Please help me decide which DVD-R to use.

[jtan]

I've to choose among the following:
1. Sony DVD-R
2. Imation DVD-R
3. Melody DVD-R

This is for DVD video purpose.

[frank1]

It depends not only from the brand but also from the MID code ...
and burner + firmware you use

[RJW]

Hmm melody what code and manufacturer are they ussing these days I remember the old days when they used very crap hongkong stuff with longten MID.

Imation - To much manufacturers some are really nice incombination with the right burner !

Sony - Works most times ok (I know that sony also has different manufacturers but the problem with support is smaller as imation were the differences are much more worse.)

So my vote for SONY if you don't want to do more research on Imation and it has to be from these 3.

[dolphinius_rex]

Of the list, Sony is the most likely option to work well. Imation is second, depending on a number of things. Melody is likely to be crap.

[[buck]]

Of those choices, Sony is likely the best choice, but I still wouldn't put anything important on them. Burn quality varies alot, and didn't so well in C'ts climatic stability tests.

It's concievable that Imation could be better if they're CMC, however.

[jtan]

if we include verbatim, verbatim is the best?

[dolphinius_rex]

if we include verbatim, verbatim is the best?

Not if you live in North America.... we keep getting Verbatim made by Prodisc, which seems to have a lot of crappy batches.

[[buck]]

if we include verbatim, verbatim is the best?

Not if you live in North America.... we keep getting Verbatim made by Prodisc, which seems to have a lot of crappy batches.

Some one needs to make an FAQ on how to pick out Prodisc made Verbatim...

But yeah, Dolph is right, Verbatim would be great if it weren't for the Prodisc made stuff that's mixed in with the CMC made stuff.

edit: oh cool, now i'm a CD-RW Thug!

[ItalianJob]

Sony : in case only...

For best blank stuff, buy Plextor DVD in case or in spindle : it's always Taiyo Yuden.

[Gen-An]

if we include verbatim, verbatim is the best?

Not if you live in North America.... we keep getting Verbatim made by Prodisc, which seems to have a lot of crappy batches.

I haven't noticed any more "batchiness" with Prodisc-made MCC over CMC-made MCC myself. The best MCC003 I've used has been made by Prodisc. I haven't noticed any real difference in MCC004 made by Prodisc from that made by CMC.

[Gen-An]

Some one needs to make an FAQ on how to pick out Prodisc made Verbatim...

In general there is a way to tell them apart, by looking at the cakebox. The CMC-made Verbatims come in cakeboxes that have a higher top "lip" and a thinner font for the words "OPEN" and "LOCK." The Prodisc-made discs have a lower top lip and the font is more block style. Here are some good pictures to compare:
CMC-style
Prodisc-style

[MediumRare]

That first picture says Made in Singapore on it- which means original Verbatim. Does CMC use the same style?

G