BeAll vs. Ritek RiData

[markw]

I have been using ACCU DVD-R's for quite some time and had great success, only about 1 coaster out of 50. These were the 1X and played fine in all DVD players but when I went to the ACCU 4X there were more coasters but most of all they didn't play well in any dvd player I tried.
Well I ended up placing a new order, trying both the BeAll 4X and the Ritek RiData 4x. I ordered these through Meritonline. I had heard great things about both in the past.
I am using a Sony DRU-510A drive and the Beall's work great. Out of 50 I used I maybe got 1 coaster. As well, they play great in my Samsung DVD player.
As for the Ritek, I have much lower success. First, they only burn at 2X. Out of 50 I get maybe around 10-20 coasters. Sometimes I may burn around 4 without a problem but then other times I have a coaster and then try 4 more and each one is a coaster as well. It seems to rung in a row like that. Maybe that's how they are pressed so when you have one bad the next one may be bad as well. I tried selecting 2X when burning since on 4X it burns at 2X and I still had the same problem.
My questions, I read so much good about the Ritek on here that this doens't seem possible. Did I possibly get a bad batch? I am on the 2nd spindle though with still the same problems. The BeAlls are doing so well and with Meritline I have up to 30 days to return these. I don't know if I should just try another order of the Ritek's from them or if I should return them and just go with the BeAll's.
My only concern I have is a year ago or so I heard how the DVD's that have a strong purple back tend to be the most playable in DVD players. The Ritek's have that strong purple back where it seems the Beall's are barely purple, more blue like. I have only used these in my Samsung DVD player and am concerned if they play well in others. Does anyone know how well they play in most DVD Players. Thanks for help with all these questions.

[handyguy]

U can try some research here if you want:
https://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia

[NIIDeep]

I have a similar burner, DRU-510ax. I also have both BeAll and Ritek 4x media. I can't really say I've ever had a coaster but I had an issue with getting Riteks to burn at 4x. BeAll burned at the higher speed with no issues. Both play fine and well on DVD players.

I did eventually resolve my Ritek burn issue by flashing to the latest firmware for my Sony burner. I suggest you try this.

Other than that... you "could" have a bad batch although unlikely. I've purchased from meritline and supermediastore(?), the two big popular media retailers. what they sell should be fine... if that is a concern.

[maldb]

You should check your firmware and update it if necessary. I've got the DRU-500A and have never had a problem with any of the Riteks - G03 and G04.

As for the G04s, I use RiData branded media (with the arrow) - not the plain tops.

Good luck.

[thor300]

After trying both Beall +R and -R and Ritek -R and Riteks Ricoh +R i have no doubt that beall is way better. No riteks, +R or -R, has verified successfully in my monday-made ND1300A, BeAll -R goes 50/50 at 4x, BeAll +R has never failed me except from 2 dirty disks, my fault. I have just passed 200 (or 225) successfull burns with BeAll +R at 4x.
My burner generally likes +R better, so im used to burning -Rs at 2x, but theres no excuse for why the Ritek/ricoh +Rs always fails to verify at 4x. The +RWs are the only Riteks my burner really like. Have tried all kinda firmware now. by the way, i have never had problemsd BURNING riteks at 4x, its the verify process that always fails.

[QuaiBoy]

It's probably a writer thing. My Pioneer 106 HATES BeAll 4x DVD-Rs (Samsung Branded), and loves Ritek 4x (all finishes).

Go with what works. Count yourself lucky that you've found something that seems to agree with your writer and keep using them.

Best of Luck,
-Evan-

[jz25180]

try prodisc, cheap !
burn about 400, no bad ones. Can even burn them 4xith a hack firmware

[NIIDeep]

Well.. I have to take back my earlier post. I must have a bad batch of Riteks or something. With the latest firmware and DVD Decrypter, my Riteks.. same batch from previous post cannot burn past 2x again. Tried a few experiments with reversing to older firmware and DVD Decrypter versions and no luck. As far as I'm concerned, this will be my last batch of Riteks. BeAlls are still working very well, burning at 4x.

I hate inconsistencies in media. But I guess it's a fact of life.

[NIIDeep]

A new update for me...

It seems that my troubles with burning Ritek G04 at 4x with my Sony DRU-500AX is drive related. I recently got a new Plextor PX-712A and it's burning this media at the proper 4.0x (4.1x even!). I guess Sony drives/firmware are picky about the media they burn.

The Plextor is my drive of choice for now. I've always liked their products... but at the time I got my Sony... Plextor didn't even have a product out. For next gen technology.. I'll hold out for Plextor.