DVD-R Formulas from various brands

[roc383]

I am somewhat confused on the media formulation vs branding. I do understand how each is defined, and that particular brands may have some good media and some poor media depending on what the formula is and where it was manufactured, however, is there a difference if two different brands have the same formula? Or is it basically the same disc being supplied to multiple brands? For example, I have a spool of Verbatim 8x and a spool of Prodisc 8x, both have the MCC 02RG20 formula. Are they of equal quality, or can there still be physical differences in the disc. I ask this because I see many brands of disc, many share the same formula, and many have different opinions from reviews. I am currently experiencing a horrible failure rate with the Prodiscs, but no failures with the Verbatim. Just coincidence? I got these prodiscs have having such an incredible success rate with their 4x MCC 01RG20 discs.

[Skith]

I believe the code (in this case MCC01RG20) refers to the dye (formula) used, and allows the burner to set a recording strategy (firmware) to optimize the recording process (available speeds, etc.)

This is a difficult question, but basically the answer is yes, the discs *should* be near identical. There can, however, be small differences (which plant was the media manufactured at, what batch did it come from, etc.)

Mitsubishi Chem. Corp. has manufacturing plants in Taiwan and Singapore. I have also heard that some (at least in the past) MCC media is produced by CMC using MCC technology & dyes (That was a while ago, so I have no idea if it still holds true.)

It is also possible that you have just got a bad spindle/batch. Quality control is not perfect, and I suggest you contact the place of purchase, or the (brand) company to see if you can get them exchanged.

[Gen-An]

FYI MKM/MCC owns a factory in Japan, and one in Singapore. Anything made in Taiwan or China using their brands is made under contract with other manufacturers.

[lordsmurf]

FYI MKM/MCC owns a factory in Japan, and one in Singapore. Anything made in Taiwan or China using their brands is made under contract with other manufacturers.

Yes, but Verbatim (Mitsubishi) has gone on record at least twice now stating that the MCC discs made in the CMC plants are essentially a case of rented real estate. The equipment/supplies/processes are still MCC's own. So the geographic location should not make any differences. The varying plants also make different things. For example, the Singapore plant tends to make the MKM and MCC RW media, no longer the MCC DVD-R. This all can get complex.

The important part is MKM/MCC = QUALITY, regardless of the location made.

SONY and TDK can claim the same.

[Skith]

lordsmurf, thanks for the clarification.