Best online store to get dvd media from: good brands, good $

[galactica]

I see here people saying meritline is not such a good place to get media from, probably safe to say supermediastore and the other one thats got to be the same company also is no good.

So my question to all the seasoned DVD burning users,

Where do you get your dvd media from????

I would prefer to get it online, in a spindle and at a decent price, not exceeding $2 per disk.

Anyone have a favorite dvd media supplier?

[txpharoah]

Anyone have a favorite dvd media supplier?

AllMediaOutlet.com
DVD-RWmedia.com
RIMA.com

and I still like Meritline.com

[macleod]

whichever ones cheapest and doesnt charge shipping. I have purchased from meritime, allmediaoutlet and have been satisfied.

[SLK001]

Sorry, but all the ONLINE stores are for PC USERS ONLY. You MACOs have to stick with your $3 APPLE disks. None of the cheap disks will work in a MAC, because the disks have a program in them to check platforms, and to DELIBERATELY introduce errors if they detect a MAC. APPLE media has a hacked version of this program that looks only for WACs, you you MACOs are safe using this media.

Sorry, but these are the "facts of life"!

[galactica]

Sorry, but all the ONLINE stores are for PC USERS ONLY. You MACOs have to stick with your $3 APPLE disks. None of the cheap disks will work in a MAC, because the disks have a program in them to check platforms, and to DELIBERATELY introduce errors if they detect a MAC. APPLE media has a hacked version of this program that looks only for WACs, you you MACOs are safe using this media.

Sorry, but these are the "facts of life"!

personally dont agree with this. Have been using DVD Pro disks from meritline for a while, seems to be ok, but seems the brand and meritline are getting "bad" reviews lately

yes im a mac user, but i have a pc drive in my mac, so i figure i dont fall into the "maco' category for dvd burning.

[SLK001]

personally dont agree with this. Have been using DVD Pro disks from meritline for a while, seems to be ok, but seems the brand and meritline are getting "bad" reviews lately

yes im a mac user, but i have a pc drive in my mac, so i figure i dont fall into the "maco' category for dvd burning.

Hummm, seems like there is a fundamental flaw in the detection software on these disks!

[SLK001]

If you were a PC user, I would tell you about http://www.pricegrabber.com. Here, you can look at prices for good media brands from many different outlets.

For instance, Verbatim Datalife PLUS DVD-R disks in 15 piece spindles are $25.84 at one store, and $26.96 at another (depending on what state you live in whether or not tax is added). But since you are NOT a PC user, I won't tell you this!

[LanEvo7]

I feel that Rima is probably the best place to get it from. I've ordered from them a couple times and never had a problem. They also seem to be the only company that offer guarenteed same day shipping if you order before 12pm PST.

I've tried allmediaoutlet once, but I got a faulty batch of Riteks. I guess it wasn't all their fault, but their customer service was somewhat bad in handling the problem so I stopped buying from them. Other people seem to have no issues with them.

[Faustus]

Far as I can figure RIMA is the safest bet, they seem to have a good idea of exactly what they are selling, the only disk that they have that I wouldn't want to use in the DVD-R section is the Princos.

[disturbed1]

My vote goes to Rima also. I've placed many, many orders with Rima. Never one problem.

Although Meritline had a bad habbit of product switching in the past, seems like most compliants these days are about people buying poor quality media (Princo, OEM Maxell etc), which isn't necc. Meritline's fault.

I had a personal conversation with Meritline after a thread bashing I did, and they asured me that their tactics have changed.

Go with who has the product you want cheapest.

www.rima.com
www.meritline.com
www.cdrom2go.com
www.qtccdr.com
www.hypermicro.com
www.shop4tech.com
www.tape.com
www.issidvds.com
www.supermediastore.com
www.cdrdvdrmedia.com
www.ezlabel.com
www.allmediaoutlet.com
www.ccdrdiscount.com

maybe 300-500 others (perhaps someone should create a list)

Even though Comtree (Meritline's parent company) may have a couple of stores, look at all of them. From time to time prices differ between them.

[galactica]

Thanks everyone, working on a dvd-r media compatibility list, ill include the sites you all have posted as sorces for media.
Thanks

I went to RIMA.COM and to my suprise my dvd burner (Toshiba SD-R5002) is not listed in any of the disks compatiblity list

Does that mean none of these disks work in my drive? Just confused

I thought I was reading that "Princo DVD-R 4.7GB, General, $0.90 ea., 25-Pack" is DVD PRO. they work on my drive and my drive isnt on the list.


just wondering if i can get some of the other brands and if they will work.

your thoughts?

[Mike5150]

Sorry, but all the ONLINE stores are for PC USERS ONLY. You MACOs have to stick with your $3 APPLE disks. None of the cheap disks will work in a MAC, because the disks have a program in them to check platforms, and to DELIBERATELY introduce errors if they detect a MAC. APPLE media has a hacked version of this program that looks only for WACs, you you MACOs are safe using this media.

Sorry, but these are the "facts of life"!

I know it's obvious that this guy is just joking around and trying to start trouble , but I thought I'd mention this in case anyone took him seriously. There is no such thing a blank disc that checks platforms. I, and friends, have used many brands of blank media in Macs with factory standard drives and have no problems. Actually, I've never even tried Apple branded discs.

[SLK001]

I know it's obvious that this guy is just joking around and trying to start trouble :-x , but I thought I'd mention this in case anyone took him seriously. There is no such thing a blank disc that checks platforms. I, and friends, have used many brands of blank media in Macs with factory standard drives and have no problems. Actually, I've never even tried Apple branded discs.

What?? You haven't heard of the global anti-MAC conspiracy? The world is quietly aligning itself against all MAC computers and their users. Just thought that I'd give you MACOs a "heads up" on this.


Of course, this is all a joke. If anyone really took this seriously, then maybe gardening is the correct hobby for you. I just wanted to illustrate that PC users have opinions too, just like the "P.C. = Piece of Crap" user. After all, we PC users are smarter than you MACOs... and there are more of us, too!

[jmz28]

Thanks everyone, working on a dvd-r media compatibility list, ill include the sites you all have posted as sorces for media.
Thanks

I went to RIMA.COM and to my suprise my dvd burner (Toshiba SD-R5002) is not listed in any of the disks compatiblity list

Does that mean none of these disks work in my drive? Just confused

I thought I was reading that "Princo DVD-R 4.7GB, General, $0.90 ea., 25-Pack" is DVD PRO. they work on my drive and my drive isnt on the list.


just wondering if i can get some of the other brands and if they will work.

your thoughts?

just a heads up, I have that drive too, and have modified my firmware to write at 2x on some 1x media...the discs I use are "lead-data" I get them from here: http://www.hypermicro.com/store/cd-r_rw_media.htm . 23.00 for a 25 pack, and because they are in IL, I can get them 2 day air for 8 bux. Not a bad deal. They work in my xbox too, and I have never had any problems with them. I like the toshiba, I got a great deal on it while the 4x drives were still pretty expensive...plus, when you can write at 2x with lead data discs, you save a bunch too.

[LanEvo7]

Thanks everyone, working on a dvd-r media compatibility list, ill include the sites you all have posted as sorces for media.
Thanks

I went to RIMA.COM and to my suprise my dvd burner (Toshiba SD-R5002) is not listed in any of the disks compatiblity list

Does that mean none of these disks work in my drive? Just confused

I thought I was reading that "Princo DVD-R 4.7GB, General, $0.90 ea., 25-Pack" is DVD PRO. they work on my drive and my drive isnt on the list.


just wondering if i can get some of the other brands and if they will work.

your thoughts?

What I'd suggest you do is order the sample pack. You might also want to order the 4x sample also if you don't want to hack your drive so that it will burn 2x on some of the discs. Whichever works the best, you can order in bulk. That way you don't waste money and find out the discs don't work with your drive. I have a pioneer a05 and I've gotten good results from their dupez brand of discs.

[jmz28]

actually a lot of discs work in the drive, I have found very few that I have problems with...to answer your question...

I was just saying that the lead data discs are super cheap, work great with the toshiba drive, and can even be written to at 2x...

what more could one want???

[galactica]

Thanks ill check it out.

I have done the sample packs before, but they have only ever been only 1x media, which is dumb cause you cant really burn them all at 2x

I just recently got my drive from esbuy.com within say 2 weeks. Would it have the most up to date firmware on it, since its new?

Im just confused since i always get a 2x optoin to burn, but if you time the progress a 2x burn takes just as long as a 1x burn (even with a 2x media i got in a sample pack from meritline.com)

i always thought you wouldnt even have the option to 2x burn if a disk wasnt able to burn at 2x.

just confused why 1x disks will give the option to burn at 2x, and yet if you watch the countdown and time it, its just 1x

[jmz28]

Thanks ill check it out.

I have done the sample packs before, but they have only ever been only 1x media, which is dumb cause you cant really burn them all at 2x

I just recently got my drive from esbuy.com within say 2 weeks. Would it have the most up to date firmware on it, since its new?

Im just confused since i always get a 2x optoin to burn, but if you time the progress a 2x burn takes just as long as a 1x burn (even with a 2x media i got in a sample pack from meritline.com)

i always thought you wouldnt even have the option to 2x burn if a disk wasnt able to burn at 2x.

just confused why 1x disks will give the option to burn at 2x, and yet if you watch the countdown and time it, its just 1x

kinda funny you mention that... I thought the same thing at first... I think its because some of the media is supported by the drive, yet, it misreports that it can burn at 2x.

I have a piece of software called kmedit.exe that can patch the firmware for the toshiba drive, and allow you to alter 3 media types to get them to burn at 2x.

I modified mine to burn the lead data at 2x, and have thoroughly tested them to be sure there were no errors. They are good discs, and work just fine.

If you do in fact get those discs from hypermedia, I can give you a link to dl the firmware cd that you must boot from.

that way, I can save the explanation on how to modify the firmware...

here is where I spoke with some guys to finally figure it all out:

http://forum.rpc1.org/viewtopic.php?t=8727&start=125

you can browse back and forth in that thread to get the idea...I have the kmedit.exe file if you need it (err...or want it), but like I said, if you get the media I am talking about, I can just give you the link to an iso instead.

btw, when I say 2x, I mean they burn in 30 mins...(just so there is no confusion)

[galactica]

hmmm interesting. So you can some how "tune" the drive to burn certain brands at 2x!

I would rather find a media that's rated 2x and will burn 2x with the drive in its current condition. I had a dvr-104 that i upgraded the firmware on so i can burn more disk brands at 2x and the upgrade fried the drive.

The toshiba drive i have now is the replacement. So id rather just try to get a brand that will burn natively at 2x on this drive.

[jmz28]

hmmm interesting. So you can some how "tune" the drive to burn certain brands at 2x!

I would rather find a media that's rated 2x and will burn 2x with the drive in its current condition. I had a dvr-104 that i upgraded the firmware on so i can burn more disk brands at 2x and the upgrade fried the drive.

The toshiba drive i have now is the replacement. So id rather just try to get a brand that will burn natively at 2x on this drive.

This is the "suggested media list"

DVD-R
Taiyo-Yuden
TDK
Mitsubishi Chemical
Hitachi Maxell
Mitsui Chemical
Pioneer
Panasonic
Ritek
CMC

DVD-RW
TDK
Mitsubishi Chemical
JVC
Pioneer
Ritek
CMC


if you spend the cash, you can get 2x media, without modifying...personally, I dont want to waste my money when I can get lead data discs that do the SAME EXACT THING.

look for "true 2x" when shopping around.

Like I said though, not really a point to spending the extra cash.

Something to think about: this is why everyone with a pioneer drive has modified their firmware... if you have good quality media for cheap, why burn at 1x? flashing the firmware is easy.

[mp3superfreak]

I suggest NOT buying from Shop4tech.com. I ordered a 50/pk of Ritek DVD-R's, and AFTER ordering, noticed the "5-8 day backorder" (in very small text). So, I emailed them asking them to cancel my order so I could get them sooner from another store.

After checking my CC statement, they charged my CC immediately, even though the item was not in stock or had not shipped.

Even worse, they have been COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE to my emails politely asking to credit my card (over 4 in the last week). I would call to cancel, but I refuse to make a toll call to make such a simple change. (no 800#)

I've had good luck w/ Meritline, Rima, and allmediaoutlet. I guess I'll stick w/ those companies. Just a fair warning to potential shoppers of Shop4tech...DON'T BUY FROM THEM!!

[AarontheRipper]

Have bought from both Allmediaoutlet, and Rima without any problems. As far as prices are concerned, all of the major stores are pretty competitive. Rarely does the price vary by more than a couple of cents per disk.

[AarontheRipper]

I meant online retailers, not stores. I'd never pay what they charge at places like circuit city.

[LanEvo7]

I would rather find a media that's rated 2x and will burn 2x with the drive in its current condition. I had a dvr-104 that i upgraded the firmware on so i can burn more disk brands at 2x and the upgrade fried the drive.

The toshiba drive i have now is the replacement. So id rather just try to get a brand that will burn natively at 2x on this drive.

I think 4x media is backwards compatible. So if your drive does support 2x, but the 4x sample pack and see how it burns at 2x. 4x media's price is going down everyday.

[galactica]

This is the "suggested media list"

DVD-R
Taiyo-Yuden
TDK
Mitsubishi Chemical
Hitachi Maxell
Mitsui Chemical
Pioneer
Panasonic
Ritek
CMC

DVD-RW
TDK
Mitsubishi Chemical
JVC
Pioneer
Ritek
CMC

Out of curiosity, where did you get this list from?

Thanks, ill look into the firmware version of this drive and see if it needs updating. What revision is your drive? Or is the thing you were talking about not a firmware update?

Sorry about try to clear this up. I figured since it was a new purchase it would be updated with the latest firmware. Maybe it is, and im just buying cheap media also i too agree about getting the best least expensive media im looking to do about 200 dvd's so i want to keep the /disk cost down yet have it burn 2x!

thanks again

[jmz28]

I would rather find a media that's rated 2x and will burn 2x with the drive in its current condition. I had a dvr-104 that i upgraded the firmware on so i can burn more disk brands at 2x and the upgrade fried the drive.

The toshiba drive i have now is the replacement. So id rather just try to get a brand that will burn natively at 2x on this drive.

I think 4x media is backwards compatible. So if your drive does support 2x, but the 4x sample pack and see how it burns at 2x. 4x media's price is going down everyday.

most of the 2x drives are going to need a firmware update to burn the 4x media at 2x. I read somewhere (cant remember, yeah I know...) that the media is different somehow from the 2x, and that a lot of drives werent reading it correctly.

also, 4x media is a waste of money for a drive that will only do 2x tops. not to mention that its still at least 2x the cost of the lead data's

[jmz28]

This is the "suggested media list"

DVD-R
Taiyo-Yuden
TDK
Mitsubishi Chemical
Hitachi Maxell
Mitsui Chemical
Pioneer
Panasonic
Ritek
CMC

DVD-RW
TDK
Mitsubishi Chemical
JVC
Pioneer
Ritek
CMC

Out of curiosity, where did you get this list from?

Thanks, ill look into the firmware version of this drive and see if it needs updating. What revision is your drive? Or is the thing you were talking about not a firmware update?

Sorry about try to clear this up. I figured since it was a new purchase it would be updated with the latest firmware. Maybe it is, and im just buying cheap media also i too agree about getting the best least expensive media im looking to do about 200 dvd's so i want to keep the /disk cost down yet have it burn 2x!

thanks again

that link that I sent you before...at www.rpc1.org, I posted a ton of info about what happens with the firmware patch...all of your q's are answered.

re-read my above posts...if you get the media I am telling you about, you wont be disappointed...like I said I can send you the iso to update your firmware.

[jxsam1@yahoo.com]

My votes:

1) APPLE 2X ($3/disc which are actually Maxell) From Target, CompUSA, Fry's
2) TDK 2X ($2.30/disc if in bulk or $2.60/disc in 5 or 10 pk) From Target, CompUSA, Fry's.

These are the only choices I will go with as the cheapies from meritline, allmediaoutlet, and the likes caused me too many issues with compatibility, quality of the outer edges (not able to use the last several hundred megs of each disc), and coasters. For the hassle, time, and coasters, I switched to quality branded media six months ago and no issues no. All happy, no coasters and can buy conveniently at any of those stores.

[jomo]

hey, so far I had tried with the following companies and here is my experiences

shop4tech.com ----- no shipping charge and price competitive, american own companies "speak good english"

Americal.com ----- good companies and always in stock but price is too high


cdrom2go.com -----like it very professional, price ok


meritline.com ----- Stupid Chinese company and Cheat on customer with stupid Maxell product......

supermediastore.com ---- big company wants to be, service sucks, sometime price is good


overall wise you would have tell with your own experence and personally I would stay with top 3 companies for all of my media supply and as well as my recommedation to you all!!!


Good luck

[txpharoah]

shop4tech.com ----- no shipping charge and price competitive, american own companies "speak good english"

This guy works there. Of course he likes it. Check out the COMPLAINTS posts to read up all about this clown. The post could be about baking cookies in the off-topic area, and he'd come along and say "buy shop4tech."

Just wanted to separate the real advice from the BS.

He's starting to get on my nerves. And many others too.