The Dolphin tells it like it is....

[NG]

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).

Although that's good (and I'm really looking forward to the 12 pack BQ discs coming out) it won't really matter to the average person since most people prefer to walk into a B&M store to buy things.

Hopefully Maxell Plus and BQ will start showing up in retail stores.

[apvm]

Before it crapped out when burning DVD's, most of the media would be corrupt very quickly.

My experience with cheap media is try to buy DVD+R and don't burn them over 4 Gig, it will last longer but then I only use them for 1x or 2x viewing TV series so it doesn't really matter if they'll last long, price is the main factor (as cheap as possible).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Although that's good (and I'm really looking forward to the 12 pack BQ discs coming out) it won't really matter to the average person since most people prefer to walk into a B&M store to buy things.

Hopefully Maxell Plus and BQ will start showing up in retail stores.

Word on the street is that Maxell Plus is about to get chopped... BQ is safe though!

And Maxell Plus and BQ not only won't appear in Retail stores, it can't. Retail accounts don't have access to professional media. It's because Retail stores can sell the consumer crap for $10-$20 cheaper then distributor's can BUY the same product direct (from Maxell, Fuji, or any major brand).

[Alexo]

why don't you (Alex) take the responses from this thread and create a FAQ :cheesygri

Because the technology evolves very quickly and the FAQ will be obsolete a month (conservative estimate) after it is compiled.

On the other hand, updating a page does not take much more time than posting an answer to a forum.

I am not trying to create more work for the DD, just suggesting a switch to a different form of communication.

[Alexo]

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.

Good luck and hope it (whatever "it" is) gets resolved in the best possible manner.

[Y2Jared19]

Stopped by the future shop in town and took a look at the Kodak dvds and they are Optodisc products. This applies for only 16x Kodak media, but thats definately an improvement from before.

I took a look near the spacer and it had the optodisc barcode around the hub and writing like all of optodisc's other stuff.


If you like optodisc, it might be worth checking out.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Stopped by the future shop in town and took a look at the Kodak dvds and they are Optodisc products. This applies for only 16x Kodak media, but thats definately an improvement from before.

I took a look near the spacer and it had the optodisc barcode around the hub and writing like all of optodisc's other stuff.


If you like optodisc, it might be worth checking out.

Well, I deffinately need some more Optodisc 16x DVD+Rs. I've been going through my stock of those VERY quick lately!

[digdoug]

Are the verbatim +TNRs being phased out? I noticed a lot of stores (FS/ST) no longer have them in stock, except for the 50 pack at staples.
is good cheap media going to be available in the future (under $30 per 100)? I'm wondering if I should stock up on the Staples verbatim +TNRs ($17/50). I don't need anything immediately, but if the verbatims (seemingly the last of the cheap media that's good?) are gone, are we screwed?

How good are the verbatim arial (prodiscs)? is the + or - better?

I noticed a bluray burner is out. Sweet! and ONLY $600+, with $20 for a disc. hope it drops faster than DL did.

What's the best firmware for my Benq 1655? I'm on BCIB now. I also can't seem to get Nero to recognize it as a lightscribe burner? I can't get the lightscribe part of nero to show up.

I've also updated my FAQ, btw.

[mortimusmaximus]

Hey DD just burned my first DL with the DVR-111 that you recommended.Looks good so far with kprobe scan as follows.

Two things I discovered.I was getting power calibration errors.I disabled the imapi cd burning service( forum suggestion) and updated my nero from a 6** version to 7.5.1.1 LITE . Seems to have fixed the problem.

Thanks for suggesting this burner..

Date : 11/10/2006 2:38:29 PM
Model : 1-0-0-0 LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1673S JS0D
Disc : DVD+R DL , MKM001 [Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation]
Speed : 4x
ECC blocks sum (PI/PIF) : 8/1
Scanned range : 0 - 3768845
Sampling count : 213593
Errors : 65
PI Max : 32
PI Average : 6.23
PI Total : 170079
PIF Max : 2
PIF Average : 0.02
PIF Total : 657

[spinbot]

I just assembled new PC using the Pioneer DVR-111D. I use TY Tru Blu 8X DVD-Rs and haven't attempted Dual-Layer DVDs yet.

I always use to burn the same DVD Media at 4X with my BenQ drive -- would you suggest staying at 4X or am I safe with the Pioneer/TY mix to step things up to 8X?

EDIT: Verbatim D/L 20-pack for $34.99 at Futureshop -- if I was to buy them, which burner would you use them with -Pioneer(v1.29) or BenQ 1620 (G7V9)

Thanks in advance for guidance OB1 :)

[7-Endless]

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.

Is BSRB now the best firmware for the 1640?

[Pyro]

does any one of any thoughts on what kind of discs are the best for backing up ps2 games?

[Jon Lai]

does any one of any thoughts on what kind of discs are the best for backing up ps2 games?

Depends if they're single layer or double layer. Anyhow, if you choose Verbatim, you're mostly on the right track.

[Pyro]

Depends if they're single layer or double layer. Anyhow, if you choose Verbatim, you're mostly on the right track.

looking for single
im jsut reading up on it and aparently the lasers on ps2 can die out fast with bad media?

[Sgt_Strider]

#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).

Hey DD, where can I buy Maxell Pro-CDRs in GVRD for the cheapest price?

Several of my Fuji TY CD's no longer work and I lost all data on it. I burned the content on to the disc about a year ago.

[Sgt_Strider]

Hey guys, is the Pioneer DVR-111D the best DVD burner now? I currently have a Benq 1640 and the results from burning DVD+R DL isn't very consistent.

I mainly burn DVD+R DL discs from Verbatim.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, where can I buy Maxell Pro-CDRs in GVRD for the cheapest price?

Several of my Fuji TY CD's no longer work and I lost all data on it. I burned the content on to the disc about a year ago.

I'll have to get back to you about that on Tuesday. Bug me again via PM if I don't contact you first ;)

Also, please save me your bad Fuji TY CD-Rs. This is very important, as I can get the info to both Fuji and TY, and at the moment I'm currently trying to convince TY that their product has been losing quality, but I can't seem to cut through their ego and condicending attitude so far.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey guys, is the Pioneer DVR-111D the best DVD burner now? I currently have a Benq 1640 and the results from burning DVD+R DL isn't very consistent.

I mainly burn DVD+R DL discs from Verbatim.


The Pioneer DVR-111D is deffinately one of the better if not the best DVD burners on the market right now. Although some drives can perform better in certain areas, there is no better all around burner in my opinion. It can handle CD-Rs better then most DVD burners, and it can burn DVD+RDL (including Philips 8x DVD+RDL) with decent quality... although with non-Verbatim stuff you should stick to 2.4x always.

[Sgt_Strider]

The Pioneer DVR-111D is deffinately one of the better if not the best DVD burners on the market right now. Although some drives can perform better in certain areas, there is no better all around burner in my opinion. It can handle CD-Rs better then most DVD burners, and it can burn DVD+RDL (including Philips 8x DVD+RDL) with decent quality... although with non-Verbatim stuff you should stick to 2.4x always.

I only intend to use Verbatim DVD+R DL. Will this burner have more consistent results than the BenQ 1640?

[CanadaBoy]

Dear DD,

What media do you recommend for a Benq DQ60

Thank you :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I only intend to use Verbatim DVD+R DL. Will this burner have more consistent results than the BenQ 1640?

Deffinately. Although the BenQ DW1640 is a more stable DVD+RDL burner then the DW1655, it's still far from perfect. I find the Pioneer does a better job on that format pretty consistantly. Mind you, BenQ drives do vary quite a bit from drive to drive, so it's possible that there are better BenQ DW1640's out there then mine (I have 2) and they might hold their own or be even better then some Pioneer DVR-111D's.... but I still feel fairly confident in saying the Pioneer will do better.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Dear DD,

What media do you recommend for a Benq DQ60

Thank you :)

Oh man.... that's a tough one. I only had that drive installed a few days, and barely burned anything on it. I don't suppose you'd let me get away with just saying DVD-RAM would you? :lol:

[[buck]]

I only intend to use Verbatim DVD+R DL. Will this burner have more consistent results than the BenQ 1640?
I agree with Dolph, but I wouldn't go out and buy a new drive just to burn DVD+RDL. I wouldn't say it's that much better, especially with a quality disc like Verbatim.


Dear DD,

What media do you recommend for a Benq DQ60

Thank you :)
I'd recommend a new drive!

[rahzel]

i agree. i own both drives as well and although i haven't burned that many verbatim dvd+rdl discs, the DVR-111 seems to do a slightly better job, but its not worth it to buy it specifically for DL media.

[Alexo]

Deffinately. Although the BenQ DW1640 is a more stable DVD+RDL burner then the DW1655, it's still far from perfect. I find the Pioneer does a better job on that format pretty consistantly. Mind you, BenQ drives do vary quite a bit from drive to drive, so it's possible that there are better BenQ DW1640's out there then mine (I have 2) and they might hold their own or be even better then some Pioneer DVR-111D's.... but I still feel fairly confident in saying the Pioneer will do better.

Are you using the latest firmware on those drives?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Are you using the latest firmware on those drives?

My active BenQ DW1640 uses BSLB, but I've used pretty much every firmware released for the drive. The BenQ DW1650 runs the latests firmware at any given time, and the Pioneer DVR-111D also runs the latest at any given time.

[Sgt_Strider]

i agree. i own both drives as well and although i haven't burned that many verbatim dvd+rdl discs, the DVR-111 seems to do a slightly better job, but its not worth it to buy it specifically for DL media.

I'm in a lucky situation in which my bro needs a new DVD drive. I was thinking about the same thing that you were thinking, but the circumstances will now make it easier for me to spend $40 on a new drive.

[spinbot]

Any idea why my new PC with a Pioneer DVR-111D doesn't read the name of my DVDs I put in it?

In other words, when you go to My Computer and see your DVD-RW drive listed there, if there was a DVD Movie in the drive, it would display the DVD's name, however all its says is "DVD-RW DRIVE" ( not matter DVD movie I put in it )

[digdoug]

Are the verbatim +TNRs being phased out? I noticed a lot of stores (FS/ST) no longer have them in stock, except for the 50 pack at staples.
is good cheap media going to be available in the future (under $30 per 100)? I'm wondering if I should stock up on the Staples verbatim +TNRs ($17/50). I don't need anything immediately, but if the verbatims (seemingly the last of the cheap media that's good?) are gone, are we screwed?

What's the best firmware for my Benq 1655? I'm on BCIB now. I also can't seem to get Nero to recognize it as a lightscribe burner? I can't get the lightscribe part of nero to show up.

I've also updated my FAQ, btw.

hey, DigitalDolphin/rahzel/buck, could any of you answer some of that?

I'm using both a Benq 1655 (BCIB) & an LG 4040B (A304). I just bought a bunch of Verbatim +R TNRs. I read someone saying that he was getting better results with -R TNRs with the Benq 1655. Should I swap my +R for some -R just to test if that's true? Also, I seem to be getting better results on my Benq burning at 4x than at the 12x that people were recommending, although I've only been using the Benq to do the scans.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Any idea why my new PC with a Pioneer DVR-111D doesn't read the name of my DVDs I put in it?

In other words, when you go to My Computer and see your DVD-RW drive listed there, if there was a DVD Movie in the drive, it would display the DVD's name, however all its says is "DVD-RW DRIVE" ( not matter DVD movie I put in it )

Try removing and re-inserting the IDE cable on the drive and motherboard. Also try removing the drive from the device manager in the system settings in control panel.

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey, DigitalDolphin/rahzel/buck, could any of you answer some of that?

I'm using both a Benq 1655 (BCIB) & an LG 4040B (A304). I just bought a bunch of Verbatim +R TNRs. I read someone saying that he was getting better results with -R TNRs with the Benq 1655. Should I swap my +R for some -R just to test if that's true? Also, I seem to be getting better results on my Benq burning at 4x than at the 12x that people were recommending, although I've only been using the Benq to do the scans.

The BenQ DW1655 should be fine with Verbatim 16x DVD+Rs. Really, consumer drives are not very good at precision testing, so if results are marginally better one way or another, it doesn't neccissarily mean the burn is ACTUALLY better. Remember that consumer drives are not calibrated for media testing, nor are they capable of reporting several important error types (although I must admit support is getting better these days!).

I would burn them at 8x or 12x personally ;)

[Alexo]

My active BenQ DW1640 uses BSLB, but I've used pretty much every firmware released for the drive.

What is the reason not to use a later firmware for the DW1640?

Form the BenQ site:

BSRB (June 2006) - Update the wriitng strategy
BSQB - Improve the writing quality for Double Layer Disc
BSPB - Update Writing Strategy
BSOB - Fixed DVD-DL PTP format disc cannot be played issue in BSNB.
BSNB - 1. Fixed QScan does not work properly.
2. Improved the writing quality of 4x DVD+/-R media.
3. Supported FTI 16x DVD-R media.
BSMB - 1. Modified the writing strategy for DVD-R, DVD-R DL & DVD+R DL media.
2. Improved the compatibility between SolidBurn and QSuite for DVD-R media.
3. Supported new feature in QSuite v2.1 (Show media support information)

Also, I understand that the DW1640 is cross-flashable to Philips and other firmware. Are any of them better than the BenQ ones?


Thanks,
Alex.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I like BSLB because some media type burn strategies started getting messed up a little after BSLB... also, since my DW1640 is primarily a media testing drive for me now, I need to run a single stable firmware. Every new firmware can cause different media test results... the DW1640 has already shown that different firmwares can change the testing results significantly.

I haven't tried the Philips firmwares. But I *DO* know that media tests are restricted to 1.5x or something in that area. It's rather painful to test media at that speed (and that's CAV, not CLV !!!!)

[digdoug]

The BenQ DW1655 should be fine with Verbatim 16x DVD+Rs. Really, consumer drives are not very good at precision testing, so if results are marginally better one way or another, it doesn't neccissarily mean the burn is ACTUALLY better. Remember that consumer drives are not calibrated for media testing, nor are they capable of reporting several important error types (although I must admit support is getting better these days!).

I would burn them at 8x or 12x personally ;)

thanks. how do you burn lightscribe on the Benq 1655? and what firmware should I be using now?

I have an HD on my primary IDE, 2 optical drives on my secondary IDE channel, 1 external USB HD and 1 SATA drive. I notice during burn the speeds will occasionally choke back even though there's no other disk activity (even in BG). Is this due to some flaw in the DVD media or my HD arrangement?

Does having both IDE channels in use mean they'll slow each other down (like it's shared)? I know it'll slow it down if two drives are on the same channel (same cable). So is going from USB/SATA to IDE the best way? Or is even USB too slow for higher speed DVD burning?

[silentio]

Dolphin, will freezing blank DVDs (air tight packaging) prolong the life of unburnt DVDs?

There is a shelf life of about 5 years if unburnt right?

[[buck]]

thanks. how do you burn lightscribe on the Benq 1655? and what firmware should I be using now?
You can use one of the programs found at www.Lightscribe.com, or use Nero (if you have a version that supports it - usually the copy that comes with the drive is fine). The latest firmware, BCIC should be fine.


I have an HD on my primary IDE, 2 optical drives on my secondary IDE channel, 1 external USB HD and 1 SATA drive. I notice during burn the speeds will occasionally choke back even though there's no other disk activity (even in BG). Is this due to some flaw in the DVD media or my HD arrangement?
I'm that you're probably noticing WOPC in action. On BenQ drives, WOPC recallibrates the laser ~25 times throughout the course of the burn. Every time this happens, the burn speed slows down momentarily. If you notice the speed choking back for more than a few seconds, you may have a HDD problem, but I can't see how that's happening with your setup.


Does having both IDE channels in use mean they'll slow each other down (like it's shared)? I know it'll slow it down if two drives are on the same channel (same cable). So is going from USB/SATA to IDE the best way? Or is even USB too slow for higher speed DVD burning?
I don't *think* so. I really don't think it matters too much which HDD you choose, but if possible I would avoid using the HDD used by the operating system, and the USB drive if burning at high speeds.

[[buck]]

Dolphin, will freezing blank DVDs (air tight packaging) prolong the life of unburnt DVDs?

There is a shelf life of about 5 years if unburnt right?
Don't think so. :lol: If anything, they could become warped because of the freeze/thaw process, or suffer other undesirable effects. I strongly recommend you DO NOT freeze media.

Besides, I really don't see unburned media lifespan as a signifigant issue. I'd guess that those estimates of a 5 year shelf life to be on the conservative side... do you really plan on hanging onto to 5 or 10 year old media?

[digdoug]

;4205408']You can use one of the programs found at www.Lightscribe.com, or use Nero (if you have a version that supports it - usually the copy that comes with the drive is fine). The latest firmware, BCIC should be fine.


I'm that you're probably noticing WOPC in action. On BenQ drives, WOPC recallibrates the laser ~25 times throughout the course of the burn. Every time this happens, the burn speed slows down momentarily. If you notice the speed choking back for more than a few seconds, you may have a HDD problem, but I can't see how that's happening with your setup.


I don't *think* so. I really don't think it matters too much which HDD you choose, but if possible I would avoid using the HDD used by the operating system, and the USB drive if burning at high speeds.

thanks, it is the WOPC. guess I'll use the SATA-->IDE burner route. where in nero do you use lightscribe? I don't see it anywhere. :(


Dolphin, will freezing blank DVDs (air tight packaging) prolong the life of unburnt DVDs?

There is a shelf life of about 5 years if unburnt right?

hehe, strangest idea I've read in a while. "Hey, if it works for film....!"

[[buck]]

thanks, it is the WOPC. guess I'll use the SATA-->IDE burner route. where in nero do you use lightscribe? I don't see it anywhere. :(
Do you see anything about Lightscribe in Nero StartSmart? If not, someone else may be more qualified to help you :)

[digdoug]

;4215687']Do you see anything about Lightscribe in Nero StartSmart? If not, someone else may be more qualified to help you :)

okay, nm. never used it and didn't know that I had to update the lightscribe driver.

also, does anyone know the quality on these: Fujifilm 15-Pack Dual Layer 8.5GB DVD+R Spindle. with a coupon, it comes out to $15 for me, so I grabbed a spindle to burn my first DL DVDs.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/multimedia/products/large/10074293.jpg
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10074293

[[buck]]

I can't see it anywhere in smartstart, unless it's hidden deep somewhere. where is it usually?

also, does anyone know the quality on these: Fujifilm 15-Pack Dual Layer 8.5GB DVD+R Spindle. with a coupon, it comes out to $15 for me, so I grabbed a spindle to burn my first DL DVDs.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10074293
It's not under extras? Unless someone else has any idea, I'd just use one of the free tools at lightscribe.com

As far as Fuji DVD+RDL goes, it's CRAP. That goes without saying for all Fuji media, but their DVD+RDL is particularly bad. Go Verbatim!!

[digdoug]

;4253619']It's not under extras? Unless someone else has any idea, I'd just use one of the free tools at lightscribe.com

As far as Fuji DVD+RDL goes, it's CRAP. That goes without saying for all Fuji media, but their DVD+RDL is particularly bad. Go Verbatim!!

nm, I can see it now that I updated the lightscribe drivers. crap, I already purchased the fujis since I had that $5 off coupon. how bad is bad? I was just gonna back up dvd movies with it. will it be playable 2-3 years from now? I only wanted a couple of DVD DLs to try that were cheap (comes out to $1/DVDDL for this one). how much are the verbatims when they're on sale?

[rahzel]

nm, I can see it now that I updated the lightscribe drivers. crap, I already purchased the fujis since I had that $5 off coupon. how bad is bad? I was just gonna back up dvd movies with it. will it be playable 2-3 years from now? I only wanted a couple of DVD DLs to try that were cheap (comes out to $1/DVDDL for this one). how much are the verbatims when they're on sale?
2-3 years? i think it's safe to say NO or VERY doubtful, IF you can even get them to burn properly!

verbatim's have gone on sale for about 35.99/20 quite often. NCIX had them for 35.99 with a $11 MIR about a month ago; i think that was the best deal so far.

[The Digital Dolphin]

2-3 years? i think it's safe to say NO or VERY doubtful, IF you can even get them to burn properly!

verbatim's have gone on sale for about 35.99/25 quite often. NCIX had them for 35.99 with a $11 MIR about a month ago; i think that was the best deal so far.

And that'll be the best deal for a while now I think... Hopefully sometime in January or February we'll see similar pricing again.... maybe? This is a guess, not based on any inside info.

Something that *IS* based on inside info is the imminant release of a Verbatim 8x DVD+RDL 15pc cake box product. No word on the pricing for it yet though. Country of origin is listed as Singapore.

Sorry I haven't been around lately, I've been VERY busy!! Maxell and Verbatim have been giving me LOT'S to do!! Expect some nice boxing day things happening, especially in BC ;)

[digdoug]

too bad BB doesn't sell Verbatim DLs. are the philips DLs any good? they have some on sale now, along with some memorexes.
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10077680&catid=12501&logon=&langid=EN
I have a Benq 1655 & an LG 4040, is there no cheap DVD DL media I can burn well, or is it just Verbatim for me?

[The Digital Dolphin]

too bad BB doesn't sell Verbatim DLs. are the philips DLs any good? they have some on sale now, along with some memorexes.
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10077680&catid=12501&logon=&langid=EN
I have a Benq 1655 & an LG 4040, is there no cheap DVD DL media I can burn well, or is it just Verbatim for me?

Yeah, the BenQ DW1655 is not a great DVD+RDL burner really... and the LG 4040B CAN'T burn DVD+RDL. So you don't have a lot of options. If you had the Pioneer DVR-111 you could work with the Philips stuff decently, even the Memorex's might be usable to some extent.

[Unibomber]

nm, I can see it now that I updated the lightscribe drivers. crap, I already purchased the fujis since I had that $5 off coupon. how bad is bad? I was just gonna back up dvd movies with it. will it be playable 2-3 years from now? I only wanted a couple of DVD DLs to try that were cheap (comes out to $1/DVDDL for this one). how much are the verbatims when they're on sale?

out of a spindle of 15, 3 of them burned fine...the rest were coasters

[fozzey]

Hi, this Slashdot article (http://hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/12/11/1714232) is about an article by Patrick McFarland (it says he is the Free Software Magazine author) where he talks about archival media (http://adterrasperaspera.com/blog/2006/10/30/how-to-choose-cddvd-archival-media/).

I was just wondering what people's thoughts where on the article.

[Alexo]

Google for "Digital Dolphin"
The first returned link is :: blankmedia.ca :: ask digital dolphin :: (http://blankmedia.ca/askdolphin.asp)

Go to it.
Notice the blurb at the top:

You may also look forward to the Digital Dolphin's new website which is expected to launch sometime near the end of this year, for in depth blank media reviews - https://thedolphinreview.com (http://www.thedolphinreview.com/).
(Yes, the actual link on that page differs subtly from the displayed text but they both point to the same domain)

Click on that link and...

You are transferred to a page of links , where the first one is...
"Buy Blue Dolphin Vibrator".

Hmmm...
That will surely make my burner happy!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi, this Slashdot article (http://hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/12/11/1714232) is about an article by Patrick McFarland (it says he is the Free Software Magazine author) where he talks about archival media (http://adterrasperaspera.com/blog/2006/10/30/how-to-choose-cddvd-archival-media/).

I was just wondering what people's thoughts where on the article.

Well, he's got a lot of good info, but he's also fairly biased towards Taiyo Yuden. I don't personally agree with everything he says, and I deffinately don't feel like you can just say one type of media will always be the best. In the past I would have said the same, but I've not seen ANY company making media that hasn't made some HUGE mistakes. I actually keep a list of Taiyo Yuden issues for people just like him :razz:

So far it looks like this:

Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD+R:
Quality Problems with Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD+R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=188101

Variation Problems with Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD+R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=166489&page=3&pp=25

Degridation problems with Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD+R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=192084

Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+R:
Quality Problems with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=188030

Quality Problems with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=189331

Lifespan Problems with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+R:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=157143#157143

Lifespan Problems with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showpost.php?p=1504020&postcount=11

Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-R:
Quality Problems with Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=186212
Refer to post #11

Quality Problems with Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=185396

Quality Problems with Taiyo Yuden 16x DVD-R:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=22039

Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R:
Quality Problems with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=181539

Extreme Bonding Problems with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=161141#161141

Burn Quality Issues with Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD-R:
http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=202144

Taiyo Yuden Value Line DVD-Rs:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=22098

Taiyo Yuden Silver Thermal CD-Rs:
Silver flaking off of disc within 1 year:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=161283#161283

[The Digital Dolphin]

Google for "Digital Dolphin"
The first returned link is :: blankmedia.ca :: ask digital dolphin :: (http://blankmedia.ca/askdolphin.asp)

Go to it.
Notice the blurb at the top:

You may also look forward to the Digital Dolphin's new website which is expected to launch sometime near the end of this year, for in depth blank media reviews - https://thedolphinreview.com (http://www.thedolphinreview.com/).
(Yes, the actual link on that page differs subtly from the displayed text but they both point to the same domain)

Click on that link and...

You are transferred to a page of links , where the first one is...
"Buy Blue Dolphin Vibrator".

Hmmm...
That will surely make my burner happy!

I've e-mailed blankmedia.ca to have that address removed. There is no way I have the time to make my own webpage anymore... I don't even have enough time to post half of my test data anymore :(

Furthermore, The Digital Dolphin does not officially support any one particular dolphin shaped sex toy over another, blue or otherwise (unless it's BluRay).

[apvm]

anyone here know what's the media code for KodaK DVD-R 16x, I know the DVD+R 16x is optodisc, there is an into offer for 200 DVD-R 16x for $50 at the source

[Xenon420]

tag

[sandman804]

Hi guys,
Im looking to buy a another shipment of blank DVD's. I used to stick totally with the Maxell Plus series. Apparently blankmedia is no longer carrying them, and I was told this is due to higher cost and outsourcing thier production.

Is the Maxell Plus series still one of the best, or should I be looking at something else? If I should be looking at somethign else, what is recommended?

Thanks!

[Sgt_Strider]

Are these the good Maxell CDs that DD recommends even for archiving purposes?

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21614&vpn=648425&manufacture=Others&promoid=1055

[[buck]]

Are these the good Maxell CDs that DD recommends even for archiving purposes?

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21614&vpn=648425&manufacture=Others&promoid=1055
Yes they are! You might be interested in the fact that DirectCanada has them for a good bit cheaper (you can PM);)

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC1355&vpn=648425&manufacture=MAXELL

[Jon Lai]

I just thought the Dolphin might want to be directed here:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=381952

[nolookingca]

I know the DVD+R 16x is optodisc

Speaking of which, anybody know why Nero reports it as a 12x disc?

[MrDisco]

Hi guys,
Im looking to buy a another shipment of blank DVD's. I used to stick totally with the Maxell Plus series. Apparently blankmedia is no longer carrying them, and I was told this is due to higher cost and outsourcing thier production.


what is the latest word on the best type of blank DVDs to buy now days? Is it still the Maxell BQ discs followed by... ?

edit: also how bad are the Fuji spindle of 100 being offered at FS for $16.99 on boxing day (i realize they wont compare to the above two brands)

[Alvito]

Dolphin, I have a problem. MY dvd burner in my laptop sucks. I was burning a video file to DVD with nero express. And at first it was insanely fast, like it was only gonna take 30 minutes, because my processor is insanely better than my old amd1800+.

The dvd burner, because it sucks so much made the burning process take 1h30m. So, I was thinking, if i got a usb enclosure for my pioneer dvd burner, would that solve the problem? (that burner is excellent) I'm just worried that the USB will restrict the data flow.

I will be burning at 4x.

[The Digital Dolphin]

what is the latest word on the best type of blank DVDs to buy now days? Is it still the Maxell BQ discs followed by... ?

edit: also how bad are the Fuji spindle of 100 being offered at FS for $16.99 on boxing day (i realize they wont compare to the above two brands)

Fuji has the worst quality control out of any major brand, or mid-level brand. I could never under good conscience recommend them. Go for either The Source or NCIX's sale on Verbatim DVDRs for roughly $20/100pk (3 pennies cheaper from the source).

[Jon Lai]

Fuji has the worst quality control out of any major brand, or mid-level brand. I could never under good conscience recommend them. Go for either The Source or NCIX's sale on Verbatim DVDRs for roughly $20/100pk (3 pennies cheaper from the source).

Guess the Dolphin is up to look at boxing week prices too! ;)

[woof]

The Source deal on Verbatims has free shipping! Don't know about NCIX.

[ak47num1]

Can we choose instore pickup for the Verbatim discs at the source?

Also, does anyone know whether these are real TY CD-R?

http://www.cty.ca/details.asp?pid=1947

[spinbot]

Suggestions for best price on DL media ?

[nivek7]

Hey, what is a good alternative to the Pionner DVR-111D? I've read that it is extremely noisy, and I need it to be near silent for my HTPC.

thanks!

[rahzel]

Suggestions for best price on DL media ?
i think this is the best price right now (for verbatim).

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19080&vpn=95310&manufacture=VERBATIM&promoid=1022


Also, does anyone know whether these are real TY CD-R?
the cakebox in the pic looks like a taiyo yuden cakebox, but that could easily be faked. if you can look at them in store, look for a frosty inner hub.

i have no idea what cty's rep is like, so DD may have a better answer.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Guess the Dolphin is up to look at boxing week prices too! ;)

Heh, I have my reasons ;) :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

Can we choose instore pickup for the Verbatim discs at the source?

Also, does anyone know whether these are real TY CD-R?

http://www.cty.ca/details.asp?pid=1947

The picture looks legit, and the price is actually a bit high for legit TY (since they sell them illegally without the levy)... but CTY has sold fake TY in the past also. I *THINK* they're legit, but can't be 100% sure.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey, what is a good alternative to the Pionner DVR-111D? I've read that it is extremely noisy, and I need it to be near silent for my HTPC.

thanks!

The only drive that is particularily quiet is the stuff coming out of Plextor... don't know if you really want to pay for it? Otherwise just pick up the Pioneer and use Nero DriveSpeed to throttle the spin up/down speeds.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Suggestions for best price on DL media ?

If you care about quality, or about the media working for any length of time, then head to NCIX's boxing day sale. It's the cheapest price you'll see for a while.

[Alvito]

dolphin, please comment.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4390722&postcount=4080


thanks!

[ak47num1]

The picture looks legit, and the price is actually a bit high for legit TY (since they sell them illegally without the levy)... but CTY has sold fake TY in the past also. I *THINK* they're legit, but can't be 100% sure.

Thanks DD. I think I will buy one and test the media ID. Thanks.

[MrDisco]

Fuji has the worst quality control out of any major brand, or mid-level brand. I could never under good conscience recommend them. Go for either The Source or NCIX's sale on Verbatim DVDRs for roughly $20/100pk (3 pennies cheaper from the source).

Thanks. I ended up getting them from the Source (didnt want to pay shipping from ncix). Are the source and ncix the same type of Verbatims or is there a difference in quality between the two?

Also after the Maxell BQ, what are your next few media choices?

[MrDisco]

Can we choose instore pickup for the Verbatim discs at the source?


i believe you can. but with free shipping why bother?

[gordholio]

i believe you can. but with free shipping why bother?

Because you get it right away.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Dolphin, I have a problem. MY dvd burner in my laptop sucks. I was burning a video file to DVD with nero express. And at first it was insanely fast, like it was only gonna take 30 minutes, because my processor is insanely better than my old amd1800+.

The dvd burner, because it sucks so much made the burning process take 1h30m. So, I was thinking, if i got a usb enclosure for my pioneer dvd burner, would that solve the problem? (that burner is excellent) I'm just worried that the USB will restrict the data flow.

I will be burning at 4x.

Even crappy enclosures will handle 4x ok, so you should be fine :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks DD. I think I will buy one and test the media ID. Thanks.

Most fake TY had a faked TY Media ID.... please post the SERIAL NUMBERS when you get it, and I'll let you know if it's legit ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks. I ended up getting them from the Source (didnt want to pay shipping from ncix). Are the source and ncix the same type of Verbatims or is there a difference in quality between the two?

Also after the Maxell BQ, what are your next few media choices?

Well, other then likely being from different batches, I have no way of really knowing specific differences. You might find that one has mostly Prodisc and the other has mostly CMC, or it might all be from the same manufacturer, but on batch might have a slightly better quality then another... or it might perform EXACTLY the same (within standard deviation paramaters). I can't really make much of a guess on it sorry...

As for my suggestions... it's a bit tough with the way media is right now!

BQ is on top, that's a for sure thing.
what comes immediately next is the hard part... it's a BIG drop between #1 and #2! I guess it would probably be Verbatim 8x and 16x made by CMC. I'm not sure whether TY or Verbatim made by Prodisc would be next. It's always a tough call between those two! Maxell Plus Series is also in here now, since it's basically A Grade Taiyo Yuden (and a little Maxell Japan mixed in). I have a LOT more faith in Maxell Plus Series then TY OEM media, but the price difference makes it hard to justify for most.

So what makes the grade after the big boys? I guess Imation 16x DVD+Rs are pretty high on my list for the mid level stuff. It's mainly Optodisc 16x DVD+Rs being used by Imation lately, and they burn VERY well on most newer drives. Sometimes they even put TY to shame! (but the lifespan is still to be determined).

Who's on the bottom of the list? Well, Fuji, Dataware, Kodak, Memorex, Comstar... you know, the usual crap brands.

[rahzel]

Maxell Plus Series is mostly TY now? when did this happen? i thought they were still made by Maxell.

[MrDisco]

As for my suggestions... it's a bit tough with the way media is right now!


thanks for the info. guess i'll treasure my spindle of 50 Maxell Plus and 9 discs of Maxell BQ quite closely. only the finest porn shall be burned on those discs! :twisted:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Maxell Plus Series is mostly TY now? when did this happen? i thought they were still made by Maxell.

Well, Maxell sent almost all of their DVD manufacturing lines to Ritek, so they can only manufacture their highest quality items now, meaning BQ, Mori, and one or two others. But PLUS Series is guarenteed Japanese, so they have TY make it now.

[JAC]

Well, Maxell sent almost all of their DVD manufacturing lines to Ritek, so they can only manufacture their highest quality items now, meaning BQ, Mori, and one or two others. But PLUS Series is guarenteed Japanese, so they have TY make it now.

Gah! Those bastards! 60 burns with Maxell MIJ DVD-R Plus Series 8x (burned at 12x) and not a single coaster! And now they're ****ing TY! :mad: :mad: :mad:

Well, BlankMedia has no Maxell at all. NCIX?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Gah! Those bastards! 60 burns with Maxell MIJ DVD-R Plus Series 8x (burned at 12x) and not a single coaster! And now they're ****ing TY! :mad: :mad: :mad:

Well, BlankMedia has no Maxell at all. NCIX?


I know, I'm pissed off about it too... but at least the BQ is still around, and it's even come down in price. But it's not selling as much as it should, so Maxell may raise the price again in the new year if sales don't improve :evil: I'll try to get NCIX to put it on special for New Years.

And yeah, NCIX continues to carry Maxell products. Blankmedia.ca dropped the line when they got a shipment that was TY instead of Maxell.

[Thanh]

And yeah, NCIX continues to carry Maxell products. Blankmedia.ca dropped the line when they got a shipment that was TY instead of Maxell.

That explains why they suddenly disappeared when I was about to restock !

[MrDisco]

And yeah, NCIX continues to carry Maxell products. Blankmedia.ca dropped the line when they got a shipment that was TY instead of Maxell.

wait i'm confused. are you saying the Plus line is no longer good because they are made by TY now?

I think BQ would be more popular if they came in spindles rather than individual cases.

[[buck]]

For those of you who still want real Maxell made Plus Series, the Thermal White 50pks at NCIX/DC are most likely still real Maxell.

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC1944&vpn=635063&manufacture=MAXELL

PM @ NCIX if desired.

[JAC]

I know, I'm pissed off about it too... but at least the BQ is still around, and it's even come down in price. But it's not selling as much as it should, so Maxell may raise the price again in the new year if sales don't improve :evil: I'll try to get NCIX to put it on special for New Years.
At $3 each, I'm not surprised.


And yeah, NCIX continues to carry Maxell products. Blankmedia.ca dropped the line when they got a shipment that was TY instead of Maxell.
Sigh. Well, even grade a TY's would work better than Verbatims did for me.

[[buck]]

At $3 each, I'm not surprised.
Does $1.40 sound better to you?

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC3042&vpn=635070/12&manufacture=MAXELL

[JAC]

;4402804']Does $1.40 sound better to you?

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC3042&vpn=635070/12&manufacture=MAXELL

A little more palatable, thanks. :)

These will be good for stuff I want to keep, but I still need discs for regular day-to-day stuff I only plan to use once.

[[buck]]

A little more palatable, thanks. :)

These will be good for stuff I want to keep, but I still need discs for regular day-to-day stuff I only plan to use once.
$0.20 Verbatims from TSCC would be great for that (if you can find them), although realistically any cheap brand name disc is probably good enough for short term use.

[zzZZ]

Hi DD, can you comment on the Maxell High Grade DVD-R's that LD is selling at $3.99 for a 5 pack with cases? The media code is
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:MXL RG03]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc & Book Type : [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name : [Hitachi Maxell Ltd.]
Manufacturer ID : [MXL RG03]
Blank Disc Capacity : [2,298,496 Sectors = 4.71 GB (4.38 GiB)]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier V5.0.1 - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are these the same as the Maxell 8x MIJs but with a more scratch resistant coating? Thanks

[JAC]

;4409091']$0.20 Verbatims from TSCC would be great for that (if you can find them), although realistically any cheap brand name disc is probably good enough for short term use.

I tried the retail 16x -R Verbatims and had too many failed burns. It would always hang while writing the UDF anchor descriptors if I had a "full" disk. Then I tried (thanks to this thread) the Maxell Plus series and they were perfect.

Now, I had pretty good results with TGY02 (and TGY03) before the whole bonding fiasco started, so I'm of a mind to continue with the Maxell Plus series; at least I'll get the grade A TYs.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD, can you comment on the Maxell High Grade DVD-R's that LD is selling at $3.99 for a 5 pack with cases? The media code is
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:MXL RG03]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc & Book Type : [DVD-R] - [DVD-R]
Manufacturer Name : [Hitachi Maxell Ltd.]
Manufacturer ID : [MXL RG03]
Blank Disc Capacity : [2,298,496 Sectors = 4.71 GB (4.38 GiB)]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ DVD Identifier V5.0.1 - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com ]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are these the same as the Maxell 8x MIJs but with a more scratch resistant coating? Thanks

Basically yeah. It's made in Japan, and has a scratch resistant coating, but isn't on the same quality level as the BQ series. Still a very good disc though :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I tried the retail 16x -R Verbatims and had too many failed burns. It would always hang while writing the UDF anchor descriptors if I had a "full" disk. Then I tried (thanks to this thread) the Maxell Plus series and they were perfect.

Now, I had pretty good results with TGY02 (and TGY03) before the whole bonding fiasco started, so I'm of a mind to continue with the Maxell Plus series; at least I'll get the grade A TYs.

The Ol' "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" theory huh? Can't say I disagree ;)

[Jon Lai]

I tried the retail 16x -R Verbatims and had too many failed burns. It would always hang while writing the UDF anchor descriptors if I had a "full" disk. Then I tried (thanks to this thread) the Maxell Plus series and they were perfect.

Now, I had pretty good results with TGY02 (and TGY03) before the whole bonding fiasco started, so I'm of a mind to continue with the Maxell Plus series; at least I'll get the grade A TYs.

Why don't you use the +R Verbatims then? They're much better.

[scorpo]

Hi DD,

What's your opinion of the Verbatim vs Taiyo Yuden blank DVDs that NCIX has for sale now during their 2006 boxing week sale? They seem roughly comparable in price. Is there much of a difference in quality between the two now? I know that TY used to be pretty much on top, but seems they've been slipping lately.

Thanks for sharing your time & knowledge with us on the forums,
Scorpo.

[JAC]

Why don't you use the +R Verbatims then? They're much better.

My burner (Pioneer 109) won't do bitsetting on single layer +R, and I don't want to play with the Buffalo firmware. I'm also concerned with the compatibility of +R media, since my burns have to work on 3 different players.

Maybe I'll see if I can find a 5-pack, though, and test it.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD,

What's your opinion of the Verbatim vs Taiyo Yuden blank DVDs that NCIX has for sale now during their 2006 boxing week sale? They seem roughly comparable in price. Is there much of a difference in quality between the two now? I know that TY used to be pretty much on top, but seems they've been slipping lately.

Thanks for sharing your time & knowledge with us on the forums,
Scorpo.

That's a tough one! Personally, I think Verbatim is better, but that is based on several factors. The major factor being that Verbatim will admit to problems with their media when they exist, and will work on them right away, while replacing media. Taiyo Yuden on the other hand is all done through distribution, and their distributor (yeah, it mostly comes from one source) prefers to put the blame on Harry Potter and Canadian cold weather, rather then look at a problem seriously (yes, they have actually used "maybe Harry Potter was involved" as an excuse to me on the phone, I'm not even kidding). Based on this level of support, I have a VERY hard time trusting Taiyo Yuden product. Yes, most TY is good (well, the 8x media is good... not so much the 16x), but there are also bad batches out there. Of course you can always return them to the store and get a replacement, but for someone like me, I have to look at the big picture of things, and I just have a very hard time supporting Taiyo Yuden because of how they choose to run things. But which ever one you end up choosing, I think you'll find the performance to be quite good (unless you get a rare bad batch, but that could happen in either case anyways).

Sorry for the convaluted answer, it's really a tough question at this point!

[jaszy]

Oh no! My Sony DW-D22A finally died. It has served me well for the past 2 and half years. It is time to get a new burner >:( Which one should I get out of these?

Pioneer DVR-111D
LG GSA-H22N
NEC AD-7170A

EDIT! I forgot to add that I only use -R dvd media (TY and Verbatim)

I'm located in Toronto and I need to buy LOCAL seeing as I need this ASAP. If you guys have any other recommendations out of the 3 and can find me a store in Toronto, then that would be bomb!:cheesygri

Thanks in advance!

[blitz]

Well, Maxell sent almost all of their DVD manufacturing lines to Ritek, so they can only manufacture their highest quality items now, meaning BQ, Mori, and one or two others. But PLUS Series is guarenteed Japanese, so they have TY make it now.


;4402582']For those of you who still want real Maxell made Plus Series, the Thermal White 50pks at NCIX/DC are most likely still real Maxell.

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC1944&vpn=635063&manufacture=MAXELL

PM @ NCIX if desired.
How can you tell if the Plus is still Maxell or TY?

[[buck]]

How can you tell if the Plus is still Maxell or TY?
Well... without having a disc, or least seeing the shrinkwrapped packaging, it's nearly impossible to say for sure. However, I have been told that the non-hub white thermal printable product is discontinued... and that what is remaining is basically old stock, which is highly unlikely to be TY.

[JAC]

;4418554']Well... without having a disc, or least seeing the shrinkwrapped packaging, it's nearly impossible to say for sure. However, I have been told that the non-hub white thermal printable product is discontinued... and that what is remaining is basically old stock, which is highly unlikely to be TY.

Ordered up 3 spindles. I'll post the media code (and whatever other info you guys want) when they arrive. Thanks for the tip.

[Alvito]

I want to buy a reliable external dvd burner for my laptop. Any suggestions?


I saw a samsung for 70, heres the link.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=012074&cid=CR.184

[scorpo]

Thanks DD,

If it's that hard for you to decide between Verbatim and TY then I feel confident going with either one. Thanks again!

Scorpo

[breathe]

anyone pls comment on this Verbatim DVD+R(and DVD-R) 4.7GB 16X 100-Pack Spindle on sell at $19.99 at futureshop?


http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10076423&catid=

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10076421&catid=

Are they good quality? At the same price, which one is better?


Sorry if it's a repost, as I've searched this thread and couldnt find any info.

Thanks...

[SaraLee]

DD, or anyone else who have used the Verbatim Medidisc, or the Gold Ultralife, can you comment on the durability of these discs? I am looking to get some for archiving.

Thank you.

[Jon Lai]

anyone pls comment on this Verbatim DVD+R(and DVD-R) 4.7GB 16X 100-Pack Spindle on sell at $19.99 at futureshop?


http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10076423&catid=

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10076421&catid=

Are they good quality? At the same price, which one is better?


Sorry if it's a repost, as I've searched this thread and couldnt find any info.

Thanks...

These are the best consumer media avaliable, assuming you find the spindles with the Times New Roman font for "OPEN ===> CLOSE"

[The Digital Dolphin]

anyone pls comment on this Verbatim DVD+R(and DVD-R) 4.7GB 16X 100-Pack Spindle on sell at $19.99 at futureshop?


http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10076423&catid=

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10076421&catid=

Are they good quality? At the same price, which one is better?


Sorry if it's a repost, as I've searched this thread and couldnt find any info.

Thanks...

You did a very bad job of searching this thread. Considering that the post right above yours refers to my post (ever so slightly above) that talks of many good things about Verbatim. Also Jon Lai makes mention that the DVD+Rs are a little better, which is true for several DVD burners.

Next time at LEAST look 5-6 posts up before claiming to have searched the thread ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, or anyone else who have used the Verbatim Medidisc, or the Gold Ultralife, can you comment on the durability of these discs? I am looking to get some for archiving.

Thank you.

I haven't tried the MediDisc personally, but I've used the Ultralife Gold DVD-Rs, but I wasn't impressed. Last I saw they were manufactured by Prodisc, and the initial burn quality was not that great. The long term viability is another question entirely, but that takes more time to have passed for me to know.

[Gamez_girl]

With the Verbatim 16x DVD-R with the TNR font, are you suppose to be able to burn twice with them. The first time the burn failied, it didn't finish, but I kept the disc inside and it was still seen as a blank DVD. But even if the second burn finishes the disc doesn't work. Using Benq EW162I and Sonic RecordNow.

[MrDisco]

With the Verbatim 16x DVD-R with the TNR font, are you suppose to be able to burn twice with them. The first time the burn failied, it didn't finish, but I kept the disc inside and it was still seen as a blank DVD. But even if the second burn finishes the disc doesn't work. Using Benq EW162I and Sonic RecordNow.

once a burn fails on a disc you can either:
a) use it as a coaster/frisbee/home made clock thingee
b) trash it

[txenglan]

Dear DD, other media experts,

Has anyone run into what is described at http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=202378 ? I'm also experiencing this issue and have stopped using my HP CMCMAG E01 because of it. For the time being, I'll stick to TY02 until there is a reliable fix for this that doesn't involve buggering around with WOPC after dropping back from BCIC firmware on the 1650. Speaking of which, has anyone had this problem with other firmware versions or with other blank media?

I am also getting some very strange/extreme disc quality assessment discrepancies with Nero CD/DVD speed when checking TY03 disks that I burned with the 1650. When running Nero DVD speed on the 1650, it actually comes back with tons of PI errors/failures and a rating of ZERO! With the Liteon 160P6S, on the same disk (TY03) I get a much more reasonable rating of 70-80 with minimal failures/errors. These two drives usually disagree somewhat with their assessment of media post-burn but not by that much!! Anyone see this before??

Thanks!

T

[JAC]

;4402582']For those of you who still want real Maxell made Plus Series, the Thermal White 50pks at NCIX/DC are most likely still real Maxell.

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC1944&vpn=635063&manufacture=MAXELL

PM @ NCIX if desired.



Here's the media info for the Maxell DVD-RTW Plus Series. Kudos to Direct Canada for quick (if pricey) shipping.

Media Information
Region information N/A not a DVD-VIDEO
Media code/Manufacturer ID MXL RG03
Format Capacity Blank Disc
Free Blocks 412352512
Free Capacity 4.38GB(4.71GB)
Book Type DVD-R
Media Type DVD-R
Manufacturer Rated Speed >=4.0x 5540KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 12.0x 16620KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 8.0x 11080KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 6.0x 8310KBps
Available Write Descriptor CLV 4.0x 5540KBps
Write Strategy Speed 4.0x 5540KBps
2x Speed OPC beta 09
2x Speed OPC power 0B
2x Write Strategy field 1 15 87 78 90
2x Write Strategy field 2 88 80 00 00 00 00
4x Speed OPC beta 08
4x Speed OPC power 14
4x Write Strategy field 1 0D 0F 0C 08
4x Write Strategy field 2 98 07 0E 0B
4x Write Strategy field 3 A0 00 20 00
4x Speed OPC beta multi-pulse 06
4x Speed OPC power multi-pulse 16
4x Write Strategy field 4 1B 85 56 85
4x Write Strategy field 5 99 BD 88 80 00 00
4x Write Strategy field 6 00 00 D0 00 00
Data area starting sector 30000h
Linear Density 0.267um/bit
Track Density 0.74um/track
Number of Layers 1

Complete Media Code
00000000 00 6C 00 00 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 86 0E 0D .l...@....R.....
00000010 88 9A 80 00 03 4D 58 4C 20 52 47 00 04 30 33 00 .....MXL RG..03.
00000020 00 00 00 00 05 88 80 00 00 00 02 00 06 09 0B 15 ................

[[buck]]

Here's the media info for the Maxell DVD-RTW Plus Series.

Media Information
Region information N/A not a DVD-VIDEO
Media code/Manufacturer ID MXL RG03
Genuine Maxell... told ya ;)

So anyone who wants Japanese Maxell should order that item :)

[JAC]

;4447116']Genuine Maxell... told ya ;)

So anyone who wants Japanese Maxell should order that item :)

Yepper. I'm thinking of another 3 spindles. :D

Thanks again for the heads up.

[bushin]

Recently bought a Pioneer DVR-111D to replace me LG4163.

But I have been getting "Power Calibration Errors" from DVDDecrypter when I try to burn +dl disc (verbatim), never had this happen when I was using my LG. :mad:

Anyone have this problem before ? Not sure if its the media or the drive since I have done a test burn on +r just now and it was fine. But whenever i try +dl I get the error.

[mortimusmaximus]

Recently bought a Pioneer DVR-111D to replace me LG4163.

But I have been getting "Power Calibration Errors" from DVDDecrypter when I try to burn +dl disc (verbatim), never had this happen when I was using my LG. :mad:

Anyone have this problem before ? Not sure if its the media or the drive since I have done a test burn on +r just now and it was fine. But whenever i try +dl I get the error.

I had the same problem when I installed the same drive.I updated the firmware first but that did not seem to help.I then installed a newer version of my burning software nero and the problem was fixed.

[ZeeTX]

I am recently having problems with re-writing Memorex DVD+RWs with my BenQ DW1640! The drive automatically sets the DVD+RW to DVD-ROM booktype which is very good but then I am unable to erase/re-write in NERO as it reads as a DVD-ROM which cannot be re-written!

The firmware of the drive is at BSLB but I never had any problems before!? And I don't think it is firmware related?

I have SONY[8x - MIJ], VERBATIM[16x - MIT(TNR)] and Memorex [8x - MIT mediacode RICOHJPN-W01-01]. Any help with the latest frmware(s) upgrade too and which one currently is the best? How is the TDB (BSRB firmware)?

Can the formware reverted back if not satisfied? What tools needed?

:|

[Z]

Can media rated @ 16X be burned a lower speed (let's say 4X)?

Is the quality of a burn in any way related to the speed in which we burn at?

Bought some of the TNR Verbatim, but unsure of what speed I should burn them at for best results. I've read that a slower speed will yield a higher quality burn, but I've also read that the optimal speed to burn these 16X media is 12X.

What's the truth behind burning at the rated / slower than rated media speed rating?

[spinbot]

I had the same problem when I installed the same drive.I updated the firmware first but that did not seem to help.I then installed a newer version of my burning software nero and the problem was fixed.

You running Nero 6 with latest updates or Nero 7 ? (my understanding is 6 is the better of the two for some reason )

[cgl]

I am thinking of trying some DVD-RAM media, which ones are best? Are the verbatum from NCIX any good?

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21282&vpn=95373&manufacture=VERBATIM

I have a few different LG drives.

[ShadowVlican]

epic fail

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/5892/benqdvdlsdw1655bcib12jail4.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/7639/benqdvdlsdw1655bcib12jagw6.png (http://imageshack.us)

now i have to re-download those anime... :evil:

but thanks to NCIX, i'm using TYG02 now..... the above was burned a while ago

[money1]

The following scan results were from a CMC made Verbatim 16 DVD+R burnt at 6X two days ago tested under CD-DVD Speed 4.7.0.0 on the same drive. The second test was done under the same conditions 15 mins later. I am not familiar with interpreting PIE/PIF scans and was wondering if this result was within norms and why would their be a large discrepancy?

Test One
General Information
Drive: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109
Firmware: 8.58
Disc: DVD+R (MCC 004)
Selected speed: 8 X
PI errors
Maximum: 91
Average: 30.24
Total: 223093
PI failures
Maximum: 91
Average: 0.06
Total: 224
PO failures: n/a
Jitter: n/a
Scanning Statistics
Elapsed time: 9:59
Number of samples: 9251
Average scanning interval: 8.00 ECC
Glitches removed: 0


Test Two (Same conditions but 15 mins later)

General Information
Drive: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-109
Firmware: 8.58
Disc: DVD+R (MCC 004)
Selected speed: 8 X
PI errors
Maximum: 102
Average: 38.37
Total: 289138
PI failures
Maximum: 2
Average: 0.03
Total: 140
PO failures: n/a
Jitter: n/a
Scanning Statistics
Elapsed time: 10:00
Number of samples: 9251
Average scanning interval: 8.00 ECC
Glitches removed: 0



Thank you

[spidermanphil]

I have read through this very informative but very lenghty thread, but I find myself a bit confused.

Hopefully the Dolphin or someone else can can clear this up for me.

I have a raincheck from Future Shop for the 100 pack spindle of Verbatim media for $19.99.

I have only been able to find the non TNR spindles in store, are these Arial font spindles subpar quality in both -R and +R, or are the Arial font spindles acceptable in either the -R or +R?

I am using a LG 4167b and a LG H22N as my burners.

Any clarification is greatly appreciated.

Spidermanphil

[money1]

You want to try and get TNR for both +/-

[spidermanphil]

Money1,

Thanks for the quick reply.

If I am unable to find any TNR Verbatim spindles I should pass on the Arial ones then?

Spidermanphil

[rahzel]

Money1,

Thanks for the quick reply.

If I am unable to find any TNR Verbatim spindles I should pass on the Arial ones then?

Spidermanphil
usually i would say avoid arial font, but i think they should be ok, and at this price, you can't really go wrong. if you have problems, either exchange them or contact verbatim.

and btw, i would get +R.

[spidermanphil]

rahzel,

Thank you for the advice, I guess I will pick up the +R spindles then and keep my fingers crossed.

Spidermanphil

[Sgt_Strider]

@DD or anyone that can help me

I finally manage to find $50 lying around and I want to head out and get a new DVD writer. Is the Pioneer DVR-111 still the best in terms of DVD+R DL write quality? This is the most important feature that I'm looking for in a burner. If it burns Maxell and TY media with good write quality then that would be a plus as well. Thanks!

[[buck]]

@DD or anyone that can help me

I finally manage to find $50 lying around and I want to head out and get a new DVD writer. Is the Pioneer DVR-111 still the best in terms of DVD+R DL write quality? This is the most important feature that I'm looking for in a burner. If it burns Maxell and TY media with good write quality then that would be a plus as well. Thanks!
Indeed. It fits all your criteria nicely.

[Happy13178]

Does anyone know where to find Maxell Plus blank dvds in Toronto? I can only find places out of province so far.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Does anyone know where to find Maxell Plus blank dvds in Toronto? I can only find places out of province so far.

www.precisionsound.com has them. Blankmedia.ca stopped carrying them unfortunately.

[Sgt_Strider]

;4545919']Indeed. It fits all your criteria nicely.

I'm assuming that there won't be a replacement coming out soon that can possibly dethrone the DVR-111?

[BeaverLiquor]

112d is getting released soon whether it will be a flop (like the 110) or success (like the 111) only time will tell.

[[buck]]

Does anyone know where to find Maxell Plus blank dvds in Toronto? I can only find places out of province so far.
If you plan on picking up a couple spindles, you might as well just order from DirectCanada.

Shipping costs are as follows:
1 spindle - $8.99
2 spindles - $10.79
3 spindles - $13.98

The lack of PST makes up for some of the shipping costs.

Also, keep in mind that the White Thermal (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC1944) product is more or less guaranteed to be real Maxell, while the silver thermal and white inkjet products could be rebadged TY.

[karst]

What's the lowest price seen on the Verbatim +R DL?

$2.12 per disc in 20 pack at DirectCanada
$2.15 per disc in 10 pack at Filtech in Toronto

Do they go much lower (on sale maybe)? I wonder when or if the price of quality DL media will really come down...

[ShadowVlican]

;4550667']Also, keep in mind that the White Thermal (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC1944) product is more or less guaranteed to be real Maxell, while the silver thermal and white inkjet products could be rebadged TY.
thanks for the heads up... i did NOT know that :-0

i guess that's logical since TY doesn't make White Thermal dvds :confused:

[The Digital Dolphin]

thanks for the heads up... i did NOT know that :-0

i guess that's logical since TY doesn't make White Thermal dvds :confused:


Eh? YES they do..... TY makes lot's and lot's of white thermal DVDs... it's just NCIX's stock on the PLUS series white thermal media is older then the rest of their PLUS series stock ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

What's the lowest price seen on the Verbatim +R DL?

$2.12 per disc in 20 pack at DirectCanada
$2.15 per disc in 10 pack at Filtech in Toronto

Do they go much lower (on sale maybe)? I wonder when or if the price of quality DL media will really come down...

Regular sale price for a 20pk at NCIX is around $40. I think DirectCanada is a little cheaper, but I haven't checked in a while. The price *WILL* be going down soon, but the biggest issue right now is production volumes.

[twotterdhc6]

Maxell Plus is only available for -R ? hmm...

[[buck]]

Maxell Plus is only available for -R ? hmm...
That is correct. Supposedly there is a very little profession demand for DVD+R.

[ShadowVlican]

Eh? YES they do..... TY makes lot's and lot's of white thermal DVDs... it's just NCIX's stock on the PLUS series white thermal media is older then the rest of their PLUS series stock ;)
i see...

u know lots of insider stuff don't u :twisted:

[The Digital Dolphin]

;4569997']That is correct. Supposedly there is a very little profession demand for DVD+R.

It's pretty fair to say that the ONLY demand in the professional market for DVD+R is for DVD+RDL media. There are a few exceptions, but I'd guess less then 1% of the professional market uses DVD+R. At least from my experience.

[The Digital Dolphin]

i see...

u know lots of insider stuff don't u :twisted:

It's just very easy to impress people here ;) I'm only able to say maybe 1/10th of the info I have at best though. Although I've been known to break a few rules that way on this forum too :razz:

[Jon Lai]

What's the lowest price seen on the Verbatim +R DL?

$2.12 per disc in 20 pack at DirectCanada
$2.15 per disc in 10 pack at Filtech in Toronto

Do they go much lower (on sale maybe)? I wonder when or if the price of quality DL media will really come down...

Did you miss Futureshop's sale?

Anyways, I have a couple spindles I'm willing to get rid of. $35/20 = $1.75 each. PM me or check my thread.

[Jon Lai]

It's pretty fair to say that the ONLY demand in the professional market for DVD+R is for DVD+RDL media. There are a few exceptions, but I'd guess less then 1% of the professional market uses DVD+R. At least from my experience.

Care to go indepth on that? Why is DVD-R preferred in the professional market? I always loved the +R format over the -R format.

[Sgt_Strider]

Care to go indepth on that? Why is DVD-R preferred in the professional market? I always loved the +R format over the -R format.

Maybe it's the officially endorsed format by the DVD forum? I would be interested to know why too.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Care to go indepth on that? Why is DVD-R preferred in the professional market? I always loved the +R format over the -R format.

No real reason beyond the fact that it was there first, and it took too long for DVD+R to fix compatability problems. The industry moved to DVD-R, and never had a reason to switch. DVD+RDL however offers MAJOR advantages over DVD-RDL, including price, availability, and compatability... so it's quite a different story.

[blexann]

This thread has been a very educational read. thanks DD and co.

Recently purchased the Pioneer - 111D drive from CanadaComputers. Started out burning movies (@ x8 and x2) on Ridata discs
and noticed that the colours in dark scenes were blothcy (like waves of grey in black).
So, I went and bought some Verbatim DVD-R discs (on sale $4.99 at The Source) and burnt(@ x8) the same movies to compare.
I still noticed the blotchy colours in dark scenes. just wondering is ther something that I am doing wrong during the burning process ?

Will updating the firmware make any difference ? should I try using Maxwells ?

appreciated
thanks

[twotterdhc6]

This thread has been a very educational read. thanks DD and co.

Recently purchased the Pioneer - 111D drive from CanadaComputers. Started out burning movies (@ x8 and x2) on Ridata discs
and noticed that the colours in dark scenes were blothcy (like waves of grey in black).
So, I went and bought some Verbatim DVD-R discs (on sale $4.99 at The Source) and burnt(@ x8) the same movies to compare.
I still noticed the blotchy colours in dark scenes. just wondering is ther something that I am doing wrong during the burning process ?

Will updating the firmware make any difference ? should I try using Maxwells ?

appreciated
thanks
Perhaps it's a problem with the movie itself?

[blexann]

Perhaps it's a problem with the movie itself?

That is what I initally thought but I've burnt around 6 movies and all have this problem.

[The Digital Dolphin]

That is what I initally thought but I've burnt around 6 movies and all have this problem.

Sounds like compression artifacts to me. Even some original DVDs have those (the worst I've seen are on the buffy the vampire slayer series DVDs)

[blexann]

Sounds like compression artifacts to me. Even some original DVDs have those (the worst I've seen are on the buffy the vampire slayer series DVDs)

DD - Looked up compression artifacts and found this - see the clouds on the right handside in the first set of pictures - that is exactly what I am seeing!!

http://www.techmind.org/digital/

[ShadowVlican]

DD - Looked up compression artifacts and found this - see the clouds on the right handside in the first set of pictures - that is exactly what I am seeing!!

http://www.techmind.org/digital/
that is most definitely problems with the source or you are using sleezy compression software

[blexann]

that is most definitely problems with the source or you are using sleezy compression software

ok, what does that mean exactly ?

[sketchy]

Question for all the DVD gurus in this thread:

Is this Pioneer burner the best writer currently out there?

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18003&vpn=DVR-111DBK&manufacture=Pioneer

The BenQ's are impossible to find.

Also, how does it compare to an LG GSA-4120, if you know anything about that drive?

Thanks in advance for your replies. Amazing wealth of knowledge here...:)

[wlee]

I'm building a new system, please recommend me a new DVD burner :D

My current system has NEC 3520A, was recommended in this forum, very very pleased :cheesygri

THANK YOU :!:

[gaore]

I met a strange problem , can anybody help?

If I burn "content 1" files to a DVD disc, and several days later, I burn

"content 2" files to the same DVD disc.

The problem is : with my computer, I can see both content 1 and content 2

files, but, with other computers, they only can see the content 1 files,

the content 2 files disappered. why :confused: Thanks.

[[buck]]

I met a strange problem , can anybody help?

If I burn "content 1" files to a DVD disc, and several days later, I burn

"content 2" files to the same DVD disc.

The problem is : with my computer, I can see both content 1 and content 2

files, but, with other computers, they only can see the content 1 files,

the content 2 files disappered. why :confused: Thanks.
It sounds to me like you burned a multi-session disc. Multi-session discs are quite flakey, and some drives won't recognize beyond the first session.

Solution: don't burn multi-session discs if you want maximum compatibility and reliability.

[gaore]

;4606202']It sounds to me like you burned a multi-session disc. Multi-session discs are quite flakey, and some drives won't recognize beyond the first session.

Solution: don't burn multi-session discs if you want maximum compatibility and reliability.

Thanks. So the DVD disc is for one time use if it not be burnt on multi-

session. Right?

[ShadowVlican]

Thanks. So the DVD disc is for one time use if it not be burnt on multi-

session. Right?
no. he's specifically saying "some drives won't recognize beyond the first session."

[[buck]]

Thanks. So the DVD disc is for one time use if it not be burnt on multi-

session. Right?
If you're trying to ask "can a DVD disc be recorded to only once if not burned using multi-session?", the answer is yes.

[Sgt_Strider]

Hey guys, I already have the Pioneer DVR-111 up and running. I'm just wondering which firmware version should I be using?

My main concern is the burn quality of Verbatim DVD+R DL discs followed by TY DVD-R.

[wlee]

I'm building a new system, please recommend me a new DVD burner :D

My current system has NEC 3520A, was recommended in this forum, very very pleased :cheesygri

THANK YOU :!:

PLEASE :D I need your recommendation

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey guys, I already have the Pioneer DVR-111 up and running. I'm just wondering which firmware version should I be using?

My main concern is the burn quality of Verbatim DVD+R DL discs followed by TY DVD-R.

I've been running the latest, and burn both of those decently often, and I don't thing either has suffered in any way from the newer updates... DVD+RDL might have improved a little. So I'd say go with the latest firmware :cheesygri

[The Digital Dolphin]

PLEASE :D I need your recommendation

The Pioneer DVR-111 is your best option at the moment I believe :)

[money1]

DD, what is your opinion on cross-flashing the DVR-109 with Buffalo firmware 8.50 to enable bitsetting?

Thank you

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, what is your opinion on cross-flashing the DVR-109 with Buffalo firmware 8.50 to enable bitsetting?

Thank you

I think bitsetting is no longer neccessary most of the time anymore. So it's up to you. I don't bother personally.

[[buck]]

DD, what is your opinion on cross-flashing the DVR-109 with Buffalo firmware 8.50 to enable bitsetting?

Thank you
IMHO, there's no reason to NOT take advantage of any significant feature, like bitsetting. You have nothing to lose by using he Buffalo firmware!

[The Digital Dolphin]

;4611113']IMHO, there's no reason to NOT take advantage of any significant feature, like bitsetting. You have nothing to lose by using he Buffalo firmware!

Well, there's always the accidental frying of the drive if something goes wrong (pretty unlikely, I've only ever fried 1 drive this way, and it was an LG and using an official firmware update). Also, it voids your warranty incase your drive dies on it's own during the warranty period.

[Sgt_Strider]

I've been running the latest, and burn both of those decently often, and I don't thing either has suffered in any way from the newer updates... DVD+RDL might have improved a little. So I'd say go with the latest firmware :cheesygri

Are there any test results to validate your claim?

Also, do you have the link to the latest firmware?

[Jon Lai]

Just want to let you guys know that DirectCanada (NCIX sister company) is having a sale on Verbatim 5x DVD-RAM - $13.74 for 5 in slim case. That's a pretty good deal IMO:

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14950AC2614&vpn=95373&manufacture=VERBATIM

Don't bother posting in Hot Deals as many people don't even know what DVD-RAM is :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Tiberius]

It seems the Pioneer DVR-111D is the drive of choice currently.

My question is... should I stick with the 111D or get the Pioneer DVR-112D that is now out in stores?

The obvious difference is 18X burning vs. 16X - other than that? Do we know if the 112D is as good as the 111D?

Thanks!

[fozzey]

Same question as above. I have not seen the 112D yet though but would consider it if I could find it. I am trying to decide between:

Pioneer 111D
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=13570DR9522&vpn=DVR-111DBK&manufacture=PIONEER

NEC 7170A
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=13080DR5681&vpn=AD-7170A-0B&manufacture=NEC

[The Digital Dolphin]

All reports I've heard is that people are not as happy with the DVR-112 as they are with the DVR-111... that could change with firmware fixes however.

As for 18x vs. 16x.... well, the LG-4163B at 16x is still about as fast as the newest LiteON at 20x :razz:

[Mgz]

how come the market for SATA DVD burner sucks, we only have Samsung, Liteon and LOL PLEXTOR LOL :/ .. I hate to use the buggy cheap IDE controller that the mainboard maker shoves on us :/

[Jon Lai]

how come the market for SATA DVD burner sucks, we only have Samsung, Liteon and LOL PLEXTOR LOL :/ .. I hate to use the buggy cheap IDE controller that the mainboard maker shoves on us :/

If IDE is buggy then it wouldn't have been used for the past 10+ years...

SATA doesn't really help DVD burners much IMO, the extra bandwidth doesnt' really help as IDE is quite fast already. Who wants to spend $100+ on a SATA burner anyways?

[[buck]]

SATA doesn't really help DVD burners much IMO, the extra bandwidth doesnt' really help as IDE is quite fast already. Who wants to spend $100+ on a SATA burner anyways?
Maybe because most new motherboards have a very limited number of IDE ports? And the fact that SATA is a much smaller cable? It's really for the same reasons that people prefer SATA hard drives... real-world performance gains from SATA are minimal.

[Sgt_Strider]

;4655787']Maybe because most new motherboards have a very limited number of IDE ports? And the fact that SATA is a much smaller cable? It's really for the same reasons that people prefer SATA hard drives... real-world performance gains from SATA are minimal.


I don't know what your reasons are, but I want SATA drives because it helps make cable management that much better.

[Sgt_Strider]

Does anyone here have a link to the latest and "best" firmware for the DVR-111?

Also, have TY fixed their discs yet? Are the bonding issues still a problem? What are the tru-blu TY discs that NCIX is selling?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Does anyone here have a link to the latest and "best" firmware for the DVR-111?

Also, have TY fixed their discs yet? Are the bonding issues still a problem? What are the tru-blu TY discs that NCIX is selling?

Firmwares can be gotten from www.rpc1.org

Nope, TY still won't admit their discs have a problem, so there is no incentive to fix them. Also, in a conversation I had with TY's biggest distributor, they don't believe it's an issue as their sales are only increasing.

TruBlu is an OEM style brand that uses TY's value line media, it's like B Grade TY, mostly TYG03.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I believe Pioneer has an SATA version of the 112 coming out. I think it's the DVR-212 or something like that?

[spinbot]

TruBlu is an OEM style brand that uses TY's value line media, it's like B Grade TY, mostly TYG03.

FYI - The last batch of TruBlu from NCIX I got are "Manufacturer ID: TYG02"

I've only ever bought TruBlu and personally have never experienced the bonding issue ( although I haven't tried prying them apart either )

[Sgt_Strider]

Firmwares can be gotten from www.rpc1.org

Nope, TY still won't admit their discs have a problem, so there is no incentive to fix them. Also, in a conversation I had with TY's biggest distributor, they don't believe it's an issue as their sales are only increasing.

TruBlu is an OEM style brand that uses TY's value line media, it's like B Grade TY, mostly TYG03.

So should I still buy TY media? If not, I guess I should get those Maxell Broadcast grade media if I really care about my data?

[ShadowVlican]

So should I still buy TY media? If not, I guess I should get those Maxell Broadcast grade media if I really care about my data?
you don't have to go that far.. the plus series is good enough imo

that's what i'm stocking once i finish up my old TYs...

[[buck]]

So should I still buy TY media? If not, I guess I should get those Maxell Broadcast grade media if I really care about my data?
If you have important data that you're archiving, I'd say YES, BQ is worth the extra pennies.

DirectCanada has the 12pk at an unbeatable price:
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC3042&vpn=635070/12&manufacture=MAXELL

[Sgt_Strider]

;4665127']If you have important data that you're archiving, I'd say YES, BQ is worth the extra pennies.

DirectCanada has the 12pk at an unbeatable price:
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC3042&vpn=635070/12&manufacture=MAXELL

Can I buy them in packages of 50s? I have a lot of important stuff that I want to backup.

[Jon Lai]

Can I buy them in packages of 50s? I have a lot of important stuff that I want to backup.

Not for a less per unit cost, though, no. As in, just buy a few packs ;)

[apvm]

I was surprised that the Arco Circle Grade A DVD-R which I bought yesterday from NCIX was coded TYG02 instead of the usual Optodisc code...haven't burn any yet but wonder if they are any good with my Benq 1640? TIA

[The Digital Dolphin]

I was surprised that the Arco Circle Grade A DVD-R which I bought yesterday from NCIX was coded TYG02 instead of the usual Optodisc code...haven't burn any yet but wonder if they are any good with my Benq 1640? TIA

Someone just liquidated a bunch of old Acro Circle stock... so that's probably why. Ugh... it's been so long I actually can't remember what the best settings were. But I remember a number of people had some pretty good luck with it and the DW1640.

[apvm]

Someone just liquidated a bunch of old Acro Circle stock... so that's probably why. Ugh... it's been so long I actually can't remember what the best settings were. But I remember a number of people had some pretty good luck with it and the DW1640.

Thanks, I have luck with the Acro Circle 8X DVD-R (Optodisc code) bought from Logic computer house but these ones from NCIX looks different and with different codes, that's why I asked. Thanks again for the good news.

[[buck]]

I was surprised that the Arco Circle Grade A DVD-R which I bought yesterday from NCIX was coded TYG02 instead of the usual Optodisc code...haven't burn any yet but wonder if they are any good with my Benq 1640? TIA
I'd recommend turning SolidBurn and WOPC on. And yes, I do have personal experiences with these discs.

[WLJ101]

I think bitsetting is no longer neccessary most of the time anymore. So it's up to you. I don't bother personally.

Pioneer Drive is not "durable" than NEC or LG. I always see customers brought them back to RMA them.

but why NEC 7170 drive has that freaking Sony name on it? I love NEC but maybe not anymore.

What is the best durable burner out there right now? LG? 22N?

[spinbot]

"Not Durable"

Not sure why you say that or for that matter, how one determines durability.

I've run the crap out of my Pioneer DVD Burner and , knock on wood, its still running as good as the day I bought it. For that matter, I've never had an optical computer drive die on me, although I have had 2 stand alone DVD players die (Toshiba and Panasonic)

[apvm]

OK, here is what happened to my Benq 1640 after I bought it in July 2005, I burnt one Arco Circle 8X DVD-R with TYG02 code which I bought from NCIX a few days ago at 4X with good results...but today I tried to burn something, the PI failure jumped to over 400 at the beginning with every type of DVD I put in it...the good the bad and the ugly all the same, so I supspect the burning part of my drive is dead?

Is that the case? and if it is, is the Pioneer 111D my best option? how about the newer 112D or LG GSA-H22N? I am worry about it has no bit setting function for DVD+R and DVD+RDL since I am not sure if my portable DVD player can play DVD+R and most of my blanks are +R... comments is highly appreciated.

Update: Got the Pioneer 112D instead, flashed to 1.09 firmware from 1.06 and burnt one Arco Circle TYG02 disk at 4X, very good, excellent. Only thing is I have to update Nero CD/DVD scan to latest version in order for the 112D to work with it.

[digdoug]

Hi, I just bought my first Verbatim DL spindle (FS 20-pack). what speed should I burn them at with my Benq 1655? and what's the best set up for doing so: (my burner is on IDE) from a SATA HDD, from an IDE HDD or from a USB HDD?

and this is just anecdotal from doing a Nero Disc Quality check on half a dozen DVDs, did anyone get significantly worse readings on the Verbatims from The Source ($5/25 spindle), than Verbatims from other sources? They were all MIT and with the TNR fonts. tx.

[BeaverLiquor]

OK, here is what happened to my Benq 1640 after I bought it in July 2005, I burnt one Arco Circle 8X DVD-R with TYG02 code which I bought from NCIX a few days ago at 4X with good results...but today I tried to burn something, the PI failure jumped to over 400 at the beginning with every type of DVD I put in it...the good the bad and the ugly all the same, so I supspect the burning part of my drive is dead?

Is that the case? and if it is, is the Pioneer 111D my best option? how about the newer 112D or LG GSA-H22N? I am worry about it has no bit setting function for DVD+R and DVD+RDL since I am not sure if my portable DVD player can play DVD+R and most of my blanks are +R... comments is highly appreciated.

Update: Got the Pioneer 112D instead, flashed to 1.09 firmware from 1.06 and burnt one Arco Circle TYG02 disk at 4X, very good, excellent. Only thing is I have to update Nero CD/DVD scan to latest version in order for the 112D to work with it.


i've been reading through the threads over at cdfreaks and if i remember it correctly bit setting should be there for dvd+r dl's but for dvd+r's you'll have to crossflash it with some other firmware...not too sure about it though jsut glanced over it quickly. btw what batch is your 112d? i've heard that the nov. 06 batch is having some issues while the dec. '06 batch is giving good results.

[apvm]

i've been reading through the threads over at cdfreaks and if i remember it correctly bit setting should be there for dvd+r dl's but for dvd+r's you'll have to crossflash it with some other firmware...not too sure about it though jsut glanced over it quickly. btw what batch is your 112d? i've heard that the nov. 06 batch is having some issues while the dec. '06 batch is giving good results.


Thanks, it was manufactured in December 2006.

[[buck]]

Update: Got the Pioneer 112D instead, flashed to 1.09 firmware from 1.06 and burnt one Arco Circle TYG02 disk at 4X, very good, excellent. Only thing is I have to update Nero CD/DVD scan to latest version in order for the 112D to work with it.
You can crossflash to a buffalo 8.xx firmware if you'd still like bitsetting support. You also get labelflash support (even if it's completely useless!). Also, don't try using any Pioneer drive as a scanner. They're completely looney scanners!

[[buck]]

Hi, I just bought my first Verbatim DL spindle (FS 20-pack). what speed should I burn them at with my Benq 1655? and what's the best set up for doing so: (my burner is on IDE) from a SATA HDD, from an IDE HDD or from a USB HDD?

and this is just anecdotal from doing a Nero Disc Quality check on half a dozen DVDs, did anyone get significantly worse readings on the Verbatims from The Source ($5/25 spindle), than Verbatims from other sources? They were all MIT and with the TNR fonts. tx.
1) I believe the DW1655 supports them at 2.4x only.
2) Shouldn't make a difference
3) Batches vary!

[Sgt_Strider]

you don't have to go that far.. the plus series is good enough imo

that's what i'm stocking once i finish up my old TYs...

Where is the cheapest place to buy Maxell Plus DVDs?

What is the difference between the Maxell Plus shiny silver thermal printable surface and white thermal printable surface?

[digdoug]

;4691082']1) I believe the DW1655 supports them at 2.4x only.
2) Shouldn't make a difference
3) Batches vary!

thanks.

Here are the readings I got from the Verbatim DLs I've burned.
all burned at 2.4x with my Benq 1655 (BCIB)
scanning was done with the same drive, at least 1/2 hour later, since scanning immediately can get some terrible results.

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/5133/mkm00100dl1benq24xdvdbcbc1.png

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/8540/mkm00100dl2benq24xdvdbcnj9.png

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/8109/mkm00100dl3benq24xdvdbcxg4.png

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/1033/mkm00100dl4benq24xdvdbcyk3.png

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/9356/mkm00100dl5benq24xdvdbchr8.png

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7793/mkm00100dl6benq24xdvdbcrl8.png

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1777/mkm00100dl7benq24xdvdbcze6.png

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9620/mkm00100dl8benq24xdvdbcrx8.png

Someone want to gauge how good/bad the results are? Should I change my firmware? I'm guessing everyone gets those big layer change bumps in their readings.

[[buck]]

Someone want to gauge how good/bad the results are? Should I change my firmware? I'm guessing everyone gets those big layer change bumps in their readings.
Looks fine. Those are about average results for this media.

[dirk]

My Benq 1650 just stopped burning these Verbatim DL discs but will still burn single layer DVD's and CDR's. I get a write error when trying to burn layer 1.

What burner should I be looking at to replace it? Seems quite a few have the Benq 1655 and I've heard some good things about the Pioneer DVR-111 and LG H22 and H42.

[apvm]

;4691063']You can crossflash to a buffalo 8.xx firmware if you'd still like bitsetting support. You also get labelflash support (even if it's completely useless!). Also, don't try using any Pioneer drive as a scanner. They're completely looney scanners!

I heard they are very bad scanner but that is the only DVD drive I have. I compared the disk quality result (Nero CD/DVD Speed) of a disk burnt by Benq 1640 but scan by the 112D and it is not that much different from the old scan by the 1640. At least it is good for guidline if the burnt disk is a coaster or not.

[apvm]

All reports I've heard is that people are not as happy with the DVR-112 as they are with the DVR-111... that could change with firmware fixes however.

As for 18x vs. 16x.... well, the LG-4163B at 16x is still about as fast as the newest LiteON at 20x :razz:

I was a bit worry if I have bought the wrong thing after I read the above and didn't follow your recommedation for the 111D, since at local store the 112D is only $2 more than the 111D so I picked the 112D. Anyway I read thru some thread about the 112D and it seems that most are not happy with the 18X burnt result with 16X media. I only burnt them at 12X so it don't affect me.

I have some VaKoss 8X DVD+R (Prodisc) left over from BB clearance about two years ago, the Benq 1640 don't burnt them well (no player can see the disk after it was burnt) but I was surprise that the 112D can burn them, now I can use them for those DIVX files.

Overall I found the 112D can handle the 16X Verbatim, 8X Fuji and 8X Arco Circle pretty well and those are the only media I am going to buy from now on...especially the Verbatim and the Acro Circle. Not exactly what I wanted but I can't find any Benq 1650/55 anywhere so I just have to settle with the Pioneer.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Where is the cheapest place to buy Maxell Plus DVDs?

What is the difference between the Maxell Plus shiny silver thermal printable surface and white thermal printable surface?

Probably DirectCanada.com or NCIX.com, not a lot of places carry them. As for the 2 surfaces, one is white and one is silver. Probably the white does better against finger prints.

[[buck]]

Where is the cheapest place to buy Maxell Plus DVDs?

What is the difference between the Maxell Plus shiny silver thermal printable surface and white thermal printable surface?
Another option is getting Maxell Medical DVD-Rs from ebay for $45 USD + ~$25 USD shipping to Canada.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Maxell-Medical-DVD-R-8x-100-Lot-New-Ultra-Reliable-NR_W0QQitemZ150086865665QQihZ005QQcategoryZ80135QQ rdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

It's a discontinued very high end Maxell product, and apparently this seller is liquidating them along with many other discontinued Maxell products. I have no reason to believe this seller is anything but legit.

As far as I can tell, it's basically Maxell BQ with a different silkscreen. Just another options for all you folks looking for high end media.

[blitz]

Does anyone know if the Maxell Plus Series from the Anitec sale are still Maxell made or TY made?

IIRC I think Buck or TDD mention that the white thermal ones were probably the last of the Maxell made and/or that NCIX's stock were the last of the old Maxell made ones.

How about Anitec's stock and the shiny surface ones?

[[buck]]

IIRC I think Buck or TDD mention that the white thermal ones were probably the last of the Maxell made and/or that NCIX's stock were the last of the old Maxell made ones.
Yes, NCIX's stock of non-hub printable thermal white Plus Series should be real Maxell. Everything else is a gamble without seeing the media in person.

Also, just a heads up, it probably won't be long until Ritek-made, Maxell-coded media starts showing up in Plus Series and the regular Maxell product line. Watch out for MIT Plus Series.

[spinbot]

I'm just looking to purchase some DVD-R's for DVD Movie backup.

I've purchased the Tru-Blue TY's from NCIX for the past year and I have experienced no problems. I recall reading possible issues of the bonding of the layers coming apart, but TY not admitting to it ( nor me personally experiencing it ).

I am ordering some hardware from DirectCanada, so I was going to order my DVD Media from them also.

The two I am looking at are:
Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100DISC Spindle Silver Top ($33.60)
and
Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100DISC Shrink Wrap Bulk Pack W/ White Inkjet Printable Surface ($48.30)

Any comments on those two options or suggestions on alternate blanks to buy with a similar price point?

For reference, these will be used with the: Pioneer DVR-111D Black DVD-RW 16X6X16 DVD+RW 16X8X16 DL 8X IDE OEM DVD Burner

[[buck]]

I'm just looking to purchase some DVD-R's for DVD Movie backup.

I've purchased the Tru-Blue TY's from NCIX for the past year and I have experienced no problems. I recall reading possible issues of the bonding of the layers coming apart, but TY not admitting to it ( nor me personally experiencing it ).

I am ordering some hardware from DirectCanada, so I was going to order my DVD Media from them also.

The two I am looking at are:
Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100DISC Spindle Silver Top ($33.60)
and
Taiyo Yuden DVD-R 8X 4.7GB 100DISC Shrink Wrap Bulk Pack W/ White Inkjet Printable Surface ($48.30)

Any comments on those two options or suggestions on alternate blanks to buy with a similar price point?

For reference, these will be used with the: Pioneer DVR-111D Black DVD-RW 16X6X16 DVD+RW 16X8X16 DL 8X IDE OEM DVD Burner
At this point, I'd recommend Verbatim over TY in almost all circumstances. TY has too many issues these days; their quality just isn't like what it was. Verbatim is frequently much cheaper than TY when on sale, too.

For unprintable media, I'd recommend this (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14951749425&vpn=94985&manufacture=VERBATIM) or this (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14950AC6569&vpn=95098%20&manufacture=VERBATIM).

For printable media, I'd recommend this (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=1495137013C&vpn=94917&manufacture=VERBATIM) or this (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14951746325&vpn=94854&manufacture=VERBATIM). If you have a little cash to spare, this (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=1495105000F&vpn=95398&manufacture=VERBATIM) is a pretty neat product because it has a scratch resistant coating ("hardcoat").

[spinbot]

Thanks for suggestions.

The "Verbatim DVD+R 16X 4.7GB 100 Disc Spindle Branded With Cake Box" versus the "100PK DVD-R 4.7GB 8X BRANDED SPINDLE"

Aside from one being "+" and 16X and the other being "-" at 8X -- would you say everything else is equal? The reason I ask is that I only burn at 8X with my TY Media. Is it "safe" to burn the Verbatim 16X media, with my Pioneer burner at 16X? If not, then I am just as well off using the 8X media ( as its cheaper ), assuming they are equal in quality.

One stupid question -- is a "cake box" just th plastic spindle the DVD sit on?

[[buck]]

Thanks for suggestions.

The "Verbatim DVD+R 16X 4.7GB 100 Disc Spindle Branded With Cake Box" versus the "100PK DVD-R 4.7GB 8X BRANDED SPINDLE"

Aside from one being "+" and 16X and the other being "-" at 8X -- would you say everything else is equal? The reason I ask is that I only burn at 8X with my TY Media. Is it "safe" to burn the Verbatim 16X media, with my Pioneer burner at 16X? If not, then I am just as well off using the 8X media ( as its cheaper ), assuming they are equal in quality.

One stupid question -- is a "cake box" just th plastic spindle the DVD sit on?
Yeah, they're pretty much the same. You could go for the 8X DVD+Rs or 16X DVD-Rs too, but they're a bit more expensive.

Since you don't seem to care about speed, I'd just get the 8X DVD-Rs. For the future though, it's generally better to burn 16X media at 12X.

cakebox = spindle

[spinbot]

If the consensus is Verbatim is better than TY now, then I think the 100PK of DVD-R's 8X from DirectCanada is a good deal at a price of $26.50. Less hassle than trying to rush to The Source when they have there sales, as they typically carry just handful of the spindles ( in other words, they are always sold out ). Even if they were to go on sale at Futureshop, at best they might be $19.99, so the regular price of $26.50 seems reasonable to me.

[Sgt_Strider]

;4713652']Yeah, they're pretty much the same. You could go for the 8X DVD+Rs or 16X DVD-Rs too, but they're a bit more expensive.

Since you don't seem to care about speed, I'd just get the 8X DVD-Rs. For the future though, it's generally better to burn 16X media at 12X.

cakebox = spindle

What's the quality of the burns with a Pioneer DVR-111 burner? In the past DD didn't seem to recommend Verbatim. Are those discs really made by Verbatim? It seems like a good buy since it's $3 cheaper than the tru-blu that ncix sells.

[Sgt_Strider]

;4713652']Yeah, they're pretty much the same. You could go for the 8X DVD+Rs or 16X DVD-Rs too, but they're a bit more expensive.

Since you don't seem to care about speed, I'd just get the 8X DVD-Rs. For the future though, it's generally better to burn 16X media at 12X.

cakebox = spindle

What do you mean by they're pretty much the same? Why would you get DVD-Rs over DVD+R? Why burn 16x media at 12x? Which burner are you basing those information on?

[[buck]]

What's the quality of the burns with a Pioneer DVR-111 burner? In the past DD didn't seem to recommend Verbatim. Are those discs really made by Verbatim? It seems like a good buy since it's $3 cheaper than the tru-blu that ncix sells.
Of course, burn quality will always vary, but the DVR-111D has no problems with any current Verbatim that I know of. Verbatim media will almost always yield good results unless there is a support problem (which there rarely is).

Dolph has been recommending Verbatim for many many months now. Technically, they're not *made* by Verbatim/Mitsubishi Chemical Corp, because, like much of the industry, MCC outsources to 2 companies in Taiwan, and one in India. These outsourced discs are made with MCC technology and materials in Prodisc/CMC/Moser Baer factories and bear the MCC/Verbatim media code.

Believe it or not, Taiyo Yuden is now the only manufacturer in Japan making CD/DVD media in any significant quantity these days, and TY had its own issues.


What do you mean by they're pretty much the same? Why would you get DVD-Rs over DVD+R? Why burn 16x media at 12x? Which burner are you basing those information on?
We're talking about very similar disc models here - all based on, for all practical purposes, the same dye and using the same basic MCC technology. The 16X media will probably perform better at 12X or 16X than the 8X media, and of course there are slight technical differences between DVD-R and DVD+R.

I personally prefer DVD+R because I find it yields, on average, slightly better results than DVD-R. However, DVD-R is more compatible than DVD+R if not used with bitsetting. The difference is not big.

Most media/drive combinations handle 12X better than 16X... what can I say. IMO 16X is pushing the format a bit too hard.

[spinbot]

I've personally always bought DVD-R. "If ain't broke, don't try to fix it" -- is my simple reason for sticking with -R media.

I will hold off on buying until I hear DD's opinion's on the suggested Verbatim media with the Pioneer Burner ( seeing as this is DD's thread and he's earned the respect of many of us, so his opinions are highly valued) :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've personally always bought DVD-R. "If ain't broke, don't try to fix it" -- is my simple reason for sticking with -R media.

I will hold off on buying until I hear DD's opinion's on the suggested Verbatim media with the Pioneer Burner ( seeing as this is DD's thread and he's earned the respect of many of us, so his opinions are highly valued) :)

The Pioneer DVR-111(D) and Verbatim media are a match made in heaven. Verbatim is deffinately more consistant then TruBlu, and at LEAST as consistant as Taiyo Yuden these days, if not better. As for the DVD-R vs. DVD+R thing, I mostly use DVD-R myself, but I have no issues using DVD+R. The Pioneer DVR-111(D) doesn't automatically set DVD+R to DVD-ROM, so you may as well stick with DVD-R unless you have some other reason to move to DVD+R. The differences in quality between DVD+R and DVD-R are there, and noticable, but not significant in most cases. Good media on good drives will always perform well.

[Badman]

Hey people i got a question:
When talking about how long a cd/dvd can last, is it from the date is was manufactured or from the date data was burnt onto it? I see lots of people staking up media for years and even i keep my good blank media longer and only burn important things on it.

Also where can a get something like a 1-pack of DL media. and for how much?

[GMMTC]

I'm curious about these verbatim discs. Everywhere I read is to burn X360 backups at 2.4x. I also saw a post from dolphin where he mentioned that the verbatim discs like 4x better. I tried a couple on 4x and they seem to work fine.

I ran a CRC check in DVDInfoPro and it came up good, but I ran the other test it gives you and I got results I can't really understand. Is there a better program for testing DVD+R DL Verbatim discs and what should I be looking for?

http://members.shaw.ca/gmmtc/dvd.png

[Jon Lai]

I'm curious about these verbatim discs. Everywhere I read is to burn X360 backups at 2.4x. I also saw a post from dolphin where he mentioned that the verbatim discs like 4x better. I tried a couple on 4x and they seem to work fine.

I ran a CRC check in DVDInfoPro and it came up good, but I ran the other test it gives you and I got results I can't really understand. Is there a better program for testing DVD+R DL Verbatim discs and what should I be looking for?

http://members.shaw.ca/gmmtc/dvd.png

AFAIK, the disks actually burn with better quality at 4x than at it's rated 2.4x speed. People just seem to like burning XBOX360 backups at a slower speed becuase console backups tend to be more complicated to backup and people think that it might cause errors when you burn them at a faster rate.

[digdoug]

can someone explain why my last two verbatim DL burns came out so badly? is it because the layer break was around the 4 GB mark?

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1539/mkm00100dl22benq24xdvdbjz7.png

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4403/mkm00100dl21benq24xdvdblx6.png

[Sgt_Strider]

The Pioneer DVR-111(D) and Verbatim media are a match made in heaven. Verbatim is deffinately more consistant then TruBlu, and at LEAST as consistant as Taiyo Yuden these days, if not better. As for the DVD-R vs. DVD+R thing, I mostly use DVD-R myself, but I have no issues using DVD+R. The Pioneer DVR-111(D) doesn't automatically set DVD+R to DVD-ROM, so you may as well stick with DVD-R unless you have some other reason to move to DVD+R. The differences in quality between DVD+R and DVD-R are there, and noticable, but not significant in most cases. Good media on good drives will always perform well.

Okay, so these Verbatim DVD-R 8x media that Buck recommended are ones that will give me good burn results?

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14951749425&vpn=94985&manufacture=VERBATIM

Since there are no pictures, I'm assuming it's just a silver or blank disc (no branding)? IIRC, someone said it's a cake box, what does that mean? Does it come with retail packaging?

[[buck]]

Okay, so these Verbatim DVD-R 8x media that Buck recommended are ones that will give me good burn results?

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14951749425&vpn=94985&manufacture=VERBATIM

Since there are no pictures, I'm assuming it's just a silver or blank disc (no branding)? IIRC, someone said it's a cake box, what does that mean? Does it come with retail packaging?
I'm sure they will. That particular product is a branded 100pk - the same thing you'd buy at Futureshop/Staples etc.

[silentio]

can someone explain why my last two verbatim DL burns came out so badly? is it because the layer break was around the 4 GB mark?

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1539/mkm00100dl22benq24xdvdbjz7.png

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4403/mkm00100dl21benq24xdvdblx6.png

That is a twin to the burn i did with verbatim DL.

What is your batch number for that disc?

[karst]

Okay, so these Verbatim DVD-R 8x media that Buck recommended are ones that will give me good burn results?

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14951749425&vpn=94985&manufacture=VERBATIM


Does anyone know the media code of these 8x Verbatims from Direct Canada?

[spinbot]

Just happened to have one in my drive.

Manufacturer ID: MCC 02RG20

[karst]

Just happened to have one in my drive.

Manufacturer ID: MCC 02RG20

Ahh yes, I like those almost as much as Maxell Plus but price is better. Thanks.

[digdoug]

can someone explain why my last two verbatim DL burns came out so badly? is it because the layer break was around the 4 GB mark?

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1539/mkm00100dl22benq24xdvdbjz7.png

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/4403/mkm00100dl21benq24xdvdblx6.png


That is a twin to the burn i did with verbatim DL.

What is your batch number for that disc?

I don't think it's the batch cause the ones from the same spindle I had burned previously were fine and the one I burned after was also fine. I'm guessing the batch is the numbers & letters near the rim, although there seems to be two sets.

Can someone explain what happened to those two burns? DD, rahzel, buck?

[[buck]]

I know some of you folks were considering getting the Verbatim 8X DVD-R 100pk at DirectCanada, so I figured someone might be interested to know that NCIX has the same 100pk for $20 this week:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21691&promoid=1030

[spinbot]

;4799596']I know some of you folks were considering getting the Verbatim 8X DVD-R 100pk at DirectCanada, so I figured someone might be interested to know that NCIX has the same 100pk for $20 this week:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21691&promoid=1030

Just to add..... its limit of 1 per customer and cheapest shipping, to Ontario, is about $13.00, so $33.00 with limit of 1

Direct Canada - $27.30 each, $9.99 shipping, so $37.29 no limit

[Sgt_Strider]

;4799596']I know some of you folks were considering getting the Verbatim 8X DVD-R 100pk at DirectCanada, so I figured someone might be interested to know that NCIX has the same 100pk for $20 this week:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21691&promoid=1030

Is this batch of Verbatim the good ones? I remember reading a thread about a bad batch of Verbatim DVD-Rs.

[Xon]

Well, for whatever reason my trusty Pioneer DVR-108 seems to have given up the ghost and won't burn dual layer DVDs anymore, just regular -R/+Rs. Now I notice that BenQ exited the burner market and the 1655 that I was eyeing for a while seems to be sold out everywhere :p is the Pioneer DVR-112D a decent drive? Is it worth it to pay the extra cash for the SATA DVR-212D?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Is this batch of Verbatim the good ones? I remember reading a thread about a bad batch of Verbatim DVD-Rs.

I've only seen problems with 16x DVD-Rs made by CMC, and not consistantly, just more then average. TDK, Nexxtech and others have the same problem.

[spinbot]

I have a Pioneer 111D Burner. I am using an application called "Image Burn". I am attempting to burn a 7GB ISO, however I am getting an error. From what I read online, it may have to do with my "book type" not be set correctly. When I access the configuration for it, I am given the option of numerous manufactures (not of which are pioneer). The options are:
Nu Tech
Plextor
RICOH
Samsung
BenQ
LG
Lite-On
NEC

Is Pioneer manufactured by, or equivalent to any of these?

(in case anyone is interested in the error message, its below)

I now have a 7GB ISO ( different DVD ) that I attempted to burn with Image Burn. I loaded up the ISO, change the write speed to 2.4X and I get this Warning:

Optimal L1 Data Zone Start LBA: None Found (VTS_07)

This image has not yet been mastered correctly for burning onto a double layer (OTP Track Path) disc.

None of the cells meet the 'DVD-Video specification' criteria for a potential layer break position.

Do you want to continue anyway?

Yes No

[[buck]]

I have a Pioneer 111D Burner. I am using an application called "Image Burn". I am attempting to burn a 7GB ISO, however I am getting an error.
Bitsetting doesn't have anything to do with it. Bitsetting is used on DVD+R(DL) media to trick set-top players into thinking the disc is a DVD-ROM.

That message would indicate to me that there is a problem with how the video you're trying to burn is formatted. You might want to check out a place like doom9.net for more info ;)

[spinbot]

;4809266']Bitsetting is used on DVD+R(DL) media to trick set-top players into thinking the disc is a DVD-ROM.

I am using DVD+R(DL) Verbatim Discs. My first attempt at a Dual Layer burn.

[[buck]]

I am using DVD+R(DL) Verbatim Discs. My first attempt at a Dual Layer burn.
Well, you're using good media. But like I said before, I'm quite sure the problem is with your source. Bitsetting only affects read compatibility.

[balou911]

I believe Pioneer has an SATA version of the 112 coming out. I think it's the DVR-212 or something like that?

every 2nd-3rd gen i upgrade.

currently on 111 and loving it, but then 112 came out, now 212.

maybe it time to upgrade.

anyone have any comments/ reviews on the 212?

all i can find is a thumbs up and 75% rating on cdrfreaks.

[Sgt_Strider]

I've only seen problems with 16x DVD-Rs made by CMC, and not consistantly, just more then average. TDK, Nexxtech and others have the same problem.

I got the Verbatim DVD-R 8x from ncix and they're made in Taiwan. I'm assuming this is the good stuff that you and Buck have mentioned in the past?

[The Digital Dolphin]

every 2nd-3rd gen i upgrade.

currently on 111 and loving it, but then 112 came out, now 212.

maybe it time to upgrade.

anyone have any comments/ reviews on the 212?

all i can find is a thumbs up and 75% rating on cdrfreaks.

I'd wait for a few more firmware updates personally.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I got the Verbatim DVD-R 8x from ncix and they're made in Taiwan. I'm assuming this is the good stuff that you and Buck have mentioned in the past?

Yup, those'll be fine :)

[Thanh]

I just finished my last spindle of Maxell Plus Series that I purchased last year from blankmedia.ca. I know that they don't have Plus anymore so what would be the best place to get them from and will it be the same media as I'm using right now ?

I've burned over 200 of them using a Benq DW822A and a Pioneer 111D without any issue.

[Jon Lai]

I just finished my last spindle of Maxell Plus Series that I purchased last year from blankmedia.ca. I know that they don't have Plus anymore so what would be the best place to get them from and will it be the same media as I'm using right now ?

I've burned over 200 of them using a Benq DW822A and a Pioneer 111D without any issue.

NCIX or DirectCanada, wherever is cheaper.

[[buck]]

I just finished my last spindle of Maxell Plus Series that I purchased last year from blankmedia.ca. I know that they don't have Plus anymore so what would be the best place to get them from and will it be the same media as I'm using right now ?

I've burned over 200 of them using a Benq DW822A and a Pioneer 111D without any issue.
Well, since you ordered, Maxell's Japanese production capacity has been scaled back dramatically, to the point where Maxell is only making media for their very high-end products (Broadcast Quality, etc). Maxell is now outsourcing Plus Series to Taiyo Yuden, and we may see it further outsourced to Taiwan (made by Ritek with Maxell media code). So basically, if you buy most Plus Series now, you run a very big risk that you're just buying overpriced TY.

There's one way around this, though! NCIX/DirectCanada still has some old non-hub white thermal printable Plus Series in stock, which was discontinued before the outsourcing happened. These are basically guaranteed to be real Japanese Maxell, although supplies are somewhat limited (20 spindles).

DirectCanada (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12740AC4615&vpn=635061&manufacture=MAXELL)
NCIX (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=16375&vpn=635063&manufacture=MAXELL)

There's one more excellent option for media in this price category. There's an apparent Maxell liquidator on ebay who's selling Maxell Medical DVD-Rs for $45USD/100pk. These are, as far as I can tell, completely legit (they're a discontinued Maxell product). Also as far as I can tell, the product is basically identical to Broadcast Quality - hardcoat and all. It should be REALLY good stuff. Here's the link:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Maxell-Medical-DVD-R-8x-100-Lot-New-Ultra-Reliable-NR_W0QQitemZ150086865665QQcategoryZ80135QQrdZ1QQss PageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

I asked the seller what shipping to Canada would cost, and IIRC he said it would be about $20 for USPS economy parcel. It would be even cheaper for per disc if you ordered a couple packs.

Or, if you want to cheap out, you could just go for the Verbatim media that keeps on going on sale for $20-30/100pk. It's not quite as good as the Maxell, but good for general purpose stuff.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Alvito]

every 2nd-3rd gen i upgrade.

currently on 111 and loving it, but then 112 came out, now 212.

maybe it time to upgrade.

anyone have any comments/ reviews on the 212?

all i can find is a thumbs up and 75% rating on cdrfreaks.


I'd wait for a few more firmware updates personally.

can u buy it now and flash it when the updates come out?

[[buck]]

can u buy it now and flash it when the updates come out?
You sure can.

[chinaboy1021]

is this any good?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10076421&catid=12501&logon=&langid=EN#

[Jon Lai]

is this any good?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10076421&catid=12501&logon=&langid=EN#

Yes, although Verbatim tends to have better supported +Rs than -Rs. I have always and will continue to use +R, and support them over -Rs.

[chinaboy1021]

oh alright, so should I buy the 100 DVD 8x from directcanada (http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=14951749425&vpn=94985&manufacture=VERBATIM)recommended a few pages back or should I grab these from Futureshop?

My main concern is compatibility with my Pioneer DV-333 player.

[teknoluv]

is this any good?

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10076421&catid=12501&logon=&langid=EN#
This is the famous (or more accurately, infamous) MAP6 batch known for "causing a lot more problems":

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4721392#post4721392

[gaore]

I have a difficulty in copying DVD-R disc to DVD+R disc.

I use Nero to burn a DVD-R disc, first it created a ISO file onto hard drive,

but the ISO file can not be burnt onto a DVD+R disc, it says like " you need

a DVD-R disc ", I think it is because the iso is created by a DVD-R disc.

Any other way to burn the iso? Thanks.

[Jon Lai]

This is the famous (or more accurately, infamous) MAP6 batch known for "causing a lot more problems":

"causing a lot more problems" FOR YOU ONLY.

Stop manipulating facts.

[Donkey_boy]

I like to WAX my Dolphin :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[teknoluv]

"causing a lot more problems" FOR YOU ONLY.

Stop manipulating facts.
I honestly don't understand why you have to take this so personally. Again, I'm sorry if your ego was hurt along the way, or your Verbatim blank DVD stock couldn't sell because of that; but they are definitely not my intention. You probably are not aware that I actually tried my best to avoid even responding to your bugging until very recently, partly because I recognize your name (from reading your other posts) and don't want to offend you further.

Oh by the way, that phrase was quoted in bold because it was taken directly from the Digital Dolphin:

This media with the MAP6 code, has been seen causing a lot more problems then usual Verbatim MAPA code discs. This is something that is known, and Verbatim has been made aware of.

[Jon Lai]

I honestly don't understand why you have to take this so personally. Again, I'm sorry if your ego was hurt along the way, or your Verbatim blank DVD stock couldn't sell because of that; but they are definitely not my intention. You probably are not aware that I actually tried my best to avoid even responding to your bugging until very recently, partly because I recognize your name (from reading your other posts) and don't want to offend you further.

Oh by the way, that phrase was quoted in bold because it was taken directly from the Digital Dolphin:

Unfortunately your tone always infers that Verbatim is a dumb brand and people should avoid it altogether. Again, your previous thread shows you are extremely ignorant between facts and other's opinions, and I just hope that this tone of yours does not affect any other's opinions in a negative manner, especially those that do not know as much about media as the rest of us do.

MAP6 is just the peak of an iceberg, I think you should stop telling everybody about it. RFDers are logical enough to return media that obviously appears to be a faulty batch, instead of whining about it like you did in that thread, and refusing to return it even though it did not work, and rather, you threw the disks out. It didn't matter that the disks were indeed faulty, in your thread, it was your attitude that fellow RFDers questioned and was annoyed about.

Enough said.

[Jon Lai]

A friend alerted me to the following thread. I thought some of you might find it amusing/interesting.
I found it somewhat ironic that the post refers to libel and then describes The Digital Dolphin as
behaving like a "teenaged child".


from http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=3118

author is "digitalfaq.com"

"While the Internet has served as a great accomplishment of mankind, a communication marvel equal to the Renaissance of ages ago, it's also served as one of the worst methods for finding accurate information. Finding reliable data is literally harder than finding a needle in a field of haystacks. A large chunk of the modern Web, with it's moonlanding-denial and Paypal scam sites, is a pile of cyber-manure. The same can be said for self-proclaimed "experts" that infest anonymous user forums, whose primary activity is to insult and libel others.

It's sad to think these individuals, from their keyboard pulpit, are actually able to influence and otherwise dissuade otherwise smart folks from using sound information.

Take the case of digitalFAQ.com, a site that earnestly attempts to give free information to those who seek help with digital media topics, primarily in digital video. Enormous amounts of research go into the creation and maintenance of the data used in various guides. Of these dozens of guides are several geared towards demystifying and independently "ranking" (reviewing) blank CD/DVD media. It's information given for the purpose of being used as buying advice by otherwise unsuspecting consumers. The site is not influenced by any company or funding, it's an independent operation with information supplied by a few dedicated supporters. While all of them are serious hobbyists and/or media professionals, no ego-driven proclamation of "expertise" is ever given.

Now, most people can see the site for what it is, a tool that is there to help.

However, a few overly egocentric people out there believe that their personal opinion is the most important one on the entire Internet. In most all cases, they are upset because lesser-quality media (namely CMC and RITEK disc) are not listed at the top of the chart. They have an exceeding bias for unknown reasons.

The person referenced twice in this forum in the stickies, a user known by several aliases themed around the word "dolphin", is one of these individuals. His opinion is flawless in his mind, and anybody that disagrees is an idiot. His information is suspect, his self-proclamation to guru status is suspect, his devotion to mediocre BenQ burners is not surprising, his assurance that media quality always changes is flat out wrong, and his attitude is that of a teenaged child. He spends hours online griping about his how singular experience is more important than any body of research.

The only thing that this gentleman has gotten accurate is where he states the overall combined stats of DVD media tests does not 100 percent precisely reflect the personal experiences of the owner (or any of the other testers, for that matter). Why is this? Quite simple, really. The information is collaborated and unbiased. Only a biased review performed by yes-men would match across the board. However, even with minor disagreements in the group, the overall data does reflect the overall experience of the group of testers, as well as the world in general. Just look around online, sites such as videohelp.com, and you'll see the results tend to match pretty closely to wide-open experiences of the masses. Notice how certain media are almost always suggested on most sites (Mitsubishi, Sony, Maxell), while others tend to bring up "problem" posts in user forums (Ritek, Princo, CMC).

When it comes to "thinking twice" about information, please do. Weigh the options of respectability and genuine desire to assist.

The information found at www.digitalfaq.com/media is there for you, the casual CD/DVD media user that does not have time to research thousands of discs on dozens of burners. It's not biased, company-sponsored or otherwise "unclean" in any way.

There are some other sites that collaborate in various ways (uncontrolled user submissions, mostly), as well as private organizations that sell their studies. Any of those would be good alternatives too. In fact, read all of the them, perform some tests yourself, and draw your own conclusions. What you need to avoid are personal opinions you see in forums or on blogs.

Happy burning. I hope you have a coaster-less experience. :)"

I think the Dolphin outta have a game of Wii Boxing against this guy :lol: :lol: :lol:

And it seems like he's being bashed in that thread anyways, so I wouldn't worry about it.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Teenaged kid huh? I guess it wasn't THAT long ago that he would have been technically correct. I'm 24 on April 13th afterall. But that aside, I think he's a little odd. In the past myself and other repeatedly provided proof for our opinions, and he consistantly stated things like "we ran many tests, and I can't show you the results, but the FAQ is a combination of the avaerage of those results". A lot of people are still waiting for these mysterious results to be made public, but so far it hasn't happend. I still stand by many of my comments regarding the DigitalFAQ, in particular the one about the dart board and the brand-name name tags.

[Happy13178]

Right or wrong, there's nothing wrong with expressing your opinions, particularly if you've got the test results to back it up. So much of the industry is personal preference anyways, and there are so many choices, that any direction at all is helpful.

Seems like buddy is pissed because of your choices and instead of attacking the technical differences, he's taking a shot at you directly. Not exactly a vote of confidence in his reviewing abilities.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Right or wrong, there's nothing wrong with expressing your opinions, particularly if you've got the test results to back it up. So much of the industry is personal preference anyways, and there are so many choices, that any direction at all is helpful.

Seems like buddy is pissed because of your choices and instead of attacking the technical differences, he's taking a shot at you directly. Not exactly a vote of confidence in his reviewing abilities.

I just wish he would actually SHOW his test results. I'm more then willing to look at his reasoning behind things based on his collected data... but he's completely unwilling. It's starting to seem like he's more about webpage marketing then anything else :|

[Jon Lai]

Teenaged kid huh? I guess it wasn't THAT long ago that he would have been technically correct. I'm 24 on April 13th afterall. But that aside, I think he's a little odd. In the past myself and other repeatedly provided proof for our opinions, and he consistantly stated things like "we ran many tests, and I can't show you the results, but the FAQ is a combination of the avaerage of those results". A lot of people are still waiting for these mysterious results to be made public, but so far it hasn't happend. I still stand by many of my comments regarding the DigitalFAQ, in particular the one about the dart board and the brand-name name tags.

You're younger than I imagined :-0 Well, that is, considering you have a job in media distribution. I would've thought it would take a few years for someone to land a job there.

[nicolaim]

What's this about the Verbatim serial numbers starting with PAPA / MAPA / PAP6? Should I be concerned about it when buying Verbatim 16X +R media?

[nicolaim]

;4713652']cakebox = spindle

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a cakebox when the discs are just wrapped and don't have a spindle? If one doesn't have empty spindles to put them in I find this packaging lame.

[Jon Lai]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a cakebox when the discs are just wrapped and don't have a spindle? If one doesn't have empty spindles to put them in I find this packaging lame.

No, that's called shrink wrap. They save quite a lot of space in delivery, and cost too, of course.

The packaging won't be a problem if you fit them in paper sleeves or your own cd/dvd cases.

[CFRTim]

Is SONY still making any blank DVD media in Japan, with the TY media code? Are there any stores in Toronto that sells them? I always had great results with them.

[fiasco]

Ordered a few spindles of Maxell Plus DVD-R 8x from NCIX after PM'ing DirectCanada. Packaging says MIJ, serial # starting GG00xxxx and the media ID states that these discs are TYG02. Here are the results of first two burns:

Maxell Plus DVD-r 8x TYG02 MIJ @ 8x on Benq DW1640
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/2061/benqdvddddw1640bsqb09apvm5.png


Maxell Plus DVD-r 8x TYG02 MIJ @ 8x on Benq DW1655
http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/4586/benqdvdlsdw1655bchb09apna6.png


Firmware on both drives could stand to be updated. I'll post again if the results turn out any different.

[money1]

how are the verbatim (TY) pastel cd-r 50 spindle at blankmedia for 14.99?

[The Digital Dolphin]

how are the verbatim (TY) pastel cd-r 50 spindle at blankmedia for 14.99?

That's a good price for a good disc. But don't expect any warranty support from Verbatim, that is a Europe only product. I would trust these discs over unbranded Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs and Fuji branded Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs *ANY* day. However the Maxell Pro CD-Rs are probably still superior because of the protective coating. The Verbatim discs are more likely to be useful for day to day burning though, and the Maxell Pro CD-Rs would be better for long term or archival burns.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Is SONY still making any blank DVD media in Japan, with the TY media code? Are there any stores in Toronto that sells them? I always had great results with them.

The TY stuff? Yeah I think that's still around if you look enough. Have to check B&M stores though to be sure.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a cakebox when the discs are just wrapped and don't have a spindle? If one doesn't have empty spindles to put them in I find this packaging lame.

Inside the industry here are the terms used:

Cakebox / Beehive = Plastic container with lid that holds discs
Spindle / Tapewrap / Shrinkwrap = bulk packaging with no container to hold the discs once the packaging is opened.

Now some stores and some people use the word spindle to mean cakebox also... but that is not what you would call "industry standard". Most end users and even a lot of online/B&M stores would get this confused.

[The Digital Dolphin]

from http://forum.slysoft.com/showpost.php?p=22619&postcount=6

I guess he doesn't want to give any evidence.

It's amazing how he can dumb things down to be so overly simple at the same time as claiming that the real data is far too complicated to release.

These 2 paragraphs however are quite true:

The whole "bad batch" term is really ridiculous online, and when you finally do come across something legitimate, it's often a tiny amount that would not upset the overall test sample in the least. Some random bad TY and MCC media aside, it's nearly impossible to shake those discs from top rankings. We're aware of several problems out there right now, since you asked. When you run into those discs, return them to the store.

You also cannot get too lost in technical data. Empirical results under relatively controlled conditions are all that matter; those lab tests mostly spit out theoretical data of how things could happen. You do realize stuff like CATS analysis are how some unpopular companies claim they have the best media in the world? Computer tests are well and fine, but they are merely one of many considerations. It makes for good info, a nice read, but that doesn't always translate into real-world experience. And consumers want real-world, they could care less about lab tests.

The first paragraph does come off a little mean or un-sympathetic to the end user. It makes it seem like the brand releasing the media is not at fault, and that isn't true. Quality control should be 2 tier'd. First at the manufacturing plant, and second by the brand commissioning the media. But this is completely sidestepping a few issues also.

The second paragraph is not something most people will like either... basically it's stating that most people can't comprehend test data. And yeah, it's true. Most people who think they know what they're talking about really don't. There's a TON of garbage in places like CDFreaks, CDRInfo, and even CDRLabs, and all that happens is end users get this feeling of security because they have some notion about running a scan on a disc that produces a pretty graph on their screen, which tells them something that they believe will give them an idea of how the disc will perform. In reality, the scans people do are EXTREMELY limited, and most people put far too much weight on them when it isn't justified. And of course, initial scans tell you very little about the longevity of the disc as well. However, that doesn't mean consumer scans are useless either... but it is still only 1 very limited perspective of the disc, and most people don't understand that.

Of course, that being said, I'm not asking him to release his test data to appease those kind of people. I'm asking to see his test data because I know how to read it, and so do several other people I associate with who find his 'FAQ' to be questionable. And quite frankly, I'm curious to see whether it even exists.

What I'm curious about though, is that he puts so much emphasis now on real world results... which is something I've always been a believer in myself. And yet his real world results from his tests who something that is completely different from most people who know what they're doing's experiences.

So in the end, what is this study? Is it really educated? does it really exist? We only have one person's word to take on the matter, and he's not sharing any proof. So again and again, I have to call his results questionable, and his behaivoir to be suspect.

[JAC]

Inside the industry here are the terms used:

Cakebox / Beehive = Plastic container with lid that holds discs
Spindle / Tapewrap / Shrinkwrap = bulk packaging with no container to hold the discs once the packaging is opened.

Now some stores and some people use the word spindle to mean cakebox also... but that is not what you would call "industry standard". Most end users and even a lot of online/B&M stores would get this confused.

You'd better edit the Wiki entry, then. :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spindle
A spindle, also called cakebox, is the a type of optical disc packaging, the plastic container in which bulk blank CDs and DVDs are often sold

[The Digital Dolphin]

You'd better edit the Wiki entry, then. :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spindle
A spindle, also called cakebox, is the a type of optical disc packaging, the plastic container in which bulk blank CDs and DVDs are often sold

Well, what makes something the correct definition? The original use of the word, or the most common use of the word?

[JAC]

Well, what makes something the correct definition? The original use of the word, or the most common use of the word?

Interesting question; I've always thought of spindle as being the proper word. Then again, I grit my teeth when somebody points to their computer case and calls it a CPU.

I guess to remain consistent, I'll have to start calling it a cakebox. ;)

[Macross_Freek]

Interesting question; I've always thought of spindle as being the proper word. Then again, I grit my teeth when somebody points to their computer case and calls it a CPU.

I guess to remain consistent, I'll have to start calling it a cakebox. ;)

I think people are who not familiar with technical acronyms mistake CPU for computer. (the letters are in that order afterall)

[Sgt_Strider]

Hey DD or other optical drive experts,

Should I get the Pioneer 212D? It comes with an SATA interface which is something that I'm looking for in a drive. I got a DVR-111D last month based on your recommendations, but my brother needs a new drive and I intend to give him the 111-D. The drive has been working great for me and I think it's either going to be either another DVR-111D, 112-D, or the 212-D. Which one should I get? Again as a reminder, I burn mostly Verbatim DVD+R DL discs and Verbatim DVD-R 8x discs.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD or other optical drive experts,

Should I get the Pioneer 212D? It comes with an SATA interface which is something that I'm looking for in a drive. I got a DVR-111D last month based on your recommendations, but my brother needs a new drive and I intend to give him the 111-D. The drive has been working great for me and I think it's either going to be either another DVR-111D, 112-D, or the 212-D. Which one should I get? Again as a reminder, I burn mostly Verbatim DVD+R DL discs and Verbatim DVD-R 8x discs.

Well the DVR-112/212 hasn't been doing quite as well at burning discs as the DVR-111.... HOWEVER, there has just been a new firmware update for the drive, and the problems (which weren't overly huge to be honest) may have been fixed. In any case, I'm pretty sure you'll have no problem with Verbatim DVD+RDL and 8x DVD-R media. So I think the DVR-212 will be fine for you :)

[Jon Lai]

You'd better edit the Wiki entry, then. :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spindle
A spindle, also called cakebox, is the a type of optical disc packaging, the plastic container in which bulk blank CDs and DVDs are often sold

That's always what I thought.. I guess FS's definition got to me :P

[Spike]

Now some stores and some people use the word spindle to mean cakebox also

Technically, the spindle is part of the cakebox. Shrink-wrapped packages don't have a shaft of any kind going through the holes so "spindle" is an obvious misnomer.

[Spike]

Who is making Maxell 8x +R these days? I'm going to need a spindle soon and Staples has 50 packs for $19.99 (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=88%2C97,305&webid=624137&affixedcode=WW). They also have Maxell 16x -R (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=88%2C97,305&webid=624139&affixedcode=WW)for the same price.

I have a Benq 1620 so i tend to avoid -R.

[[buck]]

Who is making Maxell 8x +R these days? I'm going to need a spindle soon and Staples has 50 packs for $19.99 (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=88%2C97,305&webid=624137&affixedcode=WW). They also have Maxell 16x -R (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=88%2C97,305&webid=624139&affixedcode=WW)for the same price.
In all honestly, that's a bad price on bad media. Maxell's consumer media is pretty junky :razz:

I think the best option would be the Verbatim 4X DVD+R 5pks for $0.99 at Precision Sound (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=425837). Awesome media for $0.20 including jewel cases. It doesn't get much better than that. Mind you, it is 4X media, but they'll overspeed to 8X fine on your DW1620. That's assuming you live in a city where Precision Sound has an office. If not, I can't think of any other good deals at the moment >:(

[Spike]

Maxell used to have good stuff like the MAXELL002 8x +R discs.

I may put in an order with NCIX so maybe I can grab some Verbatim there.

[ak-47]

Who is making Maxell 8x +R these days? I'm going to need a spindle soon and Staples has 50 packs for $19.99 (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=88%2C97,305&webid=624137&affixedcode=WW). They also have Maxell 16x -R (http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=88%2C97,305&webid=624139&affixedcode=WW)for the same price.

I have a Benq 1620 so i tend to avoid -R.

bestbuy selling it for 14.99

[[buck]]

Maxell used to have good stuff like the MAXELL002 8x +R discs.

I may put in an order with NCIX so maybe I can grab some Verbatim there.
Oh absolutely, MIJ Maxell is awesome stuff, and I've got about 80 MAXELL002 discs of my own that I'm saving for important stuff. Unfortunately, Maxell started outsourcing exclusively to Taiwan when their 16x media came out.

[rabbit]

Technically, the spindle is part of the cakebox. Shrink-wrapped packages don't have a shaft of any kind going through the holes so "spindle" is an obvious misnomer.


-- from Merriam Webster http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/spindle
"c : any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine"

Sounds like the industry definition of a spindle being just a bunch of shrink-wrapped discs is wrong, in terms of the english language.

[[buck]]

To be honest, I've never heard anyone call a shrinkwrapped package a spindle :-0

[The Digital Dolphin]

Technically, the spindle is part of the cakebox. Shrink-wrapped packages don't have a shaft of any kind going through the holes so "spindle" is an obvious misnomer.


-- from Merriam Webster http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/spindle
"c : any of various rods or pins holding a bobbin in a textile machine"

Sounds like the industry definition of a spindle being just a bunch of shrink-wrapped discs is wrong, in terms of the english language.

I certainly won't disagree there! :cheesygri I personally think it's overly confusing and stupid.

[Jon Lai]

;4942123']To be honest, I've never heard anyone call a shrinkwrapped package a spindle :-0

+1

[Spike]

;4942052']Oh absolutely, MIJ Maxell is awesome stuff, and I've got about 80 MAXELL002 discs of my own that I'm saving for important stuff. Unfortunately, Maxell started outsourcing exclusively to Taiwan when their 16x media came out.

If the 8X +R are Ritek R03 and are as good as the Fujis I bought nearly 2 years ago, I would definitely grab some. I just did a scan of a 1.5 year old R03 burn and there's no degradation at all. ( 97 quality)

[ak-47]

any comments on these Philips 16X DVDs?

33$ for 100 at FS

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10070587&catid=

[Evil Techie]

Happy Birthday Digital Dolphin!!

http://www.childrencomefirst.com/animations/happy-birthday-cake-balloons32586690.gif

[karst]

I just received some Maxell Plus (white thermal printable) from NCIX and they are Taiyo Yuden.

Is it likely then that DirectCanada stocks are now Taiyo Yuden too? I'd love to find some more MXLRG03 before they are all gone. >:(

[akademiks]

Hey DD... First post in this thread and I have a question about what media to use on my old drives.
I have a Phillips SDVD-8820 drive (on my dell inspiron) and a Pioneer DVR-A04 drive on my PC. I was wondering which media would be best to use with these two burners?

I was really only considering 8x media and the only think I have really tried is TY-G02 media..
Do you think theres anything better or even comparable? The price for the TY discs are quite high and I dont know if I can keep buying them at this rate...
Thanks

[Spike]

any comments on these Philips 16X DVDs?

33$ for 100 at FS

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10070587&catid=

Reviewer from 06/06 sez they're CMC MAG M01


Philips DVD+R 16X, 6/26/2006
Reviewer: Andre S, Quebec
I bought two 50 spindles of these during Xmas sale and just bought another 100 spindle during last week sale. These are CMC MAG M01 DVD+R which are quote as medium-low quality. I use a Benq 1640 DVD writer and tested a few with QSuite and none past 16X test, a few 12X but all passed 8X with flying colors. I have burned 8X, Nero 7about 100 of them transfering my family videos on DVD and for backup without making a single coaster. So I recommend them as long as you record them at half speed. However, I cannot say anything about their long term stability.

[Spike]

A fairly new public dvd media database here:

http://media.bitburners.com/

[The Digital Dolphin]

I just received some Maxell Plus (white thermal printable) from NCIX and they are Taiyo Yuden.

Is it likely then that DirectCanada stocks are now Taiyo Yuden too? I'd love to find some more MXLRG03 before they are all gone. >:(

Well, I have some good news... I *JUST* received word from Maxell today that they plan to return their Plus Series 8x DVD-Rs to their own Japanese plant production. I don't know when the new product will be showing up in North America (or specifically Canada), but it's something to keep an eye on. As for NCIX and DirectCanada.com, if the White Thermal's are now TYG02, then probably all media for both stores are TYG02.

In the mean time, the Maxell BQ is all MXLRG03, and the highest quality 8x DVD-R you can probably find anywhere :) (although you'll pay for it!)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD... First post in this thread and I have a question about what media to use on my old drives.
I have a Phillips SDVD-8820 drive (on my dell inspiron) and a Pioneer DVR-A04 drive on my PC. I was wondering which media would be best to use with these two burners?

I was really only considering 8x media and the only think I have really tried is TY-G02 media..
Do you think theres anything better or even comparable? The price for the TY discs are quite high and I dont know if I can keep buying them at this rate...
Thanks


For your Philips drive, use these:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1215

For your Pioneer drive, wait for a new product Blankmedia.ca will be carrying soon also. It'll be a Verbatim 2x DvD-R 5pk, priced in a similar area per disc I expect.

For old drives like that, it's best if possible to use media that existed back when the drives were being made. It's easier for the drive to burn, and more likely to produce good results. If I may suggest also, you should buy as much media as you think you will use in the drive's remaining lifetime. It was VERY unusual for Blankmedia.ca to find this media, especially at the prices they got it at, so don't expect the deal to last long.

[The Digital Dolphin]

A fairly new public dvd media database here:

http://media.bitburners.com/

That looks REALLY promising!! I like a lot of the features that already exist, and will probably make a few suggestions once I've discussed it with some of my peers :)

Thank you VERY much for that link!!
*bookmarked*

[balou911]

Speedlabs recently compared the pioneer 112 to the sata brother, 212.

Interesting to see how pioneer 'messed up' with the 9 and 10 generations, but turned it all around for the 11 and 12.


DD, or any other media guru, care to weigh in and let us know why/how/where pioneer went wrong?


Lets take a look at how our "Pioneer ranking" is progressing, with the addition of the new models:

DVR-212 <-- 1st

DVR-112 <-- 2nd

DVR-A11 <-- 3rd

DVR-A06 <-- 4th

DVR-A08 <-- 5th

DVR-A05 <-- 6th

DVR-A10 <-- 7th

DVR-A09 <-- 8th


As usual, we reserve this little table for drive-experts and those that have been around the traps for many years. The A09 series still lives at the dead end, not performing nearly as well as it's older and younger brothers. It looks like, on this occasion, the 112 series drives have gravitated their way to the top of the heap.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Speedlabs recently compared the pioneer 112 to the sata brother, 212.

Interesting to see how pioneer 'messed up' with the 9 and 10 generations, but turned it all around for the 11 and 12.


DD, or any other media guru, care to weigh in and let us know why/how/where pioneer went wrong?

Hrm... I don't know WHY they went wrong, but I'd say they deffinately *DID*. My ranking of the drives would look a LITTLE different, but similar in a lot of ways:


DVR-A11 <-- 1st

DVR-212 <-- 2nd (I haven't seen tests from the new firmware, it might be better then the DVR-A11 now, the difference was small, and subjective)
DVR-112 <-- 2nd (same drive, different interface)

DVR-A06 <-- 3rd

DVR-A09 <-- 4th (I feel this was one of their better drives)

DVR-A08 <-- 5th

DVR-A05 <-- 6th

DVR-A04 <-- 7th

DVR-A10 <-- 8th (by far the worst POS that came out of Pioneer)

[ShadowVlican]

A fairly new public dvd media database here:

http://media.bitburners.com/
great link and service!


Well, I have some good news... I *JUST* received word from Maxell today that they plan to return their Plus Series 8x DVD-Rs to their own Japanese plant production. I don't know when the new product will be showing up in North America (or specifically Canada), but it's something to keep an eye on. As for NCIX and DirectCanada.com, if the White Thermal's are now TYG02, then probably all media for both stores are TYG02.

In the mean time, the Maxell BQ is all MXLRG03, and the highest quality 8x DVD-R you can probably find anywhere :) (although you'll pay for it!)
that is GREAT news!

briefly, what media can you recommend that is a grade lower than the BQ?

benq 1655
don't care about speed of burn
care enough about price that BQs are too $$$


(my super old TYG02 stocks are almost used up :lol: )

[The Digital Dolphin]

briefly, what media can you recommend that is a grade lower than the BQ?

benq 1655
don't care about speed of burn
care enough about price that BQs are too $$$


(my super old TYG02 stocks are almost used up :lol: )

I would suggest these guys:
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=425837

Use QSuite and enable overspeed, and you can get a nice stable 8x out of them, and maybe even 12x.

Really, with a BenQ drive (or most Plextors), not going for this media would be like throwing away money for no reason. Any drive that can burn these guys at 8x really.

[sandman804]

I have been using the Maxell Plus series myself based on DD recommendation from awhile back. I am almost out of stock though. The place with the verbatim 4x is a little out of my way.

I only use the Maxell Plus series shiney silver ones. Should I get more of those (I understand they are lesser quality now) say from ncix or should I get Verbatim -R's (not the dual layers, the regular ones) from futureshop? If its the verbatims, is there anything I should look out for? special packaging etc...

help! :cheesygri

[Happy13178]

I got a 50pc spool of Kodak dvd-r 8x today, white inkjet printable. Product code I get is OPTODISCR008....anyone know if these are decent for burning console backups?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I have been using the Maxell Plus series myself based on DD recommendation from awhile back. I am almost out of stock though. The place with the verbatim 4x is a little out of my way.

I only use the Maxell Plus series shiney silver ones. Should I get more of those (I understand they are lesser quality now) say from ncix or should I get Verbatim -R's (not the dual layers, the regular ones) from futureshop? If its the verbatims, is there anything I should look out for? special packaging etc...

help! :cheesygri

If the place with the Verbatim 4x DVD+Rs is a little out of the way, why don't you just ask them to ship them to you? (yes, they *DO* ship, you just need to ASK for it :razz: ).

The Maxell plus series are good. The Verbatim from NCIX and Precisionsound.com are 8x and are not susceptible to the problems that have been found on the 16x (sold at Futureshop and TSCC). So I would recommend either the Maxell Plus Series or the Verbatim 8x DVDRs from NCIX or Precisionsound.com.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I got a 50pc spool of Kodak dvd-r 8x today, white inkjet printable. Product code I get is OPTODISCR008....anyone know if these are decent for burning console backups?

They are good but not great, and some burners perform better with them then others.

[Ghetto_Child]

Can someone explain these results to me? PlexTools says the graph is beyond the allowed error limits. Is this disc any good or is the problem that I'm chosing a write speed too high for the disc?

http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_fete_taiyo_yuden_tyg02_8x-r.html

http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/write_transfer_rate_taiyo_yuden_tyg02_8x-r.html

I never had this problem with any of my Memorex medium codes PRODISC R04 and RICOHJPN R03

[The Digital Dolphin]

I never had this problem with any of my Memorex medium codes PRODISC R04 and RICOHJPN R03

You're comparing 16x media to 8x media that you're trying to burn at 16x.

[Ghetto_Child]

One more question, I'm thinking of ordering some 8X DVD+RW media. Seems the only thing affordable is the Ritek 008 media. I saw some verbatim 8X DVD+RW but they're only sold in slim jewel case singles for $2/ea vs a 25pk of Ritek for $28.

Is the Ritek worth buying? I usually only leave the data on the disc for a few weeks to 1yr before rewritting the whole disc again. My purpose is always short term stable storage for drivers, programs, and personal file backups that get modified or updated regularly (hence the frequent rewrites).

[Ghetto_Child]

I think I just found your answer over here http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=22948 Is that still the same today? Go with verbatim 8X DVD+RW over RiData/Ritek 8X DVD+RW

[The Digital Dolphin]

I think I just found your answer over here http://www.cdrlabs.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=22948 Is that still the same today? Go with verbatim 8X DVD+RW over RiData/Ritek 8X DVD+RW

I have some and wasn't very happy with them. The Verbatim 8x DVD+RWs are better... but honestly, I find 6x DVD-RWs perform better over all, I think 8x might just be too fast for DVD+RWs. In terms of general quality/performance I would list it like this normally:

4x DVD+RWs
6x DVD-RWs
4x DVD-RWs
8x DVD+RWs

And Verbatim is always a lot better then RiData when it comes to RW media. Verbatim's RWs are some of the best in the world. Although Sony's Japanese DVD+RWs are very VERY good (I'd say better then Verbatim's) but much harder to find now a days :(

[Ghetto_Child]

I have a Sony S11 right now. it's a 4X DVD+RW I bought it for $2 from microbytes I think in 2004/2005. I can't remember the results I got from burning it but I kept all my PlexTools Pro scans of every disc I have.
I've burned and tested
Memorex 16X DVD+R RICOHJPN R03
Memorex 16X DVD+R PRODISC R04
Sony 8X DVD+R D11 DPR47L3
Sony 4X DVD+RW S11 DPRW47L2
Sony 16X DVD-R SONY16D1 (never did quality scans)
Verbatim 8X DVD+R MMC003 94799
Verbatim 4X DVD+RW MKMA02 94520 (never did quality scans)
Memorex 4X DVD+RW INFODISCA10 (never did quality scans)
Mitsumi 4X DVD+RW INFODISCA10
Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD-R TYG02
Philips Inkjet Printable 16X DVD-R DM4I6S03T/17 9082 1008799 (never opened)

I do my writing with a Plextor PX-716A and I also have an HP DVD640 that I might use time to time but the Plextor is primary. You think the quality difference in 6X DVD-RW vs 8X DVD+RW will be that much different? I prefer the 8X speed because I ALWAYS run the file verification after burning. What's the medium code for the 6X-RW btw?

[The Digital Dolphin]

You think the quality difference in 6X DVD-RW vs 8X DVD+RW will be that much different? I prefer the 8X speed because I ALWAYS run the file verification after burning. What's the medium code for the 6X-RW btw?

Well, I always found the difference was noticable. That doesn't mean the 8x DVD+RWs won't work though. Probably it won't bother you at all though really.

The Verbatim 6x DVD-RW MID code is "MKM 01RW6X01"

[akademiks]

Hey DD, I asked you earlier about what kind of media to get for my Pioneer DVR-A04 and Phillips laptop drive, and I basically came to the conclusion that I want to buy another DVD+-RW drive...
What would you recommend that costs less than around $60? Im looking for something very reliable. It doesnt have to be DL, but I would like something thats 16x and can burn most media.


Also, would you recommend the Verbatim media that is availible at most retail stores like Bestbuy and Futureshop? I heard some of the media (CMC branded) is not as good...

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

[Renton]

I bought a spindle of Pastels but they sent me Extra Protection Surface, are they about the same quality? I have a NEC 3540 burner. Thank you DD :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD, I asked you earlier about what kind of media to get for my Pioneer DVR-A04 and Phillips laptop drive, and I basically came to the conclusion that I want to buy another DVD+-RW drive...
What would you recommend that costs less than around $60? Im looking for something very reliable. It doesnt have to be DL, but I would like something thats 16x and can burn most media.


Also, would you recommend the Verbatim media that is availible at most retail stores like Bestbuy and Futureshop? I heard some of the media (CMC branded) is not as good...

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

The Verbatim media is deffinately the highest quality product offered at Futureshop right now. And I haven't heard any reports of the MAP6 or PAP6 discs being problamatic lately, so I *THINK* (but don't 100% know) that this issue might be resolved, or at least less likely to run into.

That being said, it's not unusual for retail chains like Futureshop, Bestbuy, Staples and Walmart to get lower grade stock then what is sold through distribution channels (like Blankmedia.ca, NCIX.com, and others).

As for the burner, I recommend the Pioneer DVR-112 (or DVR-212 if you can use an SATA DVD Burner). It's about as good as the DVR-111 now and I think you'll find it'll burn all the media you throw at it (unless you get your hands on some VERY bad discs).

[The Digital Dolphin]

I bought a spindle of Pastels but they sent me Extra Protection Surface, are they about the same quality? I have a NEC 3540 burner. Thank you DD :)

I'm looking into it!

[Renton]

I'm looking into it!
Thank you Sir! :)

[[buck]]

I bought a spindle of Pastels but they sent me Extra Protection Surface, are they about the same quality? I have a NEC 3540 burner. Thank you DD :)
Funny, that's not terribly surprising because for obvious reasons, there are no silver coloured pastel discs :razz:

Assuming what you got is also made in Japan by TY, I'd say they're better! The Extra Protection surface is supposed to be a pretty good protection against physical damage... the real pastel discs are known to be pretty fragile.

[rabbit]

Anyone of you insider dudes know what the price of those Ridata double sided +R discs (as reported by CDR-Labs the other day) will be?

[[buck]]

Anyone of you insider dudes know what the price of those Ridata double sided +R discs (as reported by CDR-Labs the other day) will be?
With all due respect, what the hell is the point of double sided discs when dual layers are abundant and relatively cheap? BTW, the press release quoted a MSRP of $0.80, to expect them to be a bit less than that at retail.

[The Digital Dolphin]

;5006930']Funny, that's not terribly surprising because for obvious reasons, there are no silver coloured pastel discs :razz:

Assuming what you got is also made in Japan by TY, I'd say they're better! The Extra Protection surface is supposed to be a pretty good protection against physical damage... the real pastel discs are known to be pretty fragile.

Yeah, they may be up there with the Maxell CDR Pro's, which I consider the best CD-R actively available to us on a regular basis. I'm just trying to confirm a few things. For one, I wasn't aware this line was made by Taiyo Yuden for Verbatim, but it seems like it is of course. I just want to run a few questions through my european connections to double check everything :)

[[buck]]

Yeah, they may be up there with the Maxell CDR Pro's, which I consider the best CD-R actively available to us on a regular basis. I'm just trying to confirm a few things. For one, I wasn't aware this line was made by Taiyo Yuden for Verbatim, but it seems like it is of course. I just want to run a few questions through my european connections to double check everything :)
Verbatim supplements TY in a lot of their European products, and in this particular case, I'm 100% sure Extra Protection TY exists ;)

[Renton]

Is there a way to check these Verbatims that I got are made by TY?

[[buck]]

Is there a way to check these Verbatims that I got are made by TY?
If they're made in Japan, they're TY ;)

[rabbit]

With all due respect, what the hell is the point of double sided discs when dual layers are abundant and relatively cheap? BTW, the press release quoted a MSRP of $0.80, to expect them to be a bit less than that at retail.

You answered your own question here. Under $0.80 is < price of +R/DL.

Don't know if I would use them, but it's nice to know the option is there. Not everyone is all thumbs and like to smear their fingerprints all over their discs. I do have lots of experience handling vinyl properly, you know :).

[The Digital Dolphin]

With all due respect, what the hell is the point of double sided discs when dual layers are abundant and relatively cheap? BTW, the press release quoted a MSRP of $0.80, to expect them to be a bit less than that at retail.

You answered your own question here. Under $0.80 is < price of +R/DL.

Don't know if I would use them, but it's nice to know the option is there. Not everyone is all thumbs and like to smear their fingerprints all over their discs. I do have lots of experience handling vinyl properly, you know :).

Well, if you're talking about data files then it's not a big problem. But if it's DVD-Video then having to flip the disc is kind of a pain in the ass.

[rabbit]

Actually, for people who want to copy TV series from D9 to D5, the double-sided ones might be useful.

[silentio]

With all due respect, what the hell is the point of double sided discs when dual layers are abundant and relatively cheap? BTW, the press release quoted a MSRP of $0.80, to expect them to be a bit less than that at retail.

You answered your own question here. Under $0.80 is < price of +R/DL.

Don't know if I would use them, but it's nice to know the option is there. Not everyone is all thumbs and like to smear their fingerprints all over their discs. I do have lots of experience handling vinyl properly, you know :).


Vin-yl.. what's that. :D

[Rockstead]

Digital Dolphin,


Sorry this thread is huge and I was hoping you can save me time from having to go through it.


Currently, what is the best unbranded CD-R and DVD-R DVD-R DL that you recommend I buy for my personal game backups.

As well I want to put the Family digital photos on a format that I know will still work forever, do you have a different recommendation for that?


Thanks!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Actually, for people who want to copy TV series from D9 to D5, the double-sided ones might be useful.

Ewww..... once you can SEE the difference in quality, you stop liking that idea so much. I never put more then 1 hour of video on my DVD5s anymore because of it. But I can understand why some people don't consider it an issue. But once you get a bigger TV set and an upconverting DVD player you'll be kicking yourself :razz:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Digital Dolphin,


Sorry this thread is huge and I was hoping you can save me time from having to go through it.


Currently, what is the best unbranded CD-R and DVD-R DVD-R DL that you recommend I buy for my personal game backups.

As well I want to put the Family digital photos on a format that I know will still work forever, do you have a different recommendation for that?


Thanks!


Family Photos:
CD-Rs:
Maxell CDR Pro (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com London Drugs, Precisionsound.com, Staples.ca)
Verbatim Extra Protection CD-Rs (Blankmedia.ca)

DVD-Rs:
Maxell BQ Series (Mastering Grade) 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Precisionsound.com)

DVD-RDL:
Nothing, this format sucks!!

DVD+RDL:
Verbatim 2.4x DVD+RDL 20pks (Futureshop.ca, NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca)
Verbatim 8x DVD+RDL 5pk (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, possibly Blankmedia.ca but I don't know if they carry them yet for sure)

For game backups:
CD-Rs:
As listed above, or...
Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs (Blankmedia.ca, Precisionsound.com)

DVD-Rs:
As listed above, or...
Maxell Plus Series 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca, Precisionsound.com)
Verbatim 8x/16x DVD-Rs (Futureshop.ca, NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Staples.ca)
Taiyo Yuden Premium (not Valueline) 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca)

DVD-RDL:
Nothing, this format sucks!!

DVD+RDL:
As listed above.

[Jon Lai]

With all due respect, what the hell is the point of double sided discs when dual layers are abundant and relatively cheap? BTW, the press release quoted a MSRP of $0.80, to expect them to be a bit less than that at retail.

You answered your own question here. Under $0.80 is < price of +R/DL.

Don't know if I would use them, but it's nice to know the option is there. Not everyone is all thumbs and like to smear their fingerprints all over their discs. I do have lots of experience handling vinyl properly, you know :).

Also, don't forget double sided DVDs have more storage capacity than dual layer DVDs..

4.7GB x 2 = 9.4GB, which is 0.9GB more than a dual layer disk.

[Rockstead]

Family Photos:
CD-Rs:
Maxell CDR Pro (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com London Drugs, Precisionsound.com, Staples.ca)
Verbatim Extra Protection CD-Rs (Blankmedia.ca)

DVD-Rs:
Maxell BQ Series (Mastering Grade) 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Precisionsound.com)

DVD-RDL:
Nothing, this format sucks!!

DVD+RDL:
Verbatim 2.4x DVD+RDL 20pks (Futureshop.ca, NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca)
Verbatim 8x DVD+RDL 5pk (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, possibly Blankmedia.ca but I don't know if they carry them yet for sure)

For game backups:
CD-Rs:
As listed above, or...
Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs (Blankmedia.ca, Precisionsound.com)

DVD-Rs:
As listed above, or...
Maxell Plus Series 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca, Precisionsound.com)
Verbatim 8x/16x DVD-Rs (Futureshop.ca, NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Staples.ca)
Taiyo Yuden Premium (not Valueline) 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca)

DVD-RDL:
Nothing, this format sucks!!

DVD+RDL:
As listed above.

Thank you so much, I never expected to get such a detailed answer, not to mention you telling me where to buy them, I really really appreciate it.

Even better, Futureshop is having a sale on the Verbatim DVD-R 4.7GB 16X 100-Pack Spindle, they are only 29.99. I think I will pick up a few spindles.

You should consider posting your recommendations on the first page of your thread or on some web page, I know I would bookmark it.

Take care.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thank you so much, I never expected to get such a detailed answer, not to mention you telling me where to buy them, I really really appreciate it.

Even better, Futureshop is having a sale on the Verbatim DVD-R 4.7GB 16X 100-Pack Spindle, they are only 29.99. I think I will pick up a few spindles.

You should consider posting your recommendations on the first page of your thread or on some web page, I know I would bookmark it.

Take care.

The recommendations change with trends, and to an extent pricing. For instance, Taiyo Yuden might come off of the list if they don't start paying more attention to quality control. Maxell Plus series might come off of the list if the pricing doesn't improve. Verbatim might come off of the list if more problems with the 16x media show up (with MAP6 and PAP6 serial numbers).

It's all a constant flux... the fun part is knowing which brand is screwing up when :razz:

[rabbit]

Ewww..... once you can SEE the difference in quality, you stop liking that idea so much. I never put more then 1 hour of video on my DVD5s anymore because of it.

I don't need to watch old series, like Space: 1999 or the Avengers, on a 50" screen. An old 4:3 TV will do the job.

[Alexo]

Family Photos:
CD-Rs:
Maxell CDR Pro (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com London Drugs, Precisionsound.com, Staples.ca)
Verbatim Extra Protection CD-Rs (Blankmedia.ca)

DVD-Rs:
Maxell BQ Series (Mastering Grade) 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Precisionsound.com)

DVD+RDL:
Verbatim 2.4x DVD+RDL 20pks (Futureshop.ca, NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca)
Verbatim 8x DVD+RDL 5pk (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, possibly Blankmedia.ca but I don't know if they carry them yet for sure)

For game backups:
CD-Rs:
As listed above, or...
Taiyo Yuden CD-Rs (Blankmedia.ca, Precisionsound.com)

DVD-Rs:
As listed above, or...
Maxell Plus Series 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca, Precisionsound.com)
Verbatim 8x/16x DVD-Rs (Futureshop.ca, NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Staples.ca)
Taiyo Yuden Premium (not Valueline) 8x DVD-Rs (NCIX.com, DirectCanada.com, Blankmedia.ca)

DVD+RDL:
As listed above.
DVD+R seems to be missing.

[The Digital Dolphin]

DVD+R seems to be missing.

It wasn't asked for. I only added DVD+RDL because DVD-RDL is nearly a dead format, and there really isn't a GOOD option among the existing discs.

[Thanh]

Maxell Plus Series 8x DVD-R Shiny Silver Surface (50-Disc Spindle) for 19.95$ during the Off the wall sale (http://www.anitec.ca/sale/off_tws/) at Anitec.

[Pavel]

I am thinking of getting an MP3 player but for now, I need to burn CD's and I havent had blank CD's for a few years now.

Can I get some recommendations on audio CD's, not too expensive that are a good deal in the Greater Vancouver area ?

Thanks

[JAC]

Maxell Plus Series 8x DVD-R Shiny Silver Surface (50-Disc Spindle) for 19.95$ during the Off the wall sale (http://www.anitec.ca/sale/off_tws/) at Anitec.

MIJ or MIT?

[wlee]

sorry if this question has been asked before ;)

does lower burn speed generate better burn quality? does the lowest speed generate best burn quality? i'm backing up important data so TIA :D

[The Digital Dolphin]

I am thinking of getting an MP3 player but for now, I need to burn CD's and I havent had blank CD's for a few years now.

Can I get some recommendations on audio CD's, not too expensive that are a good deal in the Greater Vancouver area ?

Thanks

I gave some recommendations not even 10 posts ago.... please just look up a page or so. But Maxell CD-R Pro's are an excellent option, and available on sale at Staples right now.

[The Digital Dolphin]

MIJ or MIT?

All Maxell Plus Series is made in Japan. Some is Taiyo Yuden though, but it's always made in Japan.

[The Digital Dolphin]

sorry if this question has been asked before ;)

does lower burn speed generate better burn quality? does the lowest speed generate best burn quality? i'm backing up important data so TIA :D

Usually it's not good to burn slower then 1/2 the rated speed of the disc. 4x media is usually good at 4x, 8x at 4x, 16x at 8x or 12x.

That's the general rule, but there are always exceptions. Sometimes 2.4x Verbatim DVD+RDLs give better results at 4x then at 2.4x.

[wlee]

Usually it's not good to burn slower then 1/2 the rated speed of the disc. 4x media is usually good at 4x, 8x at 4x, 16x at 8x or 12x.

That's the general rule, but there are always exceptions. Sometimes 2.4x Verbatim DVD+RDLs give better results at 4x then at 2.4x.

Thx DD :D I still have bunch of 8x Maxell MIJ and burn at 8x for casual stuff, as to 16x Verbatim, burn at 12x for casual stuff and 8x for important stuff (data/photo backups) as well as console game backups (Wii etc.), and always burn 4x Verbatim DL for movie backups

[Ghetto_Child]

What's the difference between Verbatim 4X DVD+RW and Verbatim DataLifePlus 4X DVD+RW. I've noticed some Verbatims say DataLifePlus and some do not even though the rest of the packaging looks the same on both. Is 180 discs of Verbatim 4X DVD+RW (without the DataLifePlus logo) for $50CAD worth the price or should I look elsewhere for 4X DVD+RW discs?

I just got outbid on 180 discs of Verbatim 4X DVD+RW for $74CAD on ebay. I got outbid by 21 seconds and the winning bid was entered 1 second before the listing closed :eek: :cry:

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm pretty sure all Verbatim DVD+RWs are Datalifeplus. DatalifePlus usually refers to the MID code these days. If it's Datalifeplus it has an MCC MID code, if it isn't, then it could be another company's MID code/technology. That's sort of the general rule.

[Ghetto_Child]

Well these discs don't say DataLifePlus but everything else about the packaging and the disc labelling is the same. I can give you the link to the ebay listing in PM since RFD won't let me post ebay listing links.

You didn't answer my second question yet either. Is 180 discs of Verbatim 4X DVD+RW brand new for $74CAD on ebay a good deal? I can't believe I was beat by 21 seconds.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Well these discs don't say DataLifePlus but everything else about the packaging and the disc labelling is the same. I can give you the link to the ebay listing in PM since RFD won't let me post ebay listing links.

You didn't answer my second question yet either. Is 180 discs of Verbatim 4X DVD+RW brand new for $74CAD on ebay a good deal? I can't believe I was beat by 21 seconds.

It is... if you really need that many DVD+RWs... I can't comprehend using that many personally, but if you can, then sure :)

[rabbit]

My bro uses RWs instead of R, LOL, even though I told him that RWs aren't good for archiving.

[Ghetto_Child]

I use RWs for almost all my data. I don't keep that data long before re-writting the whole disk. It's mostly for software and personal files, the moment there's a new version release of the software I download it and rewrite my RW disc. The longest I've left data intact was a few years like 3 or 4 tops without rewritting the disc and all my data did not degrade. I put movies and anime on +R because it's usually cheaper and I don't change video data much at all. That ebay deal I lost would have made RW more cost effective for all my storage needs instead of just software and personal files.

[rabbit]

the moment there's a new version release of the software I download it and rewrite my RW disc.

You should save the old versions. New software is loaded with so much crap that it not uncommon to prefer old versions. Thanks, but I don't need Google Toolbar to be bundled with PowerDVD.

[Ghetto_Child]

that I know I've been troubleshooting and debugging computers since 1990 and I've been online since 1996. I keep the old versions but get rid of the old version after I've tested the new one. Sometimes I keep several versions, in any case this is why I rewrite my disc to reorganize everything.

[Happy13178]

what's the difference between inkjet printable and inkjet Hub printable media? Not sure what hub is... :p

[spinbot]

what's the difference between inkjet printable and inkjet Hub printable media? Not sure what hub is... :p

The hub is the plastic piece in the centre of the DVD ( usually see-through ).

If its a printable hub, you can print everywhere, but where the hole is.

[Pavel]

I gave some recommendations not even 10 posts ago.... please just look up a page or so. But Maxell CD-R Pro's are an excellent option, and available on sale at Staples right now.

Yes, thank you. I seen the post but there was no mention for music. I tend to burn some music on a CDRW (Maxell or Memorex) and about ~ 1/3 times I get static thrown into the mix when playing back. I do this since this happened before on a on a CDR too every now and then.

[rabbit]

do this since this happened before on a on a CDR too every now and then.

Are you using Exact Audio Copy or some other secure ripper?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Yes, thank you. I seen the post but there was no mention for music. I tend to burn some music on a CDRW (Maxell or Memorex) and about ~ 1/3 times I get static thrown into the mix when playing back. I do this since this happened before on a on a CDR too every now and then.

Nero 7 has been known to cause such problems in the past... what software are you using for burning?

[Ghetto_Child]

I wasn't sure if I should post this here. I was in staples today and was surprised to see that high speed verbatim Dual Layer media is available now. There were Verbatim DVD+R DL 2.4X certified labelled as 6X compatible and Verbatim DVD+R DL 8X certified labelled as 10X compatible. I can't remember if each one was a 5pk or 10pk but the price was $15/pk.

Is the media quality good? Is the price good for that or is that standard price?

I still havn't been able to find anything close to the Verbatim 4X DVD+RW @ 41¢/disc deal that I lost a short while ago :cry:

[The Digital Dolphin]

I wasn't sure if I should post this here. I was in staples today and was surprised to see that high speed verbatim Dual Layer media is available now. There were Verbatim DVD+R DL 2.4X certified labelled as 6X compatible and Verbatim DVD+R DL 8X certified labelled as 10X compatible. I can't remember if each one was a 5pk or 10pk but the price was $15/pk.

Is the media quality good? Is the price good for that or is that standard price?

I still havn't been able to find anything close to the Verbatim 4X DVD+RW @ 41¢/disc deal that I lost a short while ago :cry:

Yup, staples has had both for a while now. I think Staple's has 3pks and 10pks of the 2.4x DVD+RDLs and 5pks of the 8x DVD+RDLs. Media quality is the best you can get for DVD+RDL media though :)

[Sgt_Strider]

Has the Pioneer DVR-112 replaced the DVR-111 as one of the best DVD writers on the market? I bought a DVR-111 couple of months ago, but now one of my brothers need a writer himself. Like me, he burns with mostly Verbatim DVD+R 2.4x DL discs and Verbatim DVD-R 8x discs.

I'm also open to other brands if they can burn the discs that I have mentioned very well. DVD ripping speeds are also important too.

[akademiks]

Has the Pioneer DVR-112 replaced the DVR-111 as one of the best DVD writers on the market? I bought a DVR-111 couple of months ago, but now one of my brothers need a writer himself. Like me, he burns with mostly Verbatim DVD+R 2.4x DL discs and Verbatim DVD-R 8x discs.

I'm also open to other brands if they can burn the discs that I have mentioned very well. DVD ripping speeds are also important too.

Well I can vouch for the 112.. I bought one about 2 weeks ago and it has been working flawlessly.
Burnt around 40 dvd-r (TYG02 & MAP6 Verbatim), and not a single coaster.
Burnt a few Dual Layer and its been working great as well..

Highly recommended

[apvm]

Well I can vouch for the 112.. I bought one about 2 weeks ago and it has been working flawlessly.
Burnt around 40 dvd-r (TYG02 & MAP6 Verbatim), and not a single coaster.
Burnt a few Dual Layer and its been working great as well..

Highly recommended

+1

[wlee]

Please recommend a SATA DVD burner for my new rig :D Pioneer DVR-212D :?:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Please recommend a SATA DVD burner for my new rig :D Pioneer DVR-212D :?:

That would be my suggestion yes :)

[wlee]

That would be my suggestion yes :)

great :!: :D

[Pavel]

Nero 7 has been known to cause such problems in the past... what software are you using for burning?

I am using Nero 6.6 to burn music CD's.

[jcoltage]

Can I have a SATA DVD drive as well as a IDE DVD drive?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Can I have a SATA DVD drive as well as a IDE DVD drive?

In my current system I have 4 IDE drives, 2 SATA drives, and one USB 2.0 drive all connected at one time, with no ill side effects. So I would say one SATA and one IDE should be no problem :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

I am using Nero 6.6 to burn music CD's.

Hrm, that's odd then. It might just be a quality issue with the media. Memorex CD-RWs can be pretty crappy (their 24x CD-RWs are essentially useless!). Maxell's CD-RWs are ok-good usually though.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I thought I should let people know that I'll be working on a new DVD burner review for CDRLabs.com. It'll be a team effort with the site admin Ian. I'll be handling all the blank media tests :)

The drive? A Samsung SH-S203B :cheesygri

[chlorine]

I just got some MIJ Verbatims :) in HK :D I was so surprised when I saw them (since I don't think there are many MIJ Verbatims in Canada).


YUDEN000 T03 Batch: TH000020


wonder how good they are... haven't tried yet. 115HKD (approx. $15 CAD) for a 50 disc spindle...

[Agent]

Just wanted to post a general question regarding Verbatim media.. I understand that the TNR / Arial font can no longer be used to accurately tell if the media is good or not.

But for media that was produced in 2005, would this method be applicable on 50pk DVD-Rs? And would there be any potential problems using media produced two years ago?

[jimmyzaas]

Yes, thank you. I seen the post but there was no mention for music. I tend to burn some music on a CDRW (Maxell or Memorex) and about ~ 1/3 times I get static thrown into the mix when playing back. I do this since this happened before on a on a CDR too every now and then.

I've had this problem in the past and I think the problem started in the late Nero 6.x versions. The problem was thought to be caused be an updated MP3 decoder plugin but was not limited to it. I know because I have tried copying the plugin from an old nero version to the new version and it did not solve anything.

You can always try a different program. Roxio's burning apps work perfectly as does VSO's Copy-to-DVD (Yes! it does audio cds too!).

What you mentioned sounds like what I ran into and I heavily doubt it is a media problem. I use cheapo Office Depot rewritables! Anyway, try different software and see if it helps.

[blainehamilton]

DD, I've been reading a bit. What do you suggest for reading on next gen recording formats, Blu and HD DVD?

Have you had a chance to review/test/own any Blu or HD burning equipment yet? I'm toying with the idea of going into some high capacity equipment over the next couple of months.

[Pavel]

I've had this problem in the past and I think the problem started in the late Nero 6.x versions. The problem was thought to be caused be an updated MP3 decoder plugin but was not limited to it. I know because I have tried copying the plugin from an old nero version to the new version and it did not solve anything.

You can always try a different program. Roxio's burning apps work perfectly as does VSO's Copy-to-DVD (Yes! it does audio cds too!).

What you mentioned sounds like what I ran into and I heavily doubt it is a media problem. I use cheapo Office Depot rewritables! Anyway, try different software and see if it helps.

Thanks, before using Nero 6x I used Roxio Easy cD but I had to uninstall at is was in conflict with Nero. Will I have to uninstall Nero to use the newer Roxio or VSO Copy-to-DVD?

But, it's interesting that about two thirds way through listening the CD, the static is heard and stays. I noticed one time when burning/copying an Eagles CD I had really bad static from start to finish.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I just got some MIJ Verbatims :) in HK :D I was so surprised when I saw them (since I don't think there are many MIJ Verbatims in Canada).


YUDEN000 T03 Batch: TH000020


wonder how good they are... haven't tried yet. 115HKD (approx. $15 CAD) for a 50 disc spindle...

Yeah, everywhere else in the world except North America, Verbatim will use TY on occasion for some product lines. The media is generally good.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Just wanted to post a general question regarding Verbatim media.. I understand that the TNR / Arial font can no longer be used to accurately tell if the media is good or not.

But for media that was produced in 2005, would this method be applicable on 50pk DVD-Rs? And would there be any potential problems using media produced two years ago?

I haven't personally followed the whole TNR/Ariel font thing super closely, so other then hearing 1 report of it not working anymore, I don't know anything else. Part of the problem is I don't generally buy Verbatim media anymore... so I just open the spindles given to me and read the serials. But 2005 product should still be following the old rules I would say almost for sure.

And no, I don't think 2 year old media will be a problem. I'm using 4x DVD+Rs made probably 5 years ago or more, and have no problems with them :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, I've been reading a bit. What do you suggest for reading on next gen recording formats, Blu and HD DVD?

Have you had a chance to review/test/own any Blu or HD burning equipment yet? I'm toying with the idea of going into some high capacity equipment over the next couple of months.

Well, if you know German or Dutsch, or don't mind spending a LOT of time with a translating webpage, I would recommend C't. They're pretty much the only people doing real testing on either format with regard to quality and compatability. CDRinfo.com has a small thing on burning/testing Blu-Ray media also, but I find it highly questionable.

I haven't personally had the chance to work with any HD DVD or Blu-Ray recording equipment, but I'm quite hopeful it won't be too much longer! CDRLabs.com has a thread in their Blu-Ray / HD DVD forum about quality testing you might want to check out. I think it's stickied so it should be easy to find (it has reports from C't articles as well).

Unfortunately, a lot of optical media enthusiasts are completely uninterested in HiDef equipment at this time, and it's frustrating. I've tried to get people to look into things more, but it seems to be a money issue for most. The same is true for me though, I'd love to... but most companies won't give us the drives, and I can't afford to buy my own just yet :(

[blainehamilton]

Will do. I've dabbled a bit in the articles at C't using babelfish in the past.

I had a chance to play around with a Toshiba Qosmio G40 with an HD DVD burner back in early June when I was in Ohio for work. Burned a couple of sample Memorex 1x discs with all 4 seasons of Family Guy ripped from SD DVD.

Hardly a practical use for the burner, I am still shocked desktop HD DVD R drives haven't made the market yet.

The LG Blu Ray drives seem very decent, I haven't had a chance to use one as of yet, mostly because I have no Blu Ray playback device to test usability.

I'll have a look over at CDRLabs as well. I haven't ventured to that site since I starting messing around with ExactAudioCopy some 6 to 7 years ago...

[The Digital Dolphin]

The LG Blu Ray drives seem very decent, I haven't had a chance to use one as of yet, mostly because I have no Blu Ray playback device to test usability.

I'll have a look over at CDRLabs as well. I haven't ventured to that site since I starting messing around with ExactAudioCopy some 6 to 7 years ago...

Hrm, based on info and a few custom tests I've had done on my behalf, I'm going to have to disagree with you on that one. The LG drive is basically useless as a 4x burner so far... that might change with the release of real 4x BD-Rs, but so far it can't burn any 2x BD-Rs well enough at 4x for it to really be considered a "good" drive (in my opinion). This is based on PS3 incompatability though... maybe there are less picky players out there that can play the discs back fine, but since the PS3 is by far the most used Blu-Ray playback device, I consider that a pretty devistating blow against the drive.

[Pavel]

I've had this problem in the past and I think the problem started in the late Nero 6.x versions. The problem was thought to be caused be an updated MP3 decoder plugin but was not limited to it. I know because I have tried copying the plugin from an old nero version to the new version and it did not solve anything.

You can always try a different program. Roxio's burning apps work perfectly as does VSO's Copy-to-DVD (Yes! it does audio cds too!).

What you mentioned sounds like what I ran into and I heavily doubt it is a media problem. I use cheapo Office Depot rewritables! Anyway, try different software and see if it helps.


I did burn a very small compliation of music on my Dell Notebook using the factory Sonic software, there was no static. I will try some complete CD's with these new Maxell's from FS: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10051625&logon=&langid=EN

[apvm]

Try to burn a CD with my Pioneer 112D and found it won't see the blank at all, tried some TY and Maxell, it read CD ok tho and after searching the web it seems to be a common problem of this burner...anyway going to RMA it...but need a burner...what burner is good in the market nowadays...tia SATA preferred

[Pavel]

Seems like many people have issues with SATA burners and Asus motherboards and using XP. I have the P5PE VM and I am considering getting an SATA burner (my board only supports SATA 1) and I want something reliable. Any suggestions?

[Tiberius]

Pretty straight forward question here (but one that I think almost everyone would like to know the answer too)...

Is there anything people should do to get the best chance of a successful dual layer DVD burn?

I have a Pioneer DVD burner and Nero installed - but the Nero (Nero 6 Ultra edition) is probably... 2+ years old?

Is there a better version of Nero I should upgrade too? Are there drivers I should update on my computer to improve DVD-DL compatibility, etc?

The current DVD-DLs I have are Memorex 2.4x (over a year old). I can buy newer disks if necessary - but would like to know if it is possible (recommended) to change other things first.

Thanks in advance! This is a great thread with lots of great information!

[rabbit]

Seems like many people have issues with SATA burners and Asus motherboards and using XP.

No problem here.
Asus P5LD2 Deluxe (Intel 945P)
Plextor PX-755SA
WinXP

[The Digital Dolphin]

I hate doing this, but I'm going to have to suggest *NOT* buying the Pioneer DVR-112 anymore. This drive seems to have several large problems at the moment with CDR media, as well as disc recognition problems in general (of UNBURNED media!!). Hopefully a firmware will solve some or all of these problems in the future... but at the moment I can't recommend this drive! :|

I need to re-evaluate what drive I would recommend getting... at this time it might be the Samsung SH-S203B, but I really need to test it more before I say that for sure. Unfortunately, with my current schedule, that's a ways away still (I have it, but no time :evil: ).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Pretty straight forward question here (but one that I think almost everyone would like to know the answer too)...

Is there anything people should do to get the best chance of a successful dual layer DVD burn?

I have a Pioneer DVD burner and Nero installed - but the Nero (Nero 6 Ultra edition) is probably... 2+ years old?

Is there a better version of Nero I should upgrade too? Are there drivers I should update on my computer to improve DVD-DL compatibility, etc?

The current DVD-DLs I have are Memorex 2.4x (over a year old). I can buy newer disks if necessary - but would like to know if it is possible (recommended) to change other things first.

Thanks in advance! This is a great thread with lots of great information!

Nero 6 is still quite good, although I think Nero 7 may be fixed now (it used to produce very choppy/glitchy results).

Pioneer DVD burners seem to be quite problamatic lately... but I haven't heard one single complaint about their ability to burn DVD+RDL media (in fact, they seem to be one of the best burners for DVD+RDL media from my experience). (I'm assuming when you say DVD-DL, you mean DVD+RDL and not DVD-RDL.... DVD-RDL is *VERY* incompatible with players, and also more expensive, and not really worth getting in any way).

For media, I deffinately recommend Verbatim as the best option in terms of quality. MAM-A DVD+RDLs are also good, but not as good as Verbatim. After that would probably be Philips/CMC DVD+RDL media, but they suffer from support issues, since most DVD burners suck at burning them, or can't burn them at full speed. Memorex/Ritek/Fuji are pretty low end (the only worse stuff is made by UmeDisc in Hongkong).

Really, there aren't a lot of DVD+RDL choices yet... but it's getting better. Originally it was Verbatim or Memorex/Ritek (Fuji is also the same as Memorex/Ritek btw).

[JAC]

Sadly, my supply of genuine Maxell DVD-R MIJ is running low, so I need to resupply.:( (I really love this media. 200+ burns and no coasters.)

What is the best DVD-R media for my Pioneer 109? Or would DVD+R be better for movies?

Thanks.

[Pavel]

Seems like many people have issues with SATA burners and Asus motherboards and using XP.

No problem here.
Asus P5LD2 Deluxe (Intel 945P)
Plextor PX-755SA
WinXP
Of course, you have the probably one of the best makers of burners out there, a Plextor. :)

I wish the same can be said about the budget burners though. I guess I will continue to use my portable Benq Burner until it dies. Maybe by then I will get a new system or SATA budget burners will be more compatible in my Asus board.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Taiyo Yuden or Verbatim are always good brands to stick with. None of the stuff sold at Futureshop/Bestbuy tends to be any good anymore (not on THAT level at least). If you don't mind burning at 4x you can go with the Verbatim 4x DVD+R 5pks for $0.99 that www.precisionsound.com sells. You'll need to call them to place an order (they have a Toronto office), but I think the deal is still going on. Blankmedia.ca also has some specials on cheap lower speed Verbatim media (but make sure to get the Verbatim MID code media).

As for DVD-R vs. DVD+R, your drive won't bitset on DVD+R or DVD+RW (although it automatically bitsets DVD+RDL), unless you hack the firmware and install the buffalo firmware. So DVD-R is better for compatability, although not by a very big margin anymore. Most players can play both formats just fine.

[apvm]

Try to burn a CD with my Pioneer 112D and found it won't see the blank at all, tried some TY and Maxell, it read CD ok tho and after searching the web it seems to be a common problem of this burner...anyway going to RMA it...but need a burner...what burner is good in the market nowadays...tia SATA preferred

Just put back my old trusty 32X Liteon CD burner for the task, as long as the 112 can still burn DVD, I'll waiit a while before replacing it.

As for the person who ask about DVD+R compatability with DVD Players. Most of the DVD+R which burned without bitsetting to DVD-ROM play fine with my Venturer 7" LCD DVD Player, Philips 642 and LG 531. The only player that can't play DVD+R (even bitsetted to DVD-ROM) is my old Apex 1500 but I don't own it anymore.

[Thanh]

Taiyo Yuden or Verbatim are always good brands to stick with. None of the stuff sold at Futureshop/Bestbuy tends to be any good anymore (not on THAT level at least). If you don't mind burning at 4x you can go with the Verbatim 4x DVD+R 5pks for $0.99 that www.precisionsound.com sells. You'll need to call them to place an order (they have a Toronto office), but I think the deal is still going on. Blankmedia.ca also has some specials on cheap lower speed Verbatim media (but make sure to get the Verbatim MID code media).

Thanks DD for mentionning PrecisionSound since I tend to forget them. Right now, they have a summer sale where they sell a spindle of 50 Maxell Plus Series for 17.95$ which is a good deal on better-than-average media.

[JAC]

Taiyo Yuden or Verbatim are always good brands to stick with.

Thanks DD. I ordered a couple hundred DVD-R 8X TAIYO YUDEN SILVER LACQUER. TYG02 worked better than TYG03, IIRC.

[Pavel]

Taiyo Yuden or Verbatim are always good brands to stick with.
I guess you're not referring to the generic Taiyo? The one I bought a while ago at Ncix is crap.

[Capt.]

DD, I forgot a spindle of the Verbatim DVD+RDL's in my car this weekend. It was pretty hot and I'm sure they got shook up a fair bit too while I was driving around. Could this affect the media at all?

[The Digital Dolphin]

DD, I forgot a spindle of the Verbatim DVD+RDL's in my car this weekend. It was pretty hot and I'm sure they got shook up a fair bit too while I was driving around. Could this affect the media at all?

The spindle should protect it decently from the shaking around... the heat is not good though, but direct sunlight is FAR more concerning. It's deffinately not an ideal situation for the media, but as long as it wasn't in direct sunlight during that time, it should still be ok I think.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I guess you're not referring to the generic Taiyo? The one I bought a while ago at Ncix is crap.

What do you mean by Generic Taiyo's? Got a link to the product?

[Capt.]

The spindle should protect it decently from the shaking around... the heat is not good though, but direct sunlight is FAR more concerning. It's deffinately not an ideal situation for the media, but as long as it wasn't in direct sunlight during that time, it should still be ok I think.


Hmm thanks DD. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear but I had a feeling that could do something to it. They were in the Future Shop bag but it's basically clear so I'm sure they got some direct sun. Is there any way I can test to make sure they were unaffected? Or should I just try burning them and see how it goes?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hmm thanks DD. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear but I had a feeling that could do something to it. They were in the Future Shop bag but it's basically clear so I'm sure they got some direct sun. Is there any way I can test to make sure they were unaffected? Or should I just try burning them and see how it goes?

Unfortunately, the proof has to be in the pudding for this one, so you need to burn the disc and try it out. Probably you've reduced the overall lifespan of the media, but I expect they'll still work decently for at least a couple years (PROBABLY).

[KorruptioN]

Just wanted to post a general question regarding Verbatim media.. I understand that the TNR / Arial font can no longer be used to accurately tell if the media is good or not.

But for media that was produced in 2005, would this method be applicable on 50pk DVD-Rs? And would there be any potential problems using media produced two years ago?

Anybody with some new insight on this topic? I'm looking for some MCC-grade Verbatim myself.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Anybody with some new insight on this topic? I'm looking for some MCC-grade Verbatim myself.

Sorry, I don't buy a lot of media retail, so I am not good at following this specific trend.

[KorruptioN]

I took a chance and picked up a 50-pack of TNR +R Verbatim 16X media. Pricematched it with Canada Computers, so it worked out to about $17 with taxes in. It is indeed MCC 004!

[zod]

I think the verbatim has the same media codes on them.. where they are TNR or arial.. I think they are just made at different places (but they use the same media code).

Stapes has a 100 pack on this week for 34 bones.. a fair bit more then the 4.99/25 pack i paid at xmas.. but i'm running low.

[skanji]

Looking to burn back-up DVDs and DVD Movies...

Which is the best from this list:
Comstar
Comstar 8x DVD+R 100pcs $ 29.00

HP
HP 16X DVD+R 4.7G 50pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD+R 4.7G LightScribe 15pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G 50pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G LightScribe 15pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G Printable 50pcs $ 15.00


OSI
OSI DVD-OSI 8X + 50pcs $ 19.00
OSI DVD-OSI 8X - 50pcs $ 17.00

Philips
Philips 16X DVD+R 4.7G 50pcs (no wty - no return) $ 15.00
Philips 16X DVD-R 4.7G 50pcs (no wty - no returns) $ 15.00

Ridata
Ridata 8X DVD+R Media (50pcs) $ 17.00
Ridata DVD-R 16X 50PCS $ 15.00

[KorruptioN]

I think the verbatim has the same media codes on them.. where they are TNR or arial.. I think they are just made at different places (but they use the same media code).

Stapes has a 100 pack on this week for 34 bones.. a fair bit more then the 4.99/25 pack i paid at xmas.. but i'm running low.

I don't think Verbatim would do that... they are owned by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

[digdoug]

I bought some of those verbatim -R (4x) with the movie reel tops (MCC 01RG20).

Strange thing. They seem to burn fine with both my LG4040 & benq 1655. videohelp doesn't report any problem.
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia/verbatim-digitalmovie-dvd-r-mcc-01rg20-4/1615

But my benq 1655 won't recognize the disc after burning. And I can't do a Nero CD-DVD Speed disc quality scan on them with either of those burners. Can someone explain why that would be? I was hoping to figure what the quality of the MCC 01RG20 would be compared to its +R cousin. It's the inability to scan it that has me confused? any help?

They play fine on dvd players after burning, as far as I can see (didn't watch the dvd, just skimmed a bit). The benchmark test worked (with fairly straight lines) on my LG4040 though.

[skanji]

Looking to burn back-up DVDs and DVD Movies...

Which is the best from this list:
Comstar
Comstar 8x DVD+R 100pcs $ 29.00

HP
HP 16X DVD+R 4.7G 50pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD+R 4.7G LightScribe 15pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G 50pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G LightScribe 15pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G Printable 50pcs $ 15.00

OSI
OSI DVD-OSI 8X + 50pcs $ 19.00
OSI DVD-OSI 8X - 50pcs $ 17.00

Philips
Philips 16X DVD+R 4.7G 50pcs (no wty - no return) $ 15.00
Philips 16X DVD-R 4.7G 50pcs (no wty - no returns) $ 15.00

Ridata
Ridata 8X DVD+R Media (50pcs) $ 17.00
Ridata DVD-R 16X 50PCS $ 15.00

bump...anyone? Gotta buy these today. Will probably go for the Ridata in the abscence of anything else...

[The Digital Dolphin]

Looking to burn back-up DVDs and DVD Movies...

Which is the best from this list:
Comstar
Comstar 8x DVD+R 100pcs $ 29.00

HP
HP 16X DVD+R 4.7G 50pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD+R 4.7G LightScribe 15pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G 50pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G LightScribe 15pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G Printable 50pcs $ 15.00


OSI
OSI DVD-OSI 8X + 50pcs $ 19.00
OSI DVD-OSI 8X - 50pcs $ 17.00

Philips
Philips 16X DVD+R 4.7G 50pcs (no wty - no return) $ 15.00
Philips 16X DVD-R 4.7G 50pcs (no wty - no returns) $ 15.00

Ridata
Ridata 8X DVD+R Media (50pcs) $ 17.00
Ridata DVD-R 16X 50PCS $ 15.00

In order of what I'd recommend:

(Category A)
HP 16X DVD+R 4.7G 50pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD+R 4.7G LightScribe 15pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G 50pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G LightScribe 15pcs $ 15.00
HP 16X DVD-R 4.7G Printable 50pcs $ 15.00
(Category B)
Ridata 8X DVD+R Media (50pcs) $ 17.00
Philips 16X DVD+R 4.7G 50pcs (no wty - no return) $ 15.00
Philips 16X DVD-R 4.7G 50pcs (no wty - no returns) $ 15.00
(Category C)
Ridata DVD-R 16X 50PCS $ 15.00
(Category D)
OSI DVD-OSI 8X + 50pcs $ 19.00
OSI DVD-OSI 8X - 50pcs $ 17.00
(Category don't even think about it)
Comstar 8x DVD+R 100pcs $ 29.00


Note: Philips would rate higher if it came with a warranty... they make me suspicious and a bit concerned. HP is probably the safest of the group.

Personally, unless you really need the speed, I think you're kind of crazy for not opting for this deal:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1276

or one of the similar ones offered by Blankmedia.ca on older Verbatim products. Way better quality, and dirt cheap costs. Only a little slow.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I bought some of those verbatim -R (4x) with the movie reel tops (MCC 01RG20).

Strange thing. They seem to burn fine with both my LG4040 & benq 1655. videohelp doesn't report any problem.
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia/verbatim-digitalmovie-dvd-r-mcc-01rg20-4/1615

But my benq 1655 won't recognize the disc after burning. And I can't do a Nero CD-DVD Speed disc quality scan on them with either of those burners. Can someone explain why that would be? I was hoping to figure what the quality of the MCC 01RG20 would be compared to its +R cousin. It's the inability to scan it that has me confused? any help?

They play fine on dvd players after burning, as far as I can see (didn't watch the dvd, just skimmed a bit). The benchmark test worked (with fairly straight lines) on my LG4040 though.

That's odd.... I'm not sure what would cause that! It may sound a bit drastic, but try putting the disc in your BenQ, and then rebooting your system. When the system boots up, *ONLY* open Nero CD/DVD Speed (no other software!), and try again.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I think the verbatim has the same media codes on them.. where they are TNR or arial.. I think they are just made at different places (but they use the same media code).


Yup, you are correct.

The MID code is controlled by the stamper used to press the discs. Verbatim supplies stampers to their OEM manufacturing partners, which include Prodisc, CMC and Moser Baer India Limited (MBIL). So all three of those plants manufacture media for Verbatim, and all the media will have the same MID code as if the disc was manufactured in Singapore by Verbatim's own plant (although the serial number system will tell them apart).

[superfigz]

In order of what I'd recommend:

Personally, unless you really need the speed, I think you're kind of crazy for not opting for this deal:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1276

or one of the similar ones offered by Blankmedia.ca on older Verbatim products. Way better quality, and dirt cheap costs. Only a little slow.

I've never made a purchase from blankmedia, but how much does the shipping cost? I'd probably order media in 50-200 quantities so I'm unsure of what kind of charges to expect.

Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

I've never made a purchase from blankmedia, but how much does the shipping cost? I'd probably order media in 50-200 quantities so I'm unsure of what kind of charges to expect.

Thanks

There are tons of people on RFD that buy a lot of their media from Blankmedia.ca. The owner's name is Tom, and he's a really good guy (probably the most honest guy I've worked with who sells in this industry!). If you drop him an e-mail letting him know what you want, and your address, I'm sure he'll get you a shipping quote. Their customer service over there is quite well known :)

Unfortunately, I rarely order from there, so I can't help you that much. I *THOUGHT* that if you go through the motions of ordering off his site that you'd get a shipping cost, but it's been so long since I've had to order from him. (Keep in mind, I generally get my media direct from manufacturers, but if I need to buy stuff for whatever reason, Blankmedia.ca and NCIX.com are the places I always go.... unless they don't have what I need :razz: )

[JAC]

I've never made a purchase from blankmedia, but how much does the shipping cost? I'd probably order media in 50-200 quantities so I'm unsure of what kind of charges to expect.

Thanks

I ordered 2 x 100 and shipping was ~ $10.

[KorruptioN]

Yup, you are correct.

The MID code is controlled by the stamper used to press the discs. Verbatim supplies stampers to their OEM manufacturing partners, which include Prodisc, CMC and Moser Baer India Limited (MBIL). So all three of those plants manufacture media for Verbatim, and all the media will have the same MID code as if the disc was manufactured in Singapore by Verbatim's own plant (although the serial number system will tell them apart).

Doh.

[cechlin]

I'm sorry if this isn't the best place to ask, but what would be the best DL (xbox360 compatible) disks with inkjet printable tops be? Also Could anyone comment on what the best printer to print on dvds is? (under $200 please)

If its not to much of a hassle please pm me your opinions and input, thank you :)

[crimsona]

I have a buddy in Hong Kong who saw Made in Japan Verbatims (+R I believe)
Is this a real item in Asia? Who manufactures it? Why aren't they sold here?

[The Digital Dolphin]

I have a buddy in Hong Kong who saw Made in Japan Verbatims (+R I believe)
Is this a real item in Asia? Who manufactures it? Why aren't they sold here?

They're made by Taiyo Yuden probably, it's not that unusual in Europe, but I don't know about Asia.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I'm sorry if this isn't the best place to ask, but what would be the best DL (xbox360 compatible) disks with inkjet printable tops be? Also Could anyone comment on what the best printer to print on dvds is? (under $200 please)

If its not to much of a hassle please pm me your opinions and input, thank you :)

Verbatim is by far the best DVD+RDL media, inkjet printable or otherwise. As for the best printer, if you want a consumer grade one, probably the Epson series of disc printers.... there's really only Epson and Canon to choose from.

[cechlin]

thank you a lot :)

[Siefer999]

hey DD,

I just opened a pack of value TY 8x DVD-R discs that i bought from ncix 2 years ago, and they are TYG02.

i need to back up some semi-important stuff. should i use these or my TNR DVD+R verbatim's?

i have a BenQ 1655

[The Digital Dolphin]

hey DD,

I just opened a pack of value TY 8x DVD-R discs that i bought from ncix 2 years ago, and they are TYG02.

i need to back up some semi-important stuff. should i use these or my TNR DVD+R verbatim's?

i have a BenQ 1655

I'd suggest the TNR Verbatim's personally... but likely either would be fine. The TY Value Line just isn't likely to last as long, but it'll still be fine for most things under regular conditions.

[Siefer999]

thanks DD,

another question... while burning a disc, would the light sound (bass) from my speakers affect the burning process?

[Jon Lai]

Hey DD,

Just realized Best Buy is now stocking TDK Double Layers:
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10089250&catid=20032

Have you tested these before?

[[buck]]

Hey DD,

Just realized Best Buy is now stocking TDK Double Layers:
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10089250&catid=20032

Have you tested these before?
They're Ritek. And therefore crap. ;)

[The Digital Dolphin]

thanks DD,

another question... while burning a disc, would the light sound (bass) from my speakers affect the burning process?

Not likely, no. Burners have built in compensation for minor vibrations. It's not something you want to abuse or attempt to use if you can avoid it, but for small things like that it should be fine.

[The Digital Dolphin]

;5453284']They're Ritek. And therefore crap. ;)

Yeah, what he said :cheesygri

[digdoug]

That's odd.... I'm not sure what would cause that! It may sound a bit drastic, but try putting the disc in your BenQ, and then rebooting your system. When the system boots up, *ONLY* open Nero CD/DVD Speed (no other software!), and try again.

I tried that and it still wasn't recognized in the benq drive.

oddly, if I set the burn speed at 2x in my benq 1655, the drive will recognize and run a scan on it during the first few hours after burning. (it still burns at 4x though, since 2x isn't one of the options on my benq for that dvd). after the first few hours, same problem. tried this several times. same result. so far, I've burned with Nero, ImgBurn & CloneDVD and the results all seem to be the same. however, if I burn at 2x with my LG4040, both burners will recognize and scan it.

[Jon Lai]

;5453284']They're Ritek. And therefore crap. ;)

Thanks. Enough said :P

[Gedge]

Hey DD - I have a question about using the PS3 as an SACD player. What are some decent receiver/speaker setups out there that will output the PS3's SACD signal properly and are (a) available in Canada and (b) not crazy expensive?

[sfrancis]

Hi, DD:

Can you recommend a IDE DVD burner that's on the market ? I used to use Pioneer but was told their new model (112D) does not work so well.

Thanks very much

[akademiks]

I hate doing this, but I'm going to have to suggest *NOT* buying the Pioneer DVR-112 anymore. This drive seems to have several large problems at the moment with CDR media, as well as disc recognition problems in general (of UNBURNED media!!). Hopefully a firmware will solve some or all of these problems in the future... but at the moment I can't recommend this drive! :|

I need to re-evaluate what drive I would recommend getting... at this time it might be the Samsung SH-S203B, but I really need to test it more before I say that for sure. Unfortunately, with my current schedule, that's a ways away still (I have it, but no time :evil: ).

:(

I really hope they fix this problem.

Is there any way to trade this in to Pioneer for a 111D or something?

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey DD - I have a question about using the PS3 as an SACD player. What are some decent receiver/speaker setups out there that will output the PS3's SACD signal properly and are (a) available in Canada and (b) not crazy expensive?

Sorry... I'm not really a good person to ask about speaker/receiver setups :( I should be asking that same question myself actually!! :razz:

[The Digital Dolphin]

Things with the Pioneer DVR-112 *SHOULD* be fixed now I think:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=23643

But most people I know who had problems with Pioneer DVR-112's got rid of their drives, so I don't have 100% confirmation that this firmware solves all the problems :(

As for an IDE drive to recommend.... I guess the latest Lite-On drive would be the next on my list... but 'recommended' is a term that I have to use loosely in this case.

[langong]

Things with the Pioneer DVR-112 *SHOULD* be fixed now I think:
http://www.cdrlabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=23643

But most people I know who had problems with Pioneer DVR-112's got rid of their drives, so I don't have 100% confirmation that this firmware solves all the problems :(

As for an IDE drive to recommend.... I guess the latest Lite-On drive would be the next on my list... but 'recommended' is a term that I have to use loosely in this case.

my Pioneer DVR-111D can not read cd's at all just after 30 days :cry:
tried upgrade the firmware to the current one 1.29 I think with no success. The drive still can read/write dvd's no problem but for how's long I guess.

[The Digital Dolphin]

my Pioneer DVR-111D can not read cd's at all just after 30 days :cry:
tried upgrade the firmware to the current one 1.29 I think with no success. The drive still can read/write dvd's no problem but for how's long I guess.

My PX-712a had that happen as well, it sucks.... but it's lasted well over a year without the ability to read/write CDs of any kind. It's anoying, but I can work with it :)

So your drive might not die for a while at all... but it still sucks!

[rabbit]

My PX-712a had that happen as well, it sucks

Man, that blows. CD-DA is one of the main reasons to get a Plextor.


Did Lite On add any BenQ features to their newer drives? I'm use to doing PIE scans with a BenQ + CDSpeed (as opposed to Lite On and that third party one).

[sfrancis]

...

As for an IDE drive to recommend.... I guess the latest Lite-On drive would be the next on my list... but 'recommended' is a term that I have to use loosely in this case.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[The Digital Dolphin]

My PX-712a had that happen as well, it sucks

Man, that blows. CD-DA is one of the main reasons to get a Plextor.


Did Lite On add any BenQ features to their newer drives? I'm use to doing PIE scans with a BenQ + CDSpeed (as opposed to Lite On and that third party one).

Some Lite-On's now can do jitter testing, and all of them are compatible with CDSpeed :)

Unfortunately, none of them are as good scanners as BenQs because they are still far too forgiving compared to most other drives :(

[Macross_Freek]

Just when I was about to lean towards the 212 seeing as how apparently most things are fixed, I find out it can't be capable of single layer +r bitsetting? I thought this was capable in most drives without hacked firmware anymore? Is the SH-S203 bitset capable for single layer +r out of the box?

[apvm]

Bought some Kodak 16X DVD+R which are on sale at The Source right now for $24.99/100...the code turn out to be Optodisc-R16-00, DD care to comment on them since I think you have mentioned Optodisc are ok. TIA

BTW the new Pioneer 112D firmware 1.22 doesn't fix my cd problem.

[zod]

I bought a new 50 pack for Verbatim 16x DVD+r's from staples today. They still have the times new roman font but the packaging is a new design. I was wondering if these are still the quality verbatim to get (made by CMC)?

[TanGU]

I bought a new 50 pack for Verbatim 16x DVD+r's from staples today. They still have the times new roman font but the packaging is a new design. I was wondering if these are still the quality verbatim to get (made by CMC)?

Check the Mediacode to be sure of it.

[zod]

The media code is the same regardless of which factory made it. So that doesn't help :(

[Macross_Freek]

Where has the dolphin gone? It's been over 2 weeks since we last heard from him.

[jhardy]

He's at cdrlabs right now. Either he doesn't have time for both, or someone here has put him off.

[zod]

According to some threads I was reading over on cdrlabs the verbatims start with PAPA on the number on the inner part of the hub of dvd's. I took a look at the spindle I bought and it started the same way, which apparently means they are made my CMC which is good.

That being said.. for +r's why do all the futureshops around here have the non-cmc ones, but staples always has the cmc made ones.. its kinda wierd.

[Macross_Freek]

According to some threads I was reading over on cdrlabs the verbatims start with PAPA on the number on the inner part of the hub of dvd's. I took a look at the spindle I bought and it started the same way, which apparently means they are made my CMC which is good.

That being said.. for +r's why do all the futureshops around here have the non-cmc ones, but staples always has the cmc made ones.. its kinda wierd.

Staples has less sales on them? shrug

[apvm]

My Samsung 203 sata arrived so I could rma the Pioneer 112...my 1st impression is this Samsung rock....it loves to burn media at full speed...no wonder people are replacing their 112 with 203 when they found out the 112 don't work perfect with cd.

[digdoug]

I bought a new 50 pack for Verbatim 16x DVD+r's from staples today. They still have the times new roman font but the packaging is a new design. I was wondering if these are still the quality verbatim to get (made by CMC)?

heh, guess you got burned by the $20 100-pack at FS.



I recently moved my Benq 1655 over from an Intel system to an AMD. I noticed that the scans I got in the AMD system tended to have a lot of POFs, whereas in the Intel, they would be very rare. I appear to have a problem where any slight disk activity in my AMD system will cause POFs, both in scans and -- I assume -- also in writes.

In my old Intel system, I could download, surf the internet, and burn, and I would get good results without POFs. I could also do scans while doing the above and the scans would be good.

So what's the problem with the AMD system? I've turned on DMA for all my HDs. I burn off an SATA drive, but I don't see a setting for DMA in WinXP. My burner uses Ultra DMA Mode 2.


also, does the TNR > Arial still hold true for the current batches of 100-pack 16X Verbatim +R? I'm wondering because my ISPU only had Arial fonts left, which sucked. How good are the Arial +Rs anyway? Better than TNR -Rs?

How do the four types of Verbatim Arial/TNR +/-R rank amongst each other? especially with the Benq 1655. Help.

[txenglan]

Can an expert please comment on what I have posted in the recent 100-pack Verbatim (for 19.99) thread at http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486866&page=29

What I have posted so far is:

....I am getting incredibly poor burns. I have done the last two burns at 12X on a BenQ 1650 with BCDC firmware (flashed back because of MCC004 media problems with later firmware revisions and this drive) and I got a complete failure on the first scan (didn't even complete) and a 50% scan on the next attempted burn. I am getting thrown off by this since I have never had such poor burns, even with absolute junk media. Anyone have any ideas about this?

I just read http://club.cdfreaks.com/showthread.php?t=177205 and I am beginning to wish I had just stayed with good old trusty TGY02 media.

Also, these disks start with the infamous MAP6 serial number and are -R. Here is my latest scan:

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/7251/benqdvddddw1650bcdc12sezu9.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/6280/benqdvddddw1650bcdc12seiu9.png (http://imageshack.us)

[ShadowVlican]

I recently moved my Benq 1655 over from an Intel system to an AMD. I noticed that the scans I got in the AMD system tended to have a lot of POFs, whereas in the Intel, they would be very rare. I appear to have a problem where any slight disk activity in my AMD system will cause POFs, both in scans and -- I assume -- also in writes.

In my old Intel system, I could download, surf the internet, and burn, and I would get good results without POFs. I could also do scans while doing the above and the scans would be good.

So what's the problem with the AMD system? I've turned on DMA for all my HDs. I burn off an SATA drive, but I don't see a setting for DMA in WinXP. My burner uses Ultra DMA Mode 2.
does your AMD system utilize a nForce chipset?

if so... these chipsets aren't designed exactly the best for IDE/SATA..... lots of small issues can be found at the nforcersHQ's forum.... nothing catastrophic though

[spinbot]

I've stuck with the DD recommendations and knock on wood, its served me well over the years. BenQ with TY media for the longest time, then Pioneer with Verbatim.

[digdoug]

does your AMD system utilize a nForce chipset?

if so... these chipsets aren't designed exactly the best for IDE/SATA..... lots of small issues can be found at the nforcersHQ's forum.... nothing catastrophic though

I bought the Cisnet 8003B when Staples had that on sale for $300. Device Manager doesn't say what chipset I have. The Cisnet thread mentions that it's probably this motherboard,
http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1402&l1=3&l2=15&l3=368

How do I check which chipset I have? Thanks.

[apvm]

I bought the Cisnet 8003B when Staples had that on sale for $300. Device Manager doesn't say what chipset I have. The Cisnet thread mentions that it's probably this motherboard,
http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1402&l1=3&l2=15&l3=368

How do I check which chipset I have? Thanks.


According to your link you have ATI RS 482/Uli M1573 chipsets, your IDE/SATA is by the ULI M1573 chipset, goto Nvidia site and download/install their latest ULI driver and see if there is any improvement (Nvidia bought ULI so Nvidia is suppling the drivers)

If you want to be sure, goto device manager and click on the ide/ata controllers, it should tell you what chipset is controlling them.

[txenglan]

Wanting to get some visibility and insight into my issue, I am reposting the below (it exists @ http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5612729&posted=1#post5612729 as well) and I apologize if this is inconsistent with forum rules. If it is, I won't do it anymore.

" ...and so the plot thickens again. This time, I first cleared "SolidBurn", then flashed the firmware on the drive to BCIC (which generally isn't regarded as the best firmware available for this drive) and the following was produced:

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/1328/benqdvddddw1650bcic12selk3.png
By txenglan (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/txenglan) at 2007-09-12

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/9058/benqdvddddw1650bcic12sexz0.png
By txenglan (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/txenglan) at 2007-09-12

I'm now wondering if this change is due to the different firmware or whether or not I have a bad batch of Verbs or whether these disks are just inconsistent in quality. The link that I provided to Cdfreaks, earlier would seem to suggest the latter."

[The Digital Dolphin]

@txenglan:
The BenQ DW1650 is a very powerful drive, with many possible options and settings that can either make or break it's burn capabilities.

What settings do you have enabled/disabled? Especially with regard to overspeed, solidburn, and WOPC?

Keep in mind that I have some *REALLY* bad Verbatim MAP6 discs, and only my BenQs are able to burn them well... but they burn them REALLY well ;)

[rabbit]

>> I have a buddy in Hong Kong who saw Made in Japan Verbatims (+R I believe). Is this a real item in Asia? Who manufactures it? Why aren't they sold here?

> They're made by Taiyo Yuden probably, it's not that unusual in Europe, but I don't know about Asia.


My friend in DE sent me some Verbatim pastel DVD-Rs, and they were TY, as were the pastel CD-Rs, which have the trademark frosty hub (CD-R, not DVD-R).

[txenglan]

@txenglan:
The BenQ DW1650 is a very powerful drive, with many possible options and settings that can either make or break it's burn capabilities.

What settings do you have enabled/disabled? Especially with regard to overspeed, solidburn, and WOPC?

Keep in mind that I have some *REALLY* bad Verbatim MAP6 discs, and only my BenQs are able to burn them well... but they burn them REALLY well ;)

DD,

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my queries/rants. As a matter of fact, I chose this drive almost two years ago because of your writings on it's abilities and your general satisfaction with the quality of the burns that it produces on so many different types of media.

Wrt to your question about the settings, the following is what I have been using for months (with the TY media I have been using these settings have been stellar):

Overspeed: Off (I would never do this since I have never considered it a useful option for me. I am concerned about quality, not speed).

WOPC: On (although before flashing back to BCDC, because of the issues with MCC 004 and later firmware revisions on this drive, I had played with this setting a bit but not lately)

Solidburn

For Known Media: On (although I was considering turning it off after 2 or 3 burns with this media but haven't tried yet)

For Unknown Media: On

Since I posted the better scan (the one that came with a quality score of 93%), I have had one more 93% and two 94% scores. On the other hand, somewhere in the middle of those, I actually had one burn that didn't even complete. In fact it barely even started before I got an error in Nero that logged the following:

"
Nero Version: 6.6.1.4


Recorder: <BENQ DVD DD DW1650> Version: BCIC - HA 1 TA 0 - 6.6.1.4
Adapter driver: <IDE> HA 1
Drive buffer : 2048kB
Bus Type : default (0) -> ATAPI, detected: ?
CD-ROM: <BENQ DVD DD DW1650 >Version: BCIC - HA 1 TA 0 - 6.6.1.4
Adapter driver: <IDE> HA 1

=== Scsi-Device-Map ===
DiskPeripheral : WDC WD2500JB-00GVC0 atapi Port 0 ID 0 DMA: On
DiskPeripheral : Maxtor 7L300S0 atapi Port 1 ID 0 DMA: On
CdRomPeripheral : BENQ DVD DD DW1650 atapi Port 3 ID 0 DMA: On
CdRomPeripheral : LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-160P6S atapi Port 3 ID 1 DMA: On
DiskPeripheral : ST3320620AS 3.AA JAHCI Port 4 ID 0 DMA: Off
CdRomPeripheral : FA9103O LYZ011F 1.0 ado9drdg Port 5 ID 0 DMA: Off

AutoRun : 0
Excluded drive IDs:
WriteBufferSize: 83886080 (0) Byte
ShowDrvBufStat : 0
BUFE : 0
Physical memory : 2047MB (2097151kB)
Free physical memory: 1743MB (1785096kB)
Memory in use : 31 %
Uncached PFiles: 0x0
Use Inquiry : 1
Global Bus Type: default (0)
Check supported media : Disabled (0)

13.9.2007
ISO compilation
7:30:16 AM #1 Text 0 File Isodoc.cpp, Line 6475
Iso document burn settings
------------------------------------------
Determine maximum speed : FALSE
Simulate : FALSE
Write : TRUE
Finalize CD : FALSE
Multisession : TRUE
Multisession type: : Start multisession
Burning mode : DAO
Mode : 1
ISO Level : 1 (Max. of 11 = 8 + 3 char)
Character set : ISO 9660
Joliet : TRUE
Allow pathdepth more than 8 directories : TRUE
Allow more than 255 characters in path : TRUE
Write ISO9660 ;1 file extensions : TRUE

7:30:16 AM #2 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 531
ReadBuffer-Pipe got 262144KB of Memory

7:30:16 AM #3 Text 0 File Reader.cpp, Line 124
Reader running

7:30:16 AM #4 Text 0 File Writer.cpp, Line 122
Writer BENQ DVD DD DW1650 running

7:30:16 AM #5 ISO9660GEN -11 File geniso.cpp, Line 3312
First writeable address = 0 (0x00000000)

7:30:16 AM #6 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 3305
Turn on Disc-At-Once, using DVD media

7:30:16 AM #7 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 281
Last possible write address on media: 2298495 (510:46.45, 4489MB)
Last address to be written: 2291263 (509:10.13, 4475MB)
... change CloseDisc-Flag to 1 as capacity is exhaused

7:30:16 AM #8 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 293
Write in overburning mode: NO (enabled: CD DVD)

7:30:16 AM #9 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 2612
Recorder: BENQ DVD DD DW1650, Media type: DVD-R
Disc Manufacturer: MCC 03 - RG20
Disc Application Code: 64, Disc Physical Code: 193

7:30:16 AM #10 Text 0 File DlgWaitCD.cpp, Line 459
>>> Protocol of DlgWaitCD activities: <<<
=========================================

7:30:16 AM #11 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 847
Setup items (after recorder preparation)
0: TRM_DATA_MODE1 ()
2 indices, index0 (150) not provided
original disc pos #0 + 2291264 (2291264) = #2291264/509:10.14
relocatable, disc pos for caching/writing not required/ required, no patch infos
-> TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048, config 0, wanted index0 0 blocks, length 2291264 blocks [BENQ DVD DD DW1650]
--------------------------------------------------------------

7:30:16 AM #12 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 1059
Prepare recorder [BENQ DVD DD DW1650] for write in CUE-sheet-DAO
DAO infos:
==========
MCN: ""
TOCType: 0x00; Session Closed, disc fixated
Tracks 1 to 1:
1: TRM_DATA_MODE1, 2048/0x00, FilePos 0 0 4692508672, ISRC ""
DAO layout:
===========
__Start_|____Track_|_Idx_|_CtrlAdr_|_RecDep_______ ___
0 | lead-in | 0 | 0x41 | 0x00
0 | 1 | 0 | 0x41 | 0x00
0 | 1 | 1 | 0x41 | 0x00
2291264 | lead-out | 1 | 0x41 | 0x00

7:30:16 AM #13 Text 0 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 38
SPTILockVolume - completed successfully for FCTL_LOCK_VOLUME

7:30:16 AM #14 Text 0 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 83
SPTIDismountVolume - completed successfully for FSCTL_DISMOUNT_VOLUME

7:30:16 AM #15 Phase 24 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1685
Caching of files started

7:30:16 AM #16 Text 0 File Burncd.cpp, Line 4145
Cache writing successful.

7:30:16 AM #17 Phase 25 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1685
Caching of files completed

7:30:16 AM #18 Phase 36 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1685
Burn process started at 12x (16,620 KB/s)

7:30:16 AM #19 Text 0 File ThreadedTransferInterface.cpp, Line 2685
Verifying disc position of item 0 (relocatable, disc pos, no patch infos, orig at #0): write at #0

7:30:16 AM #20 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 2707
Recording mode: Sequential Recording Mode

7:30:16 AM #21 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 2863
Start write address at LBA 0
DVD high compatibility mode: Yes

7:30:16 AM #22 Text 0 File Cdrdrv.cpp, Line 8647
---- DVD Structure: Physical Format Information (00h) ----
Media Type: 0, Layer: 0, Address: 0 (0 h), AGID: 0; Length: 2050
Book Type: DVD-R (2), Part Version: 2.0x (5), Extended Part Version: 0.0 (0)
Disc Size: 120 mm, Maximum Rate: <not specified> (F h)
Number of Layers: 1, Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP), Layer Type: recordable
Linear Density: 0,267 um/bit, Track Density: 0,74 um/track
Starting Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 30000 h (DVD-ROM, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW)
End Physical Sector Number of Data Area: 0 h
End Sector Number in Layer 0: 0 h (LBN: FFFD0000 h, 4193920 MB)
Data in Burst Cutting Area (BCA) does not exist
Start sector number of the current Border-Out: 0 h
Start sector number of the next Border-In: 0 h
Media Specific [16..63]:
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 - 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ................

7:31:28 AM #23 SPTI -1135 File SCSIPassThrough.cpp, Line 289
G: CdRom0: SCSIStatus(x02) WinError(0) NeroError(-1135)
Sense Key: 0x03 (KEY_MEDIUM_ERROR)
Sense Code: 0x0C
Sense Qual: 0x00
CDB Data: 0x2A 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 20 00 00 00
Sense Area: 0x70 00 03 00 00 00 00 12 00 00 00 00 0C
Buffer x03620000: Len x10000
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
0x00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

7:31:28 AM #24 CDR -1135 File Writer.cpp, Line 311
Write error
G: BENQ DVD DD DW1650

7:31:28 AM #25 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 228
all writers idle, stopping conversion

7:31:28 AM #26 Text 0 File ThreadedTransfer.cpp, Line 222
conversion idle, stopping reader

7:31:28 AM #27 Text 0 File DVDR.cpp, Line 3103
EndDAO: Last written address was -1

7:31:28 AM #28 Phase 38 File dlgbrnst.cpp, Line 1685
Burn process failed at 12x (16,620 KB/s)


Existing drivers:
File 'Drivers\CDRALW2K.SYS': Ver=8.0.0.212 , size=2560 bytes, created 24/08/2006 11:47:00 PM
File 'Drivers\PXHELP20.SYS': Ver=3.00.43J, size=36624 bytes, created 23/02/2007 12:29:52 AM (Prassi/Veritas driver for win 2K)

Registry Keys:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WinLogon\AllocateCDROMs : 0 (Security Option) "

Also (as others have reported), I have found that QSuite reports that it thinks that it is better to burn this media at 12X rather than 8X. In some cases, I don't mean that it is suggesting, "nyaaaaahhh....12x would be better...", rather, I am suggesting that it is screaming out begging me not to try burning at 8X, while "fairly confidently" suggesting that I go for 12x.

What's the diagnosis Dr. DD? :confused: :lol:

[Sgt_Strider]

What's the consensus on the Samsung 20x SATA DVD burner? Is it as good as Pioneer drives?

[rabbit]

Picked up some of those Verbatim coloured Lightscribe CD-Rs at FS today.

Moser Baer phthalocyanine. What a disappointment.

[digdoug]

According to your link you have ATI RS 482/Uli M1573 chipsets, your IDE/SATA is by the ULI M1573 chipset, goto Nvidia site and download/install their latest ULI driver and see if there is any improvement (Nvidia bought ULI so Nvidia is suppling the drivers)

If you want to be sure, goto device manager and click on the ide/ata controllers, it should tell you what chipset is controlling them.

thanks. I opened up my case and it does show the MB as Asus A8R-MX/S (without the I in the end as the link here (http://usa.asus.com/products4.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1402&l1=3&l2=15&l3=368) shows). However, it doesn't show ATI RS 482/Uli M1573 as the PCI Bus Master. It shows ALi M5229 instead in Device Manager. Neither the uli nor nvidia site seems to have it listed?

[txenglan]

After another burn error today, I took back the Verbatims from the FS sale. I may try the +r ones if they both go on sale again but I don't think I will ever be touching the -r stuff ever again. Even with the +r stuff from a few years ago. I had major troubles with it and was put off back then. This experience has only bolstered my distrust of Verbatim blank media, despite the rave reviews. I have NEVER had any issues of any kind with TY media of any type. Not a single coaster and no bad scans after hundreds of disks.

[spinbot]

After another burn error today.........

My vodka and I have decided that your DVD Burner is f$cked. If 98% of us are happy with the product, then I'd say its fine. It just doesn't like you personally or your DVD burner -- i'm leaning towards your burner.

[txenglan]

My vodka and I have decided that your DVD Burner is f$cked. If 98% of us are happy with the product, then I'd say its fine. It just doesn't like you personally or your DVD burner -- i'm leaning towards your burner.

Your conclusion is logical. However, as I said, I have never had problems with the non-Verbatim media I have been using (not just TY media). The fact that I have never had a problem, by itself, doesn't mean that I couldn't start having one now if it is the burner but on the other hand, what is the chance of having a new problem with a burner that coincides exactly with starting to try to burn with a different type of media? Now add on to that that I have just burned 10 flawless TY disks today with no issues and have also since burned a few test runs on what is generally considered so-so Acro +RW media as well and have not had any issues with it.

Again, the fact that so many people have had no problems with Verbatim media is a sign that the unbalancing factor in this equation is me, my configuration or my burner. Despite this, I am going to throw a wrench into the works. There is one factor that has not been mentioned: My absolute sh1te luck!!!!! Now, illogical as that seems and despite the fact that there is no sensible correlation between "my luck" and Verbatim media, the fact is that I keep ending up with spindles of Verbatim media that are of questionable quality. To put "my luck" into context, I'll give you an example. Ever play Civilization (the board game)? Remember those cards that had "Calamities" associated with them? Yeah.....my friends used to enjoy the fact that I would keep picking up full hands of almost nothing but calamities. They were amazed. "My luck" certainly doesn't end there. Anyone that knows me is in awe of the things that happen to me. People around me generally learn to have significant respect for the black cloud over my head.

Enjoy your Vodka and don't spill it or break a glass :lol:

[spinbot]

Ok -- you can have my vodka -- you need it more than I.

Have you tried different firmwares on your DVD burner? Heck, for what a burner costs, you could just grab another and see what results you get with it ( depending how much you even care ). If you have media that works with it and can buy a reasonable price, roll with it. Hopefully the media has longevity to it, not just good results today, but a year from today.

[txenglan]

Ok -- you can have my vodka -- you need it more than I.

Have you tried different firmwares on your DVD burner? Heck, for what a burner costs, you could just grab another and see what results you get with it ( depending how much you even care ). If you have media that works with it and can buy a reasonable price, roll with it. Hopefully the media has longevity to it, not just good results today, but a year from today.

I've tried just about every firmware that has been released for the BenQ 1650, yes. Not because I had trouble with anyone them (refer to my previous posts for a slight exception to this) but because I was always interested in getting the best possible burn for whichever media I was using at the time. I also have a LiteOn SHW-160P6S but I don't trust it for good-quality burns. I'm afraid that it slipped my mind to try it out with the Verbs that I had but even if it had seemed happy with them, I would always have been nervous about it (I'm sure you can relate).

I have thoroughly loved my 1650 (since buying it over a year ago) and I have kept an eye out for a potential replacement (in case it should give up the ghost) but I have never since heard the type of respect, unwavering and glowing reviews that I did wrt the BenQ as compared to other descendants( models) or products by other companies. Any recommendations for a 1650 replacement? *sniff*>:(

You keep the vodka....I'm on my second glass of an Australian Cabernet Sauvignon :cheesygri

[spinbot]

Any recommendations for a 1650 replacement? *sniff*>:(

Now we are into the DD's area of expertise. Personally, I run the Pioneer DVR-111D and have no issues with it. I use to run BenQ 1620 (im pretty sure that was the model). I had no issues with it either ( after some firmware updates ), however I bought parts for a new PC, so just got a new DVD drive at the same time. For reference, both DVD Burners were the one's the DD recommended ( at the time ). I've been following his guidance on burners and media and everything has been going great.

[txenglan]

Now we are into the DD's area of expertise. Personally, I run the Pioneer DVR-111D and have no issues with it. I use to run BenQ 1620 (im pretty sure that was the model). I had no issues with it either ( after some firmware updates ), however I bought parts for a new PC, so just got a new DVD drive at the same time. For reference, both DVD Burners were the one's the DD recommended ( at the time ). I've been following his guidance on burners and media and everything has been going great.

As far as following DD recommendations, so too have I. In fact, I had been waiting for him to comment on the scans I did, using the Verbatim media. He had asked me about the options I was using with the 1650. Anyhow, he was a big fan of the 1650 (and I believe, still is). Not sure which firmware he prefers on that drive though but I anticipate that his comment on that that would be along the lines of, "that depends on which media you are using". :D

[Macross_Freek]

So I just read the review of the SH-S203B on CDRLabs and it looks like a pretty good review. What's the dolphin's recommendation now between the S203B and the Pioneer 212?

[nicolaim]

So I just read the review of the SH-S203B on CDRLabs and it looks like a pretty good review. What's the dolphin's recommendation now between the S203B and the Pioneer 212?

I'd like to know too...

[Ghetto_Child]

I just found out there's DVD+RW Dual Layer. Does anyone know where to get some of this? I'm wondering how much such a thing will cost but this is great it means way less coasters when testing movie burns or DVD-Video discs.

Go here http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/ecma-374.htm
Scroll down to the section titled Data Interchange and Archiving by Physical Media
Click on ECMA-374 (http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/Ecma-374.htm) this is the link http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/Ecma-374.htm you can read the pdf file about it if you want too.

[rabbit]

No, don't know where to buy DVD+RW Double Layer. Haven't seen them anywhere in store or online.

What I'm looking for are some Labelflash +Rs in Canada.

[Ghetto_Child]

What's Labelflash? A brand or a manufacturer?

[rabbit]

It's like Lightscribe, but mostly EU (and maybe other continents, but only just trickling to North America).

Labelflash has a blue tint instead of the Lightscribe's gold. Lightscribe does offer coloured surfaces, but so far, it's been restricted to CD-Rs (don't know why that is).

Labelflash includes Yamaha's Disc T@2, which writes patterns on the data side, but only on DVD Rs, not CD-Rs. Not a "to die for" feature, but it's kind of cool when you've got extra space on a disc.

Lightscribe requires driver-type software in addition to a CD/DVD graphics editor (such as Nero), whereas Labelflash only requires the graphics editor (such as Nero).


The popular Pioneer 111 can be firmware flashed to support Labelflash. Probably the Pio 112, as well. Don't know of any other writers available here that is Labelflash capable.


//edited to fix type ...

[Ghetto_Child]

Thanks for explaining Labelflash rabbit :) much appreciated.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=501160

Does anyone know how/where to find the list of recommended medium codes for this drive?

DD what's your opinion on this drive especially since it's $25-$30 new at The Source? Can you help with the recommended MIDs?

[JAC]

Requirements:

a) Beige
b) SATA
c) burn my TGY02 at 12x

Choices at my local LCS:

Pioneer DVR 212D SATA
Asus DRW-1814BLT SATA
LG GSA-H62N SATA
LiteOn LH-20A1S SATA

[nicolaim]

I just burned my first DL with my new Pioneer 212 at 4X. Nero quality scan (8X) hangs at layer break with error values off the scale. A disc from the same spindle of Verbatim 2.4X +DL burned at 2.4X on my BenQ 1650 scored 95% (8X scan.) Is this a test issue, or is the quality of my burned disc no good? Your insights are much appreciated!
P.S.: Both drives have latest firmware. Nero CD Speed version 4.7.0.0. (Version 4.7.7.5 doesn't seem to work with the Pioneer.) Burns made with Nero 7.5.9.0.

[gordholio]

I've tried just about every firmware that has been released for the BenQ 1650, yes. Not because I had trouble with anyone them (refer to my previous posts for a slight exception to this) but because I was always interested in getting the best possible burn for whichever media I was using at the time. I also have a LiteOn SHW-160P6S but I don't trust it for good-quality burns. I'm afraid that it slipped my mind to try it out with the Verbs that I had but even if it had seemed happy with them, I would always have been nervous about it (I'm sure you can relate).

I have thoroughly loved my 1650 (since buying it over a year ago) and I have kept an eye out for a potential replacement (in case it should give up the ghost) but I have never since heard the type of respect, unwavering and glowing reviews that I did wrt the BenQ as compared to other descendants( models) or products by other companies. Any recommendations for a 1650 replacement? *sniff*>:(

You keep the vodka....I'm on my second glass of an Australian Cabernet Sauvignon :cheesygri

I have had the BenQ 1650 for about 1 1/2 years and it's still going strong.
I haven't "updated" the firmware at all and it works fine, so I don't bother.
Hope to keep it for another 2 or 3 years.

[txenglan]

I got 2 packs of the +r Verbatim Media this time as per the thread on the Staples sale. So far, I have only had one crappy burn. All the rest are scanning in at 95 and above.

[Ghetto_Child]

I don't go through a lot of media so I'm still not finished my 3rd 50-pk of Memorex 16X DVD+R (RICOHJPN R03 medium code) that I bought 2½ years ago. After that gets used up I have a 25pk of Verbatim DVD+R 16X that I bought from that $7-$9 sale at The Source in 2005. The Label says Verbatim© 2004. After that I have this 100-pk I just bought from the current sale/PM and it's dated Verbatim© 2005.

Do you think the medium code could have changed in the space of 1yr?

Got another question for Digital Dolphin or anyone else capable. I noticed almost all DVD packaging says "Made In Taiwan", but I think either the Philips brand or that Spin-X brand says "Made In China". Which one is generally better; MIT or MIC? I have never seen MIJ in a store yet except for all my Sony media.

[apvm]

So I just read the review of the SH-S203B on CDRLabs and it looks like a pretty good review. What's the dolphin's recommendation now between the S203B and the Pioneer 212?

I have both the SH-S203B and a Pioneer 112, for good media like TY and Verbatim, the S203B burn slightly better than the Pioneer and can burn at a higher speed with good results too but Pioneer could handle poor media like TDK, Memerox etc slightly better than the Samsung. The Samsung burn Cdr pretty good while my 112 couldn't burn or read cdr, btw I am still waiting for my 112 to come back from rma.

[Macross_Freek]

I have both the SH-S203B and a Pioneer 112, for good media like TY and Verbatim, the S203B burn slightly better than the Pioneer and can burn at a higher speed with good results too but Pioneer could handle poor media like TDK, Memerox etc slightly better than the Samsung. The Samsung burn Cdr pretty good while my 112 couldn't burn or read cdr, btw I am still waiting for my 112 to come back from rma.

I would actually like to buy the 212 but I would prefer to have bitsetting option. Is non bitsetting with DVD+R media pretty irrelevant now with newer dvd players? I do have some older dvd players but I've always used bitsetting to set DVD+R to DVD-ROM.

Also as another question, was the 212 plagued with the same cd issue as the 112? I don't remember reading anything definitive about this. Would the newest firmware release have fixed this on both the 112 and 212?

[Ghetto_Child]

Hey everyone I don't know if any of you came across this medium code. I've got 250pcs of this medium code right now. I'm testing a screener of my friend's movie "The Descendant" anyway. I will post graphs of the PI/PO test I did using my PX-716A and PlexTools Professional V2.35

To give you a hint/preview the medium code is ProdiscF01 exactly written like that. According to PlexTools and Nero CD-DVD speed it's a 4.7GB 8X DVD-R disc that was burned in a HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4165B labeled "STORAGELABS_TINYUDF_VOLUME". Nero scandisc says each file in the 3.7GB movie on the disc is 100% and here's a text result of a SUM1 PI Error and SUM8 PI Error scan below. I don't know what brand/label these spindles are from. I have 5 spindles of 50 discs and all 5 spindles are identical with Arial font on the spindle cover. These spindles could be just generic empty ones bought to store a bulk pack of the discs. I really don't know if they came with the discs. Oh the spindles look the same as I've seen RiData come in, clear cover with smooth rounded edges and the part that holds the disc is all gray.

The ECMA has a couple of standards that determine what are good ranges. For SUM1 (PI Errors per block) you must not have more than 4 errors per block. For SUM8 (PI Errors per 8 consecutive blocks) you must not have more than 280 errors per 8 blocks. If you want to know what an error is and what it means you can look it up on the ECMA International website. Download the ECMA 267 Standard for DVD-ROM, the ECMA 337 Standard for DVD+R/RW and the ECMA 338 Standard for DVD-R/RW at http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/standards/Stnindex.htm#DataInterchange



Nero CD-DVD Speed V4.10
Nero CD-DVD Speed: Disc Info
Basic Information
Disc type: : DVD-R
Book Type : DVD-R
Manufacturer: : unknown
MID : ProdiscF01
Write speeds: : 4 X - 6 X - 8 X
Blank Capacity : 4.38 GB
: 4489 MB
: 4707319808 bytes
Extended Information
Layers : 1
Usage : General
Copyright protection : n/a
Recorder information : recorded with HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4165B
Disc Status : Closed
Raw Data
Pre-recorded Information in Lead-in (0Eh)
0000 - 01 40 C1 FD 9E D8 52 00 02 88 0D 0C 88 88 90 00 - .@....R.........
0010 - 03 50 72 6F 64 69 73 00 04 63 46 30 31 00 00 00 - .Prodis..cF01...
0020 - 05 B8 83 00 30 00 01 00 00 00 00 00 66 C1 FA 77 - ....0.......f..w
0030 - 34 00 00 C0 10 DB 05 00 1E 48 2F 7C 34 00 00 C0 - 4........H/|4...
0040 - 8C DB 05 00 F8 EB FD 7F B4 00 00 00 FF FF FF FF - ................
0050 - CC DB 05 00 44 33 4A 00 25 00 00 00 02 00 00 00 - ....D3J.%.......
0060 - 00 00 00 00 18 00 00 00 3C 00 00 00 F8 EB FD 7F - ........<.......




Q-Check PIPO SUM1 ProdiscF01 8X-R.txt
This scan tests for uncorrectable PI errors per data block on the disc
-------------------------------------------------------
PlexTools Professional V2.35 Q-Check PI/PO Test
Copyright(C) 1999-2006 Plextor SA/NV
Sun, October 21, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------
PIF POE POF
Avg 0.01 - -
Max 2 - -
Total 748 - 0




Q-Check PIPO SUM8 ProdiscF01 8X-R.txt
This scan tests for PI errors before correction per 8 consecutive data blocks on the disc
-------------------------------------------------------
PlexTools Professional V2.35 Q-Check PI/PO Test
Copyright(C) 1999-2006 Plextor SA/NV
Sun, October 21, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------
PIE POE POF
Avg 2.31 - -
Max 18 - -
Total 34891 - 0


SUM1 PI uncorrectable Errors per block scan on left. SUM8 PI Error before correction per 8 consecutive blocks scan on right.
http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum1_prodiscf01_8x-r.pnghttp://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum8_prodiscf01_8x-r.png
Does anyone know how to attach or embed an html page into a post?
All graphs of ProdiscF01 Quality Scans (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/)

CDDVDtest_ProdiscF01_8X-R.txt (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/cddvdtest_prodiscf01_8x-r.txt)

Q-Check_Beta_Jitter_16_ECC_Blocks_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_beta_jitter_16_ecc_blocks_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_Beta_Jitter_8_ECC_Blocks_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_beta_jitter_8_ecc_blocks_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_PIPO_Basic_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_basic_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_PIPO_Basic_ProdiscF01_8X-R.txt (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_basic_prodiscf01_8x-r.txt)

Q-Check_PIPO_Burst_PIE_POF_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_burst_pie_pof_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_PIPO_Burst_POE_POF_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_burst_poe_pof_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_PIPO_Burst_ProdiscF01_8X-R.txt (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_burst_prodiscf01_8x-r.txt)

Q-Check_PIPO_SUM1_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum1_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_PIPO_SUM1_ProdiscF01_8X-R.txt (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum1_prodiscf01_8x-r.txt)

Q-Check_PIPO_SUM8_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum8_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_PIPO_SUM8_ProdiscF01_8X-R.txt (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum8_prodiscf01_8x-r.txt)

Q-Check_TA_Inner_Zone_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_ta_inner_zone_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_TA_Middle_Zone_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_ta_middle_zone_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Q-Check_TA_Outer_Zone_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_ta_outer_zone_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Read_Transfer_Rate_ProdiscF01_8X-R.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/read_transfer_rate_prodiscf01_8x-r.html)

Do any of the media gurus have any comments about this media? Where to buy it even? DD? buck? BestOffer?

EDIT Oct. 23rd 9:15 AM:
I just did a quick scan on 2 random discs from the 250 disc set I'm previewing. One disc which was dirty prior to testing had a noticeable dip in quality especially on the last 1/3rd of the disc. Keep in mind this disc had some liquid residue on it before testing. The other randome disc had same results as the very 1st disc scanned. Superb quality, both random discs were burned using Roxio Toast on an HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4163B. So that's 3 discs, 2 recording softwares, 2 different DVD writters, all the same medium code, burned this July.

Q-Check_PIPO_SUM1_ProdiscF01_8X-R_Disc2.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum1_prodiscf01_8x-r_disc2.html)

Q-Check_PIPO_SUM1_ProdiscF01_8X-R_Disc2.txt (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum1_prodiscf01_8x-r_disc2.txt)

Q-Check_PIPO_SUM8_ProdiscF01_8X-R_Disc2.html (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum8_prodiscf01_8x-r_disc2.html)

Q-Check_PIPO_SUM8_ProdiscF01_8X-R_Disc2.txt (http://www.geocities.com/dawgmac69/hardware/q-check_pipo_sum8_prodiscf01_8x-r_disc2.txt)

[apvm]

I would actually like to buy the 212 but I would prefer to have bitsetting option. Is non bitsetting with DVD+R media pretty irrelevant now with newer dvd players? I do have some older dvd players but I've always used bitsetting to set DVD+R to DVD-ROM.

Also as another question, was the 212 plagued with the same cd issue as the 112? I don't remember reading anything definitive about this. Would the newest firmware release have fixed this on both the 112 and 212?

Can't remember about the 112 since I am still waiting for it to come back from rma and for the Samsung it doesn't auto bitset DVD+R to DVD-ROM but the burning software I use do that for me...Nero and Imgburn.

It all depends on how old your player, my Philip and LG has no problem with DVD+R but the Apex 1500 (I don't own it anymore) can't read DVD+R or DVD+R bitsetted to DVD-ROM.

[wookie]

So I just read the review of the SH-S203B on CDRLabs and it looks like a pretty good review. What's the dolphin's recommendation now between the S203B and the Pioneer 212?

im curious about this as well :)

[Sgt_Strider]

Is the Samsusng SH-S203B actually better than the Pioneer 212D?

[Ghetto_Child]

I'd like your comments on my scans please. I want to know what you think of that medium code, that writer, and from which brands that medium code can be found please?

[Happy13178]

Anyone know what the best brand of inkjet printable dual layer dvd+ or -r's is? Looking for a spindle of some decent discs....any manufacturers to avoid for this? The only ones that are inkjet printable I've found lately are Ridata, and not sure on the quality of those... http://www.cty.ca/details.asp?pid=1849

[rabbit]

I think Dolphin said that these new MAM-A ones are decent:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=25151
MID Code RICOHJPND01-067

Not exactly cheap, at $75 for 25.

There was a guessing game thread about those MAMs awhile back. "New, quality DLs" or something like that.

[Pavel]

Is the Samsusng SH-S203B actually better than the Pioneer 212D?

People on Ncix forums have reported issues with it: http://forum.ncix.com/forums/index.php?mode=showthread&msg_id=1459643&threadid=1459643&forum=103&product_id=24649&msgcount=6&overclockid=0#msg1459643

[batman321123]

Hi,

Is there a site or a list of media that is good right now? Or should I just find some cheap media and then come and check in this thread if someone has commented on it?

Just Leoning

[apvm]

My Pioneer 112D rma finally came back Friday....they replaced my old Dec 2006 built with a new Mar 2007 built with stock 1.09 firmware....it now read/write cd without problems thus confirming can't read/write cd bug only exsist with units built before March 2007.

As for comparing the Pioneer 112/212 vs Samsung S203B, I have both the 112D and 203B...the 203B can't burn the Verbatim 2.4X DVD+R which I bought from blankmedia.ca for $2.95/25 spindle, Nero report no write strategy for this media with the S203B but will still burn at 2.4x but the burnt quality is boarderline..still playable tho. They are ok with the Pioneer 112D 1.09 firmware, nero burn them at 2.4X and burnt quality is better than S203B.

Based on the above media, TDK DVD+/-R 16X, Kodak DVD+R 16X, TY DBD-R 8X, Acro Circle DVD-R 8X, Fuji MIJ DVD+R 8X, Verbatim DVD-R 4X and Verbatim DVD+/-R 16X....Pioneer 112D is an overall better burner than the Samsung because it can handle the cheaper media like the TDK better than Samsung.

If Pioneer has truely fixed the can't read/write cd bug, Pioneer is still the better buy over Samsung, LG etc present models...jmo


People on Ncix forums have reported issues with it: http://forum.ncix.com/forums/index.php?mode=showthread&msg_id=1459643&threadid=1459643&forum=103&product_id=24649&msgcount=6&overclockid=0#msg1459643

I don't have the mentioned problem, my MSI K8N SLI Platnium (Nforce 570 chipset) and Gigabyte P35-DS3L (Intel P35 chipset) motherboard
works fine with the Samsung 203B onboard....sounds to me a driver problem instead of a Samsung problem to me.

[smuncky]

got a pack of verbatim dvd-r which are made in india and the packaging is blue and orange. like the picture.

http://www.verbatim.com/images/products/951012.jpg

are these discs that are made in india better than the ones MIT (assuming that they are TNR font)?

[nicolaim]

got a pack of verbatim dvd-r which are made in india and the packaging is blue and orange. like the picture.

are these discs that are made in india better than the ones MIT (assuming that they are TNR font)?

I'm just guessing, but I doubt the font thing still applies when the manufacturing is in a different country...

[NG]

got a pack of verbatim dvd-r which are made in india and the packaging is blue and orange. like the picture.

http://www.verbatim.com/images/products/951012.jpg

are these discs that are made in india better than the ones MIT (assuming that they are TNR font)?

If they're MII then they're from Moser Baer so the font thing shouldn't matter since we used that to avoid the Verbatim's by Prodisc.

I wish DD was still around to give us the FYI on these discs (from what I understand Moser Baer discs are pretty middle of the road "meh"). I hope that Verbatim hasn't gone down the crap Memorex road...

[smuncky]

If they're MII then they're from Moser Baer so the font thing shouldn't matter since we used that to avoid the Verbatim's by Prodisc.

I wish DD was still around to give us the FYI on these discs (from what I understand Moser Baer discs are pretty middle of the road "meh"). I hope that Verbatim hasn't gone down the crap Memorex road...



yeh cuz i really want to know if i should keep them or take them back and wait for a sale on the MIT TNR font verbatims.

[silentio]

Where's Digital Dolphin thse days?

And Verbatim 16x, what's good to get now? Does the TNR matter now that it is either made in Singapore or in India? Are either of these worth getting?

[rabbit]

Dolphin probably invested so much in Blu-ray gear that he can't afford to pay for an internet connection anymore <jk>.

[zod]

The TNR font never referred to singapore/india, singapore never made 16x discs. They were all made in Taiwan, some by prodisc, some by cmc, the TNR font indicated they were made CMC.

I'm pretty sure it still applies, I bought a 100 pack with the new label, tnr font, and the hub still started with PAPA which indicates CMC made.

Singapore/India only applies to dual layer media as far as I know, and its pretty obvious as the spindle specify the country of origin.

[zod]

On 2nd thought, maybe they'res now 3 manufacturers?, prodisc, cmc, and moser baer.

So I suppose you want made in taiwan discs with the TNR font :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Dolphin probably invested so much in Blu-ray gear that he can't afford to pay for an internet connection anymore <jk>.

Hehehehe, ^_^() no comment
Although I would sooner give up heating then my internet connection ;)

So where have I been? A little here, a little there.... mostly away from my computer. But I feel I owe a little explanation:

There are several reasons why I'm not around here so much anymore. The biggest one is and always has been time. I mostly post here while I'm at work, and this has many negative consequences for me. I don't spend a lot of time at my computer at home anymore, mainly because I'm usually out and about, having discovered that having an active lifestyle has many benefits :D

Another thing holding me back is that the whole optical media industry is in a major slump. There are no DVD burners on the market that are overly remarkable... some of them like the latest Samsung and Pioneer offerings are better then the other mediocre attempts available... but we just don't get drives like the BenQ DW1640, Plextor PX-716 (or even PX-755/PX-760), or Lite-On 1635S. Mostly it's just very cheap crap in my opinion. This doesn't exactly motivate me to do the hundreds and hundreds of burn tests I used to do on every major new drive I could get my hands on. I still have tons and TONS of media to do it with, but little time for it, and no motivation.

Despite the above however, I do want to stress that I'm still fairly active in the industry. I'm still highly involved with NCIX, and sometimes Anitec and Blankmedia.ca when the situation calls for it. I still have regular chats with Verbatim, Maxell, and many other optical media manufacturing and distributing companies. You may have noticed one of the deals I helped negotiate? Verbatim DVD+RDL 20pk at NCIX on Black Friday? ;) I really shouldn't admit to being behind that one, but I'm rather proud of it :razz:

So while I'm here... what kind of industry news can I share? Hrm... well, as you already know, Verbatim's DVD+RDLs are becoming increasingly and increasingly manufactured by MBIL. Sometime next year, a third manufacturer will be added. Last I heard though, 2.4x DVD+RDL 10pks were still all manufactured in Singapore. I *DO NOT KNOW* if this is still the case, but it's a likely much better bet then the 20pks. The 8x DVD+RDL 15pks are all still made in Singapore by MKM however. Other news? BD-Rs are going to drop in price early next year with the influx of LTH media (Low to high). HD DVD-R media has begun getting cleared out in Europe (SVP no longer carried any at all last I checked). I've heard rumours that the already limited support for HD DVD-R as a product may begun dwindling even further because of lack of available burners. I feel confident in saying that if there is a next generation of recordable optical media, it will be Blu-Ray, and not HD DVD (please note, this is speaking 100% specifically about recordable media, NOT MOVIES). I of course am a Blu-Ray supporter in general (I'm a dolphin for crying out loud, I like blue things), but at this point the recordable format side of HD DVD seems to be completely lacking a future... or even a present. Other news? Coloured Lightscibe DVD-Rs are right around the corner from Verbatim. Oh, NCIX has signed a direct distributorship deal with Maxell Canada, giving them access to lower prices on consumer oriented Maxell products. The unfortunate side affect is that they lost access to the Maxell Plus Series and BQ Series of media (really, Maxell's whole professional line of products). So if you were a fan of those items, it's unlikely NCIX will be able to restock. In OTHER other news, the BQ series will likely be discontinued by Maxell in March of 2008. Stock is expected to last 3-6 months after that if we're lucky. Expect the "baby brother" HG DVDRs to disappear around the same time, as they are just a consumer oriented near equivilant, made in the same plant as the BQ. With this, Maxell will seemingly only be producing BD-R and HD DVD-R media in house (for recordable CD/DVD media), and the HD DVD-R production MAY cease entirely unless HD DVD-R burners appear spontaneously in stores around the world overnight (seriously, manufacturers are pissed at the lack of market/demand for their product, compared to what was promised to them by Toshiba!). That's most of the stuff I can think of right now.

As for the question about Verbatim media made by CMC, Prodisc and MBIL.... I would personally take CMC over MBIL and MBIL over Prodisc. It can vary from batch to batch however. Bad CMC can be worse then Prodisc (but that's a LOT more rare to find!).

I'll try to come back and check this thread a little more often again.... I can't make any promises though.

[NG]

Welcome back :) but...


Oh, NCIX has signed a direct distributorship deal with Maxell Canada, giving them access to lower prices on consumer oriented Maxell products. The unfortunate side affect is that they lost access to the Maxell Plus Series and BQ Series of media (really, Maxell's whole professional line of products). So if you were a fan of those items, it's unlikely NCIX will be able to restock.

it goes from bad


In OTHER other news, the BQ series will likely be discontinued by Maxell in March of 2008. Stock is expected to last 3-6 months after that if we're lucky.

to worse.

Why would ncix loose those lines by getting closer with Maxell and why would Maxell kill the only good quality media in their stable? When the BQ stuff dies off what would you recommend for quality media?

[silentio]

As for the question about Verbatim media made by CMC, Prodisc and MBIL.... I would personally take CMC over MBIL and MBIL over Prodisc. It can vary from batch to batch however. Bad CMC can be worse then Prodisc (but that's a LOT more rare to find!).

I'll try to come back and check this thread a little more often again.... I can't make any promises though.



Uh for Verbatim, what exactly should I be looking for, in terms for place of manufacturer, date, TNR or senif font on top?

Or do you have another recommendation for quality dvd+r blanks now that is relatively inexpensive at about 30-40 cents per disc?

[rabbit]

Other news? Coloured Lightscibe DVD-Rs are right around the corner from Verbatim.

That's cool. I finally managed to get Lightscribe to work with some CD-Rs :D. Labelflash was a lot easier, and I wish that you could buy LF discs here. Still too expensive to get them in from EU.

It would be nice if both LF and LS would make white, silver/grey, or something neutral. Colours are okay, but most of the time, I would prefer to have either white or grey.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Welcome back :) but...

Why would ncix loose those lines by getting closer with Maxell and why would Maxell kill the only good quality media in their stable? When the BQ stuff dies off what would you recommend for quality media?

NCIX lost the lines because they set themselves up as a distributor of Maxell products... but they are only a consumer product distributor. That means they get access to computer media, audio, video, battery and accessory product lines. All professional industrial product lines are only available to Professional Industrial dealers.... a retail store cannot be a professional industrial dealer. Basically, NCIX traded higher end product lines for cheaper prices on lower end consumer product lines. I don't believe they were aware of that particular consequence at the time though.

I have to be honest however... I'm a little conflicted about this. I was directly involved with the Maxell line and NCIX before this deal went through, and I've been entirely cut out. So if you notice I sound a little angry, it's because it's still a bit raw. I still have a great business relationship with both NCIX and Maxell though... but I won't be able to fix any fun deals between them anymore. Any Maxell stuff you see appearing at NCIX is now completely between the two of them.

For people looking at continueing to get Maxell BQ Series or Plus Series products, I'll see what I can do about setting something else up for you. It would help a lot if you let me know there was an interest however.

As for when the BQ dies off, I'm working on qualifying something to replace it already. I'm hoping that I can work something out with Verbatim for this, but I won't really know until I've taken a much closer look at some of their specialty media. 2 items currently being looked at are Verbatim's Photograde DVD±Rs and their Videoguard DVD±Rs. Both come in 10pks (one in jewel cases, the other in thinpak DVD cases).

In other news, there may be some problems with current batches of TY CD-Rs (actually, potentially even CD-Rs that are ~6 months old). I don't know how serious the problem is... it might just be 'cosmetic' so I don't want to cause any alarm just yet.... but some consistant and aggrivating problems have been noted lately, and I'm investigating. Current signs of the problem include the disc not being able to be burned at full speed (taking ~6-7min to burn a ~70min disc at 48x). I don't know if this problem will only exist on duplicator towers (which is where it is being seen right now), or if it will be noticable on PC based drives also (same unit, but different burning scenarios entirely). I'm still working on testing the problem out and trying to understand it.

Because of this issue, I have begun seriously looking at Verbatim Datalife+ CD-Rs as a viable alternative. In the past I've more or less ignored them because TY did such a good job, and TY was usually cheaper and easier to get. Maxell Pro CD-Rs (which use TY) seem to be unaffected so far.

As for what to look for in Verbatim DVDRs now.... your best bet is probably still "made in taiwan" with the TNR font. I don't pay much attention to the dates personally however, I'm sorry to say. But I will say that good and bad batches both come and go, and I doubt that any single year is without some media that is above the normal standard and also below it. Trying to completely rule out your chances of getting one or the other is only going to over-stress you I suspect.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Other news? Coloured Lightscibe DVD-Rs are right around the corner from Verbatim.

That's cool. I finally managed to get Lightscribe to work with some CD-Rs :D. Labelflash was a lot easier, and I wish that you could buy LF discs here. Still too expensive to get them in from EU.

It would be nice if both LF and LS would make white, silver/grey, or something neutral. Colours are okay, but most of the time, I would prefer to have either white or grey.

I'm surprised you had any trouble at all actually... I only made my first lightscribe disc a few months ago. It would have gone flawlessly if I hadn't made a typo in the label.... I can't blame the tech. for THAT mistake though :razz: I think I've made about 7 Lightscribe CD-Rs now... something like that.

[silentio]

As for what to look for in Verbatim DVDRs now.... your best bet is probably still "made in taiwan" with the TNR font. I don't pay much attention to the dates personally however, I'm sorry to say. But I will say that good and bad batches both come and go, and I doubt that any single year is without some media that is above the normal standard and also below it. Trying to completely rule out your chances of getting one or the other is only going to over-stress you I suspect.


There are reports that MIT Verbatim 16x DVD+R is impossible to find now. I think I've read that there is now Made in India and Made in Singapore Verbatim 16x DVD+R.

I take it MII and MIS are both poor, but between those 2, MIS is slightly better but far below MIT?

[The Digital Dolphin]

There are reports that MIT Verbatim 16x DVD+R is impossible to find now. I think I've read that there is now Made in India and Made in Singapore Verbatim 16x DVD+R.

I take it MII and MIS are both poor, but between those 2, MIS is slightly better but far below MIT?

I have certainly not found that to be true myself. But what I *CAN* tell you is that Verbatim has an excess stock of over 5 million 16x DVD+Rs in 50pks right now.... so if those are all MII, then it'll be a while before you see any new batches ;)

I can also tell you that NCIX's last order of Lightscribe 16x DVD+Rs was made by CMC, as were the 8x DVD+R 100pks. The 8x DVD+R 50pks and 10pks however were made by Prodisc.

Verbatim doesn't know I've cracked their internal manufacturer's part number scheme :twisted:

Oh, and there have been no signs of *ANY* Made in Singapore 16x DVD+Rs.... there were MIS 4x DVD+Rs for a while. MIS is very rare, and generally considered to be the best option for Verbatim media (because it's made by MKM themselves, and not farmed out). I don't know where you heard about MIS 16x DVD+Rs, but I'd like to see the source and find out more!

[nicolaim]

Thanks for the updates DD.

[apvm]

Thanks for the updates, so right now the Pioneer 112 and Samsung 203B are the drives to get if one is buying new?

[[buck]]

I don't know where you heard about MIS 16x DVD+Rs, but I'd like to see the source and find out more!
Well, IIRC, there were a small number of MIS Verbatim 16X DVD+Rs sold in none other than... Singapore. This was a couple years ago though. Not really applicable to the current situation :razz:

[rabbit]

I'm surprised you had any trouble at all actually... I only made my first lightscribe disc a few months ago.

It didn't work on the first computer I tried because somehow, the pagefile was disabled :o and I was getting out of memory errors (oops).

In the other computer, it wouldn't detect the Lightscribe drive because of some insignificant registry entry.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon]
"allocatecdroms"="0"

WTF is this "allocatecdroms" for? It was set to 1, when it needs to be 0 for Lightscribe to work.

Labelflash (+ DiscT@2), however, I had no problems with, since it doesn't require special drivers + Windows services to work.

PS. Since we're talking about Lightscribe and Verbatim, I was disappointed that the Verbatim coloured Lightscribe CD-Rs I picked up at FS was not the Super-Azo dye that I was expecting.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Thanks for the updates, so right now the Pioneer 112 and Samsung 203B are the drives to get if one is buying new?

As per my signiture, those are what I currently recommend yes.

@ Buck:
Yeah, but that was a very long time ago now ;)

@Rabbit:
I just hit the CDRLabs thread, for the latest Lightscribe driver (which improves print quality) and then I downloaded the lable software, and bam, I was making labels.

And yeah, I'm a little disappointed we don't get Azo dye Lightscribe CD-Rs from Verbatim here... they seem to have them in Europe :confused:

[ShadowVlican]

WB DD

how was your 3-4 months without RFD? :lol:

i should begin an active lifestyle too


i'm glad my BENQ 1655 is still kicking... like you said, nothing exciting is happening in this industry

[apvm]

As per my signiture, those are what I currently recommend yes.

@ Buck:
Yeah, but that was a very long time ago now ;)

@Rabbit:
I just hit the CDRLabs thread, for the latest Lightscribe driver (which improves print quality) and then I downloaded the lable software, and bam, I was making labels.

And yeah, I'm a little disappointed we don't get Azo dye Lightscribe CD-Rs from Verbatim here... they seem to have them in Europe :confused:

thanks, my 112D came back from Pioneer and it was manufactured in March 2007, seems to read and write CDR now without problem, the one I sent was manufactured in Dec 2006, anyway the Pioneer came with firemware 1.09 and it can ID and write the Verbatim 2.4X DVD+R which I bought from Blankmedia.ca.. (The Samsung don't have a write strategy for this media and will only write them at max speed so coaster is the result..) I am wondering which firmware is best with the 112D and still can write this media since I got a bundle when they are on sale for $2.99/25 spindle...tia

[silentio]

I have certainly not found that to be true myself. But what I *CAN* tell you is that Verbatim has an excess stock of over 5 million 16x DVD+Rs in 50pks right now.... so if those are all MII, then it'll be a while before you see any new batches ;)

I can also tell you that NCIX's last order of Lightscribe 16x DVD+Rs was made by CMC, as were the 8x DVD+R 100pks. The 8x DVD+R 50pks and 10pks however were made by Prodisc.

Verbatim doesn't know I've cracked their internal manufacturer's part number scheme :twisted:

Oh, and there have been no signs of *ANY* Made in Singapore 16x DVD+Rs.... there were MIS 4x DVD+Rs for a while. MIS is very rare, and generally considered to be the best option for Verbatim media (because it's made by MKM themselves, and not farmed out). I don't know where you heard about MIS 16x DVD+Rs, but I'd like to see the source and find out more!


heh thanks.

I *thought* I read that some of the 16x were MIS - but then I probably read it wrong.

See, I tend to pay more attention when YOU talk about media, and only remember slightly what others say. In this case I guess I remembered wrong - sorry..

[silentio]

Hey, which of the 2 dvd burners (Pioneer 212 D, or Benq 1650) burns cds better? Granted they both suck but which sucks less?

[apvm]

Hey, which of the 2 dvd burners (Pioneer 212 D, or Benq 1650) burns cds better? Granted they both suck but which sucks less?

Can't tell you about the 1650 but between Pioneer 112D and Samsung 203B, I think the Samsung burn CD better.

[The Digital Dolphin]

thanks, my 112D came back from Pioneer and it was manufactured in March 2007, seems to read and write CDR now without problem, the one I sent was manufactured in Dec 2006, anyway the Pioneer came with firemware 1.09 and it can ID and write the Verbatim 2.4X DVD+R which I bought from Blankmedia.ca.. (The Samsung don't have a write strategy for this media and will only write them at max speed so coaster is the result..) I am wondering which firmware is best with the 112D and still can write this media since I got a bundle when they are on sale for $2.99/25 spindle...tia

I don't think any of the firmwares have official support for media that old. It'll be using a generic strategy and OPC to make it work. Should still be ok though I would imagine... the older media was made better generally, and burning at slower speeds is a bit easier then 16x. I don't think the firmwares will be that different unless they tweak the OPC (which I haven't heard anything about, but I may have just not heard anything).

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey, which of the 2 dvd burners (Pioneer 212 D, or Benq 1650) burns cds better? Granted they both suck but which sucks less?

BenQ's were never great CD-R burners unfortunately. I'd stick with the Pioneer if you need to record CD-Rs.

[JAC]

Hello, all. I'm looking for a DVD-RAM media recommendation. So far I've found Maxell 5/$25 and Verbatim 5/$23.

TIA.

[Starkicker]

Hello, all. I'm looking for a DVD-RAM media recommendation. So far I've found Maxell 5/$25 and Verbatim 5/$23.

TIA.

We use Maxell at work, double sided (9.4GB) DVD_RAM disks. Never had a problem with them. It's getting really tough to find DVD-RAM media - it took us almost a month and a half to get our order in.

[silentio]

BenQ's were never great CD-R burners unfortunately. I'd stick with the Pioneer if you need to record CD-Rs.


Thanks for the reply!

[The Digital Dolphin]

We use Maxell at work, double sided (9.4GB) DVD_RAM disks. Never had a problem with them. It's getting really tough to find DVD-RAM media - it took us almost a month and a half to get our order in.

Those are the ones in the cartridge right? Maxell doesn't make them anymore... you're going to need to switch. I recommend Verbatim. There's really only 3 options, Verbatim, Panasonic, and Optodisc. Verbatim's are made by Panasonic (it's actually a joint production, mostly handled by Panasonic) and Optodisc I just wouldn't feel comfortable recommending in this case. Verbatim tends to be cheaper then Panasonic, as well as easier to find. (Ritek might make some too, but I'd recommend that even less then Optodisc).

If you need help sourcing it just drop me a PM :)

JAC:
For standard DVD-RAM (non cartridge based), Maxell and Verbatim (and Panasonic also) are all quite good. Like you, I've often found Verbatim to be a little cheaper.... although $23 is a horrible price:
http://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1172

Hope that helps :)

[Tiberius]

Black seems to be the "in" colour... if someone was looking to get a whilte/beige DVD burner.... which drive would be recommended?

Thanks!

[The Digital Dolphin]

Black seems to be the "in" colour... if someone was looking to get a whilte/beige DVD burner.... which drive would be recommended?

Thanks!

One of the ones from my sig, and a can of white spray paint where applicable :)

[silentio]

Dolphin,

Do you know of any impending deals on Verbatim 16x DVD+R (TNR font)?

Office Depot and Futureshop carry only the new packaging and no longer have the TNR on top, and I believe I saw that it's only 8x (12x on compatible burners).

This is not a good sign at all - no good media is left.

[WLJ101]

Hi DD,

I am still using the NEC 3520 silver for almost two yrs, I burnt over 1200DVD/CD with it but it is still working. Should I replace it with new LG or something else? For every 10 DVD I burnt, I use the DVDinfo pro to scan the DVD for errors, is it a good QC? lol

[The Digital Dolphin]

Dolphin,

Do you know of any impending deals on Verbatim 16x DVD+R (TNR font)?

Office Depot and Futureshop carry only the new packaging and no longer have the TNR on top, and I believe I saw that it's only 8x (12x on compatible burners).

This is not a good sign at all - no good media is left.

CMC is still making media for Verbatim, but it's more and more mixed now... sales will happen, but you'll need to check back constantly to see which is which. ID'ing the manufacturer is getting harder too :(

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD,

I am still using the NEC 3520 silver for almost two yrs, I burnt over 1200DVD/CD with it but it is still working. Should I replace it with new LG or something else? For every 10 DVD I burnt, I use the DVDinfo pro to scan the DVD for errors, is it a good QC? lol

If the drive is working well for you then I wouldn't worry about replacing it just yet... but be aware that it won't perform as well on dual layer, especially 8x. So as things move more and more towards DVD+RDL, you will need to consider a new drive, but if you are still mostly burning DVD+R or DVD-R media, I wouldn't worry at all.

And I would suggest Pioneer over LG ;)

[thepotatohead]

.. expect a hot deal before the end of the year on Verbatim 8x DVD+RDL 15pks, all 100% made in Singapore ;)

Hi DD,

I have a hard time getting any MIS Verbatim from the current FutureShop Sales.
Can you give us a bit of heads up on this impending hot deal?
Blankmedia seems to carry it, however it is currently OOS. Btw, is the new 8X a better media than the old 2.4X for archiving purpose(my anime fansub collection :cheesygri )? Thanks

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hi DD,

I have a hard time getting any MIS Verbatim from the current FutureShop Sales.
Can you give us a bit of heads up on this impending hot deal?
Blankmedia seems to carry it, however it is currently OOS. Btw, is the new 8X a better media than the old 2.4X for archiving purpose(my anime fansub collection :cheesygri )? Thanks

Better for archiving? Well, it burns with higher quality at faster speeds.... so i THAT respect, yes. But if you go for the BEST quality conditions, they're roughly equal, at least as far as I've been able to tell as of yet (although MIS > MII).

You want a hint? I don't really know the exact details, but probably something along the lines of $21-$22 / 15pk of 8x DVD+RDL, all MIS.

[silentio]

Dolphin, does the pioneer 212D burn DVD+RDL (Verbatim 2.4x MIS) better than the 1650?

[brunes]

Got a simple question for you DD. What would be the best name DVD media to choose to burn our wedding pictures on. I plan to make a few copies for redundancy, but still would like reasonable assurance that it would still be readable in 10 years if kept in a watertight container or safe deposit box.

I don't consider "archival grade" as important because I am realistic in that after 10 years I will be using some new media format and have to transfer them anyway.

Also - looking for something I can just go buy locally at FS or The Source or something.

[freddyprinze]

Does anyone know where I can find 74 min CD-R's?

I did a Google search and I could only find some pricey Matsui's that are between $1-2 apiece show up.

My car is a 2000 and the OEM CD changer skips when I insert 80 min home-burned CD's (or 80min CD's with 74 mins or less on them for that matter).

I posted here as I realize that the DD and other knowledgeable folks post here.

Thanks in advance :)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Dolphin, does the pioneer 212D burn DVD+RDL (Verbatim 2.4x MIS) better than the 1650?

I would say deffinately yes. (providing you don't have a defective Pioneer DVR-212)

[The Digital Dolphin]

Does anyone know where I can find 74 min CD-R's?

I did a Google search and I could only find some pricey Matsui's that are between $1-2 apiece show up.

My car is a 2000 and the OEM CD changer skips when I insert 80 min home-burned CD's (or 80min CD's with 74 mins or less on them for that matter).

I posted here as I realize that the DD and other knowledgeable folks post here.

Thanks in advance :)

I believe MAM-A / Mitsui is the only manufacturer making 74min CD-Rs anymore... and yeah, you're looking at about $1 a disc with levy. Maybe as low as $0.88ea if you find someone really nice. I know www.precisionsound.com is a MAM-A dealer, you might be able to get them to come down a bit?

Also check dollar stores... sometimes they have old liquidated 74min CD-R stock.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Got a simple question for you DD. What would be the best name DVD media to choose to burn our wedding pictures on. I plan to make a few copies for redundancy, but still would like reasonable assurance that it would still be readable in 10 years if kept in a watertight container or safe deposit box.

I don't consider "archival grade" as important because I am realistic in that after 10 years I will be using some new media format and have to transfer them anyway.

Also - looking for something I can just go buy locally at FS or The Source or something.

The only thing even remotely close to what you're asking for is Verbatim. It's kind of like asking me which bed I think looks most comfortable, and then giving me a selection of one covered in spikes, one covered in cockroaches, and one that's on fire.... I don't have a lot of viable options to work with here :razz:

[Warlock]

Current DVD Burner Pick? ... Samsung SB-S203B

? Perhaps the Samsung model SH-S203B? :)

[akademiks]

How can I see the production date on my Pioneer 112 to see if I need an RMA or not?

I tried to open my PC case but I couldn't remove the ribbons without feeling like I'm going to break something lol..
Is there any way to check the date with some sort of software?
Thanks

[brunes]

The only thing even remotely close to what you're asking for is Verbatim. It's kind of like asking me which bed I think looks most comfortable, and then giving me a selection of one covered in spikes, one covered in cockroaches, and one that's on fire.... I don't have a lot of viable options to work with here :razz:

LOL OK then.... if online sources are included... what is the best DVD for archiving data?

[rabbit]

> My car is a 2000 and the OEM CD changer skips when I insert 80 min home-burned CD's (or 80min CD's with 74 mins or less on them for that matter).

Wonder if Plextor's Gigarec at <1.0 would solve your problem. Longer lands/pits.

[Mgz]

so boxing day without Verbatim? :mad:

[freddyprinze]

I believe MAM-A / Mitsui is the only manufacturer making 74min CD-Rs anymore... and yeah, you're looking at about $1 a disc with levy. Maybe as low as $0.88ea if you find someone really nice. I know www.precisionsound.com is a MAM-A dealer, you might be able to get them to come down a bit?

Also check dollar stores... sometimes they have old liquidated 74min CD-R stock.

Thanks DD. I made a mistake:

I initially burned several Verbatim 80 min CD-R's thinking they are of excellent quality--lots of skipping on the later tracks of the CD.

I just tried a Mitsui 80 min CD-R (not 74min) with the same tracks, burned with the same burner and it works like a charm in the car.

I was too quick in dismissing the 80 min CD-R's...I guess the CD changer in my car likes Mitsui CD-R's, regardless of disk capacity but not Verbatims. It's going to be hit and miss to find what my car changer likes...I don't want to keep buying higher priced CD-R's if I can avoid it so there'll be a lot of experimenting.

You are right about the dollar store suggestion. I checked and the dollar store in my building is selling Maxell 74 min CD-R's for guess what--a dollar apiece--might as well buy the Mitsui's :)

[rabbit]

Try writing at 4x or 8x.

If you're using a DVD Writer, try burning on a CD Writer (better quality burns, usually).

[freddyprinze]

Try writing at 4x or 8x.

If you're using a DVD Writer, try burning on a CD Writer (better quality burns, usually).

Thanks. I have Sonic/Roxio software that came with my Dell computer and a Philips DVD+-RW burner. The software allows burn speed of max or 18x as its only options. Although after looking at the hardware properties under the recording tab, it shows that I can burn at 4x. I guess this overrides the software (?) I'll give it a try.

Cheers!

[spinbot]

Was trying to get Pioneer DVR-112 in Black, however where I am buying from doesn't have it available. They have the 212-D and 115DBK available.

Are either of these alternate Pioneer's equal in quality to the 112 or possibly even better?

( EDIT - I must be missing something as I can't see how this thread went a month with no posts )

[Gnus]

? Perhaps the Samsung model SH-S203B? :)

Yeah, I've been wondering that myself, is that a typo DD or is there really a SB model? I checked sites and could only find the SH ones.

Also, which do you prefer, the Samsung or the Pioneer overall? :cheesygri

[Homer88]

My Pioneer 110D decided to stop reading CMC DVDs today but it can read them before I burn them :confused:. Its also making really loud noises now so it's time to replace it...

Anyone know what's the best drive out there to get today? The Pioneer 212 appears to be the only Pioneer SATA drive out there but I can't find much about it :(

[woof]

I've had a Pioneer 212 SATA for a few months now and I'm very happy with it. I did notice that the burn quality on Verbatim +R disks was noticably better than the Verbatim -R. My previous BenQ had a similar preference for +R over -R in general. I've upgraded to the newest firmware now but don't know if that's made a difference since I've used up all my -R blanks and won't be buying more.

The one thing I do miss is the ability to change book type like the BenQ did.

[Sgt_Strider]

? Perhaps the Samsung model SH-S203B? :)

Is this the best DVD writer at the moment? Ncix seems to have a deal on that drive everyone once in a while and I'm interested in picking one up. How well does that burner burn Verbatim DVD-R 8x media and Verbatim 2.4x DVD+R DL media? I only use these two mediums and the burn quality is very important to me.

[rabbit]

> I've had a Pioneer 212 SATA for a few months now ...

The one thing I do miss is the ability to change book type like the BenQ did.


http://ala42.cdfreaks.com/MCSE/
- patch the Pio firmware to autobitset.

[Sgt_Strider]

Is this the best DVD writer at the moment? Ncix seems to have a deal on that drive everyone once in a while and I'm interested in picking one up. How well does that burner burn Verbatim DVD-R 8x media and Verbatim 2.4x DVD+R DL media? I only use these two mediums and the burn quality is very important to me.

Can someone please answer my questions?

[Warlock]

I believe that they are.
The Digital Dolphin tested one a while back.
I have not gotten around to testing/mangling them yet.

I avoid the Pioneer brand,
Since I killed off two different models in less than a year.

[spinbot]

Media:
Manufacturer ID: MCC 03RG20

Drive:
PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-111D

I've used a couple different spindles of Verbatim 16X media, burning at 8X.

If the DVD tray doesn't cycle ( after the burn is done, but before the verification stage ), I can almost guarantee I will get errors on the verification within the first couple of seconds. If the tray cycles properly, the burn works almost always.

Someone suggested "format C:", but that really is a big job I don't want to undertake. I was hoping there is another option. Verbatim always worked fine before, however I am not certain what media code the past ones were.

I was going to get a new DVD burner, but would like to know what is the best option right now. Anyone who monitors this thread, feel free to response as the DD seems to be busy as of late.

Thanks in advance.

[JAC]

What are the most scratch-resistant DVD-R/+R ?

[ShadowVlican]

here are scans of several verbatim 16x dvd+r blanks burned at 8x
(these were the 50 packs on sale at TSCC late last year)


General Information
Drive: BENQ DVD LS DW1655
Firmware: BCIB
Disc: DVD+R (MCC 004)
Selected speed: Maximum


PI errors
Maximum: 12
Average: 1.77
Total: 31733
PI failures
Maximum: 6
Average: 0.01
Total: 898
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 10.3 %
Average: 8.21 %

PI errors
Maximum: 41
Average: 2.62
Total: 46921
PI failures
Maximum: 7
Average: 0.01
Total: 971
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 11.3 %
Average: 8.98 %

PI errors
Maximum: 20
Average: 1.85
Total: 33123
PI failures
Maximum: 6
Average: 0.00
Total: 512
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 11.7 %
Average: 8.38 %

PI errors
Maximum: 14
Average: 1.95
Total: 34909
PI failures
Maximum: 10
Average: 0.05
Total: 6446
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 10.9 %
Average: 8.36 %

PI errors
Maximum: 11
Average: 1.67
Total: 29921
PI failures
Maximum: 7
Average: 0.00
Total: 498
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 10.5 %
Average: 8.30 %

PI errors
Maximum: 23
Average: 2.34
Total: 41934
PI failures
Maximum: 6
Average: 0.00
Total: 401
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 11.7 %
Average: 8.60 %

PI errors
Maximum: 19
Average: 2.13
Total: 35675
PI failures
Maximum: 8
Average: 0.01
Total: 695
PO failures: 0
Jitter
Maximum: 11.7 %
Average: 8.48 %

[napoleon1769]

I just bought an external Microsolutions Backpack DVD+-RW and found out the drive inside is a NEC ND-3500AG. This drive isa couple of years old and after doing a bit of research I found that the latest firmware updates can be found here: http://liggydee.cdfreaks.com/page/en/NEC-ND-3500A/. Unfortunately, I don't really know which one to choose. I just dumped my firmware and tried a random one and it works but I want one that is for my machine. Can anyone shed some light?

[napoleon1769]

I just bought an external Microsolutions Backpack DVD+-RW and found out the drive inside is a NEC ND-3500AG. This drive isa couple of years old and after doing a bit of research I found that the latest firmware updates can be found here: http://liggydee.cdfreaks.com/page/en/NEC-ND-3500A/. Unfortunately, I don't really know which one to choose. I just dumped my firmware and tried a random one and it works but I want one that is for my machine. Can anyone shed some light?

Anyone?

[AllWheelDrift]

Anyone?
Really they'll all work, so it's entirely up to you.

I'd say pick one with bitsetting, and based on this chart: http://liggydee.cdfreaks.com/stratinfo/en/2/0 21b is the newest?

For that reason, I'd say go with "Liggy's 3500 bitsetting Firmware 2.1b". The "Fast" one seems to be modified allow faster reading of DVDs.
The the "RPC1" version means the drive won't be region locked (though your OS/Player probably still will be). You still might as well go with the RPC1 though.

[Macross_Freek]

Bring this back from the dead.

I noticed some of my old 4x Fuji DVD+R's (RICOHJPN01) can only burn at 2.4x on the SH-S203B. I attempted to add a strategy for it by swapping it with a RICOHJPN02 or 03 in MCSE and it doesn't seem to be working for me.

Does anyone have any experience in doing this either for any dvd or the RICOHJPN in general?

Thanks.

[Beradon]

I have a few discs burned a couple of years ago. How can I check the level of degradation on these discs?
I need to burn them again if there are signs that these discs are about to fail on me in the next couple of years.

[txenglan]

I wish this thread was as active as it used to be and that the DD was still around. Used to get a lot of good info in here. I feel like I am stuck in the past, buying media because of old recommendations. I find myself wondering if things have moved on in the way they did with cd media, in the sense that once the media was mature, you could buy it from just about any manufacturer and it was decent.

[silentio]

Where exactly is DD ?

[digdoug]

Where exactly is DD ?

I too would like to know.

btw, I seem to have whacked my burner when I put in one of those dvd/cd cleaners. I can read CDs, but I can't seem to burn or read DVDs anymore. is there a way for me to fix it? google wasn't any help.

[rabbit]

DD is busy with life.

See the current Verbatim DL @ FS for $19.99 thread (around page four or five).

edit// here you go
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7246628&postcount=66

[The Digital Dolphin]

Hey guys!!

Sorry for my disappearing act. As Rabbit says, I've been super busy. I don't spend a lot of time at my computer at home anymore, so most of my online stuff on forums is done from work.... and my work life is getting pretty busy also, so I don't have the time to go browsing and posting on forums like I used to. Although with the HighDef format war over, I have a little extra time left from that, from time to time at least.

Anyways, I'll try to pop in once every day or two as much as I can.

So what's up? :)

[digdoug]

Hey guys!!

Sorry for my disappearing act. As Rabbit says, I've been super busy. I don't spend a lot of time at my computer at home anymore, so most of my online stuff on forums is done from work.... and my work life is getting pretty busy also, so I don't have the time to go browsing and posting on forums like I used to. Although with the HighDef format war over, I have a little extra time left from that, from time to time at least.

Anyways, I'll try to pop in once every day or two as much as I can.

So what's up? :)

Hi, DD. nice to see you again. Any recommendations for a good, cheap DVD burner? preferably in the $20-40 range. I'm looking for one that can burn DVDs & DVD DL well. I'm less concerned about the ability to read disks. Thanks.

[spinbot]

Hi, DD. nice to see you again. Any recommendations for a good, cheap DVD burner? preferably in the $20-40 range. I'm looking for one that can burn DVDs & DVD DL well. I'm less concerned about the ability to read disks. Thanks.

His signature suggests:

Current DVD Burner Pick? Pioneer DVR-112 & Samsung SB-S203B

[Avenger]

His signature suggests:

Current DVD Burner Pick? Pioneer DVR-112 & Samsung SB-S203B

I somehow think that is heavily outdated :p

[Ghetto_Child]

Curious about this medium code and about this drive model. My friend just bought some Memorex 100pk 16X DVD-R hub inkjet printable at futureshop for $20+tx. The medium code is CMC MAG. AM3 and I can't remember if that code is good or should be avoided?

The drive I'm gonna use these discs on is an LG HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-H10N JL10 (I'm assuming the JL10 is the firmware).

Some suggestions please? What brand in the retail store should be be looking for? I wasn't sure if the MIT Verbatims currently available in futureshop are worth it but at $60 for a 100pk I wouldn't buy those spindles.

[rabbit]

> The medium code is CMC MAG. AM3 and I can't remember if that code is good or should be avoided?

MEDIA code.

Don't you have a Plextor? Plextors love CMC. I've burned these at 6x with my 755 and have gotten decent results.

PIE: avg 13.55 --- max 61
PIF: avg 00.25 --- max 07

[Ghetto_Child]

Curious about this medium code and about this drive model. My friend just bought some Memorex 100pk 16X DVD-R hub inkjet printable at futureshop for $20+tx. The medium code is CMC MAG. AM3 and I can't remember if that code is good or should be avoided?

The drive I'm gonna use these discs on is an LG HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-H10N JL10 (I'm assuming the JL10 is the firmware).

Some suggestions please? What brand in the retail store should be be looking for? I wasn't sure if the MIT Verbatims currently available in futureshop are worth it but at $60 for a 100pk I wouldn't buy those spindles.

I should have been more clear, it's my friend's drive that these discs are gonna be used on and it's my friend's discs.

My 716A doesn't hate CMC but it's not the best for it either. Maxell and MKM and Ricoh are all better for Plextor 716A. Anyway what about the LG drive and CMC MAG AM3? what's the best for that model LG drive please? My friend wants to know and doesn't know which brand currently in Futureshop is worth buying for his drive.

[Ghetto_Child]

so no one has recommended discs for LG HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-H10N JL10 ?

[txenglan]

Good God! I just saw a cyber tumble weed twirl it's way through this thread. I can't understand why no one is lurking in here anymore. As usual, I wish the DD still frequented this thread but since no one is asking any questions or debating the finer points of media types and quality scans with hacked firmware X vice Y, I suppose he might as well not bother.

So what's the deal? Has the DVD media/drive generic quality matured to the point that the CD standard eventually did? There was a time when you had to be picky about the type of media you used for CDs, especially when accounting for the combination of the media with the burner but eventually, you just about couldn't go wrong with just about any combination (not to say that the quality was all the same but that coasters just didn't happen unless you tried). Are we really there yet with DVDs?

Anyhow, I just ordered a Pioneer DVR-116DBK (from NCIX), based on the fact that the reviews/media scans look pretty nice and the criteria that it needs to go into a system that has all SATA connectors dominated by HDs. If anyone is still monitoring this thread and would like to comment on the Pioneer drive, please do!

[Beradon]

Good God! I just saw a cyber tumble weed twirl it's way through this thread. I can't understand why no one is lurking in here anymore. As usual, I wish the DD still frequented this thread but since no one is asking any questions or debating the finer points of media types and quality scans with hacked firmware X vice Y, I suppose he might as well not bother.

So what's the deal? Has the DVD media/drive generic quality matured to the point that the CD standard eventually did?I think those who are interested in this thread have stock piled enough quality discs to keep them happy. Those guys don't need to keep this thread alive unless they run out of discs.

[rabbit]

> Anyhow, I just ordered a Pioneer DVR-116DBK (from NCIX),

I was looking at that drive too, because I think it can be flashed to a firmware that supports Labelflash. I already have a Pio 111 that can do it, but it would nice to have a backup, since I use the Pio frequently for ripping and stuff (but not so much for writing, since my Plextor or BenQ does a better job with most of the media that I have).



> I think those who are interested in this thread have stock piled enough quality discs to keep them happy.

Yeah, somehow, I ended up having over 100 Verbatim DLs, and I don't even burn DLs that often. I don't remember buying that many :).

[txenglan]

I think those who are interested in this thread have stock piled enough quality discs to keep them happy. Those guys don't need to keep this thread alive unless they run out of discs.

I realize they have stockpiled on quality media as have I but I still wonder why no one is talking about the burners...:confused:




I was looking at that drive too, because I think it can be flashed to a firmware that supports Labelflash. I already have a Pio 111 that can do it, but it would nice to have a backup, since I use the Pio frequently for ripping and stuff (but not so much for writing, since my Plextor or BenQ does a better job with most of the media that I have).





Which BenQ you using? I still have a much loved 1650 but the door on the drive is beginning to get stuck when opening, only after it has been sitting unused for a few hours. Going to have to crack the unit open as I can't bare to see it die.

[rabbit]

> Which BenQ you using? I still have a much loved 1650 but the door on the drive is beginning to get stuck when opening, only after it has been sitting unused for a few hours.

An 822. It's the best writer for my old Ricoh 4x discs. I've got a bunch of matte silver ones from blankmedia.ca when they had a special way back. I just like the non-branded tops. And of course, I use the drive for PIE/PIO scans.

Might just be the grease/lube on the tray rails hardening up.

[txenglan]

An 822. It's the best writer for my old Ricoh 4x discs. I've got a bunch of matte silver ones from blankmedia.ca when they had a special way back. I just like the non-branded tops. And of course, I use the drive for PIE/PIO scans.

Might just be the grease/lube on the tray rails hardening up.

I think I had an 820A (can't remember if that model number is correct) that was absolutely terrible. My introduction to DVD burners was almost entirely overshadowed by my experience with that drive. Good thing I got the 1650 later on in order to change my original opinion about BenQ drives(thanks to the DD). My 1650 is also quite good at scanning.

Thought about the lube thing but it sounds like a gear is running into a wall when the it tries to open the door. A sound like plastic hitting plastic or metal colliding with plastic, rather than a "grinding" sound. Could be a number of things but hope I can find out this weekend.

[zod]

I realize they have stockpiled on quality media as have I but I still wonder why no one is talking about the burners...:confused:



Which BenQ you using? I still have a much loved 1650 but the door on the drive is beginning to get stuck when opening, only after it has been sitting unused for a few hours. Going to have to crack the unit open as I can't bare to see it die.


lol! I thought I was the only one who had that problem. My 1640 and my 1655 (which replaced it) both eventually developed that problem. I would have to press the eject button several times before it it would finally open. I feel your pain.

[The Digital Dolphin]

Good God! I just saw a cyber tumble weed twirl it's way through this thread. I can't understand why no one is lurking in here anymore. As usual, I wish the DD still frequented this thread but since no one is asking any questions or debating the finer points of media types and quality scans with hacked firmware X vice Y, I suppose he might as well not bother.

So what's the deal? Has the DVD media/drive generic quality matured to the point that the CD standard eventually did? There was a time when you had to be picky about the type of media you used for CDs, especially when accounting for the combination of the media with the burner but eventually, you just about couldn't go wrong with just about any combination (not to say that the quality was all the same but that coasters just didn't happen unless you tried). Are we really there yet with DVDs?

Anyhow, I just ordered a Pioneer DVR-116DBK (from NCIX), based on the fact that the reviews/media scans look pretty nice and the criteria that it needs to go into a system that has all SATA connectors dominated by HDs. If anyone is still monitoring this thread and would like to comment on the Pioneer drive, please do!

It's more that drive's just don't excel anymore, there's really no point in paying attention. Stick to Pioneer, or buy one of the various rebrands of Lite-On drives out there (I still don't like LG most of the time). The days of the PX-716a, and the BenQ DW1640 are long gone, and nobody really cares to make excellent drives anymore. There's no money in them, and most consumers don't care. It's all about reaching a top speed that's 2x faster than your competition before they can bring it out... even if the burn time is no different than your last drive. It's a joke.

As for media.... Taiyo Yuden is a shadow of their former glory, their media has been going downhill over the last 2 years and I see more and more problems with it all the time. Verbatim isn't perfect either, especially their CD-Rs (their DVDRs especially their DVD+RDLs are still quite good though). Maxell still has some decent products, but it's hard to get at them (for various reasons). All the taiwanese manufacturers are unreliable in major brands and OEM orders, a lot of times you can't trust what grade of disc you're getting.

It's honestly hard to be enthusiastic about the industry when everyone is doing a half-assed job. Only Verbatim seems to be really still trying, and like I said, they are not without their flaws.

[rabbit]

> The days of the PX-716a, and the BenQ DW1640 are long gone, and nobody really cares to make excellent drives anymore.

Yeah, I'm sad that Plextor no longer makes their own drives. I don't trust any other DVD writers to properly write CDs. I should have stocked up.



> As for media.... Taiyo Yuden is a shadow of their former glory, their media has been going downhill over the last 2 years and I see more and more problems with it all the time. Verbatim isn't perfect either, especially their CD-Rs

Lucky I've got plenty of both CD-Rs and DVD+Rs, pretty much all bought 2+ years ago :). I think I still have close to 100 of those 4-8x TDK CDs.




> I think I had an 820A (can't remember if that model number is correct) that was absolutely terrible.

I think the 822 corrected the problems with the 820. They were pretty much the same drive, but I guess the 822 was a refined version of the 820. I did have reading problems, but I'm pretty sure that was because of the IDE cable I was using.

[zod]

[QUOTE=rabbit;7784600]
> As for media.... Taiyo Yuden is a shadow of their former glory, their media has been going downhill over the last 2 years and I see more and more problems with it all the time. Verbatim isn't perfect either, especially their CD-Rs

Lucky I've got plenty of both CD-Rs and DVD+Rs, pretty much all bought 2+ years ago :). I think I still have close to 100 of those 4-8x TDK CDs.
[QUOTE]

for cdrs i've been using those cheap riteks they put on sale on ncix. they seem to work suprisingly well, seeing as i dont' burn many cd's but they work great in the car and what not. somehow they sell them for 9.99 which baffles me because the levy is 21 cents a disc, so the levy on a 50pk should be 10.50.

My SH-203b started developing problems last month (developed read problems then a few weeks after that started having writing problems). I've replaced it with a an sh-223Q. My 203b didn't even last a year, allthough i'm a pretty heavy burner, so i probably still got my 30 dollars worth.

[txenglan]

lol! I thought I was the only one who had that problem. My 1640 and my 1655 (which replaced it) both eventually developed that problem. I would have to press the eject button several times before it it would finally open. I feel your pain.

Yes! That is exactly what happens. I actually feel bad for it when it is trying to get the tray open and it is like a dagger through my heart when it fails to do so. That is the extent of my attachment to the drive :o


It's more that drive's just don't excel anymore, there's really no point in paying attention. Stick to Pioneer, or buy one of the various rebrands of Lite-On drives out there (I still don't like LG most of the time). The days of the PX-716a, and the BenQ DW1640 are long gone, and nobody really cares to make excellent drives anymore. There's no money in them, and most consumers don't care. It's all about reaching a top speed that's 2x faster than your competition before they can bring it out... even if the burn time is no different than your last drive. It's a joke.

As for media.... Taiyo Yuden is a shadow of their former glory, their media has been going downhill over the last 2 years and I see more and more problems with it all the time. Verbatim isn't perfect either, especially their CD-Rs (their DVDRs especially their DVD+RDLs are still quite good though). Maxell still has some decent products, but it's hard to get at them (for various reasons). All the taiwanese manufacturers are unreliable in major brands and OEM orders, a lot of times you can't trust what grade of disc you're getting.

It's honestly hard to be enthusiastic about the industry when everyone is doing a half-assed job. Only Verbatim seems to be really still trying, and like I said, they are not without their flaws.

DD, thanks for appearing once again. You paint a very sad picture of the current optical-media-related industry state. I fear that this "quick fix", "fast food for tech" mentality has far-reaching and profoundly damaging consequences and is evident in many other technological domains. An an IT worker, I see shocking amounts of stupidity, ignorance and indifference seeping into many areas of technology and the management thereof where there was once excellence and competence. Furthermore, I see big corporations greedily feasting and capitalizing on the aforementioned dysfunctions. As such, it doesn't surprise me when I hear anyone respectful/knowledgeable lamenting the demise of craftmanship/quality of products.

[txenglan]

I think the 822 corrected the problems with the 820. They were pretty much the same drive, but I guess the 822 was a refined version of the 820. I did have reading problems, but I'm pretty sure that was because of the IDE cable I was using.

Worst drive I have ever had. Mine wouldn't read stuff half the time and certainly wouldn't do anything but burn coasters. Totally useless junk. To be fair, I seem to remember that BenQ (when I managed to get a hold of them) replaced my drive with an 822 (which I promptly sold on E-Bay due to my BenQ panaroia). My next drive after that was a PX-712a (still have it). It performed decently but was certainly not stellar.

[Alexo]

DD's signature says:


CD-Rs = Maxell CD-R Pro, Verbatim Datalife+
DVD±Rs = Maxell BQ Series 8x, Verbatim 8x & 16x, Taiyo Yuden 8x
DVD+RDLs = Verbatim 8x, Verbatim 2.4x, MAM-A 8x

Is this still the recommendation?

[vilator]

Yes! That is exactly what happens. I actually feel bad for it when it is trying to get the tray open and it is like a dagger through my heart when it fails to do so. That is the extent of my attachment to the drive :o



DD, thanks for appearing once again. You paint a very sad picture of the current optical-media-related industry state. I fear that this "quick fix", "fast food for tech" mentality has far-reaching and profoundly damaging consequences and is evident in many other technological domains. An an IT worker, I see shocking amounts of stupidity, ignorance and indifference seeping into many areas of technology and the management thereof where there was once excellence and competence. Furthermore, I see big corporations greedily feasting and capitalizing on the aforementioned dysfunctions. As such, it doesn't surprise me when I hear anyone respectful/knowledgeable lamenting the demise of craftmanship/quality of products.

damn, I also have that eject button problem. I guess this is a problem with all old benq 1655. I had to rma my 1640 and got that a while back. I also tried burning a dual layer disk on it, but failed at the halfway point. It worked on my laptop burner, which is lg. So I guess if I want to burn dvd dls with my computer, I have to get a new burner.

[rp_guy]

does anyone know who makes these?

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX21953%28ME%29.aspx
Microboards 4.7GB LightScribe 16X DVD-R, 50 Pack

[miss_swan]

I'm a bit depressed to hear DD's assessment of the industry but i'm happy to see he's still around, kind of. This used to be a vibrant industry and had threads like this one to follow ... but times change I guess.

[Gee]

Yeah, I'm sad that Plextor no longer makes their own drives. I don't trust any other DVD writers to properly write CDs. I should have stocked up.


I did stock up, what a waste of money that was. All new high end boards don't have the IDE interface.

How am I suppose to plug in my Plextor when the board only supports SATA?

[rabbit]

Get one of those PCIe JMicron boards at Deal Extreme, or get a IDE->SATA adaptor. You can also use one of those IDE/SATA -> USB dongles, which is what I do for my optical drives that I don't have space in my case for.

You should have stocked up on the SATA models :).

[TLSRULZ]

DD any comments on these vs the Verbatims +RDL

https://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1328

They are way cheaper...

[Jon Lai]

DD any comments on these vs the Verbatims +RDL

https://www.blankmedia.ca/proddetail3.asp?id=1328

They are way cheaper...

Those are almost $2 each.. how are they cheaper? Verbatims cost <$1.20 each on sale.

[rabbit]

$1.63 each, no including shipping, tax ...

I don't think Dolphin likes MBI, in general.

But glossy hub printable DLs! What other choice is there?

edit// Hmm, Ricoh code ... Ricoh has a pretty good reputation for quality (going back to CD-Rs), and I think way back when (back when DLs were 2x), Dolphin said that other than Verbatim, Ricoh were the only other decent DLs.

[TLSRULZ]

Those are almost $2 each.. how are they cheaper? Verbatims cost <$1.20 each on sale.

Show me where do Verbatims Hub Printable cost < $1.20.

[TLSRULZ]

$1.63 each, no including shipping, tax ...

I don't think Dolphin likes MBI, in general.

But glossy hub printable DLs! What other choice is there?

edit// Hmm, Ricoh code ... Ricoh has a pretty good reputation for quality (going back to CD-Rs), and I think way back when (back when DLs were 2x), Dolphin said that other than Verbatim, Ricoh were the only other decent DLs.

Yup.. I have used the Verbatims before (the inkjet printables at $55 for 20 from blankmedia)... just need to get something cheaper and if these are just as good then why not. Lets see if dolphin surfaces :)

[txenglan]

If anyone i still monitoring this thread, I am wondering about the media code/quality of these:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10105901&catid=25888#

....as discussed at http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=769328

[miss_swan]

Hey, is tDD still around these parts? Drop by this thread once a year huh?! :)

On a serious note, it's been awhile since I even used writable media. With the ever-increasing usage of flash media and cheap 2.5" storage (among other things) I wonder what the present trend of optical media has been. Going down I presume.

Anyone have any opinion or insight?

[zod]

Hey, is tDD still around these parts? Drop by this thread once a year huh?! :)

On a serious note, it's been awhile since I even used writable media. With the ever-increasing usage of flash media and cheap 2.5" storage (among other things) I wonder what the present trend of optical media has been. Going down I presume.

Anyone have any opinion or insight?

Yah I think its going down. Personally I still don't trust hard drives. You either have to run two hard drives to backup eachother, or backup onto optical.

I still like to use blank media to store HD Movie backups, 360 games, and concert bootlegs. I've gotten the feeling most people would rather not.

[spinbot]

Yah I think its going down. Personally I still don't trust hard drives. You either have to run two hard drives to backup each other, or backup onto optical.

You may want to consider checking out some of your older optical "back-ups" as they aren't without their own problems. ( dye coat breaking down, glue failing and layers splitting, etc ).

You can also consider less expensive data protection systems that utilize a parity drive. For media servers, it works well as in my case, i have over 10TB of storage across 8 drives of various sizes and I just need one parity drive to protect them all.

[rabbit]

> I still like to use blank media to store HD Movie backups, 360 games, and concert bootlegs. I've gotten the feeling most people would rather not.

Yep, I use DVDs for archiving.

I haven't noticed any bonding-issue scares, nor have problems using CMC, Ritek DLs, etc.
:)

[txenglan]

I'll continue using DVDs into the foreseeable future. They are just too darn convenient to give up. I have no failures yet in my massive collection of media. TDD taught some great lessons wrt ensuring quality burns and anticipating media longevity.

[zod]

You may want to consider checking out some of your older optical "back-ups" as they aren't without their own problems. ( dye coat breaking down, glue failing and layers splitting, etc ).

You can also consider less expensive data protection systems that utilize a parity drive. For media servers, it works well as in my case, i have over 10TB of storage across 8 drives of various sizes and I just need one parity drive to protect them all.

Optical backups are fine if you do your homework (thats what this thread was originally created for). It's those people that figure because their memorex discs didn't fail on burn that their good media that have problems down the road.

I think my progression of media went from Ritek g04's (before ritek quality went downhill), Fuji/Maxell labelled TY's and Verbatim for a long while now. They all scan/play fine and those Riteks being my oldest go back a long time. You just need to do some googling and find out which blanks are quality. They usually last.

[txenglan]

I think my progression of media went from Ritek g04's (before ritek quality went downhill), Fuji/Maxell labelled TY's and Verbatim for a long while now. They all scan/play fine and those Riteks being my oldest go back a long time. You just need to do some googling and find out which blanks are quality. They usually last.

Same progression as mine. I still even use my trusty old BenQ 1650 for scans after every burn with my latest burner, Pioneer DVR-166D :)

[spinbot]

1.5TB HDD's I've been getting for $80

1.5TB = 350 DVDs (if you consider an average DVD is 4.3GB)

350 DVD+R's cost about $75 ( $30 per 100 ).

The HDD could also potentially hold even more than 350 movies as it doesn't waste any space, whereas each DVD+R only uses the space necessary for the movie.

Ya, this is a crude comparison, however the point is that with HDD storage coming down in price so much, it becomes a practical option now for archiving.

One does need to plan a way to protect their data, however for a pure media server, I can recommend UnRaid for anyone with some technical know-how.

[txenglan]

One does need to plan a way to protect their data, however for a pure media server, I can recommend UnRaid for anyone with some technical know-how.

Yes. If 350 of my DVDs failed all at once, I'd quit work and start drinking heavily.....err....heavily-er :D

[spinbot]

Yes. If 350 of my DVDs failed all at once, I'd quit work and start drinking heavily.....err....heavily-er :D

Trying to re-download 350 XXX movies might also get you red-flagged ( no pun intended ) with the RMC Cyber Squad division :P

[dmdsoftware2]

DD hasn't been online for over 1 year, and the website he has listed in his profile is also offline.

[txenglan]

I remember seeing him active elsewhere but can't remember where now. Might have been cdfreaks.

[rabbit]

I'll fire up the Hit-Girl signal ...

[Abidjan66]

Ah DD was a true RFDer who shared information and was the exact opposite of those video gaming hoarders we have lurking now. R.I.P.

[Beradon]

1.5TB HDD's I've been getting for $80

1.5TB = 350 DVDs (if you consider an average DVD is 4.3GB)

350 DVD+R's cost about $75 ( $30 per 100 ).

The HDD could also potentially hold even more than 350 movies as it doesn't waste any space, whereas each DVD+R only uses the space necessary for the movie.

Ya, this is a crude comparison, however the point is that with HDD storage coming down in price so much, it becomes a practical option now for archiving.
There are some disadvantages to using HDD's for archiving:

1) The media is magnetic which are prone to data loss if you don't take precautions. Also take into consideration how long data will last on this medium that's sitting there for 5+ years.

2) HDD are mechanical and will fail over time. This is a given and can be even unpredictable with cheaper drives.

3) The electronics components on HDD can fail.


I would much rather look at optical media for archiving than using HDD's as tempting as it may be. If using 350 DVD's would be an issue, try using Blu-ray's as an option.

[txenglan]

If using 350 DVD's would be an issue, try using Blu-ray's as an option.

I apologize for the ignorant question (I haven't been keeping up with media/writing technology) but where are we now in terms of maturity levels in terms of quality of media and quality of burns with Blu-Ray? Every time a new form of media is released, it seems to take years before serious storage fanatics will trust the media and even when they do, it is during that time that knowledgeable saviors such as the TDD tell us all how to go about getting the most from our media.

[apvm]

This is better than Verbatims....and the price is not expensive too...

JVC Made in Japan DVD-R 16X TYG03 code

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=42_551&item_id=028078

blankmedia.ca has them at $16.95 compare to CC $17.99

[Beradon]

I apologize for the ignorant question (I haven't been keeping up with media/writing technology) but where are we now in terms of maturity levels in terms of quality of media and quality of burns with Blu-Ray? Every time a new form of media is released, it seems to take years before serious storage fanatics will trust the media and even when they do, it is during that time that knowledgeable saviors such as the TDD tell us all how to go about getting the most from our media.I'm no expert either but judging from experience(I came from the days of early CD-R burning) the quality now for Blu-ray should be dependable considering only a handful of brand name manufacturers are producing these discs. This is a good thing as quality control is going to be looked at by the licensee. The other positive is that large scale "bottom rung" manufacturers are not in the game yet so this should keep questionable media out of the blu-ray market for awhile.

Just an FYI I've seen Verbatim blu-ray blanks(25GB) sell at $22 for a 10pk.
Not bad and you can't go wrong with verbatim.

[miss_swan]

I remember seeing him active elsewhere but can't remember where now. Might have been cdfreaks.

Think he was an editorial contributor/tester for cdfreaks ... not sure what he's doing now.

[Sgt_Strider]

Think he was an editorial contributor/tester for cdfreaks ... not sure what he's doing now.

CDFreaks change its name. I think it's Myce now.

[miss_swan]

CDFreaks change its name. I think it's Myce now.

Yeah, that's right. :)

I forgot about that, guess that shows how much i've been following the scene lately, huh?:lol:

[Spike]

Anyone know what media code current Maxell DVD+RWs have? I vaguely recall buying a pack of what I think were Maxells a couple years ago and they were unusable garbage. They have them at Staples for 15/$7.86.

[zod]

I'm no expert either but judging from experience(I came from the days of early CD-R burning) the quality now for Blu-ray should be dependable considering only a handful of brand name manufacturers are producing these discs. This is a good thing as quality control is going to be looked at by the licensee. The other positive is that large scale "bottom rung" manufacturers are not in the game yet so this should keep questionable media out of the blu-ray market for awhile.

Just an FYI I've seen Verbatim blu-ray blanks(25GB) sell at $22 for a 10pk.
Not bad and you can't go wrong with verbatim.

I've been thinking of going to bluray when i'm done going through most of my current dvd's. Thats like 5 dvd's worth of stuff on one disc. Works out to be a bit more then a DVD, but would take up way less space :)