how to determine dvd-r quality?

[crusader33x]

Hello! I would like to get an idea of price vs. quality for DVD-R's. In terms of reliability I have used sony (but a bunch of those in my batch were bad) and had consistently good results with dynex? But anyways, now that I am on my third batch, I want to make sure I get a good brand that will preserve quality and reliability. what do you guys recomend? IF it makes nay difference, I posses a Dell PC and a Philips Burner 8701. Just browsing through my local fry's ad i see a generic barnd name "Great Quality" and I wonder how those are. I'd rather pass on Sony, so that Leaves TDK and Fuji (as far as I know) i read a lot of good things about TDK (but i remember these being generic VHS makers back in the day hehe) and Fuji. And lastly, is it true the darker the bottom of the disc, the better?

thanks

[steveryan]

http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm

[crusader33x]

Thanks, but still kind of confusing, from what I understand I pretty much need one of those freeware programs to check the type of ID dvdr i get. So basiucally, if someone can break it down for me, what category does dynex fit into? I see manufacturers listed as ricoh, and several others have used them. And if anyone can make it easier, does anyone know atualy "packaged" rank1 and 2 dvdr's and where to buy them? thanks!!

[BruceSD]

Look at the Fuji disc packaging. If they say "Made In Japan", they are probably Taiyo Yuden discs which are A grade media. If they are "Made In Taiwan", they are probably CMC Magnetics and are not-great quality media (though I have used them and they work "ok", they rate pooly technically.) The Fuji branded Taiyo Yuden discs are rarer than the CMC Magnetics discs, at least around here.

[Jim44]

T-Y and Verbatim seem to be the most-recommended on the ImgBurn forum (the burning program I happen to use). I was able to get some Verbatim's at a local Best Buy, so you may check there if you have one close. Otherwise, I've had good luck ordering on-line from Meritline.

Jim

[crusader33x]

well i will be using the dvd'rs mostly for movies, and dvix/avi files. i will definitely check the fuji's and verbatims out, thanks!!

[dznutz]

http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm

that's a good guide to start.

however, media speed, burn speed used, firmware, and burner must be considered. in other words general brands shouldn't be compared. ricoh 4x and below are superior compared to speeds faster than 4x and burns comparable to yuden t02 in terms of stability and burn quality. ritek 8x and up are horrible.... very fast degredation. tdk above 8x is horrible. yuden 16x media doesn't compare to older versions of yuden.

i'm pretty sure some of you would agree with me on this

btw, most sony media mit are made by daxon but use the sony mid so it should be better or at least equal to the daxons. again you have to think about your burner, firmware, and selected burn speed, etc, etc.

[JimboS]

Try Nero CD Speed...gives all the info for a disk..Free download..
Try Digital FAQ for the download...

[crusader33x]

ok thanks guys, yeah well baed on my specs (see above posts) what should i use? not to mention i think the burn speed that sonic performs are automatic? also, whats the deal with +/- ? which should i use? thanks

[andie41]

however, media speed, burn speed used, firmware, and burner must be considered. in other words general brands shouldn't be compared

Very true, and in another thread,"oldandintheway" used the term "folklore" describing many of the comments and beliefs regarding media burning. I think this is a very apt description.

Often, recommendations for media are Ty and/or Verbatim. In a survey on Cdfreaks.com for -R media for long term storage, Verbatim (MCC03RG0) is #3 on most recommended, but in an extensive testing (with lots of pretty colored graphs) of various media and burners by CDRinfo http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=16972&PageId=14 ,this media failed 3 of their 5 tests. The MCC004, again highly recommended on CDfreaks, failed 1 of the 5 tests.

Mean anything? I don't know, but it is entertaining.

[OneSickPup]

The thing you have to keep in mind is MCC 03RG20 comes from 3 different sources (possibly 4 if you count Singapore). That test was conducted in Europe and was probably using MCC media of the MBI (Moser Baeur) variation. Most manufacturers optimize their strategies for the more common CMC variation which is widely available in North America - thus the extreme preference to Verbatim media in the US anyways. As far as 16x DVD-R goes, I still prefer MCC 03RG20 to TYG03 and definitely before CMC MAG AM3. I do my own testing and don't overly pay attention to studies like this. What works for me (or you) is the only important thing anyway. Good luck and Have a Merry Christmas.

[Capmaster]

You'll find that most of the members around here who have gone through the painful and costly trial and error of finding good media, have settled on Taiyo Yuden

One brand to avoid above all others - Princo.