DVD recordings don’t hold up

[Terje A. bergesen]

Others answered your 1). I’ll give an answer to 2. Yes, there is probably at least a small difference in reliability between -R and +R disks. All other factors held constant, the +R disk should be more reliable than the -R disks. -R disk on the other hand seem to hold a tiny edge in compatibility.

There are straightforward technical reasons for the improved reliability from +R disks, and you can find these detailed in articles on the web.

[Marker7]

One thing to be aware of is that a lot of online outlets sell cheap imitation T-Y discs so it is worth buying from a reputable retailer. It used to be that genuine T-Y DVDs would only be packaged in cellophane-wrapped packs of 100, though that may no longer be the case.

Personally I have burned hundreds of DVDs using only Verbatim and T-Y discs with only a couple of failures. It is not worth saving a few pennies per disc on cheaper media if it will result in a lot of frustration.

Cheers,
Mark

[Brian Sinks]

As Rick said, I had a problem with my burner a couple years ago and it was the last thing I considered when my discs weren’t playing. I replaced it with another burner and problems disappeared.

Also, no one has asked but can we assume you are not using sticker labels on your discs? If you are this can cause alot of problems especially after the disc heats up in the player.

Brian Sinks
IN1ACCORD Productions
Tulsa, Oklahoma

[Seatlanta]

Thanks, Brian, for the suggestion about the stick-on labels.

As a matter if fact, I have been using the labels. I’ll try it without them and see if it helps.

I’m assuming that the ink-jet printable DVDs are OK.

I appreciate all the suggestions from everyone.

James (seatlanta)

[Brian Sinks]

Bingo! I avoid labels like a plague. I’ve had early DVDs I recorded that skipped and froze up but when I carefully removed the labels (or scraped some off) the discs played without errors.

As suggested http://www.meritline.com or http://www.supermediastore.com are sites you can buy inkjet printable media by mass for 30-50 cents each. I use Ritek (without problems) but others suggest Taiyo Yuden. Epson has good cheap printers (R series) for about $60 (R260) to about $100 (R580 all-in-one) that print on these DVDs (look professional and dry pretty fast).

Brian Sinks
IN1ACCORD Productions
Tulsa, Oklahoma