can I tell who made it without opening it?

[tsioc]

I am looking for some new media, DVD+R 4x...

is it possible to tell who actually made the media fom the outside of the package? Or do I have to buy it first and check with dvdinfo?

[Justin42]

Not that's guaranteed to work. It's best to keep an eye on websites like this one and match packaging descriptions with "known" DVDs... i.e., grey spindles, 4X markings, etc. Even 2 different spindles on the same shelf branded the same (i.e., 2 TDK spindles, Memorex, etc) can be made by 2 different companies. It's really a crapshoot to go the store without doing research.

That said, I never buy media online (at least "branded" media, such as Memorex or the like, as opposed to definite OEM stuff) as you have no clue or control over which packages you get.

[porphyra]

Yup..no way of telling right off the bat. However, a lot of observant enthusiants have discovered method of reliably guesstimating the make (UPC numbers, spindle base colour, plastic protector rings). These too however are not 100% correct all the time.

Your best bet would be to post here with a)The brand, b)packaging and c) most importantly ->Where you are planning to buy these from. Odds are someone probably shopped there a day before.

Sometimes where a disc is made will also give it away. Made in Taiwan v/s Made in Japan or in the case of Verbatim -> Made in Singapore (for MCC discs). Again, these are not always accurate. I have MCC discs made both in Singapore and Taiwan.

In other words..your guess is as good as mine.

[David K]

The only universal predictor is made in japan, which seems to guarantee a good DVD-R disc.

[sabercats]

If you buy DVD +R 4X Imation pack of 25, they are RicohJPN 99%
if it is not 25 pack then I am not sure, this is on sale now in OM or Staples.

If you buy DVD+R a 100 for $69 after rebate in OfficeMax, this is a Ritek or RicohJPN and both of them are good, so why dont you take it.

[Neminat0R]

"can I tell who made it without opening it? "

Use the Force

[VR-HOS]

It's hard to tell... but there are some tips from people here... such brand from certain manufacturers/countries should be avoided. For example, Verbatim from Taiwan should be avoided... I found no problem with Sinapore made Verbatims but I've never tried those from Taiwan