DVD Media test computer magazine

[lapaz]

My local (Europe) computer magazine had a DVD media test this month with some interesting results.
They burned several DVDs with a Plextor and Sony and then tested the maximum read speed with Nero CD speed in a DVD rom drive.
The idea is that if Nero does show an irregular read curve instead of nice smooth one, the DVD has read errors, potentially caused by low quality DVD media.
The results:

DVD+R media (Brand, speed, factory identifier)

No problems:
Fuji 2.4X RicohJPN-R00-01
HP 2.4X RicohJPN-R00-01
Imation 2.4X RicohJPN-R00-01
Plextor 4X Yuden000-T0-01
Primedisc 2.4X RicohJPN-R00-01
Sony 4X MCC-002-00
TDK 2.4X RicohJPN-R00-01
Verbatim 4X MCC-002-00
Verbatim 4X Yuden000-T01-00

Some read problems at end:
Memorex 4X RicohJPN-R01-02
Philips 4X RicohJPN-R01-02
Platinum 4X RicohJPN-R01-02

Unreadable:
Traxdata 4X RicohJPN-R01-02

DVD-R Media:

No problems
Datasafe 2X RitekG03
Sony 4x MCC 01RG20
Traxdata 4X RitekG04
Verbatim 4X MCC 01RG20
Verbatim 4X TYG01

Lots of read problems or unreadable:
Emtec 2X
Nashua 2X EuroDig-Disc
Princo 4X Princo
Sentinel 2X


Some conclusions:

DVD+R 4X media from Ricoh (RicohJPN-R01-02), used by several brands, shows read problems at the end of the disk (above 3-4GB). The +R 2X media of Ricoh is ok though.

It comes as no surprise that the test concludes to stay awaw from cheap brands (Emtec, Nashua, Princo, Sentinel). Most of these are -R media.


The test confirms my own limited experience: i had some problems with both Ricoh own brand and Traxdata +R 4X media (both RicohJPN-R01-02).

[Treebeard]

they didnt test taiyo yudens? or Ridata?

pretty small test field for a magazine article. the media database on this website offers better info.

[Faustus]

I'd be rather interested to know their testing methods. Also sometimes NEro CD DVD speed will freak and give bad resutls unless you restart. I can say I've burned about 30 4X Ricoh disc without a single problem.

[vtecwil]

I dont agree with the results for the RICOHJPN-RO1-02 discs . I have never had problems with them . I have burned them on my Sony DRU500 AX and am now testing them on a rebadged Optorite 8X Drive ( MagicSpin ) . Here are the results of Nero CD/DVD Speed on a Ricoh 4X disc burned at 8X ( 9 min. 22 sec. ) .
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[lapaz]

Treebeard: yes, they did test Taiyo Yudens: look at the TY identifier behind the brand (TY ot Yuden). BTW: i guess they don't need to test them, as we all know it's hight quality stuff.

Flaystus: the test method seemed simplistic to me: only a maximum read speed test. But maybe simplicity works here as it confirmed the questionable quality of cheap media (the read speed test showed irregular graphs at those media).

What surprised me most is the apparant problem with Ricoh +R 4x media (not +2): the graphs for all brands using this media showed read problems at the end (over 4GB). Maybe you did not burn disks with more than 4GB data?

[lapaz]

I forgot to mention: coincedently i burned a Traxdata +R 4x (RicohJPN-R01-02) 4 GB DVD today with my Plextor 708 and the writing failed at the end. This is the message i got with Nero 5.5 during the writing of the lead out at the end:

Invalid field in command
Could not perform end of disk at once
Burn process failed.

Tried another one that worked but still...
I think i will stay away from Ricoh +R 4x media for the time being.

[vtecwil]

Did you look at the graph I posted ? I have burned hundreds of Ricoh 4X discs and none have failed to write or play in a variety af players .

[lapaz]

Yep, your graph looks good. Can't say much more about it.
I did not perform the test, i only copied the results of the computer magazine and coincedently my own limited experience confirmed it a bit: i burned around 10 Ricoh +R 4X disks with 2 failures sofar and i find this a lot for such highly regarded media.

[MOVIEGEEK]

This is the message i got with Nero 5.5 during the writing of the lead out at the end: .....

Maybe you should use REAL DVD burn software like RecordNow or DVDDecrypter.
I don't want to start a media or software flamewar but I've burned over 50 Ricoh DVD+R with RecordNow and DVDDecrypter and everyone burned and plays perfectly.

[lapaz]

What's wrong with Nero 5.5? Why should i use DVDDecrypter or whatever for burning my own made DVD movies?

Again: i did not perform this test, i am only posting the results. And my own experiences. Please don't shoot the messenger.

BTW: the Ricoh's in the test were not failed, and could still be played. The magazine only claimed the Nero CDsoftware had reading problems at the end, giving an indication for the quality of the media.

[MOVIEGEEK]

@lapaz,
If Nero works for you that's all that matters.
Regarding the test I don't think CDSpeed is an accurate tool for DVD's because it doesn't use tilt analysis to test PI/PO.

[qpskfec]

No problems so far with TDK 4X +R, RICOHJPNR01 burned on an Iomega (same as nec1300).