Any cons to using DL DVDs for DVD backup?

[travisbicks]

It’s been a while since I backed up any of my DVD collection but a couple of temperamental originals have convinced that it’s about time I did.

I’ve noticed that the price of blank dual layer DVDs has dropped dramatically since I last looked and I’m now wondering whether using these to back up my originals over 4.7GB is my best option. It would certainly be a relief to avoid the hassle of blanking, transcoding etc.

Are there any reliability issues with dual layer blanks that would make it preferable to stick with single layer disks?

From reading the forums it seems that using ImgBurn with Verbatim +R DL disks is my best option. I’ve seen Ritek +R DL disks for almost half the price of the Verbatims and I’ve always found their single layer disks to be reliable. Is there a great difference in quality between them and Verbatim disks?

[linyx]

It would certainly be a relief to avoid the hassle of blanking, transcoding etc.
Have you tried DvdShrink 3.2? It is extremely easy to use for just that purpose (well not blanking).

[travisbicks]

Thank you, yes I do use DvdShrink and for most of my DVDs it's great. However, when one of my DVDs is over two hours long and I don't want to compromise too much with quality, or if I want to strip extras but retain menu functionality I find I have to start using other programs.

[dat720]

Theres no downsides to using dual layer disc's as long as a disc is looked after it's life span should be no different to any other disc (of course it depends on the quality of the disc, i have been using verbatim for the last several years with no issues), you can get archival quality media but that's probably not nessecary for dvd backup's, in the end it's upto you to justify the price difference between SL and DL media.....

[setarip_old]

@travisbicks

Hi!From reading the forums it seems that using ImgBurn with Verbatim +R DL disks is my best option. I’ve seen Ritek +R DL disks for almost half the price of the Verbatims and I’ve always found their single layer disks to be reliable. Is there a great difference in quality between them and Verbatim disks?As you've already noted, the vast majority of postings at a multitude of forums about this topic indicate the most reliable DL burnable media is Verbatim (Made in Singapore - burn at 2.4X).

Yes, several years ago, in the realm of single layer media, Ritek was "King of the Hill". This is no longer the case in single layer media - and you've already read about double layer media. If you think the price savings may be worth the risk, I'd suggest you purchase a small quantity of Ritek DL DVD+R media and try them...

[EPiPH0NE]

You can use just about any of the DL media you find at your local store. You will see no difference in quality aside form the occasional bad disc, which happens with Verbatim as well, as long as you store your discs in a temp controlled environment, out of direct sunlight, and handle them properly, the discs will last you for the rest of your lifetime. Don't buy into the 'You gotta use Verbatim' hype as you will just wind up spending money that you don't need to. Use the money you save to buy better hardware. I have thousands of discs right next to me that don't say Verbatim on them and they work perfectly in all my hardware.

[dat720]

Epiphone is right, you don't have to buy Verbatim, there are heaps of other discs that are just as good and just as reliable..... in saying that i continue to use Verbatim as they are easy to get for me and priced much the same as other disc's.

[EPiPH0NE]

Epiphone is right, you don't have to buy Verbatim, there are heaps of other discs that are just as good and just as reliable..... in saying that i continue to use Verbatim as they are easy to get for me and priced much the same as other disc's.

Yeah, I guess down under things are pricey no matter how you slice them so I can guess that Verbatim does cost the same as most of the media that makes it to your country. The sad thing is I live literally down the road from Verbatim and their discs are the most expensive here.....Go figure :confused: