ALso I think the type of label affects this .. most dvd drives play the disc by clamping down on the upper surface.. if they get a different co-efficient of friction than that specified, this might cause slippage or freezing.. this could be why PC drives are generally better at playing various media types than standalone DVD players...maybe....and thickness of disc plus label ... the best discs are always the "free" sample that comes with your drive.. notice how thick and rigid they are, compared to the cheapo stuff you buy down the market??