DL blanks for $3.20 per disk

[Spoffo]

In case you haven't noticed it in their ads, CompUSA has Memorex DVD+R DL blanks on sale for $80 for 25 through Saturday. To my knowledge, the previous best price for DL media of any sort has been $4 per disk.

Yeah, I know Memorex has had a reputation for mixed quality in DVDs, but I've burned about 50 of these DLs over the past few months with no failures. My thinking is that the people who OEM poor quality disks aren't even trying to make DL until they become much more of a mass-market product, so Memorex is safe, at least for now.

[dafoe]

I can buy two 8x single layer TY discs for 41 cents each. So 3.20 really isn't good enough for me. If I were to start using DL instead of SL they would have to be less than $1.50

The only thing I've ever burned to DL was a DL PS2 game. I bought a Verbatim 3 pk.

For every thing else, it just makes much more sense to use 2 single layer discs.

[lordsmurf]

For those that are making NEW CONTENT, not merely "backing up" the work of others, DL media is very much desired.

However, RITEK is crappy media, especially the DL stuff, at least as compared to MKM (Verbatim). Apparently SAM'S has MKM DL media for about $2 each in multi-packs.

[Bix]

Apparently SAM'S has MKM DL media for about $2 each in multi-packs.

Where'd you hear that? It's not on their site under online or in-store items.

[dafoe]

If I could get Verbatim for $2 I would consider that a great deal

But, I can pay 92 cents for the same amount of storage by buying 2 single layer TY discs. Futhermore, I don't have to worry about the alleged dual layer compatibility problems.

I really don't see what content has to do with anything. I would think that original content would be easier to split to two discs than a commercial disc that's already been authored. And by the way, I do author a lot of original content. You just assumed I was talking about DVD backups.

Either way, you are paying for the convienience of not having to get up and change the disc. It just doesn't seem worth it to me.

Ultimately it's simply a matter of preference. To each his own.

[lordsmurf]

Apparently SAM'S has MKM DL media for about $2 each in multi-packs.

Where'd you hear that? It's not on their site under online or in-store items.

Somebody in off-topic told me some weeks back.

[macrovision]

I do a disc split and buy dual disc slim dvd cases....$50 for 100 disc(prodisc or ritek g05) and 100 slim cases...at a local dealer.....It's a DVD/INK store here in N.Y.C. ....He gives these offers in package deals and because he's local I'll be at his store demanding a refund an hour after I have a problem....I've been dealing with him for about 3 months and never had a coaster or a problem...WHEW!

[JoeBolden]

THIS WEEK UNTIL SATURDAY 6/25/2005 COMPUSA has 3 pk DVD+R DL Memorex for $9.99 $10 instant savings that is $3.33 each. A good price to buy a pack or 2 to try out.

[waheed]

still expensive

[compuser]

still expensive

Especially for those whose the nearest Compusa is like 65 miles away (one way).

For 3.58/disc @ Blank-CD-CDRW.com you can pick up 5 + a DVD+RW. I guess with shipping it might be a push.

Good find though.

[Edmund Blackadder]

I don't understand you people. Why are we still complaining about the DL prices. Even though I don't particularly like Ritek DL media, but if it works well for you then $3.20 is a good price. I mean after all we are still paying between $3 and $6 for 60min miniDV tapes. And if you want a 80min miniDV you have to shell out between $7 and $13, depending on where you buy it from. Nobody seems to complain about that, and nobody is waiting for miniDV tape prices to go under a $1. So just accept the current DL prices and be happy that you have an access to DL at all.

To me, I'm gladly paying $6 a piece for Verbatim DVD+R DL, because for producing the original content (and occasional backup) it's a reasonable price for added storage/quality increase. And also, while I'm not a couch potato, I'm still gladly paying the premium just so I don't have to change/flip the disc in the middle of things.

On a side note, Ricoh DL media is a great alternative to Verbatim, if you can find it cheaper (most likely in Europe). Ritek though is not very compatible and at this point should be avoided for any serious work.

[waheed]

I can understand some people thinking DL prices are reasonable, but imagine a few coasters, that a big hole in your wallet.

[lordsmurf]

I can understand some people thinking DL prices are reasonable, but imagine a few coasters, that a big hole in your wallet.

Don't buy crap, and don't screw up. That tends to minimize most coaster counts. And let's be honest with each other, if you want a cheap hobby, this isn't it. Businesses will pay whatever is needed.

[thevoelk]

We buy them by the 500 at work. We're stuck with GSA agreements on suppliers, so we still pay close to $10.00 per disc Verbatim, $8.00 for Ritek. Even if we could find them cheaper, the Government isn't legally allowed to purchase them from a different supplier. Talk about getting your pants dropped.

The upside is, when an organization contacts the AV Team (I'm only their Systems Admin), they factor in a failure rate of 50%, so the team, which I get to be considered part of, gets around 75 - 100 extra DL blanks to use as we wish.

Not a bad deal to listen to a bunch of graphic artists whine about not being admins on their workstations all day.