If system profiler says Taiyo Yuden, is it?

[captenaj]

I have learned a tremendous amount about blank DVD media but I cannot believe I just happened to have purchased Taiyo Yuden media all those years ago. When I check my DVDs with my Mac System Profiler, it says "Type: DVD-R ID: TAIYOYUDEN." Can I be assured that it is? Thanks.

[admin]

So far, the information you have confirms simply that the DVD is using a Taiyo Yuden media ID. If you look deeper at the information given, it should specify the actual media code, such as TYG01, TYG02, TYG03, YUDEN000T02 or YUDEN000T03. This would only include "major name brands" like That's (Japanese brand), Fujifilm, Sony, Verbatim, JVC/Victor and Panasonic.

The next important thing to do is verify the disc is from a brand using authentic Taiyo Yuden stamper codes, rather than faking the data. In other words, to be sure it's a legitimate TY authorized disc, and not a counterfeit.

Fake discs are not the same as the real ones. The code is faked, but the rest of the disc is made from entirely different materials and is inferior in every way.

If you have an unbranded disc, then you'll need to rely on supplier data. If these were purchased from an official Taiyo Yuden distributor, and advertised as TY discs, then you can feel comfortable knowing the discs are fine.

There are also some tell-tale signs to be had from the bulk packaging, even though "Taiyo Yuden" is not always present.

For most TY media, a code like "GGxxxxxx" should appear on the inner-most ring of the disc (the hub). I forget all the codes off-hand, as there are a few. The GG code was from the TYG02 generation of 8x DVD-R.

If these came from eBay, from some no-name brand like WinData, a random store, or whatnot, then it's likely a fake that is best put in the trash and never used. If it's already burned, copying the video/data to better discs is suggested.

I'd have to know more about where the disc was bought, what brand it might be, etc, to give a more definitive answer on whether it's truly an authentic Taiyo Yuden disc you're using.

The best prices on authentic TY media can be found linked from our main DVD review: http://www.digitalFAQ.com/reviews/dvd-media.htm

Hope that clears it up.

[captenaj]

Mega thanks for your response. I can't remember where I bought these disks but they are branded as Fujifim, came in individual jewel cases, 5 to a box, and were made in Japan. I ran Media Inspector, screen shots of what I got are below.




So there is no media codes that says something like TYG01, TYG02, TYG03, YUDEN000T02 or YUDEN000T03.

And here is the info from System Profiler:


Printed on the hub on the disk is "GB000162" and also has etched into the plastic "FM216D01323GA."

I tell you, these disks are old and they have worked very well. I inquire about them since I have old home movies on them and I'm wondering if they are archival quality.

Again, thank you for your help.

[lordsmurf]

TAIYOYUDEN is an old 2x DVD-R media ID. And Fujifilm was an authentic brand of TY 2x DVD-R. So those are archival quality discs, yes.

But it's never a bad idea to have extra copies of archives/backups.

Don't rely on just one copy of a disc for important data. Have several copies, preferably on several brands/types of good discs. Maybe even a ISO file copy of a disc, stored on a backup hard drive of some kind.

[captenaj]

Thanks for the help. I have the movies on two separate disks in two locations. I could have more copies but at some point I guess you just have to say you've done enough.