DVD-RAM for Video and Data - what is a difference?

[Zuhel]

Hello,
1. It is time to buy some more DVD-RAM media again, but now I am a little bit confused, because it appeared similarly priced "Video" media:


along with previously available "Data" one:



I have never used DVD-RAM Video media, so I am in a slight doubt.
I understand that "Video" media stands for CPRM (Copy Protection Recordable Media) but I am unsure that my routine tasks (such as archiving my own amateur footages) will not be affected.
I do not intend to record any copyrighted programs anyway.
Video media has at least one advantage - it is formatted already, while usual Data media is not.
So, can I use the DVD-RAM Video media in the same way as the Data one, while keeping away from any copyrighted content?

2. Has somebody tried any Ritek/Ridata or MediR rewritable media? Any suggestions?

Early replies will be very much appreciated.

[jim15800]

Where are you buying ritek dvd-ram media? Thanks for the information.

[dcsos]

I have not noticed any difference whatsoever in the USE in COMPUTER DRIVES., That is there's no difference if your using it in the computer

I cannot speak to the use of a DATA disc in a set top DVDRAM recorder

[Zuhel]

Where are you buying ritek dvd-ram media?

You could look at the pictures source:

http://www.bigpockets.co.uk


There are just two kinds of cheap (below GBP 3 for 4.7GB) DVD-RAM media in UK: MediR and Ridata.

[bobones]

Zuhel,

I saw that Ritek RAM and asked the same questions. The one concern I had was that the original text for the data cart description said it was x1 speed, whereas the video RAM disc had no speed indication in the text. My original worry was that discs used in video applications need to be able to record at faster speeds to accomodate features like timeslip and simultaneous record and play, but I'm not really sure if that's the case.

Anyway, bigpockets have now changed the description to say that it's suitable for video and data, and I actually now believe that the only real difference will be that the video discs come preformatted in UDF 2.0 so they can be used straight away, while the data discs may need to be formatted. I don't think there's any difference with regards to copy protection at all.

BTW, can you share any sources you have for cheap RAM in the UK? I have used the MediR carts from lynxdv in my E50 and LF-M621 burner without any problems at all. I'd certainly recommend them. BlankDiscShop now have stock of some cheap RAM carts with the Datasafe brand, and Easyetrader stock a few different brands, but nothing particularly cheap. Any other sources welcomed.

[Zuhel]

bobones,

You are right.

1. I've ordered MediR 9.4GB from both

http://www.ketta.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=321 (£6.0 each)

and

http://www.lynxdv.com/index.php?area=pr ... p;country= (£5.65 each)

Can say nothing against of it at the moment: preformatted and suitable for high speed copying.

Ridata from
http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/results.php ... c6709057cd

is not bad as well.

2. It seems that in the future it will be possible to record copyright protected content, such as PPV programs or certain DVDs, onto CPRM enabled "Video" media only (the recording mode will appear disabled if "Data" media is used!), but at the moment it is irrelevant. So, I've ordered a few "Video" ones, just in case.

I use DVD-RAM with cartridges for archiving some valuable recordings, while using TDK 4x DVD-R for GP (jewel cases, £1.45 from pricebusters).

Don't you know about any local source of Fuji DVD-R at reasonable price?

I am afraid, all the sources for cheap DVD-RAM are already mentioned above.

Datasafe just appeared on http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/erol.html
but at higher prices: £4.99 per 4.7GB and £6.50 per 9.4GB.
BTW, Datasafe is the same Ritek, isn't it?

[bobones]

What you say about protected content and video ram versus data ram sounds similar to the situation of standalone cd recorders. However in the cd case, the players themselves would refuse to record on non-audio discs and a levy was charged on the media to compensate the recording artists. DVD-RAM recorders already handle both types of media, and video and data types seem to cost the same, so I don't see how this will be enforceable on current machines.

Regarding datasafe, I think that's just a brand name that fronts discs from a variety of manufacturers: princo, ritek, etc. I have datasafe cdrs that proclaim to be Sony made, but I very much doubt that they are. So those Datasafe RAMs maybe Riteks, but they could well be anyone. I'll probably just stick to the MediRs as they're the cheapest and I know they work well.

On Fuji -R's, I don't know of any suppliers at all. I have burned G03s, G04s and Panasonic x4 dvd-r media, and they all work well when recorded on my Panny LF-M621 PC burner, but I find that the same media, recorded with my E50, produces burns of a much poorer quality. My E50 burned discs are very prone to playback problems on both my Tosh standalone player and my Pioneer 115 dvd-rom drive, so I'm still searching for that elusive, perfect dvd-r.