Over the years, I prefer buying Verbatim DVD-R media for archival recording.
After checking some Verbatim DataLifePlus DVD-R 2x, I am getting confused with Verbatim brand. I found some blank DVD media left from two batches bought in 2003 having ID e.g.
RITEKG03 or
CMCMAG. I used to buy media with shiny silver top (to be marked with Sharpie marker only.)
Now, I decided to move to
printable Verbatim DVD-R 4.7GB DataLifePlus 8X - white hub inkjet printable (to create DVDs for my child favorite kids' shows), and I already ordered 100-PK from Meritline - a product number: 94854.
I decided for 8x speed media mostly due to compatilibity with my Panasonic standalone DVD recorder DMR-E80 (I still have there valuable recording and even if there is a firmware available to support higher recording speed, I do not want to apply it before making DVDs/backups first; something unpredicted could always happen.)
1.
Does anyone ever have a chance to test these media/check ID on them?
2.
Are they suitable for archival needs?
I also checked "Printable Suurface Reference Guide" from
www.verbatim.com, and the table shows DataLifePlus DVD-R and "non-DataLifePlus" in the selection of media.
Based on my observance online and in store, in retail stores (OfficeMax, ...) there are usually 50-pack or 100-pack Verbatim DVD-R in blue/orange shiny plastic shrink-wrap. On the contrary, almost all inkjet printable Verbatim DVD-R DatalifePlus media (for some reason, available exclusively online) in 50-pack packaged in a cake box with very simple white sticker on the cake box (even Verbatim website shows them that way, so they should be authentic.)
I am getting really confused with Verbatim media, especially with two different packaging available on the market - nice plastic wrap compare to a simple sticker. I know that packaging should mean nothing, but when you see something with a sticker it makes you wonder. That's why I am still hesitant to but Taiyo Yuden media - just shrinkwrapped in 100-pack and higher bulk (after reading some recent negative review online.) And I am not sure whether my Panasonic and Pioneer standalone dvd recorders would "like" them either (even Panasonic dvd recorders were not picky at all in last 6 years - I "feed" them with high quality DVD media for my archival needs - Verbatim, TDK, or any other media for "give-away" purposes - Maxell, Imation, Sony, GQ, Fujifilm, Ritek, even BeAll.)
1.
Is there really any special difference between Verbatim packages in shiny blue/orange plastic cover compare to clear cake box with a simple white sticker saying that it is DataLifePlus- both versions with hub injekt printable DVD-R (8x or 16x speed.)
2.
Are "DataLifePlus" Verbatim DVD-R / DVD+R better than "non-DataLifePlus" Verbatim DVD-R / DVD+R? Is there any difference in quality, performance, archival grade, etc.?