Are recent Panasonic DVD-RAM discs still Made in Japan?

[mcjwang]

Hi, this is my first post, after waiting for a day...
The Panasonic website lists lots of models for blank media, and availability is "spotty". What are your experiences and where did you get your particular product? I plan to use the RAM discs with Panasonic DVD Recorders.

Are all recent Panasonic DVD-RAMs still Made in Japan?

If not, am I more likely to get one Made in Japan with double-sided discs?

Thanks, Jack

[kcfoulk]

Yes, all Panasonic, as well as Maxell, DVD-RAM discs are still made in Japan. The new ones are now labeled as 2X-3X on the package. You can find them easily in Best Buy and Circuit City stores, although Wal-Mart seems to have the lowest regular price of $18 for 5-pack. There are only a few manufacturers making DVD-RAM and only Ritek and Optodisc discs (also used by Memorex) are made in Taiwan. Too bad you missed the clearance sale on the older 2X Panasonic discs at Best Buy and Target about a month ago.

If you are going to buy any double-sided discs, make sure they are in removable cartridges since Optodisc also sells non-cartridge type double-sided discs.