Dolphin Longevity Tests

[MediumRare]

Interesting comparison- almost all show higher PIF counts in the newer tests.

This surprises me a bit. I haven't burned neatrly as much stuff as you have, but I've occasionally retested a lot of discs, e.g. after firmware change or with new KProbe or CD-Speed versions. And I haven't really observed such effects with my "disreputable" LiteOn SOHW-1213S (@1653S).

Now you've used 2 different tools for the test. I know that KProbe and CD-Speed show essentially the same results on LiteOn drives (except for "known idiosyncracies" with averages). DIP, on the other hand, had problems with LiteOn drives in at least one version. I'd like to see a comparison with the same version of DIP for some of these discs (e.g. the first one, where the curves are similar, but the DIP sums are only half as big), just to eliminate this as a factor in the tests (once burned, twice shy ).

Could you say a couple of words as to how you've stored these discs? Jewel case? cake box? on the floor? I'm sure the humidity in Vancouver is nothing like Singapore (and the temperature isn't either).

Thanks for the effort!

G

[dolphinius_rex]

The discs were all stored in a single cake box, sitting on a shelf near the ceiling of my room, where the chances of direct sunlight were next to none (although not entirely impossible). Frankly, I rarely even have my room LIGHT on, and my window is covered with a darkend shower on top of my white drapes, to keep as much light out as possible. I like to work under the cover of darkness

Unfortunately, my original testing was done with DVDInfoPro, which means the jitter lines don't show up at all. I would have used DVDInfoPro AGAIN this time, but getting the exact same version of the software I used before is pretty much impossible. With some discs, the difference is so significant, even the differences of software and firmware can't account for it (like with Sony 16x DVD-Rs and Prodisc 8x DVD+Rs).

I am happy to say I've recovered ANOTHER spindle of burned discs from my original BenQ DW1620 review, which I'll be doing similar testing on.

I may not be writing drive reviews, but I'm far from being dead when it comes to testing

[RJW]

But in some cases you see things get messy.
The differences with MKM dual layer could be related to software and firmware combinations. So does Ricohjpnr02 and one of those TDK disc's which seem to have gottne lower errors at some points over time.

You can't compare total errors because of different sample sizes.

So in quite some cases it would be really nice to have the stuff rescanned under same conditions.

But in some cases -> Prodisc it's obvious.
And with sony16D1 yeah it looks really like it screwed up I would personally say. Still some folks are having doubts of different sample sets (software) + firmware !
Hmmm

[dolphinius_rex]

I'm currently working on a new set of discs which I previously tested with the LiteON SOHW-832s with firmware VS0A, and K-Probe. The new tests will be done with the LiteON SOHW-832s running firmware VS0J and Nero CD/DVD Speed.

[RJW]

Couldn't you use the old stuff ? It would be better for comparision.

[dolphinius_rex]

Couldn't you use the old stuff ? It would be better for comparision.

By "new set" I actually meant a different set. It's about 50 DVDs or so burned for my DW1620 review, all burned in Sept of 2004. It'll take me several more days of testing, but the results will be worth the wait I think!!

Here's a sneak peak

[MediumRare]

Again, an interesting comparison, with PIF count decreasing!

However, there are so many firmware generations between these scans- could you do a check with a new scan using VS0A on that disc? Normally, the error reporting properties don't change that much, but I have seen drastic changes with my SOHW-1213S!

And why are you saving the scans as JPEG's and not PNG's?

G

[dolphinius_rex]

Again, an interesting comparison, with PIF count decreasing!

However, there are so many firmware generations between these scans- could you do a check with a new scan using VS0A on that disc? Normally, the error reporting properties don't change that much, but I have seen drastic changes with my SOHW-1213S!

And why are you saving the scans as JPEG's and not PNG's?

G

Think you can rustle me up a copy of VS0A? I went looking but couldn't find it anywhere I'm also planning on going back to K-Probe if I can find the same version as I used.

regarding using JPG's and not .png's... it's because the original scans were done in .jpgs (no idea why I did that), and it just works out easier for me when saving the files, to have them with the same extension.

[MediumRare]

Firmware: http://codeguys.rpc1.org/firmwares/dvdr ... .stock.rar

Kprobe: http://www.cdrlabs.com/kprobe/index.php

If you do use KProbe, save the scan results as RAW data as well and save the text-file summary- they will be useful in future.

G

[dolphinius_rex]

Thanks MediumRare!! Somehow I knew you'd be able to help me on this

[dolphinius_rex]

Here's a Taiyo Yuden 8x DVD+R disc I burned in late September of 2004, and scanned in early October and then again tonight. These results scare me a lot

[[buck]]

Yeah, very scary. Myself, I've had RICOHJPNR01 go bad like that in only 6 months

[MediumRare]

OUCH! Is that one of the discs with bonding problems?

G

[dolphinius_rex]

OUCH! Is that one of the discs with bonding problems?

G

I could test that... but then I wouldn't be able to document further degridation

[RJW]

You could check to see if there was initially some space.
Try to press the innerpolycarbonte circle slightly. You should be able to hear from the sound if there is space.

Not as good as the other methods but still it can help and is non destructive !

[dolphinius_rex]

You could check to see if there was initially some space.
Try to press the innerpolycarbonte circle slightly. You should be able to hear from the sound if there is space.

Not as good as the other methods but still it can help and is non destructive !

My Nails aren't long enough right now to do that justice. I tried and I think there may have been some space, but it's hard to be 100% sure. Give me some time to grow some nails and check back with me

[[buck]]

My Nails aren't long enough right now to do that justice. I tried and I think there may have been some space, but it's hard to be 100% sure. Give me some time to grow some nails and check back with me

Couldn't you use something like a pen? Or maybe I'm not understanding this method correctly

[RJW]

No nails needed.

Just press polycarbonate and see if it squeeks.

nails means pulling means no additional measurements because exit disc.

[dolphinius_rex]

I didn't hear any squeaking...

[longevity-freak]

dolphin,

I have referred to your test results on Page 68 of my Central Database.

[MacClipper]

Prodisc 8x DVD+R
PRODISCR03
Made in Taiwan
Originally Burned Oct 09 2005
Originally Tested Oct 09 2005
Followup Test June 16 2006

Looks totally horrendous, I have had much better luck with my Smartbuy 8x (same dye) - stored in a cakebox, no special care given. Which brand are these Prodiscs? Think I better go check my LG branded ones too.
June 2005, Smartbuy AAA Silver (Prodisc R03) 8x@16x

You can see other surviving media here too,
Click

[dolphinius_rex]

that particular Prodisc DVD+R was sold as a Prodisc OEM 8x DVD+R, and purchased from blankmedia.ca.

[dolphinius_rex]

dolphin,

I have referred to your test results on Page 68 of my Central Database.

Thanks! I appreciate that

I have a whole bunch more goodies on the way too, which I'll probably make a new thread for, as I'll be doing a MUCH better job of the comparisons (same drive, same software, same software version, and same firmware!!). Probably close to ~50 discs this time (maybe even some CD-Rs).

[longevity-freak]

dolphin,

I have referred to your test results on Page 68 of my Central Database.

Thanks! I appreciate that

I have a whole bunch more goodies on the way too, which I'll probably make a new thread for, as I'll be doing a MUCH better job of the comparisons (same drive, same software, same software version, and same firmware!!). Probably close to ~50 discs this time (maybe even some CD-Rs).

No problem.

[MacClipper]

that particular Prodisc DVD+R was sold as a Prodisc OEM 8x DVD+R, and purchased from blankmedia.ca.

Hmm, even the LG branded media scans OK here,
Click