I started using Memorex DVD (plus RW) Storage Media when I was given a DVD recorder as a gift. I did not know one brand of media from the other when it came to DVD selection, but my brother recommended these Memorex discs, so I ran with his suggestion.

Note: This review will not publish with a plus sign in front of the RW ... so I am writing it as (plus RW).


Description

These Memorex DVDs come packed ten to a package, and each DVD is in its own jewel case. The discs are silver with small holographic-type squares across the face. The jewel case is clear on all sides. A paper insert inside the jewel case cover has a form on the back that allows one to write in the DVD title and date as well as 18 lines to record Track Number, Track Title and Time information.


Features

These DVDs are 4x speed / 4.7 GB / 120 minutes video. They are designed for PC or home video recorders. Best yet, each disc is rewritable. This means they can be recorded on, erased or edited, and re-recorded.

The manufacturer states:

* This DVD (plus RW) disc conforms to DVD (plus RW) Basic Format Specifications

* For use in DVD (plus RW)/(plus R) drives

* This DVD (plus RW) disc is 4X and 2.4X compatible

* High playback compatibility with home DVD players and DVD-ROM drives

* Has a 1-year warranty


Recording Formats & Times

XP (Excellent Play) – 60 minutes
SP (Standard Play) – 120 minutes
LP (Long Play) – 180 minutes
EP (Extended Play) – 240 minutes
SLP (Super Long Play) – 360 minutes

The manufacturer states that not all of these recording formats are available on all machines.


My Experiences

My DVD player/recorder (LiteOn model # DD-A100GX) is capable of a variety of recording options ... everything from XP to SLP. These Memorex DVDs are advertised as holding 120 minutes of video. When I record at the XP or SP speeds, the recordings look great. The pictures are clear, the images crisp, the colors vivid. I just wished the DVDs offered more recording time at these settings.

I use these DVDs to record programs that I’m not home to see. Sometimes I need a DVD to hold more than one or two hours of video. So I have my recorder set to the SLP speed. This enables me to hold six hours of video on a DVD.

When recording at the SLP speed, I definitely see a difference in recording quality. There is a slight graininess to the picture. The video is fine to view, though not as clear as watching the original program when televised. The colors don’t “pop” either; they seem flat. The picture is also pixelated.

What I really like about rewritable discs is that I can record programs, edit to name each program if desired, erase programs and re-record on the discs. I can do this over and over again until the disc begins to lose integrity.

My brother has been using these Memorex DVDs for years and is happy with them. He gave me the idea to use a permanent marker to write on the disc the date that I begin using it. His experience is that he notices degradation in video quality after about a year of consistent use. I have been using these discs about six months, and they are still recording as good as when I first used them.

I have viewed these DVDs using the LiteOn player/recorder as well as the DVD player in my Toshiba laptop. It’s amazing how the recording speed makes a difference in the image quality. These DVDs play well on both machines ... and the high quality recordings are excellent.


Uses for These DVDs

The manufacturer’s suggested uses for these Memorex DVD (plus RW) discs are:

Best used for --

* Time shifting with home DVD recorder
* Video playback using a PC
* Photo storage combined with a slide show
* Data back-up
* Supplement for a hard-drive
* Software authoring
* Video authoring and editing

Good for --

* Video playback using home DVD player
* Create back-up copies of DVDs
* Photo storage
* Archiving video, music, data
* Multimedia presentation


Purchasing

Amazon.com sells a 10-pack of these discs for $14.99. CompUSA online store sells them for $9.99. I have seen them in local stores for about $12.99.


Summary

I will definitely purchase these Memorex DVD (plus RW) discs again. They work great and are reliable. I haven’t had a problem with one yet. I’m happy with the price, too!

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

ViewSonic 19" LCD Monitor

LiteOn DVD Recorder/Player (model # DD-A100GX)

Toshiba Satellite Notebook Computer with 15.4" diagonal widescreen

Acer 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor

Westinghouse 19" LCD Widescreen Television

Antec Notebook Cooler – to prolong computer life

Logitech V200 Cordless Notebook Mouse

Logitech MX400 Laser Mouse

Logitech MouseMan Dual Optical Mouse

Belkin Flip 2-port KVM Switch

Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control


Copyright 2007 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes