What does it mean when a burned DVD-R is "cloudy"?

[zlage]

Hi,
I have been burned 100's of DVD-Rs and just resently the discs look "cloudy" or as if there are swirls on the burned side of the disc after the burn, cauing them to be unplayable. Any idea what would cause this?
I have tried differant media and burning software with the same results.
any ideas??
thanks

[lordsmurf]

Air hit the dye. Cracks in the plastic maybe. Insta-coaster the VERY SECOND the air hit it.

[zlage]

I have 2 lite-on drives that are causing the problem; both of them. I also have a sony that works fine. Do you think both drives crapped out?, I did try moving one to another computer with the same result.

[lordsmurf]

You conclusion and your problem do not match. I suggest you scan a disc so we can see "cloudy" better.

[doppletwo]

Lordsmurf the plastic has to crack for the air to hit the dye right?

Or the adhesive holding the plastic together would have to loosen?

[zlage]

I am @ work right now and don't have an example with me. What happens is I burn the disc and the software says it is 100% successful, but the DVD-R does not play. I noticed when I compare it to a playable burned disc the "bad disc" looks as if it is burned good near the hub but as you look out toward the outer edge the burn seems to get lighter and lighter until it disappears. I am burning ISOs of about 4.4GB so they would fill the disc.