Meritline Sampler Results DVD-R brands to look for!!!!

[galactica]

Ok. Here's the thing. Im sick of buying spindles of dvd-rs only to find out they dont work with my drive, or they do but are prone to error!

So, i bought the meritline sample pack. I did some tests. Hopefully those of you who also got this pack will post your results with your drive type so we can build a master list (which ill put on my website)

Drive: Toshiba SD-R5002 (1x-2x DVD Burn)

Test Burn: DVD2oneX output of 4444 MB
Burning Software: Toast Titanium 5.2.1

All tests include full "verify" cycle and playback in SuperDrive and APEX AD-5131 stand-alone player.



Media Tested----------1x Burn-------2x Burn------Error?
-
Beall (102-015-001)---------No-----------No----------Disk was not recognized.
-
Accu (102-010-001)---------Yes----------Yes-------No Error, Yet 2x was 1x speed (Said 25 min but took 56 min!) [Called meritline, said is 1x disk for my drive]
-
DVDPRO (102-009-001)-----Yes----------Yes--------No Error
-
OptoDisc (102-029-001)----Yes----------Yes--------No Error, Yet 2x was 1x speed (Said 25 min but took 56 min!) [Called meritline, said is 1x disk for my drive]
-
Meritline2x(102-077-001)---Yes---------Yes---------No Error
-
Meritline1x (102-021-001)--YES---------NO---------No Error on 1x. 2x started, but Medium Error with only 5 min remaining. (thought it was one of these 1x that can be burned at 2x. oh well)

Other Media Tested
-
DVDPro DVD-RW------------YES----------YES---------No Error.
(103-003-025)
(Write and erase 10 times now, 2x burns at 2x speed!)

This is my current status, still proceeding with tests. Will EDIT and UPDATE as I get more info.

If you have another drive, and have tested any of these disks brands, or the meitline sample pack, please post your results in the manner I have just done.

Thanks
Galactica

[Ladd]

Drive: Apple 2X SuperDrive
OEM: HL-DT-ST
Model: DVD-RW GCA-4020B
Revision: D02E

Test Burn: DVD2oneX output of 4474 MB
Burning Software: Toast Titanium 5.2

All tests include full Toast "verify" cycle and playback in SuperDrive and JVC-N40 stand-alone player

NT = "Not Tested at this speed"
WNL = "Would Not Load" - drive won't accept disk at all*

Meritline Sampler Pack

Media Tested-------------1x Burn----2x Burn----Error?
-
Beall (102-015-001)-----------XXX---------XXX----------WNL*
-
Accu (102-010-001)------------NT-----------Yes--------No Error
-
DVDPro (102-009-001)--------NT-----------Yes--------No Error
-
OptoDisc (102-029-100)-------NT----------Yes---------No Error
-
Meritline 2x (102-007-001)----NT----------Yes---------No Error
-
Meritline 1x (102-021-001)----NT----------Yes---------No Error



SuperMediaStore Sampler Pack

Media Tested-------------------1x Burn----2x Burn----Error?
-
Optodisc Gold (DVD01X0018)--------NT---------Yes---------No Error
-
Ritek G03 (DVD01X0034)-------------NT---------Yes---------Error**
-
DVDPro (DVD01X0009)---------------NT---------Yes---------No Error
-
DVD-ON (VD01X0019)-----------------NT---------Yes---------Error***
-
SuperMedia 2x (DVD01X0068)-------NT---------Yes---------Error****
-
OptoDisc DVD-RW (DVD01X0020)---Yes--------n/a---------no error
(burned and erased over a dozen times)


*Drive refuses to load blank disk; thinks about it for 60 seconds then spits it back out. Attempted multiple times WITH BOTH DISKS from sampler pack.

**FIRST Disc burned and verified in Toast, but playback of content at end ragged (on stand-alone DVD player). Apple DVD Player utility wouldn't play end content at all. SECOND Disk failed Toast verify with multiple errors.

***FIRST disk failed Toast verify with a single error; SECOND disk burned and verified OK.

****BOTH disks failed Toast verify

-First post June 03, 2004: results for DVDPro, Meritline 2x, OptoDisk DVD-RW
-Edit June 17; added results for Accu
-Edit July 18; added results for Beall and Optodisc (fixed incorrect product number for Optodisc)
-Edit July 19; added results for Ritek G03, Meritline 2X
-Edit July 27; added results for DVD-ON, SuperMediaStore 2X, OptoDisc Gold

[galactica]

Excellent! thanks for your info.

Feel free to post your drive results too, you dont necessarly have to have the meritline/supermedia store packs to test.

if you have a pioneer 105 and you have 3 brands you prefer, post your results just like above.

Trying to build a master list with as many drives and media types as i can!
/Galacticac

[square]

I have only used one brand so far, but it has worked fine with about 20 discs burned.

Model: Pioneer 105
Firmware: 1.30

Disc Brand: Optimum (purchased from Staples)
1x: Yes 2x: No Error: No

Paid $17 for a 10 pack with a $7 mail in rebate.

[bbrelsford]

galactica -

My order for sampler arrives tomorrow from UPS. I will be posting my results also.
I'm using a mac G4 quicksilver with Pioneer superdrive.

This looks like a useful tool that you are planning. Are you going to take all of our data and place into a spreadsheet? This would make it alot easier to digest, instead of scrolling up and down on forum here.

Thanks,
Brian

[galactica]

galactica -

My order for sampler arrives tomorrow from UPS. I will be posting my results also.
I'm using a mac G4 quicksilver with Pioneer superdrive.

This looks like a useful tool that you are planning. Are you going to take all of our data and place into a spreadsheet? This would make it alot easier to digest, instead of scrolling up and down on forum here.

Thanks,
Brian

Yep, thats my plan exactly!!!

SO just post your results and when i collect enough data for different drives and disks ill make my master and post the page for it!

Be sure to put your pioneer model (104, 105 etc) you can get drive info from the system profiler (About This Mac, from the apple at top left, then click More Info. Look to the devices!)


Any sony dvd-r users ?!? post your remarks for brands if you can!

[galactica]

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/galactica/medialist.htm

There's the webformat.

PLEASE people who have any drives on the list or media they have tested post here

trying to build a master list! which I think will be helpful for everyone!

imagine If a toshiba sd-r5002 user bought a spindle of the Meritline Beall's
they would be screaming!!!!!

[square]

looks good, i will certainly contribute more info for the pioneer 105 when i test more brands.

if the optimum discs you have listed are from my post, to clarify...they burn at 1x only with no errors, 2x is not an option.

[Ladd]

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/galactica/medialist.htm
There's the webformat.

A good start.

If the 2X HL-DT-ST info on the chart is from my submission, the DVDPro data is listed incorrectly (I did not test it at 1X speed) and the chart is missing my Meritline 1X disc test, which burned at 2X (also not tested at 1X).

You have labeled the HL-DT-ST drive as being from Hitachi-Goldstar (which is one variation I've read from people trying to track it down), but in any case, the Apple Profiler isn't going to list that name. This might confuse new readers.

Apple Profiler lists the drive "brand name" of the drive as HL-DT-ST, model number GCA-4020B, firmware D02E.

I don't like that name any more than you do, but that is the brand name reported and perhaps the drive should be listed as such.

You could add "Hitachi-Goldstar" or "Hitachi-LG Data Storage" or "LG/HLDS/Goldstar" (and one of those designations might actually be correct), as an AKA, but it might be best to make this an asteriked footnote.

Of course, if the chart is simpley beta .01 ---- Never mind!

Ladd

[galactica]

will make the changes

yes its a beta version, wanted the feedback like you said!

i also am assuming that since a 2x burn worked, 1x will also?

is that not a safe assumption?

[earlygrace]

Who is to say that the disk you just tested was a good one but the majority are crap and will give you errors?
Nothin

[Ladd]

will make the changes

yes its a beta version, wanted the feedback like you said!

i also am assuming that since a 2x burn worked, 1x will also?

is that not a safe assumption?

I wouldn't make that assumption; kinda the whole point of testing, no?

I'm testing discs at 2X because I wish to burn at the fastest speed my burner will go, and, of course, get a good quality burn. If the first burn of each test pair works and tests fine at 2X, I'm not going to even try 1X. If it fails 2X, then I will try 1X for academic purposes, but will most likely purchase a different brand of disk when it comes time to do so.

[Ladd]

What is to say that the disk you just tested was a good one but the majority are crap and will give you errors?
Nothin

You are certainly correct. But given that I don't work in a production environment whereby I can personally test a hundred disks of every brand and type, I have to start somewhere.

I am unable to tap into the collected wisdom of this board because the drive Apple chose to put in my computer seems to be practically unknown to regular readers. I don't have the advantages that many owners of Pioneer drives do, being able to see that dozens of Pioneer drives had success or failure with a particular brand of disc.

The entire point of a sampler pack is simply the first step in attempting to figure out what MIGHT work with my particular drive in my particular computer using the burning software of my choice.

I received two discs each of a number of brands. If both discs of half the brands burn and test well at 2X and the other half fail at 2X, then I will test further choosing from the group of discs that worked. Certainly not working from numbers statistically significant, but hardly an arbitrary decision either.

Maybe the discs that worked great were a fluke, maybe the discs that didn't were not representative of the brand as a whole when it comes to my particular drive. But ya gotta start somewhere.

I post detailed information on my testing so that readers who come later and have this particular drive will have at least a tiny bit of info on which they can make up their own minds as to what to do. If someone had done this testing before me, using the exact drive I do, I would be sitting here testing a spindle of 25 of whatever had worked for them, instead buying individual discs at one-off prices and doing the work myself.

If you have alternative suggestions as to how I might go about this, I'ld love to hear them.

[galactica]

Ladd
I see your metitline 1x burned at 2x speed for you. So i tried the media in my drive, 2x burn did start, but errored before completoin with Sense Key - Medium Error. 1x burn of the disk worked properly. Supports my reason for making this table!.

I am also making the same assumption.
I went though spindles upon spindles of brands (loosing 6 dollars for each return since they will return them but not the shipping costs) After three brands didnt work in my drive, i was thinking that none of the ones on meritline/supermedia store would!

I dont want to pay the outrageous prices for the Name Brand individually wrapped dvd-r brands when There HAVE GOT TO BE bulk ones that work with my drive.

So i got the sample pack. As you can see its a good thing I did. My next spindle choice would have been the BeAll's (lots of people told me they are good disks for low price) Good thing i didnt! They are not recognized by my burner.

I am going on the fact that when I burn them with My drive if they work with this test pack, then they will work my My drive and anyone else who has a SD-R5002 by toshiba in their mac.

Again, if anyone has a SD-R5002 whos burner accepts the BeAll's LET ME KNOW!

Im just trying to build a list based on users of this forum so that people can see which bulk brand DVD-r SHOULD work with thier drive so they can save money on their next dvd-r purchase and not loose money picking a dvd-r brand.

who wouldnt love 50 dvd-r's that can be burned at 2x for around 50 dollars when Store dvd-r brands cost 50 for just 10-20 disks!!!

[Rayz]

Some more test info.

Drive: Apple 2X SuperDrive
OEM: HL-DT-ST
Model: DVD-RW GCA-4020B
Revision: D02E

Test Burn: DVD2oneX output of 4474 MB
Burning Software: Toast Titanium 5.2

All tests include full "verify" cycle and playback in SuperDrive and Denon DVD-1600 stand-alone player.

Obtained DVDPro from CDR DVDR Media as a combo pack. Are CDR DVDR Media and Meritline the same company? Look and feel of sites are the same.


Media Tested-------------1x Burn----2x Burn----Error?
-
DVDPro (102-006-001)------Yes----------Yes--------No Error
-
Imation From CompUSA)--Yes---------NT------------No Error

DVDPro burns well at 1X. Have only tested one at 2X and it worked fine, including full playback on the Denon.

Here is some unsolicted, off-topic input to give something back to the forum. In another forum, I was pointed to a Panasonic bare bones DVD-ROM drive that was a "pull out" from original plans for the iMac. The thing is $20 and reads DVDs at 16X (CDs at 48X). Much faster than this Hitachi hell Ladd and I live in. Same site (PC Microstore) also has a couple of Firwewire / USB 2.0 enclosures that range from $45-$58. I bought the $58 House Brand, which comes with Firewire AND USB cables. Out the door for $78. Takes 5 minutes to assemble. Works as soon as you plug it into the Mac.

My ripping speed with DVDBackup is now 15-20 minutes, (versus previous 75-90 minutes using the (not so super) Superdrive). Through PMs on this forum, I also got into this discussion with another forum member, who took the jump and received his order for the same setup yesterday. His experience and results (and pleasure) are the same as mine. If you are interested, here are the URLs:

http://www.pcmicrostore.com/part-detail.asp?id=408674

http://www.pcmicrostore.com/part-detail.asp?id=407355

The significant front end time savings is only one advantage. This additional drive allows for processing with DVD2oneX or or burning with Toast on the Superdrive while DVDBackup is ripping from the Panasonic. Multitasking at its finest. Just for clarity, I have nothing to do with PC Microstore - I was just happy to come across this setup and want to share.

[kagharaht]

Have you tried iMovie with this? Still even if it didn't work, what a great deal. Thanks for the tip.

[galactica]

Some more test info.

Drive: Apple 2X SuperDrive
OEM: HL-DT-ST
Model: DVD-RW GCA-4020B
Revision: D02E

Since you and Ladd have the same drives, id expect to see you have the same results he does.

The fact you both burn the DVD Pro Grade A *(rated 1x) at 2x successfully hints to that conclusion!

[atom22]

I'm a little confused on something and could use some help. What is the difference between an Pioneer DVR-105 and a DVD-RW GCA-4020B? I have a DVR-105 and according to the list you're putting togther it's less compatible with most media. Aren't these both Apple Superdrives, and the only distinction being them is the optical mechanism? Why would Apple ship some G4's with the DVR-105 and others with GCA-4020B?! Also on the list that's on Galctica's site it distinguishes an Apple Superdrive from a Pioneer Superdrive, which I find a little confusing since Apple doesn't make a Superdrive. Help!

Seperately I have something to add to these testings. I bought Accu DVD media from CDRDVDRMedia Store. (Yes, Meritline and CDRDVDRmedia are one and the same in case anyone else was wondering). Either way I hate this store and will never use them again. Their customer service is the pits and they designed their customer contact numbers almost as if they purposely want you never to speak to somebody. Once you get through it's not fun either. When I finally did find an 888 number they just turned out to be Meritline. Very annoying. So heres's my results:

Drive: Apple 2X SuperDrive
Model: DVR-105

Test Burn: DVD2oneX output of 4474 MB
Burning Software: Toast Titanium 5.2

All tests include full "verify" cycle.


Media Tested-------------1x Burn----2x Burn----Error?
-
Accu (102-010-025)------Yes----------NA--------Yes



Hope that helps.

[Ladd]

I'm a little confused on something and could use some help. What is the difference between an Pioneer DVR-105 and a DVD-RW GCA-4020B?

I don't mean to be flip, but they are simply different drives.

You have hit on why it has been so difficult for my to get information about the HL-DT-ST GCA-4020B drive. Apple installs it mostly in iMacs which caters to a market that generally doesn't frequent boards like this. And everyone else, including Internet Retailers, continue to assume that Apple SuperDrive = Pioneer Drive. It just ain't so.

And the fact that the name is so confusing doesn't help matters either.

Brand-------------Model

Pioneer---------DVR-105
HL-DT-ST------GCA-42020B
Ford------------Mustang
Chevrolet------Corvette

Why would Apple ship some G4's with the DVR-105 and others with GCA-4020B?

Perhaps at the time Apple needed a large batch of drives, perhaps the HL-DT-ST drives were $1 cheaper or simply available and the Pioneer's weren't. You'll have to ask them.


FWIW:
The Pioneer DVR-105 is a newer drive (I believe) and one that many folks both in the Apple and PC world will have experience with. You should have no trouble finding posts in the "Media" forum (and here, of course) from folks who have the drive and their experiences with different brands of media.

[atom22]

OK, thanks for the clarification. I know that Pioneer DVR-105 vs DVD-RW GCA-4020B appears fairly simple and straight forward, but when I got off the phone with Apple they even told me that there was no "Apple" SuperDrive, ie: Apple SuperDrive = Pioneer Drive. most confusing. Your answers are always enlightening.

[Ladd]

I know that Pioneer DVR-105 vs DVD-RW GCA-4020B appears fairly simple and straight forward...

Out of humorous frustration, allow me to point out that, as do most folks, the naming convention you use is still incorrect and will continue to aid in the confusion.

You have used the Brand Name and Model Type of "Pioneer DVR-105", but only the Model Type of GCA-402B while leaving off the Brand Name of HL-DT-ST.

If the damn thing was a Sony or Hitachi or RCA or any name that made even the slightest sense, folks wouldn't have any problem. But no, the Brand has to be HL-DT-ST which is so awkward that not only does no one get it, it's like there's a spell cast on it and people actively forget about it even when pointed out to them only a few minutes before!

I'm thinking as much Internet Media Retailers as I am readers of this board.

HL-DT-ST makes numerous types and models of drive; in my case, I am only interesting the the GCA-402B model. And if I want to get even more anal than I'm sure everyone thinks I am now, the firmware revision is D02E.

Call me nuts, but if one don't list the Brand name, Model Name and Firmware revison of the drive used when listing test results, it just makes it tougher for readers who come later to try and figure out if your results will specifically or generally apply to them.

It's almost way past my bedtime and I'll probably read this rant tomorrow and delete it.

Ladd

[atom22]

Leave it to me to be the one who frustrates everyone.

[bbrelsford]

My media results are in for Meritline's Sampler Media for Apple:

Drive: Pioneer DVR-103 Superdrive G4 Quicksilver 867 Mhz
768 MB of Memory

Test Burn: DVD2oneX output of 4444 MB
Burning Software: Toast Titanium 5.2.1

All tests include full "verify" cycle and playback in SuperDrive and
Toshiba SD-2109 stand-alone player.

Media Tested----------1x Burn-------2x Burn------Error?

Beall (102-015-001)---------Yes-----------No---------- -
Accu (102-010-001)---------Yes-----------No---------- -
DVDPRO (102-009-001)-----Yes-----------No---------- -
OptoDisc (102-029-001)-----Yes-----------No---------- -
Meritline2x(102-077-001)----Yes----------Yes--------- -
Meritline1x (102-021-001)---Yes-----------No--------- -

All in all, no coasters were created. I was however disappointed to find only the Meritline2x media was the only media that burned at 2x speed in my mac. All of the others I was only given choice of 1x burn speed.

Thanks,
Brian

[galactica]

All in all, no coasters were created. I was however disappointed to find only the Meritline2x media was the only media that burned at 2x speed in my mac. All of the others I was only given choice of 1x burn speed.

Thanks,
Brian

Brian, thanks ill update the list shortly. Odd that only the meritline 2x media burned at 2x for you.

I just got a spindle of those in (since they were one of the ones that burn at 2x for my tests) now its seems that its a hit or miss if they burn 2x. With a spindle, so far only 2 of 4 have burned at 2x. Yes i get the option and yes it says 25 min but it takes 2-3 seconds for toast's countdown of 1 second.

anyone else ever get this ?!? just wondering. Meritline is totally baffeled.

[galactica]

Media Tested-------------1x Burn----2x Burn----Error?
-
Accu (102-010-025)------Yes----------NA--------Yes



Hope that helps.

It does, and it doesnt. What was the error? you say 1x burns, but then list error as yes!?

Just wondering.

as you can see, there is some debate on what exactly is an apple superdrive, really my take is its totally machine specific.

My defination is - apple superdrive = one that came standard with your mac when you purchased/orderd it. in that case, if yours is this, please get info on the dirve using apple system profiler, and give me all the info that comes up under the DEVICES tab for that drive.

non apple superdirve - one you personally install after the fact, if your mac didnt come with a superdrive, and you purchase your own pioneer 105 and put it in, thats a non apple superdrive.

thats my defination and the basis for my table.

thanks,
looking forward to your info.
/Galactica

[schmeg]

I was however disappointed to find only the Meritline2x media was the only media that burned at 2x speed in my mac. All of the others I was only given choice of 1x burn speed.

The other five DVD brands in the Meritline sampler pack that you tested are only rated to work at 1x. They aren't 2x disks. Toast is smart enough to check that, and only offer the burn speeds that are legal for that particular media.

[galactica]

I was however disappointed to find only the Meritline2x media was the only media that burned at 2x speed in my mac. All of the others I was only given choice of 1x burn speed.

The other five DVD brands in the Meritline sampler pack that you tested are only rated to work at 1x. They aren't 2x disks. Toast is smart enough to check that, and only offer the burn speeds that are legal for that particular media.

REALLY! every disk from the pack had both 2x and 1x options for me
the thing i noted was that even if it came up as 2x and said 25 min it really took 58 min! So even though the option came up for 2x and it gave a time of 2x speed, it only burned at 1x.

so maybe its not toast but the drive choosing the speed ability

[defense]

why is this post on the "MAC" forum? It should be on the media forum. Also, if you did a little research on the media forum, you would see all of those brands in that sample pack have been discussed...and discussed in detail.

The reason you are only getting 1x, is because those disks "ACCU/OPTODISK" in that sample pack..are 1x disks....some, like myself, just have the luxury of burning them @2x ..depending on their burner.

[galactica]

why is this post on the "MAC" forum? It should be on the media forum. Also, if you did a little research on the media forum, you would see all of those brands in that sample pack have been discussed...and discussed in detail.

The reason you are only getting 1x, is because those disks "ACCU/OPTODISK" in that sample pack..are 1x disks....some, like myself, just have the luxury of burning them @2x ..depending on their burner.

It's in the mac forum because the author is a mac user and wanted to provide this information for other mac users (especailly since its using Toast titanium for burning)

Ive read the media forum numerous of times, and yes there is some detail in there about these brands. Not very many that I saw with results from Apple Superdrives though, or DVD burners in Macintosh Computers.

Thus, its in the mac forum.

I myself can burn some of the 1x disks at 2x, and yes, its the burner that supplies this ability (again the reason for the post)

[Ladd]

why is this post on the "MAC" forum?

While your request sounds reasonable, if you search the "Media" forum for number of readers who own and use the HL-DT-ST GCA-4020B burner I have (installed by Apple as the Superdrive in some of their computers) and then count the number of requests I made begging for information, you'll quickly see why Mac users read general forums regularly but many times get more apt advice from members of their own clan.

(Answer: zero and four)