|
Post Your Bad Media Experiences Here
|
|
|
brobear
Suspended permanently
|
22. December 2004 @ 08:11 |
Link to this message
|
|
@johnnyaa2
Was that Fuji you got the -R discs? What was the speed? Have you updated your firmware?
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
|
joedrumma
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
24. December 2004 @ 14:56 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
The ones I'm having trouble with are the ones with the total clear hub. The ones that are "frosted", I guess is how to dicribe them work fine. But I can't seem to get hem anymore. The last 2 orders I've placed I've got the clear hubs and they don't burn at 4x. On the label it says 2x/4x data. So if you want to burn a data disk they will burn at 4x, but if you want to burn a DVD video you can only burn up to 2x's.
I'm having the exact same problem with my Ridata DVD-R's. My burner recognizes them as 4X, but whenever I tried to burn DVD video at 4X I'd keep getting "focus or tracking error" and a coaster. I tried all sorts of fixes, software updates, ASPI update, etc. and still the same result. Then I looked carefully at the label on the cakebox. I saw that it says in big letters "4X DVD-R" and in really fine print "General, version 2.0, 2x/4x for data". Well, it seems pretty deceptive to me. I just tried a different media and was able to burn at 4X w/o a problem. I'm peeved because I bought 100 of these from meritline!
|
|
johnnyaa2
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
24. December 2004 @ 16:44 |
Link to this message
|
|
Yes, these are FUJIFILM discs with a clear hub. Printed on the discs is "Up To 8X Write Speed." Also, states "Made in Tiawan." I see many warnings poste to be wary of Tiawam products! Yes, they are DVD -R's. I don't know how one tells where the mfg origin without unwrapping the package ... guess one could take them home and unwrap and if not satisfactory, march back to the return counter!
No ... have not updated firmware. I suppose I could try that. Burner is a Sony OEM product and not supported by Customer Service at Sony through any downloads.
John
|
|
brobear
Suspended permanently
|
25. December 2004 @ 00:52 |
Link to this message
|
|
The first thing one should do when they have a problem with recordable media is to make sure the optical head is clean and then make sure the firmware is up to date. If the factory support doesn't help, there are a number of websites that have extensive lists of firmware updates. I've googled and found them before.
Frosted with clear hubs. That's a vague description. Download a copy of DVD Identifier from the net. It's free and will identify the manufacturer of a disc. You put the recordable disc in the burner, not a ROM, and run DVD Identifier to read the manufacturer code from the disc. Simple. Just add the brand, R or RW, and - or + and we have a good idea of what particular media is being talked about.
Brands don't normally list the manufacturer of their media on the packaging. The only way to check it out is to take it home and use DVD Identifier or a similar app.
Most of the recordable media we get is from Taiwan. Many of the name brands sell media manufactured there. However, much of the poor quality, no name items also come from there. So, Taiwan is shipping some of the best and worst. Like most news, you hear the worst part most often. The best course is to avoid unknown brands. At least with an established brand, you have a company to contact and many guarantee their products. Deal with vendors with a good record and guarantee policy. Meritline, and Newegg are a couple of good net sites. I've bought from BestBuy.com and others with good results as well.
@joedrumma
What did Meritline's customer service have to say? They're usually pretty good about keeping the customers happy. A friend of mine had a minor problem once and they replaced his order and shipped free.
|
|
Cachorrao
Junior Member
|
26. December 2004 @ 09:25 |
Link to this message
|
|
The branded Ridata Ritek disks (and they are G04's) with the clear hub are not true 4x disks and that's why you are getting errors. THey are only 4x when burning data disks. It actually says it ont he label aroudn the case they come in (if your dealer sends them that way). It says big and bold print 4x, but then right under it in smaller print it says 2x/4x for data.
Th G04's are no longer true 4x disks. I think since the G05 and dual layered disks have come out the G04's are a lower priotirty and as a result this is what we got. Early inthis thread I used the DVD identifier for the 3 different type sof G04's that were being sold and posted the results.
|
|
joedrumma
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
26. December 2004 @ 10:22 |
Link to this message
|
|
Brobear - I only just figured out the problem this weekend. I'll call meritline on Monday and discuss with them. I've had the dics for several months, so I'm not sure what they'll say. I still have an unopened spindle of 50 that I'd like to return if possible. I'll post the outcome.
|
Senior Member
|
27. December 2004 @ 12:59 |
Link to this message
|
|
64026402- do you or anyone of our great Afterdawn.com friends have any experience with Prodisc with the NEC -Nd 3500A I also have a Nec 2500 & Both have stock firmware 1.06 for the 2500A and 2.16 for the 3500A - I have tried various brands & speeds of media but would eventually like to standardize on one brand - from a mfr. that doe'snt change their outsource/ mfr or quality with each spindle! peace frog blue sunday- happy holidays & thank you 64026402
|
Senior Member
|
27. December 2004 @ 13:13 |
Link to this message
|
|
john- On fuji dvd's you can look on the spindle label in the very fine print under the upc barcode- it will say made in japan or made in taiwan - made in japan better- additionaly you can often look @ the spindles plastic base if it is a greyish white color the disc inside are almost always made in japan - they also are often more exspensive and in smaller spindles! Fuji dvdr media in spindles with black bases are almost always taiwan made! But this is not absolute because I bought 2 spindles of 8 X fuji dvd-r nedia @ bestbuy recently - packaging says made in japan and they have the black bases! so look close & caveat emptor My friend- peace happy holidays
|
|
brobear
Suspended permanently
|
28. December 2004 @ 00:58 |
Link to this message
|
|
4X -R offering by Ritek is the G04. Recently the dye used for the G04 was changed. Some question as to whether the new dye is as good. G04 media will record at 2X and 4X. The write speed is not controlled by data or video, but by the apps and hardware. That would be like saying the 8X media isn't true 8X because it can burn at 4X. Most recordable media can be used at speeds lower than their maximum.
Fuji 8X +R (TY) made in Japan. Fuji 4X +R (Ricoh) made in Taiwan. Both very good media. I just bought 2 100 count spindles, 1 of each (both black plastic spindles).
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 1. January 2005 @ 03:18
|
|
Cachorrao
Junior Member
|
29. December 2004 @ 13:31 |
Link to this message
|
I'm telling you it says right on the label right under in huge leters 4x, version 2.0-2x/4x for data. Why woudl it make that distiction otherwise? I've tried to burn them with Alcohol, Nero and DVD Decrypter and they don't burn at 4x for DVD-video.
|
|
64026402
Senior Member
|
31. December 2004 @ 16:12 |
Link to this message
|
|
Bigtox
I just purchased a 3500a. It works fine with Prodisc.
So far I have had less problems with Prodisc than any brand I have used. I still get batches of Riteks but mostly I buy Prodisc. I have been using the 8x DVD-Rs.
Donald
|
|
kchev
Member
|
31. December 2004 @ 16:29 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
The branded Ridata Ritek disks (and they are G04's) with the clear hub are not true 4x disks
if discs say 4x (which is G04 dye) then they are 4x discs. it doesn't matter whether it is data, video, image, or whatever you can burn. it will burn it "up to" the speed the burner wants to burn it at
the burner firmware uses write strategies to "read" the media code and that tells the burner what speed to burn at
|
|
Cachorrao
Junior Member
|
2. January 2005 @ 16:03 |
Link to this message
|
|
So then hwy did the old didks burn at 4x and the new ones don't then? Why do they have this new "note" on the case that makes a distiction? I'ven been using G04's for over a year and never had a problem unitl 2 motnhs ago when they made the change. They will not burn DVD video or games or even make 1x1 copies at 4x's. How do you explain this?
|
|
64026402
Senior Member
|
2. January 2005 @ 16:15 |
Link to this message
|
|
It sounds like you have been taken. The discs that say 2x are apperently fakes or some other ruse. I have never seen or recieved any actual Ritek 4x that said 2x video 4x data.
Donald
|
|
ThePope
Newbie
|
2. January 2005 @ 17:22 |
Link to this message
|
|
mitsumi 4x dvd-r
100pack $40canadian @ futureshop
my burner LG GSA4160B 16x dual layer
burning at 2x i burned 2 coasters while copying a disc. restarted before each attempt and all. tried on a 4x memorex and had success.
these discs are POS, they even look cheap. returned them with no questions
|
|
brobear
Suspended permanently
|
2. January 2005 @ 21:13 |
Link to this message
|
|
Yes, it appears those evil folks at Ritek have been pulling the wool over our eyes. Those G04 discs burn at 1X-2X-4X speeds. The guys at Meritline ratted them out. You can see it in the merchandise description. So, now we know that these discs will burn at speeds lower than 4X. Seems there was mention of a 4.3X burn speed involved. Some drives will only burn these discs at 2X. So, these can't be true 4X discs can they? Guess, I'll just have to give all my business to Ricoh. Hmmm... forgot, Ritek sells those to. What is a person supposed to do?
|
Moderator
|
2. January 2005 @ 21:23 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
What is a person supposed to do?
Go bonkers trying find a reliable brand :)
I've experienced some troubles with my last batch of RiDATA that came in the purple labeled cake boxes and have the arrow printed on the disc. The results from burning them at 4X were very disappointing with skipping occuring from the get go. They were burned in my Plextor PX-708A using the same software/methods I always have. Once I knocked the burn speed down to 2X everything was as it should be. I've sinced picked up some TDK TTGO1's for testing. I've always had nothing but outstanding results using branded RiDATA but this slip in quality has really bothered me and I don't want to be bothered :)
My killer sig came courtesy of bb "El Jefe" mayo.
The Forum Rules You Agreed To! http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/2487
"And there we saw the giants, and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight" - Numbers 13:33 |
|
brobear
Suspended permanently
|
2. January 2005 @ 22:48 |
Link to this message
|
|
Woe is us. Let's hope Ritek gets through playing around with the dyes and new items soon and get the reliability of the product back in line. Otherwise, as good consumers, we can take our business elsewhere. ;) Meritline is a good vendor and they do sell a number of good products other than the Ritek items.
|
|
joedrumma
Suspended due to non-functional email address
|
5. January 2005 @ 17:47 |
Link to this message
|
Quote:
It sounds like you have been taken. The discs that say 2x are apperently fakes or some other ruse. I have never seen or recieved any actual Ritek 4x that said 2x video 4x data.
Donald - these are the discs - Ritek/Ridata - that say 2x video, 4x data:
You can't really see it in this pic, but right beneath the big "4X DVD-R" it says in very small print "General, Version 2.0, 2X/4X for Data". I'm holding a spindle in my hand right now and that is exactly what it says.
You tell me if they are genuine Ritek/Ridata or not. Meritline is selling them as "50 Pack Genuine Ritek Ridata G04 1X-4X DVD-R (Silver Matte) Blank Media 4.7GB for General Purpose DVDR Disc (Discs) $0.45 Each"
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 5. January 2005 @ 17:51
|
|
64026402
Senior Member
|
5. January 2005 @ 18:53 |
Link to this message
|
|
I'm figuring these are in the Arita category. 2nd or third line with poor reliability. Stay away. But then you have already figured that one out. Anyway it goes you still got hosed. I buy the normal rated red pack printables when I go Ritek. I wouldn't have figured Merit line to sell stuff like that.
Donald
|
|
brobear
Suspended permanently
|
5. January 2005 @ 19:19 |
Link to this message
|
The semantics are starting to get ridiculous here. Media can be used to burn at different speeds. Some software programs will control the burn speed down to 1X. Firmware will control burn speeds as well. There are old burners that only burn at 2.4X and slower. There are still a lot of 4X burners that burn only at 4X and below. The media is labeled by its highest speed. If it will burn up to 4X it is 4X the same on up to the 16X media DVDs. 16X media is 16X even if it only burns 4X on a 4X burner. So, it is not surprising to find out what many of us already know, 4X media will burn at speeds below 4X; like 1X or 2X.
That 2X/4X for Data... did you ever consider that means 2X and 4X write speeds for Data. I have some Fuji labeled with 4X in bold print and in smaller print it says "up to". If you check with Meritline or anyone else, you'll find that is what it means, it'll burn at 2X and 4X; not 2X for Video and 4X for Data. I didn't see Video mentioned at all in your wording. Scan that little section and put that in a post if it says something like 2X Video. If they put that, it is an error as I and many others know from experience that this media burns video consistently at 4X. If some drives won't write at 4X, it doesn't give an ironclad guarantee that it will on all. Here's one for you, it says Video and not Data in the description. Now you can say it's a Video disc and can't be used for Data. Sort of a dumb conclusion on my part due to taking the statement too literally.
Here is the promo description of the media, this should be enough unless one is a Creten.
Quote:
Manufacturer: Ritek Ridata
Media ID: RITEKG04
DVD-R for General, Write-once format DVD
Conform to DVD Specifications for Recordable Disc Ver. 2.0 (4.7GB)
Speed: 1X, 2X, 4X
Video recording time(4.7GB): 60min ~~ 120min(depend on user)
Excellent compatibility with writers and players
Utilizes superb premium organic dye that ensures stable writing with excellent quality
Relatively low cost per megabyte
Long-term data archiving and storage life time
If you want to get picky; this isn't a 4.7GB disc. The 4.7 DVD5 only holds 4.37GB. Records 120 Min. Not so, I just recorded a 3 hour movie (depends on user). So, they weren't talking about what's true all the time or even exact figures.
I don't think the claim of false advertising or ripoff conspiracy holds much merit in this case. If this is where this thread has gone, someone with the title of moderator should pull the plug on it.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 5. January 2005 @ 19:37
|
|
brobear
Suspended permanently
|
5. January 2005 @ 19:32 |
Link to this message
|
|
What should have been said is that joedrumma had a problem with a batch of G04s. Simple and it doesn't take on an air of conspiracy. We all know, or most of us do, that Ritek changed the G04 dye which some say has affected quality. There again, nothing even conclusive. Definitely not a conspiracy or false advertising about write speeds and write capabilities. Bulk packaging doesn't mean inferior merchandise. If so, I've been buying inferior merchandise for a long time and liking it.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 5. January 2005 @ 19:40
|
|
64026402
Senior Member
|
6. January 2005 @ 17:25 |
Link to this message
|
|
I didn't mean to promote conspiracy theory Brobear. Sorry about that.
I was making many inferences from the varied information given by joedrumma. Not all of them valid. I haven't recieved any of these discs so I don't know how they work. I just know all the Riteks I buy are fine.
It is possible the problem is even in the hardware.
Donald
|
|
brobear
Suspended permanently
|
7. January 2005 @ 16:08 |
Link to this message
|
|
Donald,
I wasn't really making that much reference to your statement. I saw it was a reply to some erroneous info. Also, we know there have been a number of ripoffs involving the Ritek name and recently one invovlving the TY code. So, knockoffs of products is a problematic issue.
What ended up here was someone dissing a product because they were seeing particular burn speeds on their hardware and giving their interpretation of what a line of text means to them. Like most media, we will occasionally hear about compatibility problems.
This is one of the few times I've seen someone make such a big issue of a description; especially when it is clarified in several different sections of the vendors site. It just started getting old seeing the same old statement, after people had joked about it and dispelled the claim in various posts. I can see legitimate complaints, but continuously alluding to a percieved wrong where the situation has been pointed out is going a bit too far.
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
dlc2000
Member
|
7. January 2005 @ 16:40 |
Link to this message
|
|
i tried some khypermedia +r about 4 months ago and out of a 25 pack i think maybe 10 were good . they were glitchy the ones that actually did burn . in my opinion khypermedia are land fill material . i have used alot of fuji films +r's with very few bad ones . i have told some here on afterdawn to give some fuji's a try only to see post after post saying they are land fill material . i dont think so and i told many people im going to stick with what works . i also use verbatim , sony , and some but not many imation's . i recently picked up some taiyo yuden's 8x +r's just to see how they are . the ty's seem to be good so far .
|
