[conspire] CD/DVD media [was Re: Installfest in Fremont]

[Jean Philippe Granchi]

Tony Godshall wrote:
> ...
>   
>>> ...I'm mostly switching to DVD+Rs instead of CD-Rs ...
>>>       
>> Also note that all CD-R are not equal to scratching too, the color tint of
>> the CD can give an idea
>> no color ? poor dye layer
>> Gold is usually used in conjunction of of a good quality dye, but not
>> always. (on the read side not on the label side ...)
>>     
>
> Good to know
>
> Is color any indicator on DVD media?
>   
Yes, I don't know if anybody could recommend any color on DVD,
DVD-R (dash not minus) standard are developed by the DVD Forum
and the DVD+R (plus) standard is  developed by the DVD Alliance

I had way more success with + than with - in the past but honestly ... 
too much factors, it is very hard to find good and reliable media, I 
think it is best to think at CD-R or DVD+-R as temporary media, carry 
your ISO in some harddrives and then burn the CD/DVD on the spot.

http://dvd-r.jpn.org/ is a good source of information

Scratch test (old): http://dvd-r.jpn.org/scratch_proof/index.htm
UV resistance: http://dvd-r.jpn.org/beam/4/index.html

>> Markers (those we all use for our CDs) can damage the layer as the ink could
>> make it to the data layer.
>>     
>
> Really?  I've occasionally used those permanent markers with the
> permanent marker solvent and it seems to have stayed on the surface.
>   
Depends of the marker and of the plastic layer of the cover side, the 
cheap CD have thiner layer.
I had such experience with a Cadomark marker, that went through it
>> just a question
>> of luck.
>>     
> Or, if you generally buy the cheapest ones like I do, less a question of luck.
>   
True, but unfortunately ,while, surely, cheap CD or DVD have a great 
chance of being poorly produced, it is not always true for the pricey ones,
Note that the Japanese firm TDK have some "unscratchable/scratchproof" 
product made with clear polymer (durabis),
(this technology made possible the blueray), they have patent on that 
(http://tinyurl.com/pqdp82 http://tinyurl.com/onmpt8) so I guess, I 
would recommend those product.