i would try 8x for a while, if that doesn't prove consistent, drop it down to 6x (if your firmware/discs allow it), then try 4x (no lower is necessary), the idea being to find the best speed for your setup...but certainly not above 8x...
I believe that the speed which you burn the discs is determined by your burner and computer configuration ... I have found, in most instances, that burning at 'max' speed using my BenQ DW1640 yields the best results. I recommend trying to burn the same copy at 8x and 16x, then scan the results and see which gives you the fewest PI errors/ failures ... Remember, burning at 16x really doesn't come close to averaging 16x as you only get 'up to speed' as you near the outer edge of the disc ...
My BenQ LOVES the 16x Verbatim discs and feels the 'need for speed' with these wonderful discs ...
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That is a very interesting article. I liked this part of it:
Many DL compatible writers only support Verbatim DVD+R DL media - these writers have an optimized write strategy for Verbatim DVD+R DL discs. Also, there are 4X, 5X and 6X DVD+R DL writers now available in the market (July, '05) and it is usually the case that these writers can attain these high speeds only with Verbatim DVD+R DL discs.
Shanikwa: It all depends on what burner drive you have,and the quality of media you have.
I have the benq 1640,and she flies at 8x and 12x with those verbatim +16x,and the slower 4x speed produces more errors. The 2.4x backups from that media and drive produce too many crc errors.
If I had an avg burner,then probably slower. What you want to do is get quality media like verbatim/taiyo yuden/hitachi/ritek,burn several discs at certain speeds,and scan them with a program like kprobe/dvdinfopro/plextools/or nerospeed test. Go with the speed that produces the fewest errors. Also make sure all your stand alone players/game consoles/and other pc drives can handle them.
I agree that 16x blank disc are better suited for newer 16x burners I have the SONY DRX-810UL external burner and this things a monsta, defaults to 16x unlike my other 2 SONY internal burners which includes DRU-800A 16x dual layer which defaults to a maximum 8x and has to be set to 16x. I prefer 8x media overall believing that 16x has not amounted to any noticeable improvement in burn speed and that the 16x burn speed long term may contribute to early wear or burn out of your burner. I do notice that many retail stores are depleating their stock of 8x media in excahnge for the newer 16x though, So if your going to stick with 16x I would definitely suggest you purchase a new 16x DL burner like the internal SONY DRU-820A or it's the previous 810A in either it's internal or external versions. The SONY brand though rebadged in extremely reliable and durable DVD burners and can be had at affordable price.:P