testing 89 cent media

[seandvd]

I'm trying to determine if my 89 cent media was a good buy so I've run two different tests on my newer Sony VAIO desktop (running Windows XP) which includes a Pioneer 104 burner.

Test A: rip a DVD using Decrypter, then use IfoEdit to prepare it, then burn it using Smart Recorder (came with PC)
Results: DVD mounts ok in PC and standalone player but has frequent video and audio “skips”.

Test B: use Sony’s Giga Pocket to record a movie, (analog input) then use Simple DVD Maker (came with PC) to create and burn DVD.
Results: DVD mounts and plays fine in PC and standalone player.

Since Test B worked, I must assume the media is ok but can’t figure out why the ripping method is not working properly.

The VOB’s play fine in PowerDVD and the movie plays fine in IfoEdit before burning.

Before I can recommend this media to others, I’d like to solve this mystery. The company is great to deal with and after the many problems I had with cd-recordable.com, I’d like to spread the word.


Thanks,

sj

[dafoe]

I don't know what the problem is, but it's very likely that the media is bad. It's very common to get a batch of low grade media and have some of it be bad. Low grade media isn't all bad. You just end up with a lot more bad discs than you should.

Also, I have burned 2-300 DVDs and video stutter is almost always caused by poor quality DVDs.

When I started burning DVDs in January, the lowest price for generic media was $2.99 each. Now, you can get TDKs for aound $2.50

I would love for someone to prove me wrong, but burning movies with generic media is always hit or miss. I doubt that you are going to find anything reliable for $1

As far as movie backup, I don't bother with IFOEdit. I just rip with Smartripper and then burn (with Nero) to 1 or 2 dvdr depending on the size of the movie.

What kind of problems did you have with cdrecordable.com?

[seandvd]

Thanks for the reply. I've had good results with the TDK's but haven't been able to find them for under $3.61. Please let me know where you found them for $2.50.

Regarding cd-recordable.com, I started out with 2 small batches and they burned quite well. Then I ordered 100 and had problems with the first 10. They burned ok but wouldn't play; not even in a PC. I called several times and was told replacements were on the way but they never showed up. Since then, I've read many posts and it seems others had similar problems.

Thanks again,

sj

[dafoe]

I've found TDKs at a place called pcstop.com for $2.27 each. I found them through Yahoo. It seems that if you go directly to thier site the only thing that shows up is a 40 pack. But if you search on Yahoo shopping you will find the single disc for $2.37.

cdrdvdrmedia.com (aka Meritline) also sells TDK w jewel for $2.69 just dont buy any generic media there. The last batch I got there was 50-75% defective and then I had to argue with them before they would accept a return.

I ordered from cdrecordable.com in January- 35 discs for my Panasonic DMR-E20 just in time to record my Patriots run to the Superbowl. It wasnt until the Superbowl that I noiticed all the discs had extreme pixelation. Luckily, I had also recorded the games on vhs at the same time.

Anyway, I had used 17 discs by the time I noticed the problem. I sent back the other 17 with an explanation. About two weeks later I was contacted by someone claiming to be the head engieer who said there was a glitch in the manufacturing process. And he wanted to send me new sample discs and give me a full refund.

I then recieved a chargeback for half the disc (not all). The "new" discs never came, so I called and they sent me not 17, but 34 replacement discs. All of them worked fine (95%) but I have heard many horror sories regarding them so I'm a little leary. Besides, over $2 is a little high for generic media nowadays.

One final thought: If TDKs are being sold at $2.69 businesses must be getting them at much less, probably $1.25-$1.50. Why don't we form a priceclub and buy directly from the distributors. I don't know about you, but I've had my fill of generic media and high prices.

[seandvd]

Thanks for the lead; just ordered 25 TDK's from pcstop.com. Got a great price on the media, $2.16/each, but the ground shipping is crazy! ($19) But still, that's under $3/each for media that I know is going to work. Yes, I'm fed up with the el cheapo media that winds up being a crap shoot. If you've got any ideas on how to start a price club, I'm all for it.

Thanks,

sj