New DVD Writer user

[pcbogert]

Just purchased a Plextor 8x unit (should be here on Monday). For the moment I'll be using it for backup purposes. What kind of media should I get for this?

Any other recommendations on learning touse a unit like this would be helpful!

[NoSmartz]

For + media use these brands:
Memorex 4x(purple label on package,usually at best buy)
Verbatim datalifePlus(the best)
TDK
Fuji
Imation
Philips
For - media use these brands:
Fuji
TDK
Go to this website and you can find out what's good and bad to use.
http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdmedia.php?dvdmediasearch=&dvdmediadvdridsearch=&type=6&size=All&dvdburnspeed=All&searchdvdwriter=120&searchdvdwriterfirmware=&searchdvdplayer=&order=Name&search=Search+or+List+Media
If your going to back up movies use DVD Shrink 3.0 beta.All around good back-up app.http://www.dvdshrink.org/
Click on your language then "where" and then D'load 3.0 at the bottom.
Go here to learn how to use it. http://www.dvdshrink.info/guides.php
Use Nero 6 to copy the movies to disc.Most do.

E

[pcbogert]

What dictates whether I use + or - media?

[RJW]

The playback devices.
Some old dvd players/ps2 don't like +R

[pcbogert]

But if I am going to use it on the same machine, is one format better than the other?

[NoSmartz]

- is more compatible with most home dvd players.I only use + media though cause I've had a few probs with - media.Some others have had probs with - also.There's nothing wrong with it I just am accustomed to using + cause everybody I know uses it and have had no significant probs except that it doesn't play on some dvd players.You can find one out there though that plays + and - media fine.Like a sony or JVC model

E

[burninfool]

Both formats have their advantages but +R has better defect management,faster write speeds(for the time being) and you can overwrite a DVD+RW on-the-fly.IMO:use +R for data and -R for DVD-Video.

[aviationwiz]

Don't forget that with DVD+R you can burn it at 8x, DVD-R you can only burn at 4x. With that being said, I'd stay away from Memorex DVD+R media, it's not very good.

Also, you can get the Ritek 4x DVD-R's from here

I've bought from them before and the RITEKG04's are great disks, they work perfectly at 4x on the PX-708.

[NoSmartz]

With that being said, I'd stay away from Memorex DVD+R media, it's not very good.

I have 3 empty 25 pack spindles that say differently.Not a coaster one!!!Always remember to rip at 2.4x or 4x and you'll have no probs with the Memorex.I've had 1 coaster with my Plextor and it was a Fuji yesterday and I don't know if it was the new firmware upgrade I did or the media.I did by the way burn 5 Fuji's before the coaster to great success.Go figure!!I would suredly say that you can stay away from Memorex - media.I've heard nothing but bad things.I can't find a - media I like yet! Someone please Recommend one!!!

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[DVD_ADDICT]

To: pcbogert

Download DVDINFO PRO & DVD IDENTIFIER
http://www.dvdinfopro.com/
http://dvd.identifier.cdfreaks.com/

Those programs will tell you who is the manufacturer of the dvd media. All you do is put a dvd media in your burner and the programs will tell you who is the manufacturer. Memorex sucks so I wouldn't even purchase that brand.