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=159020

[[buck]]

thanks, is that verb burn with solidburn on? i've been burning my verb mcc004's with it off (recognized media) but on the cdrlabs the "datman" got a 98 score with solidburn on! have to do some tests tomorrow. i usually skim through cdfreaks but that site makes you register before you can see the attachments. http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=159020
That was with SolidBurn on. However, with MIT MCC004, whether SolidBurn is on or off really shouldn't matter. If Dartman got a quality score of 98 (CD Speed quaity score, is, by the way, nearly useless, because it's determined only by the max PI failure value), it wasn't because SolidBurn is on or off, but probably because of his specific batch of media.

[miss_swan]

Just gotta say that I love this thread ... and the way you guys support it by answering everyone's queries in quick fashion. It's quite the resource.

I do have a quick question:

- I bought some of those Verbatim 6x DVD-RW from an NCIX sale a couple of weeks ago and i'm happy with them. However, I noticed that when I brought one disc over to my bro's place to *ahem* transfer some data his burner (an older LG I believe of what particular vintage i'm unsure of) it burned at 4x and not 6x as I was expecting.

So, is the burning speed (4x instead of 6x in this case) related to how the software (Nero 7) and/or hardware and firmware interprets as the "best burning" speed? Or the most "appropriate" burning speed?

Obviously, it was have been nicer to have burnt at 6x instead of 4x as long as the stability and quality of burn is the same ... but i'm just trying to figure out why it happened like that.

Thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just gotta say that I love this thread ... and the way you guys support it by answering everyone's queries in quick fashion. It's quite the resource.

I do have a quick question:

- I bought some of those Verbatim 6x DVD-RW from an NCIX sale a couple of weeks ago and i'm happy with them. However, I noticed that when I brought one disc over to my bro's place to *ahem* transfer some data his burner (an older LG I believe of what particular vintage i'm unsure of) it burned at 4x and not 6x as I was expecting.

So, is the burning speed (4x instead of 6x in this case) related to how the software (Nero 7) and/or hardware and firmware interprets as the "best burning" speed? Or the most "appropriate" burning speed?

Obviously, it was have been nicer to have burnt at 6x instead of 4x as long as the stability and quality of burn is the same ... but i'm just trying to figure out why it happened like that.

Thanks.

Do you know his burner supports burning DVD-RWs at 6x?

[jaszy]

I have an old Sony dw-d22a(or something along those lines; lazy to check) DVD burner that I've been using for maybe a year now. Also, i've always been a fan of Ridata/Ritek CD-R's and DVD-R's(RITEKG05) and those are what I mainly use. I am told though that these don't last long in terms of time and some of them have "bonding issues" (?).

Anyway, since a NCIX sale is about to come up (don't really know when, but somewhere in the next few days). I'm looking to pick up maybe a 50 or a 100 pack spindle. I am wondering which I should pick up? There are many choices but I have a tight budget! I'm looking at this OPTODISC ACRO CIRCLE SUPER GRADE DVD-R 8X. Are they any good? Any other Blank DVD Media to recommend? Or Should I continue to use my RITEKG05 that I can purchase locally? Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance to all the MEDIA EXPERTS here :D

Oh and also, is TY really worth it? I mean I try to spend less when it comes to DVD media.

[Gnus]

So anybody got an answer to my CD-RW question? :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Oh and also, is TY really worth it? I mean I try to spend less when it comes to DVD media.

Good question. Lately I would say they are not all they're cracked up to be... but their 8x media's initial burn quality and compatability is still quite good. It's the lifespan of the media I'm concerned about.

[jaszy]

I see. I too am concerned about lifespan because I do constantly burn as well as backup stuff onto DVDs.

Has anyone tried NCIX's OPTODISC ACRO CIRCLE SUPER GRADE DVD-R 8X? Are they any good? Please LMK since I am considering giving them a shot. :D

[NG]

So anybody got an answer to my CD-RW question? :)

Earlier in the thread I predicted Verbatim would be recommended - and they were. Not many places sell them but I believe Staples carries them.

[NG]

I see. I too am concerned about lifespan because I do constantly burn as well as backup stuff onto DVDs.

Has anyone tried NCIX's OPTODISC ACRO CIRCLE SUPER GRADE DVD-R 8X? Are they any good? Please LMK since I am considering giving them a shot. :D

Not from Ncix but Superstore used to sell them and I used to love them. At the time they were the best value to quality ratio out there (Superstore has since stopped carrying them and Verbatim 50's for ~$16 have become more common thus the end of my using Arco Circle).

[Gnus]

Alright thanks, looks like I'll be visiting Staples now.
One more question, what do you guys recommend for DL DVDs?

[miss_swan]

Alright thanks, looks like I'll be visiting Staples now.
One more question, what do you guys recommend for DL DVDs?

Hey, I can answer this question!

From what I remembered, the guys have recommended Verbatim DL media as they only real media to consider apparently. Check out the weekly NCIX sale for specifics.

As for my situation, my bro's burner probably doesn't spec the 6x burn speed and i'll check later ... that's what's probabably limited my previous dvdrw burn speed to 4x. Thanks for the tip.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I see. I too am concerned about lifespan because I do constantly burn as well as backup stuff onto DVDs.

Has anyone tried NCIX's OPTODISC ACRO CIRCLE SUPER GRADE DVD-R 8X? Are they any good? Please LMK since I am considering giving them a shot. :D

I'm a pretty big fan of the Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs personally :cheesygri But I've had good results with the 8x DVD-Rs. They tend to last well, and burn well on a decent amount of drives... but their overall compatability isn't the greatest. So I recommend trying a small amount before committing to a large amount. Or you can pick up the Verbatims that go on sale fairly often.

[[buck]]

I'm a pretty big fan of the Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs personally :cheesygri But I've had good results with the 8x DVD-Rs. They tend to last well, and burn well on a decent amount of drives... but their overall compatability isn't the greatest. So I recommend trying a small amount before committing to a large amount. Or you can pick up the Verbatims that go on sale fairly often.
I vote for the Verbatims. IMO, they're not quite as risky as the Optodiscs.

[The Digital Dolphin]

']I vote for the Verbatims. IMO, they're not quite as risky as the Optodiscs.

My Pioneer DVR-111D performed better with the Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs at 12x then it did Verbatim 16x DVD+Rs at 12x :cheesygri

I better not say that too loud though... it'll make Verbatim sad ;)

[blexann]

I am looking at getting the 1655 and would like to know if there is an external one ? I have 2 desktops and a laptop and I would like to be able to move the burner around from machine to machine.

thanks.

[blexann]

bump for external DVD writer recommendation

[The Digital Dolphin]

bump for external DVD writer recommendation

Probably the best bet is to buy an external enclosure for a BenQ DW1655 or Pioneer DVR-111D. Just make sure the enclosure can handle the sustained transfer rates needed for DVD recording at the speeds you want to burn at.

[[buck]]

Probably the best bet is to buy an external enclosure for a BenQ DW1655 or Pioneer DVR-111D. Just make sure the enclosure can handle the sustained transfer rates needed for DVD recording at the speeds you want to burn at.
That's what I'd recommend. You might want to check out CD Freaks to see which enclosures are recommended. I believe enclosures based on a Prolific chipset are generally considered the best.

[hello1214]

hey dolphin i got the dvr-111d...do i have to update firmware? how do i find out which one i am using? and if i have to update it to the newest one where do i download it?

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey dolphin i got the dvr-111d...do i have to update firmware? how do i find out which one i am using? and if i have to update it to the newest one where do i download it?

RPC1.org is a great place to get firmwares, they have a huge database!
This is the most recent firmware for the Pioneer DVR-111D (version 1.23):
http://wwwbsc.pioneer.co.jp/product-e/ibs/device_e/file/DVR111D_FW123EU.EXE

You can check to see what firmware you have by using Nero CD/DVD Speed (www.cdspeed2000.com). It will list the firmware version after the drive name.

[Gnus]

Alright, have yet another question. Are there any benefits to setting bitsettings on a DVD drive? If there are, what should I set them to?

I'm using an NEC-3550A -> NEC-4551A drive.

[rahzel]

Alright, have yet another question. Are there any benefits to setting bitsettings on a DVD drive? If there are, what should I set them to?

I'm using an NEC-3550A -> NEC-4551A drive.
setting the bitsetting is good for DVD+R's, as it increases it's compatibility. changing it to DVD-ROM is what you want to set it to.

pretty much all DVD players these days will play DVD+R's; the only ones that might have problems, are older players.

[Alvito]

hey, i had a version of nero that allowed me to make avi files into DVDs, anyone know where i can get it from?

sadly i had to format a while back and i only realized today when i tried to burn something.

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey, i had a version of nero that allowed me to make avi files into DVDs, anyone know where i can get it from?

sadly i had to format a while back and i only realized today when i tried to burn something.

Nero Vision Express does that. But I recommend avoiding Nero 7's package if at all possible, as it really sucks (although I haven't tried the latest major update)

[Alvito]

i've never really had a problem with any of my burns. whats the alternative?

[BeaverLiquor]

i just burned an image file using one of the verbatim lightscribe dvd+r's and from the looks of it these disc's are pretty good, better results than the regular verbatims dvd+r's i've burned (but could be i got a good batch).

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4746/benqdvdlsdw1655bcgb03september20062229aec2.th.png (http://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=benqdvdlsdw1655bcgb03september2006222 9aec2.png)

[[buck]]

i just burned an image file using one of the verbatim lightscribe dvd+r's and from the looks of it these disc's are pretty good, better results than the regular verbatims dvd+r's i've burned (but could be i got a good batch).
It looks pretty good, although I'm not fond of the PIE at the end. If you burn at 12x (I assume you burned at 16x), the problem will probably go away ;)

[miss_swan]

hey, i had a version of nero that allowed me to make avi files into DVDs, anyone know where i can get it from?

sadly i had to format a while back and i only realized today when i tried to burn something.

That's the option in Nero where it says "make a dvd playable on almost any dvd player"

Takes your .avi, mpeg etc ... and converts it to the usual booktype that's readable by regular dvd players. Depending on your computer power it will take ~ 2 hours, maybe a bit more to convert a ~ 1.4gb file to fill up a 4.7gb dvd.

That's what I heard anyways. :)

[hello1214]

hey, i had a version of nero that allowed me to make avi files into DVDs, anyone know where i can get it from?

i dont recommend using nero to encode your .avi video files to dvd...you just wont get the same quality as the source file...if you want something simple that wont decrease quality as much then try diko look for it on videohelp.com there are tutorials there as well...and the nero program you are asking for is nero vision

[Alexo]

It is getting harder and harder to find useful information in this thread.

Is it possible to create a web page that would summarize the latest recommendations?

Such as: recommended burners and firmware versions, recommended media, what media works best/worst with each burner.

Thanks.

[Alvito]

That's the option in Nero where it says "make a dvd playable on almost any dvd player"

Takes your .avi, mpeg etc ... and converts it to the usual booktype that's readable by regular dvd players. Depending on your computer power it will take ~ 2 hours, maybe a bit more to convert a ~ 1.4gb file to fill up a 4.7gb dvd.

That's what I heard anyways. :)

ya mon, it took 1.5 hours. but i dont care cuz i go to sleep.

thanks dolphin, my sister was happy.

[miss_swan]

i dont recommend using nero to encode your .avi video files to dvd...you just wont get the same quality as the source file...if you want something simple that wont decrease quality as much then try diko look for it on videohelp.com there are tutorials there as well...and the nero program you are asking for is nero vision

Are the alternatives better by an appreciable margin? I'm certainly no video enthusiast ... the Nero's output looks okay to decent to me - but I really have no frame of reference.

Thanks for the diko suggestion. I'll look that up.

[mortimusmaximus]

I tried various versons of nero to do this and was always left with voice sync problems.I now use dvdsanta,,yes its a stupid name but it works perfectly.

Sorry to th DDif i particapated in the hijacking of this thread.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I tried various versons of nero to do this and was always left with voice sync problems.I now use dvdsanta,,yes its a stupid name but it works perfectly.

Sorry to th DDif i particapated in the hijacking of this thread.

I've always found that using Nero 7 caused voice sync problems, but Nero 6 was fine. I also found using Nero 7 caused audio skipping in CD-Audio burns, but Nero 6 wouldn't (same media, same drive, same everything).

[mortimusmaximus]

I've always found that using Nero 7 caused voice sync problems, but Nero 6 was fine. I also found using Nero 7 caused audio skipping in CD-Audio burns, but Nero 6 wouldn't (same media, same drive, same everything).

Actually I had the same audio issue with version 7 nero .I could not believe that this was the cause but testing of my various computers proved the problem was with all of them.

The latest nero is such a piece of bloated junk that I have gone back to a version 6 of nero.I hope they listen to us and do something about it.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Actually I had the same audio issue with version 7 nero .I could not believe that this was the cause but testing of my various computers proved the problem was with all of them.

The latest nero is such a piece of bloated junk that I have gone back to a version 6 of nero.I hope they listen to us and do something about it.

I'm hoping the most recent version of Nero has solved that problem now... but I'm hesitant to even bother trying to see if it's fixed.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I recently hit a couple of bad batches of printable Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=159578#159578

Those of you that use this media, please keep an eye open for future problems with this media, and post pictures of it in my linked thread if possible!

[Jon Lai]

I've always found that using Nero 7 caused voice sync problems, but Nero 6 was fine. I also found using Nero 7 caused audio skipping in CD-Audio burns, but Nero 6 wouldn't (same media, same drive, same everything).

I guess Nero 7 is still buggy and we should stay away from it?

[NG]

Interesting.

Ncix/Direct Canada is selling 4x Maxell at a quite high price. Wonder if it's an accident or if the Maxell 4x media is that HQ to merit the price.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12396&vpn=635053&manufacture=MAXELL
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC3804&vpn=635053&manufacture=MAXELL

They're also selling OEM Maxell 8x. Can't recall seeing OEM media there before. Doesn't say where it's made so I'd have to assume it's MIT

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC4383&vpn=635127&manufacture=MAXELL

[The Digital Dolphin]

Interesting.

Ncix/Direct Canada is selling 4x Maxell at a quite high price. Wonder if it's an accident or if the Maxell 4x media is that HQ to merit the price.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=12396&vpn=635053&manufacture=MAXELL
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC3804&vpn=635053&manufacture=MAXELL

They're also selling OEM Maxell 8x. Can't recall seeing OEM media there before. Doesn't say where it's made so I'd have to assume it's MIT

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC4383&vpn=635127&manufacture=MAXELL

The 4x media is deffinately old stock... could also mean a chance of getting MIJ, but I honestly have no idea.

The 8x "OEM" stuff is just standard Maxell Silver Thermal 8x DVD-R 50pks. They are probably MIJ or CMC, as Ritek media has that nasty raised hub on the top of the disc, and these discs are made for thermal printing, which tends to have problems if there is a raised hub on the top of the disc ;)

[Jon Lai]

DD, just wondering, is 1x Blu-Ray = 1x HDDVD?

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, just wondering, is 1x Blu-Ray = 1x HDDVD?

Hrm... that's a good question!

Since there are not HDDVD burners yet (or even HDDVD-ROMs for PCs), I haven't been able to compare the speeds. I'll look into it though :)

[callous]

The 4x media is deffinately old stock... could also mean a chance of getting MIJ, but I honestly have no idea.

The 8x "OEM" stuff is just standard Maxell Silver Thermal 8x DVD-R 50pks. They are probably MIJ or CMC, as Ritek media has that nasty raised hub on the top of the disc, and these discs are made for thermal printing, which tends to have problems if there is a raised hub on the top of the disc ;)


I thought you said all discs have an expiry date that is implied but never printed. So if you were to purposely by 4x media, wouldnt this be a bad idea

[mortimusmaximus]

I have a few 4x -r maxell that I bought about a year ago.They have the gold colored label.I think they are MIJ.The funny thing is they are seen as up to 16x by my nec3500.I personally don't burn any faster than 8x but this would imply these are high quality discs right?

Oh and I still get less than 20 in my kprobe scans on these so I don't know what the shelf life is if not used.Maybe DD can answer that?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I thought you said all discs have an expiry date that is implied but never printed. So if you were to purposely by 4x media, wouldnt this be a bad idea
That's a good point. Still, with technology moving so fast these days, it takes a LOT less time for product to become "old stock" and "obsolete" then it did back in the CD-R days. These DVDs are about 3 years old only, and that should be fine :)

[callous]

Dolp,

What is the real reason why Liteon bought BEnq's optical division? All Liteon did was close down the division. Did benq have amazing blueray technology that is not widely known that Liteon wanted?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I have a few 4x -r maxell that I bought about a year ago.They have the gold colored label.I think they are MIJ.The funny thing is they are seen as up to 16x by my nec3500.I personally don't burn any faster than 8x but this would imply these are high quality discs right?

Oh and I still get less than 20 in my kprobe scans on these so I don't know what the shelf life is if not used.Maybe DD can answer that?

Can you maybe be a bit more specific about what you mean when you say you "get less then 20 in my kprobe scans" ???

[The Digital Dolphin]

Dolp,

What is the real reason why Liteon bought BEnq's optical division? All Liteon did was close down the division. Did benq have amazing blueray technology that is not widely known that Liteon wanted?

BenQ wanted out. Philips needed someone to keep things going. LiteON is huge, and is VERY good with OEMs (they do more OEMs then most people know!). LiteON also has incredible potential.

Keep in mind, it was NOT BenQ who was awesome, it was Philips pushing them. BenQ's own drives without Philips support always sucked. Look at the DQ60 and the DW1670 !!!

As for BenQ's bluray.... well it was really PHILIPS' BluRay, and yes it should be truly awesome. LiteON *DID* dump their OWN BluRay drive in favour of using Philips' drive after all ;)

[akito925]

whree can I get 8x DVD+RW's?? if there are any 8x DVD+RW's ?? and if so, where can get hold of a few?

[callous]

BenQ wanted out. Philips needed someone to keep things going. LiteON is huge, and is VERY good with OEMs (they do more OEMs then most people know!). LiteON also has incredible potential.

Keep in mind, it was NOT BenQ who was awesome, it was Philips pushing them. BenQ's own drives without Philips support always sucked. Look at the DQ60 and the DW1670 !!!

As for BenQ's bluray.... well it was really PHILIPS' BluRay, and yes it should be truly awesome. LiteON *DID* dump their OWN BluRay drive in favour of using Philips' drive after all ;)

Did Liteon use Philips blueray after getting benq or before? I really find it strange they paid that much money for blueray technology when they could have just licensed it direct from philips

[The Digital Dolphin]

whree can I get 8x DVD+RW's?? if there are any 8x DVD+RW's ?? and if so, where can get hold of a few?

Blankmedia.ca, RiData brand. Only RiData and Ricoh 8x DVD+RWs are really available. Verbatim has them as well, but is not releasing them yet.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Did Liteon use Philips blueray after getting benq or before? I really find it strange they paid that much money for blueray technology when they could have just licensed it direct from philips

LiteON was developing their own BluRay drive up until they took over BenQ's ODD devision.

There is a LOT going on in the background with Philips/LiteON, and I'm really not able to say too much about it. Partially because I'm not allowed to, and partially because even what I know is quite limited, and final decisions have not been made yet.

[mortimusmaximus]

Can you maybe be a bit more specific about what you mean when you say you "get less then 20 in my kprobe scans" ???

My main system is down right now ,I had to RMA my a8n32 mobo.If I remember correctly the pi/po errors on a dvd should be below 200 max to be qualified acceptable.This is the scan that I get12 to 20 on.There is another error that kprobe scans for ci/c2 and these discs are giving me very good scans when burnt at 8x in my nec 3500.
I hope that helps explain my earlier comment.

[callous]

LiteON was developing their own BluRay drive up until they took over BenQ's ODD devision.

There is a LOT going on in the background with Philips/LiteON, and I'm really not able to say too much about it. Partially because I'm not allowed to, and partially because even what I know is quite limited, and final decisions have not been made yet.


Was buying Benq OD the price to pay for the possibility of working with philips?

[The Digital Dolphin]

My main system is down right now ,I had to RMA my a8n32 mobo.If I remember correctly the pi/po errors on a dvd should be below 200 max to be qualified acceptable.This is the scan that I get12 to 20 on.There is another error that kprobe scans for ci/c2 and these discs are giving me very good scans when burnt at 8x in my nec 3500.
I hope that helps explain my earlier comment.

On a calibrated testing unit, when testing at 1x, then the upper limit for PIE maximums is 280 (sum 8) and for PIF it's 4 (Sum 1). This applies to CALIBRATED testing equipment only. Scans run by amatuer enthusiasts like myself and others, are done on uncalibrated consumer drives, which do not adhear to the same system listed above. HOWEVER, looking at media scans made on these drives DO give us an idea of the disc's performance from that drive's perspective.

This means that if the drive is too forgiving, then error rates of 40 or 50 might be too high. On the other hand, if the drive is quite picky, then error rates of 200 might not be a problem.

To make matters worse, some drives test at Sum 8 only (BenQ's), and some drives test for PIE/POE and not PIE/PIF (Pioneer and NEC). So as you can see, things get very complicated, and nothing is really black and white, when trying to look at media scans. Every variable should be considered.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Was buying Benq OD the price to pay for the possibility of working with philips?

That I don't know... but I doubt that was specifically required or outlined.

[mortimusmaximus]

Thanx DD,,I do scans of my discs every so often and try to ensure that the errors you discussed are as low as possible.I have had discs from the same spindle with outrageously higher error rates.

As a memo or side note have you ever compiled a list that says which manufacturer makes for example memorex or verbatim etc?I was wondering in general if there is a distriutor like memorex or verbatim that makes or sells disc with consistent quality.

I always hear about ritek media,is this media really that much better?Are there any media that is made and sold by the manufacturer?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanx DD,,I do scans of my discs every so often and try to ensure that the errors you discussed are as low as possible.I have had discs from the same spindle with outrageously higher error rates.

As a memo or side note have you ever compiled a list that says which manufacturer makes for example memorex or verbatim etc?I was wondering in general if there is a distriutor like memorex or verbatim that makes or sells disc with consistent quality.

I always hear about ritek media,is this media really that much better?Are there any media that is made and sold by the manufacturer?

Memorex contracts out to most major manufacturers, depending on whoever quotes the lowest. They will buy from CMC, Ritek, Prodisc, Optodisc, and even Taiyo Yuden on very VERY rare occasions. I think they will also buy from MBIL (Moser Baer). For CD-RWs they've also purchased from Infodisc (which was a big mistake on their part, but that's another story!).

Maxell buys from Ritek, CMC and Prodisc, and occasionally CMC. Their professional media is mostly made by themselves, but on occasion is outsourced to Taiyo Yuden (this is quite rare, but has happened at least once).

Fuji buys from any supplier that will use their dye in manufacturing. So Ritek and Prodisc or the most common. RITEKF1 and PRODISCF02 are both Fuji dye made discs.

Verbatim outsources to CMC, Prodisc and MBIL... but unlike all the other brands above, the media is made with Verbatim staff supervising, and all the manufacturing componants used in the making of the media are supplied by Verbatim's Singapore plant. This makes Verbatim's media, although still outsourced, MUCH more consistant from batch to batch then any of the above named brands. However mistakes DO happen from time to time, and bad batches have occured (although I still trust Verbatim more then just about any other discs, Maxell Professional (plus series and BQ series), is an exception, and Taiyo Yuden can be on the same level depending).

Philips media is a bit odd. Philips will only use made that has been "philips certified". Media that has been "Philips Certified" is generally well supported by DVD burners, but the certification ONLY applies to the MID code, and not the quality of the discs... sorry, it's a bit confusing to explain the difference. Anyways, so Philips media can be quite decent, but there are no guarentees. Actually, the stuff Philips sells in Canada seems to be generally pretty bad... and their 8x DVD+RDL media is the worst product seen from them yet (only available from futureshop). This stuff is the centre of much contraversy, even WITHIN Philips, as no Philips media should ever exist that isn't Philips Certified, but the CMCMAGD04 code used in their 8x DVD+RDL *ISN'T* Philips Certified.... so someone screwed up somewhere. .... Long story short, Philips media in Canada seems to suck. I think it's mostly or entirely CMC.

Finally, the manufacturers themselves:
CMC -> 8x media seems to be quite well supported, and GENERALLY good... but CMC can make any kind of quality from coaster level to some of the best available anywhere. Their 16x media is slowly getting better support, but still doesn't work that well at full speed on most drives.

Prodisc -> More of a grab bag then CMC even. Their media seems to degrade quite quickly in many cases, although there is also media of theirs that doesn't degrade as quickly (this is mostly 16x stuff that doesn't degrade). I think their 16x is slightly more compatable then CMC's right now.

Ritek -> (same as RiData) Ritek's DVD-Rs seem to be plagued with lifespan issues, especially their 8x media. Ritek's 16x media seems to be "ok" for lifespan so far, but it's still be watched quite closely. Ritek's 16x media almost never burns properly at 16x, and many drives don't support it above 12x even (although this is slowly changing). Generally I recommend burning Ritek 16x media at 8x.

MBIL -> They are still quite new in North America, and I haven't worked with them a lot yet. Drive support seems to be "ok" for their 16x media, and quality doesn't look that bad. Imation and Staples brand media are generally made by MBIL, but some Imation is also Optodisc.

Optodisc -> One of the newest manufacturers for blank media. Like Prodisc, Optodisc is constantly having problems with money, and ends up making a lot of low grade media for european brands for quick cash, which in the long run REALLY screws up their reputation. Their 16x media is getting better supported with some of the more recent firmware updates. Their 16x DVD+R media in specific actually has been doing QUITE well, and more and more drives are turning out some pretty nice scans with it! (For personal use, I only use Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs in combination with my Pioneer DVR-111D... Acro Circle is Optodisc's Home Brand).

Taiyo Yuden -> Once considered the de-facto best manufacturer of media in the world... they have recently been plagued with all sorts of problems, ranging from disturbingly fast degridation rates on their media, to incredibly poor support for their 16x discs (this is finally getting fixed however). Their own DVD-RDL media is REALLY bad... but then again, the whole DVD-RDL format is screwed up!).

Maxell -> The stuff they make themselves in Japan is awesome. Incredible firmware support for 8x and 16x media, good burn quality, and so far really REALLY good results in advance longevity studies. The only problem is the price, the availability, and the fact that some of their media is poorly bonded, leading to disc seperation (and disc failure). Prodisc and Taiyo Yuden also suffer from disc bonding problems.

Hopefully that's enough info for you ;)

[edgedamage]

Memorex contracts out to most major manufacturers, depending on whoever quotes the lowest. They will buy from CMC, Ritek, Prodisc, Optodisc, and even Taiyo Yuden on very VERY rare occasions. I think they will also buy from MBIL (Moser Baer). For CD-RWs they've also purchased from Infodisc (which was a big mistake on their part, but that's another story!).

Maxell buys from Ritek, CMC and Prodisc, and occasionally CMC. Their professional media is mostly made by themselves, but on occasion is outsourced to Taiyo Yuden (this is quite rare, but has happened at least once).

Fuji buys from any supplier that will use their dye in manufacturing. So Ritek and Prodisc or the most common. RITEKF1 and PRODISCF02 are both Fuji dye made discs.

Verbatim outsources to CMC, Prodisc and MBIL... but unlike all the other brands above, the media is made with Verbatim staff supervising, and all the manufacturing componants used in the making of the media are supplied by Verbatim's Singapore plant. This makes Verbatim's media, although still outsourced, MUCH more consistant from batch to batch then any of the above named brands. However mistakes DO happen from time to time, and bad batches have occured (although I still trust Verbatim more then just about any other discs, Maxell Professional (plus series and BQ series), is an exception, and Taiyo Yuden can be on the same level depending).

Philips media is a bit odd. Philips will only use made that has been "philips certified". Media that has been "Philips Certified" is generally well supported by DVD burners, but the certification ONLY applies to the MID code, and not the quality of the discs... sorry, it's a bit confusing to explain the difference. Anyways, so Philips media can be quite decent, but there are no guarentees. Actually, the stuff Philips sells in Canada seems to be generally pretty bad... and their 8x DVD+RDL media is the worst product seen from them yet (only available from futureshop). This stuff is the centre of much contraversy, even WITHIN Philips, as no Philips media should ever exist that isn't Philips Certified, but the CMCMAGD04 code used in their 8x DVD+RDL *ISN'T* Philips Certified.... so someone screwed up somewhere. .... Long story short, Philips media in Canada seems to suck. I think it's mostly or entirely CMC.

Finally, the manufacturers themselves:
CMC -> 8x media seems to be quite well supported, and GENERALLY good... but CMC can make any kind of quality from coaster level to some of the best available anywhere. Their 16x media is slowly getting better support, but still doesn't work that well at full speed on most drives.

Prodisc -> More of a grab bag then CMC even. Their media seems to degrade quite quickly in many cases, although there is also media of theirs that doesn't degrade as quickly (this is mostly 16x stuff that doesn't degrade). I think their 16x is slightly more compatable then CMC's right now.

Ritek -> (same as RiData) Ritek's DVD-Rs seem to be plagued with lifespan issues, especially their 8x media. Ritek's 16x media seems to be "ok" for lifespan so far, but it's still be watched quite closely. Ritek's 16x media almost never burns properly at 16x, and many drives don't support it above 12x even (although this is slowly changing). Generally I recommend burning Ritek 16x media at 8x.

MBIL -> They are still quite new in North America, and I haven't worked with them a lot yet. Drive support seems to be "ok" for their 16x media, and quality doesn't look that bad. Imation and Staples brand media are generally made by MBIL, but some Imation is also Optodisc.

Optodisc -> One of the newest manufacturers for blank media. Like Prodisc, Optodisc is constantly having problems with money, and ends up making a lot of low grade media for european brands for quick cash, which in the long run REALLY screws up their reputation. Their 16x media is getting better supported with some of the more recent firmware updates. Their 16x DVD+R media in specific actually has been doing QUITE well, and more and more drives are turning out some pretty nice scans with it! (For personal use, I only use Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs in combination with my Pioneer DVR-111D... Acro Circle is Optodisc's Home Brand).

Taiyo Yuden -> Once considered the de-facto best manufacturer of media in the world... they have recently been plagued with all sorts of problems, ranging from disturbingly fast degridation rates on their media, to incredibly poor support for their 16x discs (this is finally getting fixed however). Their own DVD-RDL media is REALLY bad... but then again, the whole DVD-RDL format is screwed up!).

Maxell -> The stuff they make themselves in Japan is awesome. Incredible firmware support for 8x and 16x media, good burn quality, and so far really REALLY good results in advance longevity studies. The only problem is the price, the availability, and the fact that some of their media is poorly bonded, leading to disc seperation (and disc failure). Prodisc and Taiyo Yuden also suffer from disc bonding problems.

Hopefully that's enough info for you ;)
Do you do quailty control for a company?

[mortimusmaximus]

WOW DD that was as awesome post and exactly what I was looking for .THANX again.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Do you do quailty control for a company?

Only officially for one or two ;)

I have direct ties to Maxell, Verbatim, Optodisc, MAM-A/Mitsui, Taiyo Yuden (when they bother to answer!), and Ritek (when I feel like dealing with them...) and indirect ties to Taiyo Yuden (I tend to get better support indirectly), Sony, Philips, other branches of Ritek, and occasionally a few other manufacturers/brands of media.

At this point, most of the above brands/manufacturers now owe me favours (or previously did).

Out of every company I've dealt with, Taiyo Yuden is the worst for customer support. Ritek (USA) is the shadiest/slimiest. Maxell is the most personable. Verbatim is the hardest working and quickest to make changes when needed. And MAM-A/Mitsui is the most full of themselves (although Taiyo Yuden is always a close competitor for this!).

[teknoluv]

Memorex contracts out to ...

Hopefully that's enough info for you ;)
Now THAT is a VERY useful reference. Thanks for posting it.

[blitz]

Hey DD,

Any chance of the Verbatim DVDRW going back on sale at NCIX?
I missed it last time.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD,

Any chance of the Verbatim DVDRW going back on sale at NCIX?
I missed it last time.

you mean the 6x DVD-RWs? I just reminded them about that product today actually :P

it might go on sale in 1-2 weeks, depending. They don't have enough stock on hand right now to do a proper sale of it. So it will depend on how long it takes for the stock to come in.

[quill_rat]

Maxell Professional (plus series and BQ series), is an exception, and Taiyo Yuden can be on the same level depending).


Are the Maxell plus series with the tyg02 media code equal to their own mxl rg03 plus series discs, in terms of bonding/lifespan?
thanks

[mortimusmaximus]

Hello DD I ran into a problem with dvd rw and my set top dvd recorder.The recorder is unable to do a full format and I am guessing just erases the TOC when I rewrite onto the disc.I was getting errors in my recordings which I fixed with a full format of the disc using my PC.

What is the expected rewrite cycle lifespan?These are verbatim DVD+rw discs.I was under the impression that the cycles were almost infinite but maybe I'm wrong.

[[buck]]

Hello DD I ran into a problem with dvd rw and my set top dvd recorder.The recorder is unable to do a full format and I am guessing just erases the TOC when I rewrite onto the disc.I was getting errors in my recordings which I fixed with a full format of the disc using my PC.

What is the expected rewrite cycle lifespan?These are verbatim DVD+rw discs.I was under the impression that the cycles were almost infinite but maybe I'm wrong.
The lifespan of DVD±RW tends to vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even batch to batch. Some discs are only be good for under 10 rewrites, other are good for 100+. Verbatim rewritables are some of the best on the market, so I'm surprised you're having trouble. How many times do you think you've burned/erased this DVD+RW disc?

[edgedamage]

Hello DD. Can you please tell me which is the BEST recordable DVD media avalable today? I need to archive family movies.

[[buck]]

Hello DD. Can you please tell me which is the BEST recordable DVD media avalable today? I need to archive family movies.
Not DD, but I can help you with this one. Based on the data I've seen, Maxell Broadcast Quality (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16377&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1043) is some pretty incredible stuff. In addition, it has a scratch resistant coating:

"The DVD-R Broadcast Quality DVD employs Maxell’s new MAXPRO Hardcoat Technology that provides 40 times more scratch resistance and is 20 times more dust and fingerprint repellent."
The downside, of course, is price. At nearly $2 per disc, BQ is not cheap. Oh well, you asked for the best :cheesygri

Now, if you do decide to go this route, I'd still recommend having a second copy of every disc on second media type so you have some sort of redundancy should something go wrong. The Verbatims on sale @ Futureshop this week would be fine for that purpose.

[mortimusmaximus]

']The lifespan of DVD±RW tends to vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even batch to batch. Some discs are only be good for under 10 rewrites, other are good for 100+. Verbatim rewritables are some of the best on the market, so I'm surprised you're having trouble. How many times do you think you've burned/erased this DVD+RW disc?

Thanks buck..I have written and erased the disc in question probably aout 20 times.The problem went away after a full format in my pc.I think the problem is more of a settop dvd recorder not doing a full format than in is the media.

[Razor Leaf]

You guys are amazing for answering all these questions. Thanks.
I’m wondering which will give a higher burn quality: a cold drive (not used since the computer was turned on), or a hot drive (was used just before burning the disc)?

[[buck]]

You guys are amazing for answering all these questions. Thanks.
I’m wondering which will give a higher burn quality: a cold drive (not used since the computer was turned on), or a hot drive (was used just before burning the disc)?
Heat definately affects burn quality, although it's not usually a major difference. I would imagine a drive at room temperature would ideal, but not necessary ;)

[DC5R]

DD/Buck, do you guys have any recommendations on some of the better CD-R's?

I need them to burn data and would like the data to hold at least 3-5 years.

Thanks!!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Are the Maxell plus series with the tyg02 media code equal to their own mxl rg03 plus series discs, in terms of bonding/lifespan?
thanks

The Maxell Plus Series TYG02 are really rare... I don't have a lot of experience with them yet, so I can't really give you an informed answer. They are at least as good as Premium TYG02, but more then that I can't honestly say yet. In another 6 months or so I should know more... but I expect they will be gone from the product line very shortly.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD/Buck, do you guys have any recommendations on some of the better CD-R's?

I need them to burn data and would like the data to hold at least 3-5 years.

Thanks!!

Taiyo Yuden is probably the best bet for a lifespan requirement like that. Ritek would probably do it too, but I've also had a lot of experience with some batches of Ritek CD-Rs only lasting ~2 years, and you don't want to run into that! Gold media is deffinately over kill in this case (and MAM-A gold CD-Rs are not performing as great as they used to!!).

[MrDisco]

']
The downside, of course, is price. At nearly $2 per disc, BQ is not cheap. Oh well, you asked for the best :cheesygri

who sells the BQ discs in canada/toronto?

[The Digital Dolphin]

who sells the BQ discs in canada/toronto?

Toronto?

http://www.tapeworks.ca/
http://www.precisionsound.com/
http://www.alliedmultimedia.com/
http://www.precisiontransfer.com/

In theory, all of those companies have access to the product line. I know Precision Sound stocks the BQ media in BC, but their Toronto office might need to transfer it in. Their online catalogue lists the pricing as $2.25/disc on 1x3pk, $2.15/disc on 2x3pks, and $2/disc on 4x3pks. I suspect Precision Transfer is more of a format conversion company (which means they SHOULD be using the media for all their stuff in theory, but probably don't use it at all....). I didn't see it listed on Tapeworks.ca's e-commerce site, but that doesn't mean they don't have it or can't get it. Alliedmultimedia has very little info on their site at all, but might be worth a call.

Good luck!!

(FYI, all I did was go to www.maxellcanada.com, clicked on "where to buy", clicked on "PI Dealers" and looked for places with webpages located in Toronto :cheesygri )

[MrDisco]

^ thanks for the links. i think i'll just toss a couple from ncix/dc on my next order (unless these are inferior in some way). like the other poster i want the best there is so i can archive my digital photos.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16377&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1043
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC5512&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL

[The Digital Dolphin]

^ thanks for the links. i think i'll just toss a couple from ncix/dc on my next order (unless these are inferior in some way). like the other poster i want the best there is so i can archive my digital photos.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16377&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL&promoid=1043
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC5512&vpn=635070&manufacture=MAXELL

They're fine also of course, I just didn't list them since the request was for Toronto stores ;)

[JAC]

DD,

Thanks for recommending the 8X Maxell DVD-R Plus Series MIJs at BlankMedia. I ordered up a couple spindles, and thus far they have been flawless on my Pioneer 109. They even burn at 12X.

*Much* better than the Verbatim DVD-Rs...those things keep failing on the UDF Anchor Descriptors. :(

Cheers,
JAC

[digdoug]

can someone help me with these questions?

how long should I wait after burning before I use the Nero CD/DVD Speed test? do I wait an hour? can someone also explain what the 4 different colored items on the Disc Quality graph represents?

is the current TNR verbatim series better than the old MXL RG02 or the Sony TY set? is the verbatim set really the best you can now buy? if it is, I'll have to go stock some. unless someone knows they'll go lower than $30/100?

someone should seriously put up a thread and put all the info on DVDs in the OP. :confused: TX.

[rahzel]

can someone help me with these questions?

how long should I wait after burning before I use the Nero CD/DVD Speed test? do I wait an hour? can someone also explain what the 4 different colored items on the Disc Quality graph represents?

is the current TNR verbatim series better than the old MXL RG02 or the Sony TY set? is the verbatim set really the best you can now buy? if it is, I'll have to go stock some. unless someone knows they'll go lower than $30/100?

someone should seriously put up a thread and put all the info on DVDs in the OP. :confused: TX.
it's ok to scan right after the burn imo. you may need to eject the disc, and put it back in, though.
the upper graph shows the read speed (the line that, for the most part, moves horizontally) and the PI Errors (the lines that showup vertically).
the lower graph shows the jitter (the squiggly line that moves horizontally) and PI Falures (the lines that showup vertically).

i haven't used the old MXL RG02, but i would assume that they would be better than the verbatim TNR. as for the Sony TY, imo, theyre a little better as well.

[digdoug]

it's ok to scan right after the burn imo. you may need to eject the disc, and put it back in, though.
the upper graph shows the read speed (the line that, for the most part, moves horizontally) and the PI Errors (the lines that showup vertically).
the lower graph shows the jitter (the squiggly line that moves horizontally) and PI Falures (the lines that showup vertically).

i haven't used the old MXL RG02, but i would assume that they would be better than the verbatim TNR. as for the Sony TY, imo, theyre a little better as well.

thanks, rahzel. does it matter if it's a movie dvd or a data dvd? I know a VCD/SVCD is written differently than a data CD.

Is it mainly the PI Failures that I should concern myself about? If so, what's the # between great, good, and mediocre?

The sony TY and the verbatim TNR do not have problems with bonding, do they? tx.
:D

[rahzel]

thanks, rahzel. does it matter if it's a movie dvd or a data dvd? I know a VCD/SVCD is written differently than a data CD.
i don't think so.

Is it mainly the PI Failures that I should concern myself about? If so, what's the # between great, good, and mediocre?
no, you should be concerned about all of them. some dvd writers do scanning differently, so if you tell us what drive you have, we can answer your question better. but don't put too much faith in disc quality tests.
The sony TY and the verbatim TNR do not have problems with bonding, do they? tx.
:D
generally, no.

[BeaverLiquor]

anyone having burn quality issues with verbatim dvd+r dl's and benq drives?

just got my dw1655 from rma (brand new reatil 1655:D ) and i'm getting poor scan results with cd-dvd speed...even fails (0 score) but they still play in the drive...

[[buck]]

anyone having burn quality issues with verbatim dvd+r dl's and benq drives?

just got my dw1655 from rma (brand new reatil 1655:D ) and i'm getting poor scan results with cd-dvd speed...even fails (0 score) but they still play in the drive...
You shouldn't be having any problems with that combination, but do keep in mind that DVD+RDL often has a higher failure rate that DVD±R. Also keep in mind that DVD+RDL scans will usually be a good bit worse than DVD±R scans.

Would you be able to post one of these CD Speed scans?

[Jeff146]

I'm having issues with DVD+RDL with my DW1640. It would not play on my Xbox360 but the Pioneer 111-D on other hand created disc that all played on the Xbox 360.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm having issues with DVD+RDL with my DW1640. It would not play on my Xbox360 but the Pioneer 111-D on other hand created disc that all played on the Xbox 360.

What speed are you burning them at? The BenQ DW1640 can overclock them to 8x, but they shouldn't be burned over 4x.

As for the DW1655, I've had problems with it as well on DVD+RDL media. In fact, I couldn't get mine to burn DVD+RDL media at all effectively, I figured it was defective. [buck] on the other hand has a DW165x drive that works decently with Verbatim DVD+RDL.

Really, the Pioneer DVR-111D is probably one of the best DVD+RDL burners right now.

On the whole DVD+RDL note, expect a really good sale on Verbatim DVD+RDL 20pks from NCIX on their sale tonight.

[The Digital Dolphin]

If anyone's wondering, I am now of the opinion that Maxell's BQ 8x DVD-Rs are by far the highest quality media available in North America at the moment.

The difference between Maxell BQ and Taiyo Yuden, when tested on a professional DVD testing system is like night and day.

[Jeff146]

What speed are you burning them at? The BenQ DW1640 can overclock them to 8x, but they shouldn't be burned over 4x.

As for the DW1655, I've had problems with it as well on DVD+RDL media. In fact, I couldn't get mine to burn DVD+RDL media at all effectively, I figured it was defective. [buck] on the other hand has a DW165x drive that works decently with Verbatim DVD+RDL.

Really, the Pioneer DVR-111D is probably one of the best DVD+RDL burners right now.

On the whole DVD+RDL note, expect a really good sale on Verbatim DVD+RDL 20pks from NCIX on their sale tonight.

I was burning them at 8x but I don't want to risk another coaster to try it at 4x because I heard that Benq don't burn quite well when the disc is put into an Hitachi LG Xbox 360 Drive.


I agree the Pioneer DVR-111D is great and has been flawless after almost 25 Dual Layer discs, burning all of them at 8x.

As for the sale, would it be better then the recent Futureshop sales? and Is Futureshop going to have a sale soon because I remember you mentioning how there will be a sale at the beginning of October or in the month of October.

Thanks,
Jeff

[The Digital Dolphin]

As for the sale, would it be better then the recent Futureshop sales? and Is Futureshop going to have a sale soon because I remember you mentioning how there will be a sale at the beginning of October or in the month of October.

Thanks,
Jeff

This is the sale I was mentioning before for October. It should be quite good :cheesygri

[Jeff146]

This is the sale I was mentioning before for October. It should be quite good :cheesygri


So it was a sale on NCIX.:razz:

Time to stock up!!!:cheesygri

[MrDisco]

If anyone's wondering, I am now of the opinion that Maxell's BQ 8x DVD-Rs are by far the highest quality media available in North America at the moment.

awesome stuff. i'll have to definitely stock up from ncix/dc the next time they (if?) go on sale.

any opinion on the samsung 18x drive that's on sale at candacomputers? would you take the pioneer over it?

[[buck]]

I was burning them at 8x but I don't want to risk another coaster to try it at 4x because I heard that Benq don't burn quite well when the disc is put into an Hitachi LG Xbox 360 Drive.


I agree the Pioneer DVR-111D is great and has been flawless after almost 25 Dual Layer discs, burning all of them at 8x.
Even with the DVR-111D, I still wouldn't recommend burning 2.4x rated DVD+RDL at higher than 4x for for best results and highest compatibility ;)

[[buck]]

awesome stuff. i'll have to definitely stock up from ncix/dc the next time they (if?) go on sale.

any opinion on the samsung 18x drive that's on sale at candacomputers? would you take the pioneer over it?
Even if they don't go on sale soon, it's ok, because NCIX has a 1 week grace period on all sale prices :)
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16377&promoid=1042

The website says the sale price ends on the 3rd, but you'll be able to check out with that price until the 9th or 10th :cheesygri

[digdoug]

i don't think so.

no, you should be concerned about all of them. some dvd writers do scanning differently, so if you tell us what drive you have, we can answer your question better. but don't put too much faith in disc quality tests.

generally, no.

I have an LG GSA 4040B (A304) and a Benq DW 1655 (BCIB). I've been using the Benq to scan at 8x.

Hey, rahzel, I've started a thread. maybe you'd like to start one and just copy and paste the stuff I've already done?
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3976250#post3976250

[BeaverLiquor]

i'm glade i'm not the only one having problems with dvd+r dl's

here are some scans, as you will see the problem is mostly writing on the second layer

this one was burned at 4x bcgb-rpc1 (speedpatched)
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/7539/benqdvdlsdw1655bcgb04october20061741jd3.th.png (http://img178.imageshack.us/my.php?image=benqdvdlsdw1655bcgb04october20061741j d3.png)

this was burned 2.4x bcgb-rpc1
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1778/benqdvdlsdw1655bcgb04october20061836sn2.th.png (http://img156.imageshack.us/my.php?image=benqdvdlsdw1655bcgb04october20061836s n2.png)

this was also burned at 4x bcgb-rpc1 (speedpatched)
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/4669/benqdvdlsdw1655bcgb04october20061943wm3.th.png (http://img156.imageshack.us/my.php?image=benqdvdlsdw1655bcgb04october20061943w m3.png)

[ewerx]

On the whole DVD+RDL note, expect a really good sale on Verbatim DVD+RDL 20pks from NCIX on their sale tonight.
Sale is up, but I don't see the 20pks on sale. Only 5pk for $16.99.

http://www.ncix.com/promo/promosale.php?webid=thanksgiving2006

[The Digital Dolphin]

Sale is up, but I don't see the 20pks on sale. Only 5pk for $16.99.

http://www.ncix.com/promo/promosale.php?webid=thanksgiving2006


Yeah, I noticed that.... don't worry it's going to "magically" resolve itself in the next 12 hours.

[rahzel]

I have an LG GSA 4040B (A304) and a Benq DW 1655 (BCIB). I've been using the Benq to scan at 8x.
with a BenQ drive, i myself like to have my PIE's under 50 max, PIF's under 10 max and jitter under 11% max, but those are pretty high standards. PIE's are OK under 280, PIF's are OK under about 16 max and jitter should be under 12%. even if you go over these numbers slightly, the disc may still be readable without problems, though.

as for your blank media thread, i think it's best that people post their questions here instead.

[The Digital Dolphin]

with a BenQ drive, i myself like to have my PIE's under 50 max, PIF's under 10 max and jitter under 11% max, but those are pretty high standards. PIE's are OK under 280, PIF's are OK under about 16 max and jitter should be under 12%. even if you go over these numbers slightly, the disc may still be readable without problems, though.

as for your blank media thread, i think it's best that people post their questions here instead.


Remember that the whole PIE under 280 etc... thing is based on CALIBRATED drives. If you are a subscriber on CDRlabs you can see some advanced results from my longevity study that will knock your socks off ;)

[digdoug]

with a BenQ drive, i myself like to have my PIE's under 50 max, PIF's under 10 max and jitter under 11% max, but those are pretty high standards. PIE's are OK under 280, PIF's are OK under about 16 max and jitter should be under 12%. even if you go over these numbers slightly, the disc may still be readable without problems, though.

as for your blank media thread, i think it's best that people post their questions here instead.

Thanks. is there something wrong with the Quality Score benchmark? It seems like they're all within 93-98 for me, except for the occasional 0 score; what's up with that? And most of the stuff I've scanned seem to be in your tolerable range, so that's good to hear.

how much do these numbers deteriorate over time? I mostly do a scan within hours after burning. and does it matter to quality if I burn one DVD right after another (and the writer is still warm/hot)? How much does it matter if I'm doing other stuff, like watching movies, that draw from the HD while burning? I also notice that the speed of the burn goes up and down even when I'm not doing anything. Is that common?

The Verbatim 16x +R TNRs (MCC 004) are the best I've scanned so far:

Benq 1655 4x
http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/5298/mcc004benq4xdvdbcibiy0.png


Benq 1655 12x
http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/4982/mcc004benq12xdvdbcibbi2.png

[rahzel]

Thanks. is there something wrong with the Quality Score benchmark? It seems like they're all within 93-98 for me, except for the occasional 0 score; what's up with that? And most of the stuff I've scanned seem to be in your tolerable range, so that's good to hear.
the quality score is reflected by the PIF max only. if you have a very nice looking scan like PIF spikes of only 1-2, your score would be 99% (on a benq drive) but if 1 spike of say 10 comes near the end, the score would drop to like a 93% (i don't remember exactly, but about that). i wouldn't pay much attention to the quality score.

how much do these numbers deteriorate over time? I mostly do a scan within hours after burning. and does it matter to quality if I burn one DVD right after another (and the writer is still warm/hot)? How much does it matter if I'm doing other stuff, like watching movies, that draw from the HD while burning? I also notice that the speed of the burn goes up and down even when I'm not doing anything. Is that common?
not sure i know what you mean, but it depends on the discs. some discs degrade faster than others. if you scan a disc even within a few weeks, it should be relatively the same, but if you scan like months or years after, it might change (again, depending on the media).
heat does affect burn quality, but at slower speeds like 4x, it will probably be ok to burn 1 disc right after another.
i would limit your computer usage to internet browsing only while youre burning.
and yes, its normal for the burn speed to go up and down (and the buffer).

btw, did you burn those at 4x? you should be able to burn those at 12x with good results.

[NG]

Yeah, I noticed that.... don't worry it's going to "magically" resolve itself in the next 12 hours.

Nice deal (esp for those able to do local pick up).

Is this the major DL price drop you were referring to earlier (like a one off sale) or is this just the start of a across the board lowering of prices?

[edgedamage]

DD you are correct about Fuji DVD media only lasting two years.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Nice deal (esp for those able to do local pick up).

Is this the major DL price drop you were referring to earlier (like a one off sale) or is this just the start of a across the board lowering of prices?

Nope, this is still based off of current DL pricing :cheesygri

But in all fairness, the only way the pricing got this low was by a few tricks that won't work again. In fact, once current stock runs out, expect the pricing to jump up about 10-15% >:(

The real price drop should happen in November.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD you are correct about Fuji DVD media only lasting two years.

I hope you didn't get burned too badly when the media died!

[MrDisco]

In fact, once current stock runs out, expect the pricing to jump up about 10-15% >:(

The real price drop should happen in November.

i'm confused. so prices will jump 10-15% but then drop in november?

[edgedamage]

I hope you didn't get burned too badly when the media died!

No No I just was able to get information from a VERY trusted source!

[NG]

i'm confused. so prices will jump 10-15% but then drop in november?

I *think* he's saying that Verbatim is using Ncix to burn through the remainder stock of the old 2.4 DL media then in November the new 8x line will start dropping in price.

[NG]

DD you are correct about Fuji DVD media only lasting two years.

Kind of vague - what media ID's are you referring to? Or more to the point is it the MIT stuff that's crapping out (to be expected) or the MIJ stuff (that'd be a suprise).

[[buck]]

I *think* he's saying that Verbatim is using Ncix to burn through the remainder stock of the old 2.4 DL media then in November the new 8x line will start dropping in price.
Nah... 8x Verbatim DVD+RDL is still a ways from being a "mainstream" product. I am quite sure the November price drops will still be on the 2.4x product.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I *think* he's saying that Verbatim is using Ncix to burn through the remainder stock of the old 2.4 DL media then in November the new 8x line will start dropping in price.
8x DVD+RDL did have a slight drop in price this month, but most stores have too much stock of the old price (and really it's not a big difference!), so we won't see it for a while.

Ok, here's the deal as plain and simple as I can put it:
Verbatim ran a promo on the DVD+RDL 20pk everyone loves. The promo was a percentage based rebate at the end of the 3rd quarter of the year. The promo ran from July 2006 to September 2006. You'll notice we're now in October. So all product ordered WITHIN October and later will not benefit from the rebate, which is generally worked in to the price of product, despite the fact that companies don't receive the rebate for 1-3 months.

So *YOUR* perspective will see an increase in price, but it really depends on how you look at it ;) Those 100pk 16x DVD±Rs were also on the promo.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Kind of vague - what media ID's are you referring to? Or more to the point is it the MIT stuff that's crapping out (to be expected) or the MIJ stuff (that'd be a suprise).

Fuji manages to screw up most of their media. I don't even trust TY from them. My friend recently got some Fuji TY 8x DVD+R samples, and the hubs were really poorly formed, it went beyond a bonding problem (actually the hubs were well bonded!). To say they suffered from cosmetic defects would be an understatement.

[rahzel]

hey DD (or people who own a DVR-111D), i'm probably going to be picking up a DVR-111D sometime soon, and i'm wondering what firmware you recommend? right now i have MCC 004, YUDEN000T02, MKM 001, OPTODISC R16 (Imation branded).

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD (or people who own a DVR-111D), i'm probably going to be picking up a DVR-111D sometime soon, and i'm wondering what firmware you recommend? right now i have MCC 004, YUDEN000T02, MKM 001, OPTODISC R16 (Imation branded).

I'm using 1.29 quite happily (I'm pretty sure that is the latest). I also haven't heard a single complaint about any of the Pioneer DVR-111D's new firmwares, so I think you're pretty safe.

[rahzel]

I'm using 1.29 quite happily (I'm pretty sure that is the latest). I also haven't heard a single complaint about any of the Pioneer DVR-111D's new firmwares, so I think you're pretty safe.

yeah i believe thats the latest.

thanks.

[Alvito]

are these any good? i like the price, and i've used them a few months ago.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=007491&cid=719.88

[[buck]]

are these any good? i like the price, and i've used them a few months ago.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=007491&cid=719.88
Nope, Ritek/Ridata 8x DVD-Rs often suffer from very extreme lifespan problems. It is very common to hear reports of unreadable discs in 3-12 months, and quality control is quite sloppy in general. I'm not too sure why you like the price, considering brand name media (such as Verbatim or Maxell) can be had for alot less if you keep your eyes open:confused:

[NG]

;4008204']Nope, Ritek/Ridata 8x DVD-Rs often suffer from very extreme lifespan problems. It is very common to hear reports of unreadable discs in 3-12 months, and quality control is quite sloppy in general. I'm not too sure why you like the price, considering brand name media (such as Verbatim or Maxell) can be had for alot less if you keep your eyes open:confused:

How would you rate the Ridata CDr's that are on sale for $10 at ncix this week?

Imho 3-12 months would make them next to useless for any purposes but if they last a few years for the price they might serve a purpose.

[The Digital Dolphin]

How would you rate the Ridata CDr's that are on sale for $10 at ncix this week?

Imho 3-12 months would make them next to useless for any purposes but if they last a few years for the price they might serve a purpose.

Ritek/RiData CD-Rs have been going down in quality steadily over the last year or two... but they are still the best cheap CD-R on the market, if you don't want to shell out for Taiyo Yuden. MBIL CD-Rs have massive problems (sometimes the top laquer has been known to be missing!!), and Daxon CD-Rs are just not on our market.

[[buck]]

Ritek/RiData CD-Rs have been going down in quality steadily over the last year or two... but they are still the best cheap CD-R on the market, if you don't want to shell out for Taiyo Yuden. MBIL CD-Rs have massive problems (sometimes the top laquer has been known to be missing!!), and Daxon CD-Rs are just not on our market.
I thought you were a fan of CMC CD-Rs? :confused:

[digdoug]

not sure i know what you mean, but it depends on the discs. some discs degrade faster than others. if you scan a disc even within a few weeks, it should be relatively the same, but if you scan like months or years after, it might change (again, depending on the media).
heat does affect burn quality, but at slower speeds like 4x, it will probably be ok to burn 1 disc right after another.
i would limit your computer usage to internet browsing only while youre burning.
and yes, its normal for the burn speed to go up and down (and the buffer).

btw, did you burn those at 4x? you should be able to burn those at 12x with good results.

thanks, good to know. do small particles matter? I always look at the bottoms of my new dvds before I burn them and clear off any particles (r try to, although sometimes I just wind up adding more). for the 2 pics I posted, one was at 4x, the other 12x.

As for the Fuji DVDs only lasting 2 years, what does that mean exactly? I still have Fujis that play on my DVD player, although I doubt I'd be able to read every bit successfully if I tried to make a copy. but since dvd playing is very forgiving, doesn't that mean the Fuji's can still be used for that purpose for several years more?

any chance in hell the benq 1655 will get firmware-upgraded to burn DL at 8x?

[The Digital Dolphin]

;4011207']I thought you were a fan of CMC CD-Rs? :confused:

CMC CD-Rs made with Azo dye and under Verbatim's name brand ;)

Actually, CMC *CAN* make really good CD-Rs, but there's no way of knowing what you've gotten most of the time.

[bodobodo]

How are the Luxembourg-manufactured discs sold by Imation? They are currently on sale in 5 packs with jewel cases for $2.99 at Staples (both + and -). I'm guessing they might have the TDK media code.

[IamTazak-47]

Hello everyone was just wondering what everyone thinks are the best inkjet printable 16x dvds, ive tried ty 8x, tdk 16x, memorex 16x , ridata 8x, optodisc 8x,

I have read on here that the tdks and the memorex dvds arent the best but i really liked the performance and results with each, but cant find either at a good price anymore, was wondering what everyone out there uses for printable media, i have heard the maxell printables are good but they are over .50 a dvd i was hoping a little cheaper, lol , thanks for any help.

Marcel

[The Digital Dolphin]

How are the Luxembourg-manufactured discs sold by Imation? They are currently on sale in 5 packs with jewel cases for $2.99 at Staples (both + and -). I'm guessing they might have the TDK media code.

TDK media is quite variable in quality, I don't trust any of it. I've had bad experiences with TDK discs from a wide variety of countries of origin.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hello everyone was just wondering what everyone thinks are the best inkjet printable 16x dvds, ive tried ty 8x, tdk 16x, memorex 16x , ridata 8x, optodisc 8x,

I have read on here that the tdks and the memorex dvds arent the best but i really liked the performance and results with each, but cant find either at a good price anymore, was wondering what everyone out there uses for printable media, i have heard the maxell printables are good but they are over .50 a dvd i was hoping a little cheaper, lol , thanks for any help.

Marcel

RiData 8x DVD-R White Inkjet Hub Printables look the nicest by far, but the media will only last from 6 months to 2 years on average. I would recommend Verbatim White Inkjet printables next.

Taiyo Yuden inkjet printables are good for compatability, but because they only come in tapewrap and not in cake boxes, they become damaged VERY easily, and the media is questionable in terms of lifespan these days anyway. Optodisc's quality is inferior to Taiyo Yuden, but has actually scored higher then TY in terms of longevity in more then 1 study. TDK and Memorex is cheap, in more ways then 1... I would recommend Memorex over TDK for sure, but even Memorex is pretty crappy.

[IamTazak-47]

thanks for the quick response so the best to worst is:

Verbatim
Taiyo yuden
Optodisc
Memorex
TDK

Im going to have to look and see if there are 16x printable optodiscs available , thanks again for the information

[Lumute]

Hello DD, I recently bought a LG GSA-E10L and wanted to test the DVR-RAM burning at 12X, but after searching all I could find was the Maxell 12x DVD-RAM and it seems they are only sold in Japan...

Do you know if there is any way to buy these here in Canada? how long will we have to wait to see those here?

Thanks!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hello DD, I recently bought a LG GSA-E10L and wanted to test the DVR-RAM burning at 12X, but after searching all I could find was the Maxell 12x DVD-RAM and it seems they are only sold in Japan...

Do you know if there is any way to buy these here in Canada? how long will we have to wait to see those here?

Thanks!

Currently it's only made by Maxell as you've seen, and so far you pretty much have to go to Japan to get it. Even Europe won't be getting it!! :evil:

But, as it happens, I'm in negotiations with Maxell to try to get about 100 5pks of it or something, for general sale in North America, to appease the power user population. Unfortunately, the negotiations have not been going well, so don't hold your breath. Maxell is a very stubborn company.... but then again, I'm also a very stubborn dolphin ;)

[Lumute]

But, as it happens, I'm in negotiations with Maxell to try to get about 100 5pks of it or something, for general sale in North America, to appease the power user population. Unfortunately, the negotiations have not been going well, so don't hold your breath. Maxell is a very stubborn company.... but then again, I'm also a very stubborn dolphin ;)

Cool! I'm sure you are going to persuade them! :) If so, please count me on with at least one of those 5 pack!

Thanks!

[digdoug]

Hi. I know the Fujifilm MIT -R ProdiscF01 is going to be crap, but is the MIJ +R YUDEN000-T02-00 at least decent?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi. I know the Fujifilm MIT -R ProdiscF01 is going to be crap, but is the MIJ +R YUDEN000-T02-00 at least decent?

Fuji has managed to screw up TY product on more then one occasion. I have a REALLY hard time trusting any of their products anymore. However [buck] seems to like them still ;)

[[buck]]

Fuji has managed to screw up TY product on more then one occasion. I have a REALLY hard time trusting any of their products anymore. However [buck] seems to like them still ;)
I have some reservations... but I'd still call Fuji TY, on average, "decent" ;)

[anom]

Just to get an update...probably for the millionith time.
What is the best DVD SL media as far as longevity goes (regardless of price)? From what I gathered as the better media from reading this thread can someone rank them? Verbatim DataLife Plus, Maxell Plus Series, Maxell Broadcast Quality, MAM-A Gold.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just to get an update...probably for the millionith time.
What is the best DVD SL media as far as longevity goes (regardless of price)? From what I gathered as the better media from reading this thread can someone rank them? Verbatim DataLife Plus, Maxell Plus Series, Maxell Broadcast Quality, MAM-A Gold.

Based on current stock quality:

Maxell BQ Series 8x DVD-R
Emtec Gold 4x DVD+R
(these 2 may change places, but are close)
(big quality gap)
Verbatim Ultralife Gold 8x DVD-R (maybe? jury is still out on this one)
Maxell Plus Series (made by Maxell)
Verbatim (Made by CMC)
Verbatim (Made by MBIL)
Taiyo Yuden
Verbatim (Made by Prodisc)


Not likely to ever go on the quality list:
Ritek/RiData DVD-R
Prodisc DVD±R
Princo
pretty much anything made in China or Hongkong

[anom]

Based on current stock quality:

Maxell BQ Series 8x DVD-R
Emtec Gold 4x DVD+R
(these 2 may change places, but are close)
(big quality gap)
Verbatim Ultralife Gold 8x DVD-R (maybe? jury is still out on this one)
Maxell Plus Series (made by Maxell)
Verbatim (Made by CMC)
Verbatim (Made by MBIL)
Taiyo Yuden
Verbatim (Made by Prodisc)


Not likely to ever go on the quality list:
Ritek/RiData DVD-R
Prodisc DVD±R
Princo
pretty much anything made in China or Hongkong

Thanks! Maxell BQ it is!

noticed that there is a Maxell Mastering Grade Media...where does this fall?

[[buck]]

Thanks! Maxell BQ it is!

noticed that there is a Maxell Mastering Grade Media...where does this fall?
Maxell Mastering Grade isn't an actual Maxell product - it's NCIX's moniker for Maxell Broadcast Quality!

[anom]

;4031745']Maxell Mastering Grade isn't an actual Maxell product - it's NCIX's moniker for Maxell Broadcast Quality!

ok thanks...I just noticed that.

[The Digital Dolphin]

ok thanks...I just noticed that.

Mastering Grade gets the idea of the BQ quality across to people better then saying BQ. Most people don't know BQ stands for Broadcast Quality ;)

[dmxlite]

question about Verbatim and the TNR font on the spindle. Is that specific to the disc manufacturer, or the Verbatim itself?

Like if I see a TNR type spindle from a different brand, how likely is it from the same manufacturers as the Verbatims? Or is the font thing a Verbatim thing only, and don't bother with other brands with the TNR font?

Asking cause I saw a spindle of TDK DVD+R, their made in India product is Arial (sans serif), but out of the whole case, I see one MIT with TNR font, so I'm curious as to who made it.

[digdoug]

;4030354']I have some reservations... but I'd still call Fuji TY, on average, "decent" ;)

I just did a scan of a couple of MIJ +R and they were excellent. even better than the CMC Verbatim. so is the problem with them the bonding, then?

ProdiscF01 Benq 1655 8x
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/565/prodiscf01benq8xdvdbcibshorthp9.png


ProdiscF01 Benq 4x
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/2534/prodiscf01benq4xdvdbcibshortgt1.png

YUDEN000-T02-00 - Benq 2.4x
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/7079/yuden000t0200benq24xdvdbcibya3.png


YUDEN000-T02-00 - Benq 4x
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/8766/yuden000t0200benq4xdvdbcibshortik8.png


YUDEN000-T02-00 - Benq 8x
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/1394/yuden000t0200benq8xdvdbciblq7.png

YUDEN000-T02-00 - LG4040 4x
http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9376/yuden000t0200lg4xdvdbcibis6.png


ALL SCANNED WITH THE BENQ DRIVE @ 8x.

could someone comment by Friday as the sale ends today and I wouldn't mind ordering some more.

P.S. Vote for some suggested smilies. link below.

[Thanh]

Just to get an update...probably for the millionith time.
What is the best DVD SL media as far as longevity goes (regardless of price)? From what I gathered as the better media from reading this thread can someone rank them? Verbatim DataLife Plus, Maxell Plus Series, Maxell Broadcast Quality, MAM-A Gold.

Not just because I don't feel like reading the whole thread but also because past informations might be outdated, would it be possible to get such an update regarding burners ?

I'm asking cos I have important information that I intend to backup using 2 Maxell Plus Series DVD-R media. Media redundancy is one thing but I'd like to burn them using the best burner in terms of quality.

My current burner is a good old BenQ DW822A.

[mortimusmaximus]

I would also like a recommendation on dvd witers.I can not remember if DD has ever done a review or comparison on writers.I have 2 lite on 1 sony and an NEC.I am happy with the performance on all of these except when burning dual layer.If I get a good burn as far as kprobe goes I will almost always get high error rates at the layer switch.Is this a common problem or something unusual.

Anyway any info from the DD as far as writers goes would be appreciated.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I would also like a recommendation on dvd witers.I can not remember if DD has ever done a review or comparison on writers.I have 2 lite on 1 sony and an NEC.I am happy with the performance on all of these except when burning dual layer.If I get a good burn as far as kprobe goes I will almost always get high error rates at the layer switch.Is this a common problem or something unusual.

Anyway any info from the DD as far as writers goes would be appreciated.

Pioneer DVR-111D -> VERY Good all around burner! Highly recommended!
LG GSA-H22L -> Excellent DVD+R burner, very fast... don't use for DVD-R!!
LiteON -> Models with HyperTuning are good, enable hypertuning for all media, but disable for DVD±RDL burns (or it will fail)
Samsung -> Not worth it
NEC -> Not readily available in Canada, and don't offer any benefits over the LG, LiteON or Pioneer drives.
Plextor -> Good drives, but too expensive.

[mortimusmaximus]

Thanks DD I am going to buy a pioneer as my next drive.

As far as my kprobe scans on dual layer.I scan at the same speed as I burn,,2.4... well I have to scan at 2x since 2.4 is not an option.At the layer break the errors shoot thru the roof up to 800.The rest of the disc is perfectly acceptable with errors below 30.
Is this a common problem...PS the disc seems to play fine.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks DD I am going to buy a pioneer as my next drive.

As far as my kprobe scans on dual layer.I scan at the same speed as I burn,,2.4... well I have to scan at 2x since 2.4 is not an option.At the layer break the errors shoot thru the roof up to 800.The rest of the disc is perfectly acceptable with errors below 30.
Is this a common problem...PS the disc seems to play fine.

Well, it's pretty common with some burners and readers. But good burners and good media should reduce any error increase in the layer break to well within generally accepted limits. If you stick with Verbatim and the DVR-111D I think you'll find things improve.

[Akaz1976]

I just bought Sony 820U (External) from Staples. This is my first DVD burner and i was wonder what media & software would be useful for backing up movies etc?

Thanks

Akaz

PS. Is there anyway to copy movies from my HDPVR?

[fozzey]

Pioneer DVR-111D -> VERY Good all around burner! Highly recommended!
LG GSA-H22L -> Excellent DVD+R burner, very fast... don't use for DVD-R!!
LiteON -> Models with HyperTuning are good, enable hypertuning for all media, but disable for DVD±RDL burns (or it will fail)
Samsung -> Not worth it
NEC -> Not readily available in Canada, and don't offer any benefits over the LG, LiteON or Pioneer drives.
Plextor -> Good drives, but too expensive.

If it is not too much trouble could you say the best media for each burner. The note about not using -R for the LG is great.

Thank you.

Side note, what happened to BenQ? They used to be at or near the top of the list (maybe 2 or 3 years ago).

[BeaverLiquor]

anyone burn dvd-ram's with a crossed flashed dvr-111d yet? i'm thinking of using dvd-ram for backing up stuff.

[nicolaim]

Pioneer DVR-111D -> VERY Good all around burner! Highly recommended!
LG GSA-H22L -> Excellent DVD+R burner, very fast... don't use for DVD-R!!
LiteON -> Models with HyperTuning are good, enable hypertuning for all media, but disable for DVD±RDL burns (or it will fail)
Samsung -> Not worth it
NEC -> Not readily available in Canada, and don't offer any benefits over the LG, LiteON or Pioneer drives.
Plextor -> Good drives, but too expensive.

What about the BenQ DW1650?

[rahzel]

What about the BenQ DW1650?
i think he excluded the DW1650/55 because its hard to find, but its still a good all around drive. it has good media compatibility, its a good reader and a good scanner. i sold my DW1650 for a DVR-111D and i like the DVR-111D a little better. if i didn't have a DW1640, i'd probably keep my DW1650, though (i like the DW1640 a little better as well).

[nicolaim]

I'm having major problems with my BenQ DW1650.
In my computer it worked fine for a while but then:
a Maxell 4X-R MIJ and several Maxell 8X+R MIT Ritek, Verbatim 16X +R, and Sony 8X +Rs failed towards the end of Nero quality testing or got zero % quality.

I got a friend to try the drive in his computer. A TY burned fine and tested at 98 %, but a Verbatim 16X +R failed the Nero test towards the end.

The only DL disc I burned, a Verbatim 2.4X played on my computer but my Philips DVP642 didn't like the second layer.

Is it time to send the drive to BenQ, or should I do any more tests? Apparently BenQ will likely replace it with a crappy drive...

I should note the following, in case it matters: I bought the BenQ because my Plextor 712A started burning discs that failed verification. DMA is enabled.
Nero 7, Celeron 2.93 @ 3 GHz, 1 GB DDR, XP SP2, Seagate 200 GB PATA, lame VIA something800 chipset, cheap mobo.

[BeaverLiquor]

I'm having major problems with my BenQ DW1650.
In my computer it worked fine for a while but then:
a Maxell 4X-R MIJ and several Maxell 8X+R MIT Ritek, Verbatim 16X +R, and Sony 8X +Rs failed towards the end or got zero % quality.

I got a friend to try the drive in his computer. A TY burned fine and tested at 98 %, but a Verbatim 16X +R failed the Nero test towards the end.

The only DL disc I burned, a Verbatim 2.4X played on my computer but my Philips DVP642 didn't like the second layer.

Is it time to send the drive to BenQ, or should I do any more tests? Apparently BenQ will likely replace it with a crappy drive...

I should note the following, in case it matters: I bought the BenQ because my Plextor 712A started burning discs that failed verification. DMA is enabled.
Nero 7, Celeron 2.93 @ 3 GHz, 1 GB DDR, XP SP2, Seagate 200 GB PATA, lame VIA something800 chipset, cheap mobo.

i sent in my drive, an oem 1655, about a month ago and they sent me a brand new retail 1655 back. but maybe you should try burning with nero 6?

i think he excluded the DW1650/55 because its hard to find, but its still a good all around drive. it has good media compatibility, its a good reader and a good scanner. i sold my DW1650 for a DVR-111D and i like the DVR-111D a little better. if i didn't have a DW1640, i'd probably keep my DW1650, though (i like the DW1640 a little better as well).

you could always buy a 1640 from fs :lol:

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2829/image094ks8.th.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image094ks8.jpg)

tried to talk a newb sales person (atleast he looked new) into a discount because well the 1640 is an old drive ;) but no go... :(

[ShadowVlican]

i think he excluded the DW1650/55 because its hard to find, but its still a good all around drive. it has good media compatibility, its a good reader and a good scanner. i sold my DW1650 for a DVR-111D and i like the DVR-111D a little better. if i didn't have a DW1640, i'd probably keep my DW1650, though (i like the DW1640 a little better as well).
that's my guess too

lucky i got my 1655 :cheesygri

optical drive companies LITEON and BENQ seem to be having some market problems though...

[BeaverLiquor]

that's my guess too

lucky i got my 1655 :cheesygri

optical drive companies LITEON and BENQ seem to be having some market problems though...

what market problems?

but from now on benq = lite-on

[Jon Lai]

you could always buy a 1640 from fs :lol:

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2829/image094ks8.th.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image094ks8.jpg)

tried to talk a newb sales person (atleast he looked new) into a discount because well the 1640 is an old drive ;) but no go... :(


Yea, it's amazing how they still have it. If you find some small comptuer store that still has one or two of these on the other side of Canada feel free to Price Match - their cost is definately much lower.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I just bought Sony 820U (External) from Staples. This is my first DVD burner and i was wonder what media & software would be useful for backing up movies etc?

Thanks

Akaz

PS. Is there anyway to copy movies from my HDPVR?

Really not the right sort of thread for these questions (the software I mean). However, DVDShrink is pretty good I find.

For media, I recommend Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden (I don't recommend Taiyo Yuden 16x media!). For top end quality Maxell BQ 8x DVD-Rs can't be beat.

[The Digital Dolphin]

If it is not too much trouble could you say the best media for each burner. The note about not using -R for the LG is great.

Thank you.

Side note, what happened to BenQ? They used to be at or near the top of the list (maybe 2 or 3 years ago).

Stick with the good stuff and you'll be fine. Verbatim, TY, and Professional Maxell (BQ, or Plus Series... but BQ is by far the best!). Just avoid DVD-R on that LG drive, and I don't recommend 16x TY product either.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm having major problems with my BenQ DW1650.
In my computer it worked fine for a while but then:
a Maxell 4X-R MIJ and several Maxell 8X+R MIT Ritek, Verbatim 16X +R, and Sony 8X +Rs failed towards the end of Nero quality testing or got zero % quality.

I got a friend to try the drive in his computer. A TY burned fine and tested at 98 %, but a Verbatim 16X +R failed the Nero test towards the end.

The only DL disc I burned, a Verbatim 2.4X played on my computer but my Philips DVP642 didn't like the second layer.

Is it time to send the drive to BenQ, or should I do any more tests? Apparently BenQ will likely replace it with a crappy drive...

I should note the following, in case it matters: I bought the BenQ because my Plextor 712A started burning discs that failed verification. DMA is enabled.
Nero 7, Celeron 2.93 @ 3 GHz, 1 GB DDR, XP SP2, Seagate 200 GB PATA, lame VIA something800 chipset, cheap mobo.


Ditch Nero 7.... or was your friend using a different version or different program?

But I'll agree it sounds like it might be your drive on the way out...

[The Digital Dolphin]

what market problems?

but from now on benq = lite-on

BenQ has quit the ODD business in Europe and North America. LiteON has just announced they are dropping their own brand of DVD Recorders, and their own ODD business is in serious trouble as well (rumours of all firmware production being halted have been spreading).

[mahjongmaniac]

you could always buy a 1640 from fs :lol:

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2829/image094ks8.th.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image094ks8.jpg)

tried to talk a newb sales person (atleast he looked new) into a discount because well the 1640 is an old drive ;) but no go... :(

wow. your local FS still carries that?


i thought it was long gone!

[apvm]

i think he excluded the DW1650/55 because its hard to find, but its still a good all around drive. it has good media compatibility, its a good reader and a good scanner. i sold my DW1650 for a DVR-111D and i like the DVR-111D a little better. if i didn't have a DW1640, i'd probably keep my DW1650, though (i like the DW1640 a little better as well).

How does the 1640 compare to a DVR-111D ?

[Jon Lai]

BenQ has quit the ODD business in Europe and North America. LiteON has just announced they are dropping their own brand of DVD Recorders, and their own ODD business is in serious trouble as well (rumours of all firmware production being halted have been spreading).

Really? I thought LiteOn "bought" BenQ's ODD business, didn't they?

[rahzel]

so far i've tested MXL RG03 (plus series), YUDEN000T02 (sony branded), OPTODISC R16 (imation branded), MKM 001 and MCC 004 (cmc made). theyre pretty similar with everything, except the DVR-111D seems to love Optodisc +R media, so the DVR-111 does a MUCH better job with my OPTODISC R16 than my DW1640 does. so overall, the DVR-111 has better write quality with the media i use. but, the DVR-111 is a poor scanner and the stock DVR-111D firmware does not do automatic bitsetting for single layer +R/RW media (it can be crossflashed to achieve this, though). i'd haveta say i like them both equally. if i had to pick one of them, though, id probably go with the DW1640 because its a good scanner. thats just my opinion...

[ShadowVlican]

what market problems?

but from now on benq = lite-on
BenQ has quit the ODD business in Europe and North America. LiteON has just announced they are dropping their own brand of DVD Recorders, and their own ODD business is in serious trouble as well (rumours of all firmware production being halted have been spreading).
DD to the rescue, beat me to it ;)

Really? I thought LiteOn "bought" BenQ's ODD business, didn't they?
yea, that's why i'm slightly confused too why they would pull such a move

well doesn't matter too much, brand loyalty isn't a good thing, i'll just keep checking this thread for the latest and greatest ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

How does the 1640 compare to a DVR-111D ?

I think the BenQ DW1640 is a little better overall then the DVR-111D. But the DVR-111D is a better DVD+RDL and CD-R burner then the BenQ DW1640.

[The Digital Dolphin]

well doesn't matter too much, brand loyalty isn't a good thing

That's very true!! Lot's of companies make great products and crappy products. Making assumptions based on past performances is never a good idea when it comes to technology ;)

[mortimusmaximus]

Hello again,,my info says the dvr-111 is basically the same as the 111d.One of them has dvdram support is this true?Will it perform the same as the highly praised dvr-111?

[mortimusmaximus]

Hello again,,my info says the dvr-111 is basically the same as the 111d.One of them has dvdram support is this true?Will it perform the same as the highly praised dvr-111d?

[Alexo]

DD, I suggested it before and now I am suggesting it again.

Why don't you put up a FAQ page?

Most of the questions in this thread repeat on a fairly frequent basis.
A FAQ page, kept up to date and linked to from your sig, will be much easier to search than this thread and will also save you (and [buck]) time.

As an alternative: use the first post in this thread and edit it as new information becomes available.

FAQ suggestions:
1. Recommended burners (for various CD/DVD technologies)
2. Recommended media (for various burners and different needs: longevity, burn quality, etc.)
3. Places to buy the media (NCIX, blankmedia)
4. Software (Nero 6 - good, Nero 7 - bad)

Best wishes,
Alex.

[anom]

DD, I suggested it before and now I am suggesting it again.

Why don't you put up a FAQ page?

Most of the questions in this thread repeat on a fairly frequent basis.
A FAQ page, kept up to date and linked to from your sig, will be much easier to search than this thread and will also save you (and [buck]) time.

As an alternative: use the first post in this thread and edit it as new information becomes available.

FAQ suggestions:
1. Recommended burners (for various CD/DVD technologies)
2. Recommended media (for various burners and different needs: longevity, burn quality, etc.)
3. Places to buy the media (NCIX, blankmedia)
4. Software (Nero 6 - good, Nero 7 - bad)

Best wishes,
Alex.

why don't you (Alex) take the responses from this thread and create a FAQ :cheesygri

[anom]

I need suggestions on where and what mini dvds to get for camcorder use.

thanks.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, I suggested it before and now I am suggesting it again.

Why don't you put up a FAQ page?

Most of the questions in this thread repeat on a fairly frequent basis.
A FAQ page, kept up to date and linked to from your sig, will be much easier to search than this thread and will also save you (and [buck]) time.

As an alternative: use the first post in this thread and edit it as new information becomes available.

FAQ suggestions:
1. Recommended burners (for various CD/DVD technologies)
2. Recommended media (for various burners and different needs: longevity, burn quality, etc.)
3. Places to buy the media (NCIX, blankmedia)
4. Software (Nero 6 - good, Nero 7 - bad)

Best wishes,
Alex.

Simple Answer:
Time.

I do most of my posting while at work these days, and even then I'm scrambling to get everything answered and posted. Really, I probably shouldn't be abusing my day job like that even :lol:

Also, there are a lot of changes going on in my life... once something have finalized I'll post more info about it, but that could be weeks or months.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hello again,,my info says the dvr-111 is basically the same as the 111d.One of them has dvdram support is this true?Will it perform the same as the highly praised dvr-111?

Yup, just a DVD-RAM enabled version of the same firmware as I understand it :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I need suggestions on where and what mini dvds to get for camcorder use.

thanks.

Acro Circle Mini DVD-R/RW/RAM for price (actually, the Mini DVD-Rs and Mini DVD-RWs are pretty good!)
Verbatim Mini DVD±R/RW/RAM/DL for Quality
Maxell Mini DVD-RAM is very good also

NCIX.com and Blankmedia.ca both carry Mini DVD media for camcorders. What formats you can use are decided by your camcorder.

[anom]

Acro Circle Mini DVD-R/RW/RAM for price (actually, the Mini DVD-Rs and Mini DVD-RWs are pretty good!)
Verbatim Mini DVD±R/RW/RAM/DL for Quality
Maxell Mini DVD-RAM is very good also

NCIX.com and Blankmedia.ca both carry Mini DVD media for camcorders. What formats you can use are decided by your camcorder.

thanks!

[rahzel]

Hello again,,my info says the dvr-111 is basically the same as the 111d.One of them has dvdram support is this true?Will it perform the same as the highly praised dvr-111?
theres also a DVR-111L (DVR-111 with labelflash, but labelflash media is not available here anyway) and i think theres another model with lightscribe as well. but pretty much all the DVR-111 drives can be crossflashed to eachother (except you can't crossflash a non-lightscribe model to a lightscribe model, at least while keeping the lightscribe functions) via TDB's (the dangerous brothers) firmware. make sure you know what you're doing if you want to crossflash your drive, though, as it voids your warranty and you could possibly mess up your drive.

[mortimusmaximus]

theres also a DVR-111L (DVR-111 with labelflash, but labelflash media is not available here anyway) and i think theres another model with lightscribe as well. but pretty much all the DVR-111 drives can be crossflashed to eachother (except you can't crossflash a non-lightscribe model to a lightscribe model) via TDB's (the dangerous brothers) firmware. make sure you know what you're doing if you want to crossflash your drive, though, as it voids your warranty and you could possibly mess up your drive.

What is lableflash media,,never heard of it?

[rahzel]

its similar to lightscribe.

google it for more information.

[nicolaim]

Ditch Nero 7.... or was your friend using a different version or different program?

But I'll agree it sounds like it might be your drive on the way out...

My friend also used Nero 7.

So Nero 7 has issues?

Anyone selling a DW1650 or 1655?

[The Digital Dolphin]

its similar to lightscribe.

google it for more information.

You should also mention that it's only manufactured by Ritek, that it's a Fuji technology, and that it's not really available outside of Europe (and generally more expensive then Lightscribe I believe).

[The Digital Dolphin]

My friend also used Nero 7.

So Nero 7 has issues?

Anyone selling a DW1650 or 1655?

Yeah, Nero 7 is kind of screwed up. As for the DW165x, you need to check around. Any stock remaining will be very limited.

[AiMnDtel]

LG GSA-H10N writer

What type of media would work best with this writer?
The worse?
Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

LG GSA-H10N writer

What type of media would work best with this writer?
The worse?
Thanks

It seems to favour DVD+R media pretty heavily, at least based on my experiences with the GSA-H22L. So I suggest TY 8x DVD+R, Verbatim 8x or 16x DVD+R, or Acro Circle 16x DVD+Rs. I suggest avoiding DVD-R with this drive for best results.

[Sephora]

So I've never used a DVD burner before, was at my local computer store and decided to pick up some media for my new Dell laptop. Preliminary research earlier indicated that Verbatim was good; so, I picked up a spindle of 50 16x DVD-R for something like $15, which I thought was plenty cheap.

Now after reading through 3 or 4 very informative threads on RFD, turns out I've got Arial font (Prodisc) media, and that -R is worse than +R.

My question is, are these discs still reliable? Are the differences between Arial and TNR so huge, or more spec-related?

Thanks!

[jaszy]

So I've never used a DVD burner before, was at my local computer store and decided to pick up some media for my new Dell laptop. Preliminary research earlier indicated that Verbatim was good; so, I picked up a spindle of 50 16x DVD-R for something like $15, which I thought was plenty cheap.

Now after reading through 3 or 4 very informative threads on RFD, turns out I've got Arial font (Prodisc) media, and that -R is worse than +R.

My question is, are these discs still reliable? Are the differences between Arial and TNR so huge, or more spec-related?

Thanks!

I too would like to know about this. I picked up a 100-disc spindle during a Staples sale without even consulting/learning more about the difference between TNR and Arial. Hope it won't be that too big of a difference. No coasters so far! I've been using Ridata, but after hearing problems with them, I switched to TY. Again, TY apparently had some issues so I'm on to a new brand, Verbatim. I still use TY from time to time seeing as that I have a half of a 100-disc spindle left :D (ALL -R for compatibility issues)

[mortimusmaximus]

I too would like to know about this. I picked up a 100-disc spindle during a Staples sale without even consulting/learning more about the difference between TNR and Arial. Hope it won't be that too big of a difference. No coasters so far! I've been using Ridata, but after hearing problems with them, I switched to TY. Again, TY apparently had some issues so I'm on to a new brand, Verbatim. I still use TY from time to time seeing as that I have a half of a 100-disc spindle left :D (ALL -R for compatibility issues)

I am no where near as knowedgeable on dvd burning as DD butI get tired of the term "coaster" being used incorrectly or misunderstood.

Most people use the term coaster in reference to the quality of the bunt disc.Just because a disc is readable does mean it is a successful burn or a quality media.

My understanding of a coaster is a disc that is completely unreadable.I however after burning several of these coasters also know that a disc that seems to be OK, that being it plays can be "technically a coaster".I have burnt several discs that had way too many errors to becalled a successful burn.There are several softwares and methods of doing this.I tend to use kprobe as I have lite on drives for scanning (the only brand that kprobe works with).Kprobe from what I understand checks the accuracy of the burntmedia.
My understanding is a disc with a given amount of errors will become unreadable or not playable in set top dvd player where one with lower errors would be OK.It is even possable to have a "technical coaster" on an otherwise awesome spindle of dvd's.

As I said I am not THE MAN here but this is my basic understanding of this matter.

[nicolaim]

When running Nero quality tests, should I leave it at the default speed of "maximum," or set it lower?

Also, when testing with my BenQ DW1650 the drive spins down and pauses once in a while during the test. Normal?

[nicolaim]

Here's an update on my problems with my BenQ DW1650:

I got my friend to burn a third disc, which was fine, so 2/3 in his system.

In the mean time I swapped my PATA HD for SATA and killed my Windows with VIA's SATA driver, so had to reinstall on top of my Windows. I've also switched from Nero 7.0 to 7.5. (Will try 6 as recommended if things don't work out.)

So far 3/3 good discs.

[mortimusmaximus]

When running Nero quality tests, should I leave it at the default speed of "maximum," or set it lower?

Also, when testing with my BenQ DW1650 the drive spins down and pauses once in a while during the test. Normal?


The usual choice is scan at the speed you burned the disc at.

[rahzel]

for comparison reasons, people with BenQ drives usually scan at 8x and people with Liteon drives usually scan at 4x.

[AiMnDtel]

Would these be a a have decent media for the price?
http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/Product+Compare/Computers.htm?CatalogNavigationBreadCrumbs=Compute rs;Computers;CD-Rs,%20DVDs,%20and%20Diskettes;Recordable%20DVDs;Pr oduct%20Comparison&CS_Catalog=Computers&CS_RootCategory=Computers&CS_Category=Recordable%20DVDs&Item0=0690859&Item1=0690867&NavStatus=1
The price is roughly 55% off.

[NG]

Would these be a a have decent media for the price?
http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/Product+Compare/Computers.htm?CatalogNavigationBreadCrumbs=Compute rs;Computers;CD-Rs,%20DVDs,%20and%20Diskettes;Recordable%20DVDs;Pr oduct%20Comparison&CS_Catalog=Computers&CS_RootCategory=Computers&CS_Category=Recordable%20DVDs&Item0=0690859&Item1=0690867&NavStatus=1
The price is roughly 55% off.

That's about the average sale price for a 25 pack of discs. You'd be better off getting the Verbatim's next time their on sale for about the same price at The Source (make sure to get the ones that have the Times New Roman font on the Open->Close at the top of the spindle).

[nsx]

I'm down to my last Kodak CDR spindle.

Any recommendations for "good" CDR and on what to avoid?

TIA. :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Would these be a a have decent media for the price?
http://www.londondrugs.com/Cultures/en-US/Product+Compare/Computers.htm?CatalogNavigationBreadCrumbs=Compute rs;Computers;CD-Rs,%20DVDs,%20and%20Diskettes;Recordable%20DVDs;Pr oduct%20Comparison&CS_Catalog=Computers&CS_RootCategory=Computers&CS_Category=Recordable%20DVDs&Item0=0690859&Item1=0690867&NavStatus=1
The price is roughly 55% off.

Not really no. It's Fuji so it's most likely made by Ritek or Prodisc. Either way it's not really worth it.

[AiMnDtel]

Thanks for the info.
I am new to DVD writer's
Just getting a feel for what is good and bad.


That's about the average sale price for a 25 pack of discs...

[hybrid.09]

Just a question "OSI" DVD-R's really bad?

I have a spindle and don't mind using it.

[nicolaim]

I'm down to my last Kodak CDR spindle.

Any recommendations for "good" CDR and on what to avoid?

TIA. :)

Get the Verbatim Datalife Plus for $20 AR here:
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14950AC6186&vpn=94523&manufacture=VERBATIM

[NG]

Thanks for the info.
I am new to DVD writer's
Just getting a feel for what is good and bad.

No problem.

Verbatim and HP are really the only quality discs at retail stores.

If you want to go all out the Plus line and the BQ's from Maxell are great.

[NG]

Get the Verbatim Datalife Plus for $20 AR here:
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14950AC6186&vpn=94523&manufacture=VERBATIM

There's always the made in Japan Fuji CD's at select Giant Tiger stores for $20 without any MIR's or shipping.

[gordholio]

There's always the made in Japan Fuji CD's at select Giant Tiger stores for $20 without any MIR's or shipping.

That's where I get mine. Make sure they are made in Japan (TY).
The Source by Circuit City has the Fuji CD-R's on this week, same price as Giant Tiger (check for made in Japan).

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm down to my last Kodak CDR spindle.

Any recommendations for "good" CDR and on what to avoid?

TIA. :)

#1) Maxell Pro CD-Rs (Taiyo Yuden with a protective coating!)
#2) Verbatim DatalifePlus CD-Rs (as mentioned there is a sale on them right now at DirectCanada.com)
#3) Taiyo Yuden (ranked #3 because of recent quality concerns on OEM product, and because I don't trust Fuji's internal quality control).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just a question "OSI" DVD-R's really bad?

I have a spindle and don't mind using it.

OSI is a generic dumping brand. They're inconsistant and questionable quality. I wouldn't recommend them, but I'm happy you have a spindle that seems to work for you ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

No problem.

Verbatim and HP are really the only quality discs at retail stores.

If you want to go all out the Plus line and the BQ's from Maxell are great.

HP is highly counterfeited, and the stuff sold at box stores is usually dumped media. In Europe it's a higher quality disc, but in Canada it's more of a crap shoot.

But what can you expect from media that is often sold below cost at Retail?

[woof]

A few months ago I found a handful of burnt CD-R disks from years ago that I had forgotten about. I checked them out on two different players. These were the results:

4 of the disks were "Pine" brand CD-Rs (Future Shop?). All 4 had been manufactured in 2000, burnt by me in 2000, and all 4 were completely unreadable now. Absolute garbage.

1 disk was a Verbatim Data Life Plus CD-R, manufactured in 1995, and finally burnt by me in 2000. It was in perfect condition, fully readible after six years.

It's a pity that the Verbatim Data Life Plus CD-Rs have pretty much disappeared from local stores. Of course I guess the problem was that the public just wasn't prepared to pay the extra for them and they got pushed out. Given a choice between "pay for it now" or "pay for it later" human nature seems to lean strongly towards the "pay for it later".

[NG]

[QUOTE=The Digital Dolphin;4111421] the stuff sold at box stores is usually dumped media. In Europe it's a higher quality disc, but in Canada it's more of a crap shoot.

I must have been lucky then since the couple of spindles I got from BB when they were $10 each were pretty good.


But what can you expect from media that is often sold below cost at Retail?

Except for DL and BQ media I've become very used to all media being sold below cost (or atleast assumed that there had to be no profit margin on Verbatim 25 pks for $7, 50 pks for $17 and 100 pks for $30 along with Fuji MIJ's CD 50 pks for $20)

[The Digital Dolphin]

[QUOTE]

I must have been lucky then since the couple of spindles I got from BB when they were $10 each were pretty good.

Well, I doubt you're testing them on a Plextor or an older LiteON CD-RW drive.... So you probably won't notice most defects until they are QUITE serious. BenQ drives are next to useless CD-R testers, and current LiteON models are even worse. I think some people have even had scans with 0 C1 errors reported :confused:

(note: the new CDSpeed version with the advanced CD testing on BenQ drives might help... but that remains to be seen!)


Except for DL and BQ media I've become very used to all media being sold below cost (or atleast assumed that there had to be no profit margin on Verbatim 25 pks for $7, 50 pks for $17 and 100 pks for $30 along with Fuji MIJ's CD 50 pks for $20)

Yeah... but how hard do you think companies are going to work on media that they lose money selling? Most branded name brand discs sold in North America aren't even A Grade anymore (although officially this isn't true, unofficially it is!!)

[NG]

Well, I doubt you're testing them on a Plextor or an older LiteON CD-RW drive.... So you probably won't notice most defects until they are QUITE serious. BenQ drives are next to useless CD-R testers, and current LiteON models are even worse. I think some people have even had scans with 0 C1 errors reported :confused:

(note: the new CDSpeed version with the advanced CD testing on BenQ drives might help... but that remains to be seen!)

I think there may be some confusion since I was referring to HP DVD media but I could have sworn Buck was endorsing the HP DVD stuff?


Yeah... but how hard do you think companies are going to work on media that they lose money selling? Most branded name brand discs sold in North America aren't even A Grade anymore (although officially this isn't true, unofficially it is!!)

Oh no we agree completely. I would much rather pay for a quality disc at a fair price than get a deal on a crappy disc. I wasn't endorsing how things are...just saying I've become accustomed to it.

On that note I've always wondering why a company like Maxell, for example, let their reputation go to hell just because the big box stores demanded it.

If I was them I would have much rather told them that we'd sell them the crappy discs at the low price but call them "Maxell Value" or something and have the regular Maxell like be what they're using in the Maxell Plus line series since, in reference to the person able saying that people will choose cheap now as opposed to quality later, I've run into a number of people who thought by buying Maxell they were buying quality discs (based on their past reputation).

I strongly suspect that if consumers knew that the current crop of Maxell etc were on par with a lot of no name discs they'd be willing to pay for the Maxell Plus line, for example, if they could just pick it up on the shelf for a few dollars more.

The old Maxell High Bias II tapes back in the day always seemed to hold their own in the market place.

[nsx]

Get the Verbatim Datalife Plus for $20 AR here:
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14950AC6186&vpn=94523&manufacture=VERBATIM

#1) Maxell Pro CD-Rs (Taiyo Yuden with a protective coating!)
#2) Verbatim DatalifePlus CD-Rs (as mentioned there is a sale on them right now at DirectCanada.com)
#3) Taiyo Yuden (ranked #3 because of recent quality concerns on OEM product, and because I don't trust Fuji's internal quality control).

Merci beaucoup! nicolaim & DD. :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I think there may be some confusion since I was referring to HP DVD media but I could have sworn Buck was endorsing the HP DVD stuff?

Oh yeah, the HP 8x DVD+Rs were quite good really. I'm a big fan of CMCMAGE01 :cheesygri (as good as TY in some cases!!)


Oh no we agree completely. I would much rather pay for a quality disc at a fair price than get a deal on a crappy disc. I wasn't endorsing how things are...just saying I've become accustomed to it.

On that note I've always wondering why a company like Maxell, for example, let their reputation go to hell just because the big box stores demanded it.

It comes down to market share.... but I think we'll see some changes in the future. For instance, Futureshop/Bestbuy have seen a MASSIVE decline in blank media sales this year, but blank media sales in general are expected to increase! So if Futureshop/Bestbuy are losing the market, Maxell/Fuji/Memorex/YourBrandHere will stop giving them insane pricing compared to other places, and we'll see a bit more of a balance in terms of pricing and maybe even a return to higher quality products. On the other hand, I might just be dreaming :P


If I was them I would have much rather told them that we'd sell them the crappy discs at the low price but call them "Maxell Value" or something and have the regular Maxell like be what they're using in the Maxell Plus line series since, in reference to the person able saying that people will choose cheap now as opposed to quality later, I've run into a number of people who thought by buying Maxell they were buying quality discs (based on their past reputation).

Yeah, unfortunately that's more of a Verbatim style move then a Maxell style move. Maxell isn't always so quick on those sorts of things. HOWEVER, in the last few weeks I've noticed a big change in Maxell's support lately, and they seem to be taking their distribution a little more serious again, and not giving all their attention to big box stores. This can only be good.

I may have gotten their attention when I reserved about half of the Maxell BQ 8x DVD-Rs currently in North America for my own purposes... but that's another matter entirely :lol:


I strongly suspect that if consumers knew that the current crop of Maxell etc were on par with a lot of no name discs they'd be willing to pay for the Maxell Plus line, for example, if they could just pick it up on the shelf for a few dollars more.

The old Maxell High Bias II tapes back in the day always seemed to hold their own in the market place.

Well, I'm hoping the Maxell BQ 8x DVD-Rs will sort of take that position. NCIX has already committed to pushing them very hard, and Blankmedia.ca may even carry them at some point (although no negotiations are in the works for this as of yet).

[hybrid.09]

OSI is a generic dumping brand. They're inconsistant and questionable quality. I wouldn't recommend them, but I'm happy you have a spindle that seems to work for you ;)Before it crapped out when burning DVD's, most of the media would be corrupt very quickly.

[apvm]

I finally flashed my 1640 to BSRB and leave BSLB behind, with BSLB I only have good results with MIJ Fuji 8x DVD+R and Roman Font Verbatim 16X DVD+R, my HP CMC coded 8X DVD+R behave badly with BSLB. After the flash and after two weeks, all is fine.