A few DVD movies I've burned to DVD-R have given me problems lately. They all have burned without any errors, but if I later on try to copy the burned DVD again, I get an error. There are no scratches on the disks but I've noticed the ones that have errors have darker rings on the burned surface, and the ones that copy without a problem have very light rings or almost none at all. What is casuing this? Is it just the DVD structure or something else the problem? I'm using Verbatim DVD-Rs, 16x and burning at 8x. Didn't have these problems with Yudens but not assuming that the disks are the problem either because I have had good burns on some of them. I also disable my internet connect and close as many background programs as I can when burning.
I'm somewhat leaning towards the discs - I've had the 'symptoms' as you describe with a batch of Ritek. Not all did it but enuf to be annoying. From what I remember reading here at AD there were quite a few members that had problems w/ the Verb -R 16x. +R were fine. I don't think it has anything to do with the disc structure - probably the application of the dye on the discs. Check and make sure the firmware on the burner is up to date too. I'd also try different media like some more of the Taiyo's and see if they start to have the problem. If they did also then it may be the burner.
The change in color banding on the discs is a sign of changing power ratios/pulse timing. That means your drive had to change its settings in order to get a better burn. It may do this either because: 1) the firmware setting is not ideal for the particular disc (the more common cause, sometimes fixed with a firmware update if one is available) or 2) the disc coating is inconsistent (less common but possible). If no firmware update is available, you can do a number of things: 1) switch to DVD+R 16X discs, which arrived in the market before DVD-R 16X discx and have more firmware support 2) reduce recording speed to 4X, which widens the laser power band required to keep jitter low and may produce better recordings on these discs. 3) use 8X media if you can find them Since Taiyo Yuden got to market after the Verbatim 16X media were introduced, switching to them may not produce better results and may even produce worse results. That is not the discs' fault; it is simply lack of firmware support.
The lesson to be learned here is that one size does not fit all. You need media that is a good match for your burner. Once you find it stick with it. You can also check the reviews at CDFreaks to see if your burner is listed as they also fully test various popular media showing the resultant scores.
