Best DVD-R media f/ LG 4040BI 1X, 4X for the $$.

[tawnyag75]

Hello All,

I'm a newby to this site and I think it's awesome!

Need some help finding the best DVD-R media (1X and 4X) for my newly purchased LG 4040BI. Thanks you all for responding (IN ADVANCE) .

[bluntman72]

I have a 4040 as well, and like everyone says in here, stay away from Princo DVDs. I bought one yesterday to try out, it was advertised as a 4x DVD-R, and DVDInfo read it as being a 4x disc as well, but when I got around to burning (with CloneDVD) it surprised me by telling me that it was 1x. I don't have the exact time that it finished because I wasn't waiting around for an hour.

I also bought a Ritek DVD-R that was advertised as a 4x (DVDInfo also said that it was 4x), but it burned at 2x.

I am currently using Memorex 4x DVD+R discs which definitely burn at 4x.

[lgmayka]

First, I assume your drive has the A300 firmware.

Second, I assume you are interested in DVD-R media rather than DVD+R media.

I have the GSA-4040B also and I have scoured various Web forums for burn speed results for this drive. The most consistent 4x results seem to come from Ritek 4x DVD-R disks, which have media code RITEKG04. Since I have been previously burned by unbranded Maxell counterfeits (see http://www.maxell.co.jp/e/release/20030704.html ), I did not buy blank-top disks but rather disks with an ugly-orange design that apparently serves as a sort of Ritek logo, although it doesn't actually include a manufacturer's name, only the 4x speed:

http://www.allmediaoutlet.com/productDetails.do?kitNbr=383

These burn correctly at 4x speed on my GSA-4040B.

I think users have also generally been able to burn TDK 4x DVD-R disks at 4x on this drive.

In contrast, I have tried Memorex 4x DVD-Rs (made by CMC, if I recall correctly) which would only burn at 2x. I have also tried FujiFilm DVD-Rs that were marked as 4x on the box but which had a media code of TAIYOYUDEN, which I have been told is actually a 2x-speed code. Someone has claimed that genuine FujiFilm 4x DVD-Rs with media code TYG01 will burn at 4x on the GSA-4040B, but beware of the mislabeling I ran into.

[i am x]

Someone has claimed that genuine FujiFilm 4x DVD-Rs with media code TYG01 will burn at 4x on the GSA-4040B, but beware of the mislabeling I ran into.

On my GSA-4040B, the Fujifilms burn at 4X.

[cplevel42]

When someone says that 4x media does not burn at 4x on their burner, it is often because the correct firmware is not installed. This can be upgraded or downgraded.

Some media is crap, and some crap media is sold as genuine RITEK media when it is clearly not. Use DVD info to find out for sure.

Ritek 4X burns at 4X when the correct firmware is installed. If a burner cannot burn Ritek G04 at 4x, then it is clearly the fault of the Manufacturer of that burner, unless you have a bad batch of media, which is rare with regards to Ritek.

[lgmayka]

On my GSA-4040B, the Fujifilms burn at 4X.

I assume you have genuine 4x disks (media code TYG01) rather than the mislabeled 2x ones I got (TAIYOYUDEN) in a 4x box.

[bluntman72]

First, I assume your drive has the A300 firmware.

Yes.

Second, I assume you are interested in DVD-R media rather than DVD+R media.

It doesn't really matter to me.

Different varieties of quality DVDr media (at good prices), either "-" or "+" is rather scarce up here in Canada. Most of the computer stores up here sell Princo and no-name Princo DVDs, fewer still sell 4x media, most are 1x. From what I've read in this forum, I'm staying away from Princo and stick to my Memorex 4x DVD+Rs.

Ritek 4X burns at 4X when the correct firmware is installed. If a burner cannot burn Ritek G04 at 4x, then it is clearly the fault of the Manufacturer of that burner, unless you have a bad batch of media, which is rare with regards to Ritek.

I'm partly to blame for the Ritek "mixup". I asked the salesclerk for 4x Ritek, but she may have inadvertently given me 2x media (that's what it said on the sales receipt, 2x not 4x). However, when I got home I did check the disc with DVDInfo and I did see "4x", but as far as it being a G04, who knows.

[cplevel42]

Use dvddecrypter. It will tell you if they are G04.

[bluntman72]

I used DVDinfo last night and I found out that they were G04, although they wasn't anything silkscreen on the top of the disk buy I did see the word Ridata at the hub. Hmm. I then downloaded the a300 firmware again and re-flashed my drive.

It just makes me wonder if all this fuss it worth it. I mean I've already bought 30 pieces of Memores 4x +R media and they worked perfectly on not only with my burner but also with my Panasonic RP91 DVD player. I was able to get a spindle of 25 for $60 CDN (that $2.40 a piece) while the single Ritek cost me $3 CDN. I may have to retest another Ritek G04 and try to talk the store into giving me a good deal if I buy a spindle of 25 or 50 - they sell them individually with a jewel case.

[deno]

$3 per Ritek? You might want to take a look at www.blankmedia.ca. The last time I order they were $1.95CDN on a spindle. You might even be within driving distance of them and save the shipping charge.

[bluntman72]

Yea, the $3 per disc was the price for a single disc, not the per piece spindle price at Blankmedia. I'm still a little wary about buying a something that won't burn at the advertised speed, especially in quantities of 50 or more.

[tawnyag75]

Okay, guys, just bought a spindle of BeAll's from Meritline (20% off and free shipping). These 1X rated discs burned at 2X on my LG 4040 every time. They're just a tad over a buck a piece. Highly recommended!

[Saminai]

Agh i think that's a terrible idea...
i'd rather get DupEZ's which are 4X disks can can be burned at 2X without problems from RIMA.COM THey are like $1.10 a piece.
much better than burning beALL whcih is rated at 1x at 2x speeds...you take risks doing that.

[i am x]

On my GSA-4040B, the Fujifilms burn at 4X.

I assume you have genuine 4x disks (media code TYG01) rather than the mislabeled 2x ones I got (TAIYOYUDEN) in a 4x box.

Correct.