Unpredictable DVD recording and playback

In response to many questions we receive about DVDR playback and recording problems we've put this short explanation together. If you'd like to add to the discussion or ask further questions please log in below.

One of the big problems facing the industry is that high quality "branded media" is becomming almost impossible to get. Chinese, Indian and Taiwanese manufacturers have almost wiped them out via heavy cost cutting and excess capacity driving the prices down to marginal profitability.

Having said that even TDK and other discs manufacturers have made their discs under license in Taiwan for the last two years but are now dropping CDR & DVDR production in favour of the more profitable new products such as Blu Ray & HD DVD. The product cycles & variations are getting very fast so they (major manufacturers ) are in and out of a market now much quicker.

The other problem is not really the disc but the implementation of the relevant standards within the recorders/players. Most discs are actually made to tight specifications, however the players are made by a myriad of manufacturers with widely varying implementation of the specifications. This makes for unpredictable playback of discs.

Generally then we stick with known good stock at ProCopy - "generically un-branded" for ease of printing, which may be Tdk, Taiyo Yuden, or other manufacturers. We use a lot in house each month and get rapid feedback on disc problems and batch issues (which can even affect known brands such as TDK & Sony). The number of disc issues usually is well under 0.5% and can often be tracked back to software, faulty master or equipment or frequently overlooked, an outdated bios or firmware. 

Often we find that routinely upgrading equipment, say every 18 months, is a good path to take as quite often noone knows how to update the firmware in their equipment. Given dye formulations and speed changes are still happening with DVDs (every 6 months or so as it's a relatively new format) it is not uncommon to find that a DVD recorder is not optimised for the new stock that is in the market place and therefore gives unpredicatable results.

So recommendations?

• Update equipment a bit faster than you normally would have in the past, (you'll usually get a better resale value anyway).
• While known brands are still available use them if they work with your equipment.
• If budget allows use something like the A Grade Taiyo Yudens.
• Don't use stick on Labels where possible - print direct to disc with Inkjet, Thermal, screen or offset print.
• Minimise physical damage by handling discs with care and replacing in boxes when not used.