Verbatim DataLifePlus DVD+R Discs - Great for Data or Video
Written: Apr 28 '04 (Updated Jan 10 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Excellent burn reliability and compatibility, promised life span, speed
Cons: Price is high
The Bottom Line: With the promise of a good longevity, having had good luck with these discs, I highly recommend them, especially for archiving important...
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| dkozin's Full Review: Verbatim DataLifePlus (94324) DVD+R Storage Media |
After using Imation DVD-R discs, I decided to give Verbatim DataLifePlus DVD+R discs a try. The DVD burner I use is a dual-format 8x Pacific Digital Dual-Format Burner (rebadged NEC 2500a).
I did data backup as well as a backup of several DVD-Video titles using DVDSrink software and NERO 5.5 Burning ROM burning application. I also did a backup of my footage from a digital camcorder using FireWire connection and Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator’s DVD Builder.
The write-once Imation DVD-R discs fit 4.7 Gb of data or video of varying length (depending on the bit rate). I normally fit the backup of the whole DVD-Video (even dual-layer) after mild compression by DVD Shrink DVD backup software. In case of my digital video, I was able to fit 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The reason I decided to move my digital video from the camcorder's digital video tape to these DVD discs is I want longevity, ease of access and random access capability. On these DVD+R discs (which play in my DVD player and many others), the footage can be accessed from many DVD players. Also, the segments can be accessed by skipping chapters or from the scene selection menu.
The DataLifePlus discs are claimed to last decades, which is what I need for archiving important evens on video.
Durability
The durability has gotten even more important for me since yesterday, when, while trying to make backup copies of my videos (shot by my camcorders in the last several years) from Imation DVD-R discs to these Verbatim DataLifePlus DVD+R, I discovered that I had hard time reading some of Imation discs. I did manage to make copies after several attempts, but it was a bit of a scary moment.
Both the Imation branded discs were made (according to the DVD Identifier program) by CMC Magnetics - a maker not known for the best quality. I don't write (with a permanent marker or other) on my discs and I don't abuse them. They are stored in a fire-safe in the dark environment in low humidity and with no extreme temperatures.
The problem with some manufacturers is that they don't produce the product themselves. Some Imation, Philips and KHypermedia discs, ofr example, are produced my CMC. Not good.
Verbatim (a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) produces their own discs using their own, superior, Metal AZO dye.
I decided to use Verbatim DataLifePlus discs for important video archival exclusively for their superior Metal AZO recording dye and acclaimed durability.
Results
The recording was performed at 2x (the discs I have can be recorded at up to 4x). The resulting DVD-Video discs played perfectly in my Panasonic S35 DVD player as well as the NEC 2500a DVD-RW/+RW drive itself. The data backup discs can reliably be read as well.
Once again, I was mostly interested in the longevity of the discs that I use for video archiving. Although the claims of Verbatim are difficult to validate, they use Metal AZO recording dye, which is known to be among longer lasting DVD-R and DVD+R dyes. And it will sure last longer than my Imation DVD-R discs did.
Packaging and Handling
These DVD+R discs from Verbatim are sold in jewel cases or spindles. I have the kind that is sold in a spindle. The discs can be labeled with a permanent marker with a felt tip, but I no longer mark discs since the ink may (just a slight possibility) negatively affect the longevity. It is recommended to store the discs in a dark cool place with low humidity.
Performance
Out of 4 discs I burned, there were no coasters. This result is achieved with NEC 2500a, which, according to reviews, handles many types of media well. Once again, the discs were burned at 2x speed and worked well in DVD-ROM drives as well as in my home DVD player (Panasonic S35). Looks like reliable burn to me.
Bottom Line
With the promise of a good longevity, having had good luck with these discs, I highly recommend them, especially for archiving important data or videos.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dkozin
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Location: California
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I love to push buttons on electronic (audio and video) equipment. It makes me happy.
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