[DJB14336]

Just had bad experience with my favorite buy on media. I'd been burning with the new Jensen 32X CDR's (700MB). I couldn't kill these things once I updated my CDRW's firmware to support it--they look almost silver on the bottom, no label on top either--a real light green die is used. Awesome in Home DVD player (VCD Rips) and in my car stereo. None of my PC Backups have failed either. Then I started copying my PSX Games--not too good!

As long as it was a small game, it did fine--then I tried Gauntlet Legends--over 500MB's. Game started, then locked up and the Laser and Motor would just whine and click continuously. Bummed some Maxell 650's from my brother after I noticed my chip is not listed as supporting 700 MB CDR (80 minutes).

Read the labels CAREFULLY. Some have 650MB and 74min listed prominently, but they are actually 80 min 700MB media (I don't know why they would list the 650MB bigger then the 700MB, but they do sometimes--watch especially the Imation line) Like earlier post said--avoid the Black CDR's. Remember Reflectivity and Longevity are the Key. I see a good bit in support of Verbatim DATALIFE--the Valuelife is a bit less reliable, hence the difference in the name. Some have had trouble with Gold's, other's with Blues. It varies depending on the name brand. Shoot for something BETWEEN 16 and 24X speeds. 12X or less may not burn deep enough in the newer drives. Case in point, my 4X CDRW's will not work in my Home DVD player, but my 10X CDRW will when I rip it at 6X or Less. Remember, the PSX/PS1/PS2 have weaker lasers then the PC's. Here is what I just achieved success with tonight:

Maxell 650MB CDR Certified to 24X in Gold Box (10Pk) There is a Dark Blue Band behind the "CD-R" label under the Maxell name. Item Number (Reorder #623112, listed next to Maxell logo on back) with UPC Code: 0-25215-62040-9. Not sure where they were bought--swapped some blanks with my brother for these. He usually buys from Office Depot or Circuit City, occasionally Wal-Mart. They have Gold Tops, the bottoms are a bit goldish, almost silver. They are highly reflective UNDER the dye. You can tell because you barely see your reflection on the bottom, but see a strong rainbow effect swirl around the disc when you move it from side to side. This is where you want the light to bounce back--under the surface, not on it. They can also be identified directly on the disc by a stamp within the gold ring at the center on top of the disc: "RJD74M-50013"