DVD disc is not uniform in appearance?

[levl]

I have just recently purchased a Sony DVD recorder model RDR-GX315 and have been having some problems with it and a Sony mini camcorder DVD +RW disc which I describe on the "DVD recorders" forum. However, a new problem has occurred with my first regular sized Maxell 4.7GB +RW disc which I have been using daily for recording some programs, news, etc. Yesterday, I noticed that at about 1 hr and 45 min from the beginning of the disc (using SP speed), the disc skipped, omitting about 5 minutes of the timed recording and then continuing. I recorded in the same manner today and the same thing happened . When I examine the disc, it is not uniform in appearance - the outer portion is lighter in color and then there is a sharp circular demarkation line about half way toward the centre where the disc becomes darker all the way to the hole in the center. Also, it has what I would describe as small "blotches" randomly scattered which cannot be removed with any cleaning cloth. Since I have had a problem with the mini disc, I am wondering is this a "bad media" or "bad recorder" problem. In other words, is this one disc flawed or did it get damaged by the recorder. I have examined another Maxell +RW disc which has never been used and it is totally uniform, homogeneous in appearance just like the movie DVD discs I own which have been used. I really would like to know whether this is a problem with the quality of the disc or whether or not this recorder is trouble.

[redwudz]

The blotches usually mean a bad disc. Unlikely to be caused by the recorder. The lines may be OK, though there shouldn't be obvious breaks in the color of the burned disc surface. If it doesn't play properly across the breaks, then there is a problem.

[lordsmurf]

The discs are old. It sounds like craters formed in the phase change material, and the discs are dying. Throw them in the trash, or return them to the store, and get something new.

Craters form in phase change DVD+RW material in as little as 6 months sometimes, used or not.

[koolaidwa]

........

[levl]

Thanks Lordsmurf. I am a bit confused. Are you saying that +RW discs are not to be used for long time storage? The main reason I bought this DVD recorder was to transfer my home videotapes onto DVD disc for posterity. I have planned to use +R discs for this purpose since they are cheaper than +RW discs. I only bought 3 Maxell +RW discs and have used only the one. I have recorded, erased and re-recorded over it for the past two weeks - stuff like the news off TV etc. The other two discs which have never been used look clean, shiny, uniform throughout. Only this one which I have used has the line and "blotches" on it. Of course, I have no idea whether or not these markings were on that disc before I used it since I never would have thought to examine a brand new disc - after all, I'm brand new in the use of this media and technology. I thought I read somewhere that some Maxell discs are not too reliable near the end of their recording capacity and since my problem occurs at about 1 hour and 45 minutes of a 2 hour capacity disc (I'm recording at SP), I was wondering if this has anything to do with the problem?

[lordsmurf]

Yes, +RW discs are not to be used for long time storage. Temporary use only.

[levl]

Thanks, then I assume that +R discs are the appropriate disc for me to use to store my videotapes.

[lordsmurf]

DVD-R or DVD+R, yes.

[levl]

Got it. Thanks very much, really appreciate the assistance.