DVD minus compatibility

randyvild2 wrote on 4/14/2004, 11:42 AM
I own the new Sony DRU-530A it writes in all formats. I know through experience the - (minus) NOT RW are the most compatible for peoples DVD home units. So, here is my quesion:

Does it matter what brand of DVD I buy for compatiblity issues?
I heard Riteck is the way to go any suggestions?
I need the printable type.

I'ts really frustrating when client can not play the final project!
Randy

Comments

Mandk wrote on 4/14/2004, 11:49 AM
I have had great luck with Ritek blanks and keeping the bit rate rather low 5 - 6 range. I tried some memorex media with bit rate of about 8 and had many many problems (100 disks about 25 returns) the replacements were on on Ritek and only 1 did not work.
TVCmike wrote on 4/14/2004, 11:59 AM
Does it matter what brand of DVD I buy for compatiblity issues?

Brand, type and content of media all matter. Generally speaking, you want to use DVD-Rs for distributing to clients. Use any format that works for you internally to preview on DVD players. Brands are discussed below. DVDs also have to be made compatible, so always use Dolby Digital AC-3 for NTSC markets and MPEG-1 Layer 2 for PAL markets for the audio format. Video format should be under 9Mbps MPEG-2 MP@ML closed GOP in one of the approved DVD resolutions. Some DVD burners also allow you to write to the media descriptor bit on the DVD blank and fool the player into thinking it's reading a DVD-ROM.

I heard Riteck is the way to go any suggestions?

After a ton of research, I've determined that either Mitsui/MAM-A Gold Archive DVD-R or Verbatim DataLife Plus DVD-R are the way to go. I understand that people like Ritek and have good success with them, but not all Ritek media is good. Furthermore, you need media with a longevity guarantee, and the two brands I mentioned exceed 100 years of shelf life, assuming they're taken care of properly. Both of these brands have excellent compatibility and excellent longevity - something that not every manufacturer can claim.

I need the printable type.

I believe you can get both brands in printable form. Again, you have to be careful with the ink on them and how long IT will last. Epson makes archival ink inkjet cartridges for that purpose.
Jay Gladwell wrote on 4/14/2004, 12:05 PM
We use Ritek media and have not had any problems with it. Ritek has an excellent track record and it isn't nearly as expensive as the "status symbol" brands.

(Edit)
Mitsui DVD-R, white printable $4.49 each (pack of 100)

Ritek DVD-R, white printable $.95 each (pack of 100)

J--
johnmeyer wrote on 4/14/2004, 12:09 PM
This recent post may help:

DVD media test results
dvdude wrote on 4/14/2004, 12:56 PM
> tried some memorex media with bit rate of about 8 and had many many problems (100 disks about 25 returns).

It's funny how we all have different experiences innit? My last run (about 50 discs) was made to Memorex 4x DVD+R's. Only 1 return which I changed for a Sony DVD-R without further issue. I've heard that Memorex DVD-R are a different story though - perhaps you used those??

Judging by the responses here and elsewhere though, I might switch to Ritek next time just to save money.

YM (apparently) MV

logiquem wrote on 4/15/2004, 7:04 AM
The most reliable (altough costly) printable DVDs i tried are Verbatim DVD+R .
mvpvideos2007 wrote on 4/15/2004, 5:49 PM
I have used nothing else but the Verbatim Datelife plus -R's and have made well over 1,000 of them and I can honestly say, I may have had 15 complaints tops. They are more money, but well worth it:)
eejackson wrote on 4/15/2004, 10:10 PM
Just my .02 cents... I recently purchased the Sony DRU-530A and so far I have run three jobs for seperate clients using this drive and the Verbatim datalife DVD-R's. All togethr between these three jobs, I have created about 30 DVD-R's and so far no one has called to say that they are not playable. I was using DVD+R's and it was hit or miss as to whether or not a customer would be able to play the DVD once they left. I have had much better luck with the -R's. Just a little side note: To cover my own behind with a customer, I have a DVD information sheet that I give to all my customers explaining that I create their DVD's in DVD-R format and it shall be their responsibility to insure that their player is up to date and capable of playing DVD-R discs. I also make them sign and date it.