DeRango's Full Review: TDK (DHCDR80KXCB50T) 52x CD-R Storage Media (50 Pa...
Looking for some inexpensive CD-R’s, I purchased a 50-pack spindle of Single Unit 52x TDK CD-R discs. The price was around $9, which equates to a $0.18 per CD-R. The nice thing about having the higher rated discs is it allows for usage on slower older CD burners as well as the newer ones.
The TDK CD-R media features a sturdy back silver layer, on which you can write on, and are rated up to 52x. The disc capacity is 700MB or 80 minutes of music (higher than standard capacity for CD-R’s). My decision to go with TDK was based mainly on price and the fact that I have had overall good experiences with the performance and of this brand of CD-R in the past. The write-once TDK CD-R discs fit 700MB of data, usually I select certain songs on a MP3 list to backup and archive, or I use them to back up portions of my hard drives data.
Usage I am currently using the discs in my Internal HP CD-writer plus, which has proved to be a reliable CD burner. I usually make music CD backups so that I can take several copies with me, and leave the original at home, I also create copies of my MP3’s on backup disc using NERO 6.0 ROM burning application. In addition I use the CD-R’s for data backup. I have used about 20 discs so far from the spindle. The spindle has decent construction and protected discs well during shipping. The recording was performed at full 52x on my 52x writers. The resulting CD-R-Music discs played perfectly in my Truck stereo as well as my Boom box at work. After the copies were created I tested them in my computer CD drive, to verify the content and data, each one worked just as if it were the original. The data backup CD's seem to be just as successful with the copies always reproducing the information as desired.
Reliability As previously mentioned I am currently making backup copies of my CD collection for use at work on while on the road. The reliability and durability has become even more important for me once I started to make backup copies of my music as certain brands of CD-Rs produced less than desired results. Each copy produced from both my Internal HP CD-R, and an external older 8x burner was reliable and useable thereafter. Furthermore I experience no cracking, distortion, or popping from copied CD's, which I have noticed in the past with other brands.
Performance These TDK branded discs are known for providing inexpensive media for home users to burn CD's, make backup copies of data, or store music media. They should be stored in a in the dark environment in low humidity and with no extreme temperatures. Out of about 50 discs I burned, there was only one or two coaster (failed discs), and that was most likely caused by my multitasking the system during the data transfer process.
Cost/Pricing These discs are fairly cheap. I bought mine for approximately $0.18 per disc. If your bargain shopping they do offer Mail-in Rebates on certain CD-R's which make them nearly free after rebate. I have found that some information may be very valuable and you should take that into consideration when looking to make a decision on what to purchase.
Packaging/Shipping The discs came on a spindle that holds 50 of them. The spindle has decent construction and protected discs well during shipping. After I record the disc, I either place it in Jewel case or a CD wallet. It is recommended to store the discs in a dark, cool place with low humidity.
Final Thoughts There are three major colors that CD-R media use, and as a result each dye formulation used along with the reflective layer (usually silver or gold) determines the color you see when it is turned over. These particular TDK discs are pale green with the silver backing layer, and the dye responsible for this is the Phthalocyanine pigmentation, which is less sensitive to standard light like: sunshine, ultraviolet, incandescent, and fluorescent light found normally in the real world.
Honestly I have heard a large portion of debates held on what color of the CD-R is best, however there really is not a huge amount of data to prove that one type of media dye formulation, or reflective coating is better than another, my suggestion is to find a media brand or type that works well for you and continue to use it. TDK has worked well for my needs in certain areas, but I still use more expensive CD-Rs for backing up Videos and Digital Camera Pictures.
TDK CD-R recording media is the perfect everyday solution for recording in computer CD and DVD drives, because it offers broad compatibility with hard...More at Buy.com
TDK CD-R80HSCB-50 is quite a long product designation, but very precise when broken down. CD-R means CD-Recordable, the blank media used for data copy...More at J&R Music and Computer World
700 MB/80 minute capacity Record at speeds up to 52 x 50-disc spindle Spindle cover locks down for easy transportation and storage Inexpensive solutio...More at Amazon
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.