Best DVD & CD Blank Media?

[djtowle]

Anyone have any info, or links to info as to the best brand/model of blank media to buy. I have heard many stories about some brands of media failing prematurely after only a few years/months or even weeks. I've done a couple of web searches but turned up little other then use Kodak CD's which aren't made anymore.

Long ago when CD rs were new, I had occasionally bought batchs of bad disks that would fail recording. But I haven't run across anything like that in years. But for archiving photos I would like to be sure I'm using disks made from materials that are going to last a while.

Also, (assuming the layers are made of different materials) are any one of the common types cd-r, cd-rw, dvd-r or dvd-rw disks inherently more stable then the others?

:?:

TIA.

[mapollo]

I don't buy DVD blanks so i can't help you there.

As for blank CDR just buy "Made In Japan" discs. The safest way to do this is buy "Taiyo Yuden" blanks which are all MI Japan. Taiyo Yuden also make discs for Sony and Fuji etc which are then repackaged and sold under there brand name. The problem though is that you can buy two spindles of say Sony discs with identical packaging but one will be Taiyo Yuden :D and the other could be from some factory in Taiwan :(
So therefore the safest thing is to hunt out some Taiyo Yuden discs online and purchase, that way you know what you are getting.
The difference in the quality of the discs due to the dyes that are used in production.

Hope that helps,

David....

[elfyrulz]

Ritek for DVD-R and DVD+R not to mention they are cheaper

[Ikinaa]

for two years now I'm buying TDK CD-Rs, bever had a problem, I've got a DVD-write for three months and also use TDK DVD-R (about 1 Euro/DVD when bought without case) to store the pictures, to put the home-made family movies, etc, no problem til now.
A lot of people I know also use TDK, never heard anything bad

[djtowle]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. My main concern is that the CD's or DVD's used for archiving purposes have some longevity to them. I was able to find some info here: for those interessted follow the link and then click on Buying Guide. It's the last link (Blue) in the opening paragraph. Sorry there doesn't seem to be a direct link to the info.

http://www.cddimensions.com/cd-r_media/dvd-media.asp


There is some interesting info on materials used.

[dn7elson]

Best Buy has an advertised special on TDK DVD+R for $19.99 in a 25 pack. I bought 2 today. I believe that it will run through the weekend.

[Longwatcher]

I read somwhere that a gold dye CD (mitsui?) is the absolute best for longevity, but I regularly use imation disks (the version with jewel cases) and have never had a problem in the 6+ years I have been using them.

For DVD+R I have been using the memorex branded DVD with so far no problems.

[wildgoose1uk]

have a look at Verbatim disks.