Optiarc AD-7200 advice pls

[jeff_nz]

Hi and Merry Christmas to everyone!

 

I just got a new Sony NEC Optiarc AD-7200 drive and don't know much about them except I've read they're excellent burners and also seen them recommended here, so I was wondering if I could get some advice or feedback from those of you that have one about the media you prefer to use with the Optiarc (+R, -R etc)... or maybe I should be asking what type of media the drive prefers?

 

My previous writers had automatic bitsetting so I'd just buy +R discs (usually MCC 004) and think nothing more about it, but I understand the Optiarc only supports bitsetting of +R DL media and not single layer discs so I'm unsure what would be the best way to go now...

 

Looking forward to hearing your experiences and recommendations, as always.

[cornholio7]

i only burn -R discs for single layer, never had any issues with them

 

i use Taiyo Yuden TYG02:

 

Optiarc DVD RW AD-7200A 1.06 (SCSI)

Current Profile: DVD-R

 

Disc Information:

Status: Empty

Erasable: No

Free Sectors: 2.298.496

Free Space: 4.707.319.808 bytes

Free Time: 510:48:46 (MM:SS:FF)

Supported Write Speeds: 4x; 6x; 8x; 12x

 

Pre-recorded Information:

Manufacturer ID: TYG02

 

Physical Format Information (Last Recorded):

Book Type: DVD-R

Part Version: 5

Disc Size: 120mm

Maximum Read Rate: Not Specified

Number of Layers: 1

Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP)

Linear Density: 0.267 um/bit

Track Density: 0.74 um/track

First Physical Sector of Data Area: 196.608

Last Physical Sector of Data Area: 2.495.103

Last Physical Sector in Layer 0: 0

 

and Verbatim MCC 03RG20:

 

Optiarc DVD RW AD-7200A 1.06 (SCSI)

Current Profile: DVD-R

 

Disc Information:

Status: Empty

Erasable: No

Free Sectors: 2.298.496

Free Space: 4.707.319.808 bytes

Free Time: 510:48:46 (MM:SS:FF)

Supported Write Speeds: 4x; 6x; 8x; 12x; 16x; 18x; 20x

 

Pre-recorded Information:

Manufacturer ID: MCC 03RG20

 

Physical Format Information (Last Recorded):

Disc ID: 0@P-!-00

Book Type: DVD-R

Part Version: 5

Disc Size: 120mm

Maximum Read Rate: Not Specified

Number of Layers: 1

Track Path: Parallel Track Path (PTP)

Linear Density: 0.267 um/bit

Track Density: 0.74 um/track

First Physical Sector of Data Area: 196.608

Last Physical Sector of Data Area: 2.495.103

Last Physical Sector in Layer 0: 0

 

we have 4 dvd players in the house and both discs play fine on all

[jeff_nz]

Thanks cornholio, that was a fast reply.

 

I've always been curious to try some TY disc's but unfortunately they're as rare as hen's teeth around here, so I might pick up some Verbatim -R's next time and give them a try.... I'm just so used to using +R's all these years it's going to be outside my comfort zone, lol.

Edited December 27, 2008 by jeff_nz

[cornholio7]

http://www.pcx.com.au/products/detail.asp?item=1302

 

maybe these will ship to you? ( i assume that by your user name you are in nz )

 

i just made a scan of a disc burnt by the 7200 for reference

 

 

[jeff_nz]

You assume correct. Thanks for the link, I'll keep them in mind although they're way beyond my meagre budget and I hate to think what the postage would be, even from Oz. Your scan is certainly impressive though! Thanks for going to the trouble, it gives me an idea of what this new drive is capable of.

 

I have discovered an online supplier here in nz that import some TYG03 (16x) discs at least, but perhaps they're not as highly regarded as the TYG02 discs? Anyway I'll see how the Verbatim MCC 03RG20 discs go first since they're available everywhere and inexpensive by comparison.

Edited December 28, 2008 by jeff_nz

[cornholio7]

personally i never got very good results with TYG03 but i have seen good scans, i suppose its drive / firmware that decides that, if you can buy 10 or 25 cakeboxes, try them and see

[Cynthia]

My previous writers had automatic bitsetting so I'd just buy +R discs (usually MCC 004) and think nothing more about it, but I understand the Optiarc only supports bitsetting of +R DL media and not single layer discs so I'm unsure what would be the best way to go now...

I have the same writer and I have flashed it with a 'hacked' firmware that supports bit setting of single layer +R media. Just be aware that the guarantee of your writer will be gone with the wind if you do it.

 

You can find the firmware here in the column 'Orig'.

 

http://liggydee.cdfreaks.com/page/en/Optiarc-AD-7200A/

 

[jeff_nz]

Thanks Cynthia. While searching I came across a post of yours from earlier this year that you use original firmware for your nec, but I take it you've had a change of heart since then. Any particular reason?

[Cynthia]

It's a very nice reader so I use it mainly for that purpose and the only reason I can think of was that it wanted to try the bit setting firmware/function.