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I'm asking this because my set-top DVD player is finicky about playing 4x DVD+RW media when burned at 4x. It likes it much much better when I burn at 2.4x. Since there are some good deals around for 2.4x rewritable media I thought I'd ask the question...

So my question is: In general, would there be a significant difference in quality between burning media at 2.4x that is rated at 4x vs burning at 2.4x with media rated for only 2.4x?

Could the result from burning faster media at a slower speed be better since the media is being burned below spec? Since underclocking components sometimes results in higher reliability, I was wondering if the same thing applies to media?

--James

Short answer: No.

The compatability between your burner and the media is the issue. You are getting lower error rates on the 4x RW media at 2.4x. It does not follow that the same burner will also produce equally good burns on different 2.4x media at 2.4x. It's strictly trial and error. And, the real problem may be that your player just does not like RW media very well, and is telling you this by refusing to play it when burned at 4x.

Shorter answer: Toss that player and get the $35 Cyberhome player. Reads my 4x DVD+RWs just fine.

Slim

CowboySlim wrote:Shorter answer: Toss that player and get the $35 Cyberhome player.

I had a Cyberhome DVD player, and it not only died an early death (lasted only about a year with very light use), there was absolutely no programable remote I could find that would work with it.

Joker

Hmmmmmmmmm.......................

So did my Yugo.


Slim

A lot of people have recommended some good "budget" $50-$90 dollar DVD players, but most of them lack optical audio out and the component video output quality is a bit lacking. So i guess i'd be looking at more of a mid-end model. I'm thinking that probably starts around $120-$130.

If were to upgrade from what I currently have it would be strictly for better +RW compatibility, as I have no issues with +R. Before I ditch an otherwise perfectly good player, I thought I'd try some free or low cost options. It could very well be a media compatibility problem as rdgrimes suggested. What I would really like to try is some Verbatim DVD+RW 4x, but I can't find any locally, and have yet to find a 5-pack at at a reasonable price (with shipping) online. For now, burning my RICOHJPNW11 4x at 2.4x has helped. It just takes longer!

I have a Sony 5-dvd changer that plays every format (ok, minus divx) and doesn't suck.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... pe=product

$129 for a changer, nice progressive out and doesn't suck... I can live with that.

The $30 "progressive" set top boxes I've seen have been a joke. They might have component outputs but the quality was awful. The picture actually looked much better in standard (interlaced) mode.

liteon ldv 2001 is awesome. It has been replaced by newer model but still I own one hooked to a 52" HDTV and it looks great even playing divx.