DVD/R media quality? [+followups]

[SandStorm61]

Iv'e been having some problems and I'm not sure if it is down to using 'cheaper' disks. I use either dvd-shrink and burn with nero6, or I use dvd-decrypter, run it through dvd2one and burn with nero6. Sometimes files which have to be compressed to fit on a 4.7gb tend to freeze up around 70% of the way in (around the 100 minute mark) I do not have this problem with files of say 3.8gb for example. I am not sure if its the media or not, I use Bulkpaq orange x4 dvd-r, using a 'BTC' +/- burner. Should I be trying other disks? and if so...how do I know the good ones from the not so good? 'plus' disks are twice the price, are they more reliable than 'minus'?

[ammck55]

One quick way to check your player/media compatibility (http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers) is to use this link. Their database isn't foolproof, but it's right much of the time. Some brands of poorly manufactured media tend to error out towards the end of the disc, so this sounds like a media problem, to me.

ammck55

[red-adair]

It may well be the discs, bulkpaq shouldnt be too bad but Ritek GO4 dye discs seem to be well recommended even though they cost a little bit more. Other thing to check is your burning speed, try dropping down to 1x or 2x to see if it resolves the problem.

[Teegedeck]

Verbatim has scored in about any test of computer magazine c't. Ricoh should be OK, too.

[SandStorm61]

Thanx for the replies letting me know its probably just the disks. One thing you may be interested in though, perhaps I was just lucky, but...I invested in a new scart lead with gold connectors, it was made by Cambridge Audio and cost £30 :( but then I re-checked some of the disks I had trouble with picture freeze. Every one played all the way through without a glitch, perfect! could some of the picture problems be due to a poor signal between the dvd player and the tv by using the 'bog standard' cheapo scart lead? It seems to have worked for me, but as I said maybe I was just lucky.

[killingspree]

@Sandstorm: thanks for sharing this information. still i think it better fits into the old thread rather than starting a new one :)

cheers
steVe

[red-adair]

Unlikely to have been the scart lead, if the laser on the dvd can read the disc then it should send a signal to the tv. Jumping and freezing are usually caused by poor quality of media or scratched discs. Youve not wasted ure money cos its worth havin a good quality scart.