What RAM disc?

[phancey]

I've just ordered a JVC DMR10. I now need to buy some RAM (and maybe -RW) discs. Where is the best/cheapest place to buy from? What brand? And I can't figure out what type exactly. I know I'm supposed to use Type 2 but on some sites it is not clear. Also the packaging is quite often geared to computer storage usage rather than DVD recorders. Are these still OK to use though i.e a TDK 9.4GB double sided?

Any clarification appreciated.

Phil

[Rasczak]

I know I'm supposed to use Type 2 but on some sites it is not clear.

In a nutshell the types of DVD-RAM are as follows:

Type 1: 12cm disc in a non-removeable caddy
Type 2: 12cm single sided (4.7GB) disc either in a removeable caddy or 'bare'
Type 4: 12cm double sided (9.4GB) disc either in a removeable caddy or 'bare'
Type 6-9: 8cm disc designed for DVD-RAM camcorders

You can use all these types (except 1) in your DVD-RAM recorder but you should avoid Types 6-9 as they have reduced capacity (2.6GB/5.2GB) and are aimed at camcorder users. Type 1 discs are hard to come by these days as they have been replaced by Type 2 or 4 which are the discs you'll want to use/buy. I suggest you buy bare/uncaddied discs as you'll need to remove them from the cartridge/caddy to play in your JVC DVD recorder anyway.

Where is the best/cheapest place to buy from? What brand?

As Panasonic and Maxell are the two major producers of DVD-RAM worldwide I suggest sticking with their discs (all other brands are just rebranded). Unsurprisingly Panasonic do good deals in their online shop (from £2 each!) but if you hunt around you local high street shops (PC World, Comet, Argos etc) you'll find Panasonic DVD-RAMs are frequently available in special offers at present (Panasonic are actively pushing the format in the UK now).

Maxell DVD-RAMs are also worth a look. A good store for these seems to be DVD And Media.

[JohnG]

Sorry to hijack this !
Have any 5 speed RAM discs arrived yet ? My LG writer in my PC can do 5x for DVD-RAM but I've not been able to find any yet. Would these 5 speed discs work on my E55 or E85 at 5 speed I wonder ?

[Fred Smith]

The E55 / 85 have 3x DVD-RAM compatable drives so faster media will only work at 3x.

[phancey]

thanks for advice, but what is the difference for example between Maxell 120 min DVD RAM video at £2.25 per disc and the MAXELL 4.7GB at 2.79 per disc on the site you suggested DVD And Media?

[skes]

54p :-)

[Rasczak]

what is the difference for example between Maxell 120 min DVD RAM video at £2.25 per disc and the MAXELL 4.7GB at 2.79 per disc on the site you suggested

The £2.70 Maxell is a Type 2 in a caddy, i.e. it has a cartridge but you can remove it. The £2.25 is a bare disc (i.e. no caddy) but will have a special coating to make it more resistant to damage. If I were you I would go for the £2.25 disc as that is more suited to a life outside a caddy - which is what is necessary for JVC DVD recorders.

[phancey]

thanks for that. For reference,I decided to go to aprmedia.com which has good prices for Panasonic LMAF120 5 pack and also some 90 minute CD-Rs that I wanted. It was the best price I coud find.