Question before I give up Completely

[Adam40291]

Hey guys...

I bought a 5 pack of Memorex DVD+R 4.7 GB, 4X when I first got my burner, just to get my feet wet. That backups I made with those were flawless, so I went back out to the store and bought a 25 pack of the same discs, and now I can't seem to get any good backups.

I tried adjusting the burn speed down from 4X to 2.4X and then 2X and finally 1X, nothing is working. I tried using DVD Decrypter to rip the files, and I tried the MODE->ISO-R->ISO-W to rip the files, when that didn't work I tried MODE->FILE to rip the disc...still no go. I even uninstalled and reinstalled my version of DVD Decrypter, which is the newest available.

I think its the discs...but I can't be sure.

[setarip]

You'd be hardpresssed to find a positive posting about Memorex burnable DVD media, at these or other forums...

[jmet]

Me personally, I have NEVER had a successful burn with Memorex media!

[blutach]

Attaboy Adam. Don't give up.

Tell us your burner, player, firmware etc and we'll recommend some real good disks for you.

Regards

[Adam40291]

Originally posted by blutach
Tell us your burner, player, firmware etc and we'll recommend some real good disks for you.

Regards

I will post my burner, player and firmware details later. I have heard good things about Verbatim discs (except a couple of posts on here) and my wedding DVD was done for me on one and it plays fine...the trouble is, I can't seem to find Verbatim DVD+R anywhere. :(

[blutach]

Adam,

Please read Media Quality in my sig. You will find BRAND NAME IS IRRELEVANT. You will need to go by media ID.

Regards

[Adam40291]

Originally posted by blutach
Tell us your burner, player, firmware etc and we'll recommend some real good disks for you.


Okay...here's what I've got,

DVD Player in question: Toshiba SD-V290, according to videohelp.com, this player should read DVD+R and DVD+RW. Compatible media appears to be Ritek 1xDVD-R (RITEKG03)
Samsung 1xDVD-R (BeAll G00001) and Verbatim (DataLifePlus).

Media I have Used (successfully and unsuccessfully):
Memorex, Media ID CMC MAG-F01-00 (not sure if that's the correct ID, it came from a successfully burned movie) I have used 5 of these discs successfully. Memorex Media ID: Prodisc-R03-03, I have used 5 of these as well, and made five coasters. CompUSA Media ID: AML-001-00. I have had intermittent success with these discs...some play, some don't butmy failure rate is a bout 75%.
digitalfaq.com rates the CMC discs as 4th rate, being garbage, they rate the Prodisc as being 2nd rate, and they generally speak down about CompUSA manufactured discs, but don't list the AML manufacturer on their list.

DVD Burner I have: I/O Magic IDVD16DD. Videohelp.com lists mixed reviews from owners of this burner, with about 50% liking it and 50% not. Seems like it might be a problem burner. Current firmware version is G7C9 (ATA) and as far as I know there is no firmware update available.

Software method used: DVD Decrypter to decrypt DVD's to hard drive of computer. DVD Shrink to compress video files and DVD Decrypter to burn, always at 2x speed...have had no luck at all with speeds higher or lower than 2x.

So now that you all know everything I've done, what say you? Should I pack it in and forget about backing up my beloved DVDs? Or is there some hope?

[setarip]

If I may suggest, you have a poor quality burner. Nowadays, you can obtain a high quality burner, such as a Pioneer for approximately $60-$80US - "And away go troubles down the drain"...

[blutach]

Most of the stuff you have quoted is, as digitalfaq.com have said, just garbage. Prodisc is pretty good, but it obviously doesn't suit your burner.

I use Ritek R03s (8x +R, burned at 4x) on my players and have never made a coaster. Not a one. I don't even have bitsetting on my burner.

However, a google search of this burner shows that while the price is right, there are many folks who are having problems with it. Reviews are mixed.

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Forum/tm.asp?m=101990
http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/99817/rpem/ccd/productDetailReview.do (Interesting review about firmware upgrades if it's tagged a Benq)
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdwriters.php?DVDnameid=713&Search=Search&list=2#comments (Interestingly, the Ritek R03 comes out good with this burner in this review)

In respect of the firmware, you say you have G7C9. This sounds like the Benq 1620 (which is a similar featured drive) - see here (http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1905), where the latest is G7M9. You might like to investigate this further, but it could be the major source of your hair loss.

So, I suspect if you get yourself some Ritek R03s and flash your firmware, you'll probably never have another problem.

Good luck Adam.

Regards

[Adam40291]

@Setarip...that was a very kind way of saying I have crap on my computer...LOL...I'm not offended in the least...I didn't build the thing, my wife did and at the time, you were exactly right, the price was right. I'm going to look into it further.

@Blutach...okay, so I need the Ritek discs...is there anyway to know which those are without buying them first? Also, what brand names carry that media ID...and finally, where can I get that firmware upgrade, as the I/O Magic website showed that there was no firmware upgrade available for my burner.

Thanks again everyone for all your help...but if this doesn't work...I don't know what else is left...except torching the damn computer. LOL

[blutach]

1. I bought my disks online here in OZ. I called them and specifically asked for them to test their Ritek branded disks for media code, which they did. I accept ONLY R03 by Ritek and they understood that if they supply me anything else, I send them back at their expense for a full refund.

2. I have provided a link to the firmware upgrade above ("In respect of the firmware ...")

3. As for torching the PC, it seems that it's just the burner at this stage and in particular, the choice of media (you need lotsa coasters for when friends come over, anyway - pop an adhesive label on your coasters (can't make 'em any worse) - would be a good talking point!).

4. Remember, also, your player has to like the disks. Isn't this fun?

Regards

[Adam40291]

Originally posted by blutach
In respect of the firmware, you say you have G7C9. This sounds like the Benq 1620 (which is a similar featured drive) - see here (http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?download_id=1905), where the latest is G7M9. You might like to investigate this further,

Okay, I checked the link you provided, but I can't find a match for my burner anywhere on this page...you said it sounds like the Benq1620, but I'm afraid if its not an exact match then I will fry my burner (I have been told by others that if drives are flashed incorrectly you can ruin them). I don't want to flash my drive until I can be certain its the right firmware. If I/O Magic isn't a listed manufacturer what can I do?

[blutach]

Well, why don't you wait till Monday and call the retailer or IO Magic and ask them.

From the 2nd link (circuit city) above:
"I probably shouln't be saying this cause I would hate it if ever prevented but this drive is made by one of 2 makers, BenQ and a no name maker. If its BenQ on the tag then you can flash firmware to newest from BenQ worldwide home site and have DL speeds 4x and have one of the best drives out there for the money. Love this drive! Its all in the firmware with something this new for compatibility with media and speed/Quality and BenQ delivers. Forum search from sites like -------.com"

Having said all that, your firmware G7C9 IS a Benq ID.

Regards

[Adam40291]

Thanks Blutach. Should have read the link...sorry, I get kind of fet up about links since I have a slow dialup connection. Wish me luck...I'm gonna flash the drive...but just so I know...how would I have found out otherwise that the firmware was a Benq ID?

[blutach]

Just look at "update my firmware" in my sig. Go through a few. They all have their own little ways of identifying their firmware. Somtimes they are similar but oftentimes quite unique.

Not much use us providing links if you ain't gunna read them!

Regards

[setarip]

"I didn't build the thing, my wife did and at the time"

Are you the same poster who obtained some "less than acceptable" media through his wife's employment at CompUSA or similar?

If so, are we seeing a pattern emerging here? ;>}

[blutach]

@setarip

http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=244337#post244337

Right on da money!!!

Regards

[Adam40291]

Yes, as you both have pointed out, that is me. And I had thought that the since the media was so poor that getting improves media would solve my problems...however, it didn't. I apologize if my questions are getting frustrating, and that's the reason I am ready to give up...it shouldn't be this hard.

The good news is...I have made progress. I returned the Memorex discs that I bought, and had my wife test the "coasters" I'd made with them on a DVD player at her job...they played flawlessly. So now, I am left with the conclusion that my DVD player is either incompatible with those discs or struggles with DVD+R's in general. I exchanged the Memorex discs anyway for Verbatim discs, the media id is MCC, which is promising. But of course, these new discs also do not play on my Toshiba sd-v290 but they play on my Mintek DVD 1600 flawlessly. Just for fun I checked out the Media code on my wedding DVD (which was given to me by a friend) and that dvd is a Verbatim DataLife Plus...the media ID is Ritek01 I believe, I am certain about the ritek, but not about thd 01. Anyway, the point is that I believe that was the media that Blutach spoke highly of, and of course that is the media which plays on my Toshiba with no problem. Interesting stuff isn't it.

Sorry for the long post...but it feels good to have made progress. I am in the process of finding out where my friend purchases the Verbatim discs that he uses, but I wanted to ask Blutach as well...do you know of any retailers or websites where I can obtain these "golden discs?"

Thanks again, and sorry for frustrating you.

P.S. I flashed the firmware on my drive, and I actually got worse playbacks on my Toshiba than I was getting before...is that normal?

[setarip]

"do you know of any retailers or websites where I can obtain these 'golden discs'?"

meritline.com, for one.

By the way, you could replace your Toshiba with a much more "universally" compatible standalone player (Philips, SONY, JVC, etc) for about $70 -$90 US...

[Adam40291]

Yeah...replacing the Toshiba is high on my list...but due to lack of $$ it will have to wait for at least a few weeks. But if the Datalife Verbatim discs are truly the best out there, those are gonna be the only ones I want to use.

[JTnVA]

Adam,

Also check out Supermediastore.com for blank media. I picked up a stack (100) of Linkyo brand for $29.00. Having never heard of them I took a chance and it was worth it, I have not had a single coaster.

For a standalone, go into Bestbuy and check out the "open boxes" in the DVD area. I picked up a Philips 5 disc changer "open box" two years ago for 99.00, it was orig priced at 149.00. It was missing the remote. I went back in a week later asking about a replacement remote. The guy said "I think we have an extra remote for that in the back." He handed it to me for nothing cause they had no idea where the player was. LOL

JT

[jmet]

Adam40291, go here: http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=47053

[JTnVA]

Good link jmet, I was looking at those over this past weekend. I did not realize anyone from this forum had ever tried them out. At least now I know what to do with "reward points" from Best Buy. :-)

As a bonus those look small enough to travel with. Small DVD player, couple of cables....beats watching TV.

JT

[Adam40291]

Thanks for the info Jmet...however, I am fully aware of what Best Buy carries and their business practices since I worked there for 5 years. Even though they are an electronics giant, they are on my list of "boycotted retailers." Won't go into it here, but suffice to say they are not very "people friendly." If you're curious check out

http://www.bestbuysux.org

[blutach]

Keep on trying Adam. Get those Riteks and maybe you won't need to change players. I would never change players when I could change disks. But when you find some that work, buy 'em with your ears pinned back. I buy my Riteks R03 by the hundreds.

Good luck.

Regards

[Adam40291]

Thanks a lot guys...hopefully this will solve my problem and I can stop asking such annoying questions.

~A

[setarip]

"Thanks a lot guys..."

My (Our) pleasure ;>}


"hopefully this will solve my problem and I can stop asking such annoying questions."

There's no such thing...

[Adam40291]

Okay...I hope this is the end of the road for me. I have settled on a media that appears to be stable, and instead of replacing my DVD player I got the DVD playback kit for my XBOX, so far I've had 3 out of 3 play flawlessly...no more coasters...I hope.

[LT. Columbo]

"You'd be hardpresssed to find a positive posting about Memorex burnable DVD media, at these or other forums..."

i use these now exclusively...the best stuff around for the price...people who complain most times are not using the right media for their devices anyway.i have yet to see a glitch(touch wood). every memorex disc i burn i lick with glee!:)

[setarip]

"I have settled on a media that appears to be stable, and instead of replacing my DVD player I got the DVD playback kit for my XBOX"

Whatever floats your boat ;>}

[setarip]

I guess someone must have pressed hard enough ;>}

At what speed do you burn them?

"every memorex disc i burn i lick with glee!"

I won't ask...


"touch wood"

(Just kidding) A Columbo-ethnic/tribe expression? I think not. Sounds very familiar to these originally East Coast ears.

[blutach]

Adam - congratulations! Very very happy for you.

Come back if you have any further problems.

Regards

[JTnVA]

I have to agree with Detective Columbo....Memorex discs have never given my a problem. Although I do not lick mine, does that seal in the burn? lol

"touch wood"? Well, it is your wood, you can touch it all ya want I guess.

JT

[LT. Columbo]

yes, ohhhhhh, the memorex. a 5-pack dvd-r 4x for $4.99.i will always get these. over the years i have become a tad superstitious....one may compare the "licking" of the disc, to kissing dice before a toss:)

common fellas.....do you REALLY think i lick my DVD's?:)

[Adam40291]

As everyone on these boards has pointed out...its not the brand name that matters. In fact the first pack of discs I bought was a 5-pack of Memorex DVD+R discs and they all burned flawlessly. It was only later...when I bought a 25 pack of Memorex discs that I learned that the Media ID on the 5 pack was a completely different (and better according to videohelp.com) one than the 25 pack. So I can go along with the Memorex as being decent discs. I can also go along with the superstition bit. Once you find a type that works...stick with them.

[setarip]

"a 5-pack dvd-r 4x for $4.99."

That's a steep price to pay for success (Especially for one who's wife "spends it all);>}

(I typically pay the equivalent of 34 cents per DVD for Ritek/Ridata, Maxell, or Verbatims [4X or 8X, DVD-R or DVD-R])

[JTnVA]

I found these Linkyo 8x at Supermisedstore.com...I was leary because they were 100 for $29.00, but I have not had a coaster yet. Needless to say, I ordered another supply....

Always buy what works for you. Licking after burning is not required though... ;-)

[LT. Columbo]

"I typically pay the equivalent of 34 cents per DVD for Ritek/Ridata, Maxell, or Verbatims [4X or 8X, DVD-R or DVD-R]"

i will bet those are spindles...i hate spindles i don't like to buy any discs that are stacked on top of each other---had to many problems with those....but that is a great price. i think $1 a disc is pretty damn good, plus it comes with a case!:)

[setarip]

"i will bet those are spindles...i hate spindles i don't like to buy any discs that are stacked on top of each other---had to many problems with those....but that is a great price. i think $1 a disc is pretty damn good, plus it comes with a case!"

That's what makes the world go 'round - FRIENDLY difference of opinion - and the fact that while my wife continues to closely monitor my spending (She says, "Wouldn't you rather spend it on our grandson?"), your wife has apparently increased your allowance ;>}

[LT. Columbo]

"your wife has apparently increased your allowance ;>}"

it took a lot of work;)