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All DVD media FAQ


* EncryptEase media
* All DVD media
* DVD+RW media
* CD-R/RW media
* Troubleshooting for DVD media
* DVD+R media
* Disposing of CD-R/RW media
* DVD-R media
* Writing on CD-R/RW media

All DVD media

NOTE:   Information on Media FAQs is to be used to provide a knowledge base or hints on troubleshooting for Ricoh media products. General information about other companies' products, such as writers/recorders, software, or systems is provided as well. However, for further details about other companies' products, please ask the company.

1.) NOTE: Using 16x DVD+R discs
2.) NOTE: Using DVD+R Double Layer (DL) discs
3.) NOTE: Using 8x DVD-R discs
4.) NOTE: Using 8x DVD+R discs, and 4x DVD+R discs
5.) Do DVD+R media differ from DVD-R media?
6.) Do DVD+RW media differ from DVD-RW media?
7.) Can I buy a DVD-RW disc from Ricoh?
8.) Can I buy a DVD-RAM disc from Ricoh?
9.) Is a CPRM compliant disc available from Ricoh?
10.) What is the difference between 'For Data' and 'For Video' for DVD+RW and DVD+R media?
11.) On the jewel case of a disc for Video, I found information on "Recording time" and "Recording model." How can I set a recording time using a writer in my computer?
12.) On the face of a Ricoh DVD disc, It claims to have a 4.7 GB capacity. But it looks like less than 4.7 GB on a PC.
13.) Where can I find a product information for RICOH DVD media?
14.) Where can I buy Ricoh DVD media?
15.) How can I dispose of failed discs?
16.) Is there any way to eliminate data on used discs, before they are disposed of?
17.) Information: Precautions for use
18.) Can I put a seal or a sticker on a disc?

1.) NOTE: Using 16x DVD+R discs

If you use a 16x DVD+R disc with a DVD+R writer, the following problems may occur.

  • Writing errors, Reading errors
  • Damage to the data recorded

To avoid these problems, a firmware update is required. Please contact the manufacturer of your drive for details.

If you use a Ricoh drive, please refer to the following.

  • MP5308D: requires a firmware update. The firmware will be available in the future from the Download website.
  • MP5240A: No need to update to a specific firmware version as long as you have at least version 1.19.
  • MP5125A does not support 16x DVD+R discs.

2.) NOTE: Using DVD+R Double Layer (DL) discs

This disc is compliant with the new standard for DVD+R Double Layer recording. If you use a DVD+R DL disc, your DVD writer must to be compliant with the DVD+R DL standard. Also, firmware that supports Ricoh DVD+R DL discs is required.
For details, please visit the websites listed below.

3.) NOTE: Using 8x DVD-R discs

RICOH DVD-R 8x discs are compliant with the new standard for high-speed recording. The discs can only be used with a writer that supports DVD-R 8x discs.
If you use these discs in DVD-R writers that are not compliant those high-speed discs, it may cause damage to both the disc and the writers.
In order to avoid such problems, a firmware upgrade for a DVD-R writer may be required. The details can be found on the following website, or on the manufacturer's website for the writer.
http://www.dvdhs.com/

4.) NOTE: Using 8x DVD+R discs, and 4x DVD+R discs

RICOH DVD+R 8x and 4x discs are compliant with the new standard for high-speed recording. Such discs can only be used with a writer that supports these high-speed discs.
If you use discs in DVD+R writers that are not compliant those high-speed discs, it may cause the following problems.

  • Writing or reading errors
  • Damage to the data recorded

In order to avoid such problems, a firmware update for your DVD+R writer may be required. Please visit the following websites, or the manufacturer's website for the writer.

DVD+RW Alliance website

If you are using a RICOH MP5125A drive, please visit our Download website to update the firmware of your drive to the latest version.

5.) Do DVD+R media differ from DVD-R media?

Both are recordable media, and are often called 'write once media.' (However, they do not record copyright protected data.)
But since each of them has its own physical structure, based on their respective standards, each recorder drive has to meet certain media standards.
Please look for the standard supported by your disc on the label side of the disc, or on the package, to see if your writer is compliant with the standard.
Currently, there are several standards for DVD recording.

For example, if your writer is compliant with the "DVD+R standard," you can use DVD+R discs. Please check standards supported by your writer before you buy DVD Recordable discs.

6.) Do DVD+RW media differ from DVD-RW media?

Both are rewritable media. (However, they do not record copyright protected data.)
But since each of them has its own physical structure, based on their respective standards, each recorder drive has to meet certain media standards.
Please look for the standard supported by your disc on the label side of the disc, or on the package, to see if your writer is compliant with the standard.
Currently, there are several standards for DVD recording.

For example, if your writer is compliant with the "DVD+RW standard," you can use DVD+RW discs. Please check standards supported by your writer before you buy DVD Recordable discs.
Currently, there are no DVD-RW media products in our product line-up.

7.) Can I buy a DVD-RW disc from Ricoh?

No. There are no DVD-RW media in our product line-up.

8.) Can I buy a DVD-RAM disc from Ricoh?

No. There are no DVD-RAM media in our product line-up.

9.) Is a CPRM compliant disc available from Ricoh?

Currently, there are no DVD media products compliant with CPRM in our product liine-up.
* CPRM stands for Content Protection for Recordable Media.

10.) What is the difference between 'For Data' and 'For Video' for DVD+RW and DVD+R media?

[For Data]
'DVD+RW disc For Data' is a disc primarily used for writing in a DVD+RW drive or DVD+RW/+R drive installed in a PC.
'DVD+R disc For Data' is also primarily used for writing in a DVD+RW/+R drive installed in a PC.
[For Video]
'DVD+RW disc for Video' is a disc primarily used for recording on a personal video recorder that supports DVD+RW media.
'DVD+R disc for Video' is also primarily used for recording on a personal video recorder that supports DVD+R media.

But, actually, there is no difference between 'DVD+RW for Data' and 'DVD+RW for Video' discs, or between 'DVD+R for Data' and 'DVD+R for Video' discs.
RICOH DVD+RW/+R media information is located here.

11.) On the jewel case of a disc for Video, I found information on "Recording time" and "Recording model." How can I set a recording time using a writer in my computer?

The recording time shown on the package is based on the case of a home DVD recorder.
The recording time available using a computer depends on the writing software you are using. Recording time available varies depending on software settings, such as image quality, audio selection, and their various combinations.
Please ask a software supplier for the details.

12.) On the face of a Ricoh DVD disc, It claims to have a 4.7 GB capacity. But it looks like less than 4.7 GB on a PC.

Generally, DVD uses the following designations:

* 1 KB = 1000 B., 1 MB = 1000 KB, 1 GB = 1000 MB

Computer uses the following:

*  1 KB = 1024 B, 1 MB = 1024 KB, 1 GB = 1024 MB

Therefore, with a PC,

4.7 GB = 4,7000,000,000 Byte / 1,024 = 4,589,843 KB
4,589,843 KB / 1,024 = 4,482 MB
4,482 MB / 1,024 = 4,376 GB

Which is nearly equal, 4.38 GB (the capacity shown will depend on the software)

Both discs and PCs count the same physical capacity but each of them uses different units, 1000 or 1024. This can lead to confusion after capacity is calculated.

13.) Where can I find a product information for RICOH DVD media?

Please go to Media product information page

14.) Where can I buy Ricoh DVD media?

Please visit eshop.ricohpmmc.com.

15.) How can I dispose of failed discs?

Please dispose of these discs as plastic waste.

16.) Is there any way to eliminate data on used discs, before they are disposed of?

For example, if confidential data is stored in a disc, and if you need to dispose of the disc without allowing anybody to access the data, we recommend using a grinder to destroy the disc.
Alternatively, damaging the recording surface with something rough, like sand paper, is also effective.
However, it may be possible to restore the data if the damage to the disc is not sufficient. Never break the disc with your hands. This is dangerous, and the disc may splinter causing injury.

17.) Information: Precautions for use

  • Please hold the disc by the outer edge or by placing a finger in the center hole, be careful not touch the recording surface of the disc. After recording a disc, please remove it from the writer and be sure to return it to a jewel case or sleeve.
  • If you have to write on the disc to identify it, please write only on the label surface using a soft-tipped pen.
  • To protect the disc's recording surface from scratches, fingerprints, dust particles, and smears, never touch it or place it face (recording area) down on a hard surface. Do not affix (or peel off) highly adhesive stickers on a disc.
  • If a disc becomes dirty, clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth, commercially available CD cleaning liquids, or ethyl alcohol, to remove foreign materials. Do not use benzene, lacquer, thinner, anti-static agents, LP cleaner, or other solvents.
  • Do not leave a disc in direct sunlight or in a hot, humid location.

18.) Can I put a seal or a sticker on a disc?

We would not recommend putting any kind of seal or sticker on media, no matter what the thickness or size. Doing so could cause some wobble of the disc while writing/reading.
Moreover, rubbing the surface of a disc when you put a seal on, or peel it off could damage the recording surface.

 


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