Apple SuperDrive OEM'd from HL-DT-ST: what DVD-R media?

[Ladd]

I've been trying for quite some time to get specific 2X DVD-R media recommendations from Mac users whose machines have the 2X SuperDrive burner OEM'd from the manufacturer HL-DT-ST, model GCA-4020B.

I've asked in other general DVD-R media threads and the discussion always ends up talking about the Pioneer burners that were used for years or veers off in other directions.

So let's settle this once and for all in this discussion thread which is titled appropriately so all current and future interested readers can find the information easily. I promise to stop asking in other discussion threads if this one stays on-topic!

Please only post media recommendations if your Mac has the 2X SuperDrive burner OEM'd from the manufacturer HL-DT-ST, model GCA-4020B.

Please confirm that your Mac has the HL-DT-ST, model GCA-4020B2X SuperDrive burner and list the 2X DVD-R media that you have successfully burned at 2X speed to the full capacity of the disc.

Listings of 2X media that you've tried that fails to burn at 2X speed and/or completely and perfectly are also welcome.

I'm especially interested in 2X media that successfully burns to its full capacity, right out to the edge (i.e, movies).

Recommendations for 1X DVD-R media that burns to the full capacity with quality results also gratefully accepted, but please clearly mark the media suggested as 1X media.

To start things off with the easy and obvious media listing, the Apple-branded greyish-purple 2X DVD-R media (part #M8405ZM/A) definitely burns at 2X speed and to full capacity. Available from the online Apple Store in 5-packs with jewel case for $15 ($3 each), with free shipping.

Regards,
Ladd

[tcrider]

I have the HL-DT-ST product ID DVD-RW GCA-4020B in a Emac 800.

I purchased a 100 pack of Accu media 4.7 DVD-R Blank Media for $90 Dollars plus about $8 in shipping. (very generic looking media, silver w/no writing on top at all, purple on the bottom) but who cares what it looks like!

I have burned about 15 DVD's with no coasters yet to date!

http://store.yahoo.com/meritline/ac47dvsilbla1.html

I also had no coasters with Khyphermedia from Officemax.com but those cost a bit more.

[tcrider]

Sorry, I forgot to say

I burned both kinds of media at 2X with no problems!

Meriline was slow on ground shipping! (the product was backordered and took an additional week to get to me)

OfficeMax had my Kypher's to me in two days.

[Ladd]

I burned both kinds of media at 2X with no problems!

Thanks for the detailed answer.

It's nice to know that SOMEONE out there has the same mystery burner that I have!

How much data were you putting on the discs?

Ladd

[tcrider]

I have burned a couple with sizes of 4400 MB of the maximum 4472 MB.

[Ladd]

I have burned a couple with sizes of 4400 MB of the maximum 4472 MB.

Ahhh, 4472 MB, the magic number.
Do the last few minutes of the movies play fine? Enquiring minds wish to know!

[hines1957]

I also have this drive; in fact, searching google with the Vendor ID and Product ID listed in the profiler is what lead me to this thread.

I have been using Apple's DVD-Rs, but they are SO overpriced it makes me sick.

I have ordered a 100 pack of the Accu media that tcrider recommended. I ordered from Meritline. I did not have a problem with them being slow or out of stock. They shipped the day after I ordered. I expect them to arrive any day now.

I will let you know how well they work. I will use them both for data (primarily backups) and for making entertainment DVDs that will hopefully work well in ordinary Region 1 players. I will report back on both usages.

Do you guys (or anyone else) have anything to add on this topic? It would be nice to have other brand names and sources just in case Meritline or Accu goes away.

Cheers,
Lynwood Hines

[Ladd]

I will let you know how well they work.

I did extensive testing earlier this year with the sampler packs available from Meritline and SuperMediaStore (you can see the reports here).

The Accu 1X media included in the Meritline sampler pack at that time burned fine at 2X in my HL-DT-ST : DVD-RW GCA-4020B burner.