HELP - DODGY MEDIA?

[peebee23]

I am trying to back up DVD9's to DVD5 using the following programme combinations;

AnyDVD then CloneDVD (both evaluation) or
DVDShrink3.1 then Nero 5.5.10.54

My PC is an AMD 1.5XP running Win2k, 512Mb, 40Gb & 120Gb at 7200 on IDE1, Pioneer DVR106RD and LG DVD ROM on IDE2, Radeon 9600 256mb,
The pioneer is firmware 1.07.

Here is the problem - I play the recorded, movie only, media on Toshiba SD520, PS2 and cheapo Alba jobby, using either method outlined above it works faultlessly on (expensive) Imation DVD+RW discs. I have just purchased a bulk pack of DVD-R media from DABS(UK) and so far have made nothing but coasters with them. I can find no match for them on this site using the media code and the only markings on them is P.A.G. in white print near the hole. The recordings start to playback ok then freeze quite a way into the movie. The reviews on DABS site suggest good compatibility with the Pioneer 106.

My questions are
- Are my players incompatible with DVD-R media?
(unlikely or no playback at all would result presumably)
- Have I missed a setting in Nero or CloneDVD?
- If anyone knows what these discs are could they tell me
- If the media is the problem can anyone recommend a good inexpensive media to use with the Pioneer.

Sorry its so long but any help appreciated

[Ziffelpig]

Post the media code someone might recognize it, but your problem does seem linked to bad media, try a burn under 4gb if that works it is the media. I got stuck with a bunch of infosmart01 they work fine at 4.0gb and under, but back up a DVD-5 to disc capacity(4462mb) and I have nothing but problems(Playback,freezing,stopping entirely)

You get what you pay for especially with DVD media, its better to buy proven quality media. Ritek

[peebee23]

DVD Identifier reports the following for the DABS discs

Unique Disc Identifier : [DVD-R:VDSP*SAB 01]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disc Type : [DVD-R]
Manufacturer ID : [VDSP*SAB 01]
Disc Application Code : [Unrestricted Use : Consumer Purpose]
Recording Speeds : [1x - 2x - 4x]
Blank Disc Capacity : [2,298,496 Sectors = 4,489.3 MB = 4.38 GB]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
[DVD Identifier - http://DVD.Identifier.CDfreaks.com]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Gurm]

Well, at least they included a code. Doesn't mean they're any good.

Any "bulk" or "cheap" media is usually a "you get what you pay for" situation.

- Gurm

[Faustus]

I don't know that code, but the easy way to find out is to buy some other decent R disc that isn't a brand that sucks and test.

[elmotheteapot]

Never tried em but the dabsvalue spindle of both -r anf +r (usually lon gten id) are known to be utter S**t dabs refuses to return this media cliaming that the incomptibility is the users fault, stay well away. If youre using dabs and are uk based do yourself a favour and pick up some riteks form www.blankdiscshop.co.uk

[peebee23]

Thanks for the advice folks

For info, just used DVDShrink to compress to 4Gb (actually reported 3.8Gb) then burnt again with Nero (which reported 4Gb total) same error as on the last time I tried in exactly the same place despite the size changing to below 4Gb.

How are the likes of DABS allowed to sell this junk? If thats what the problem is.