Comments

johnmeyer wrote on 9/19/2003, 5:48 PM
I don't know of any way to tell just by looking at them, but you can easily tell if you can get a sample and put it into your computer. There are many programs that can read the media ID. For instance, DVD Decrypter can read this information and display it. Go to www.dvdrhelp.com and you'll find lots of programs that can do this.
simojo wrote on 9/19/2003, 8:49 PM
From Meritline (where I buy mine):
http://store.yahoo.com/meritline/ritekident.html

Also:
http://store.yahoo.com/supermediastore/ritek-4xdvdr-fs.html

And I almost forgot: Check the forums at:
www.afterdawn.com
Some of these guys seem to really know their stuff about DVD's, burning, media quality, and media selection.
Chienworks wrote on 9/20/2003, 7:29 AM
Just a curious idle thought, but what would prevent an unscrupulous imitator from duplicating a well known brand's ID code? Sure, they'd eventually get caught. But isn't it the hallmark of the unscrupulous types that they close up shop without a trace at a moment's notice and move on to something else?

I've seen some illegal copies of Microsoft CDs that even included a passable hologram as well as the Microsoft ID code. The point is, if it can be created in the first place, it can be knocked off by impostors too.
Jay Gladwell wrote on 9/20/2003, 9:58 AM
Just make sure you buy from reputable dealer (and don't expect something for nothing).
riredale wrote on 9/20/2003, 4:00 PM
I had dug up a few weeks ago some links to utilities that can read the DVD-R ID code. Here's the link to that thread:

http://www.sonicfoundry.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=212419

I guess in theory a rogue manufacturer could create a fake Ritek disk with the same ID. I've heard, however, that Ritek disks are known for their deep purple dye, so I guess this is another way to check.