Cheaper than competition, large range with prices to suit all pockets .
Disadvantages:
For me none, but there is some brand snobbery
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Before I start this review, I'm going to make it clear, that it only an account of my experience with various DVD-R discs in the Datawrite line. It will therefore not include any of their range that I do not have personal experience of (although I will be supplying a link where you can get information about these). However, I have used several of their DVD-R along with DVD-RW and their sister label Datasafe DVD-RAM.
The Company ********************
Maybe we should start with the company itself.
Datawrite DVDs are part of a range distributed by Datasafe media, who claim to be largest re-distributor of DVD media in the UK. Notice, that I said re-distributor, this means that they buy in discs from a range of companies and then badge them as their own brand. This means as they offer a great variety in quality levels and dye types, you will probably find one that suits your particular needs quite well.
The Range ****************
There is a vast range of DVD blanks available from Datawrite, including DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and DVD-RAM (under the Datasafe branding) along with a range of CD-R. It would take far too long to list all the different discs and would also be counter productive, as they regularly release new products, therefore I won't be doing that, but will instead describe my experiences with the discs that I have used.
Availability *************
The next point I'd like to raise is where you can buy the discs. It is very unlikely that you will be able to buy these discs on the high street, I have no idea why, except perhaps a little brand snobbery and the desire for chain stores to only stock either their own brand, or the big names.
However, you will find them at most on-line retailers. Blank disc shop stocks a huge range of Datawrite discs as do Diskdepot and Big Pockets. You may also be able to find them at computer fairs.
The Equipment Used **************************
Before I start telling you about the discs I have personal experience with, I think it would be a good idea to tell you what equipment I used to burn them on (so you get a better idea if they'll work for you), and the players that I've played the finished discs on. This is going to get a bit technical, but is information I look for when buying DVD blanks.
Computer One ----------------------- Athlon 2600+ 1024MB RAM 160gig Hard Drive Matsushita DVD-RAM Drive (manufactured by Panasonic) with firmware updated. Burning Program : Nero 5.9
Computer Two ----------------------- Pentium 530 1024MB RAM 2x200gig Hard Drive Sony 16x DL DVD writer - original firmware Burning Program : Nero 5.9
DVD Recorder One -----------------------------
Panasonic DRME50
DVD Recorder Two -----------------------------
Toshiba RDXS32
DVD Printer ------------------
Epson R200
DVD Players -------------------
Cyberhome CH DVD400 Skyworth DIVX Player Technics SCDV290 Playstation 2
The Discs (That I have used) *********************************
Red V4 DVD-R (4x) --------------------------
Although no longer available (to my knowledge) these were the first Datawrite discs I ever used. Although they were cheap (16p/each), and were not the best quality discs in the world they did the job perfectly well, except that they would not work in my Panasonic DVD-recorder. I therefore moved onto....
These were excellent, I paid under £5 for a packet of 25 discs. And the real bonus, was these discs came from such manufacturers as Verbatim. Which meant that I got a premium disc at a budget price. So the price is good, so how about compatibility? Well these discs burn, exceptionally well using all the methods I have at my disposal. I've only had a few coasters (failed discs) out of literally hundreds of discs burnt. In fact, I love this disc so much, I bought over three hundred. The printable surface is excellent, my discs look extremely professional, and they are extremely compatible, I haven't found a player that dislikes them.
Full Face Printable DVD-R (4x) ---------------------------------------------
Another fantastic disc from Datawrite, I was sent a tub of 25 of these to test, and I don't believe I had any failures (looking back I had 2). At £4.99 for 25, they work out at 20p each, and you can print them right upto the hub (the clear plastic ring). These would probably be my second choice and maybe the next disc that I buy (when my others run out). Again there was excellent compatibility with all players.
This was another disc that I was sent to test, and a very good one at that. These are slightly more expensive at £5.38 for 25, but this is still an extremely low price for a 8x disc and can be burnt at an even faster speed on selected drives. The printable surface was once again excellent, as was compatibility.
Prices ---------
DVD-R prices start at £4.78/25 4xDVD-R printable, and the most expensive are £6.98/25 8xDVD-R printable. Compare this to the £13 I've known someone to pay for 10 DVDs without a printable surface on the high street.
The Advantages -----------------------
1. The discs are under half the price of some premium brands. 2. Excellent compatibility 3. A vast range to suit all users.
The Disadvantages ----------------------------
1. Not available on the high street. 2. Not a big brand name (some people don't like them simply because of this)
Further Information *********************
If you wish to read more about how these discs perform, then I would recommend visiting www.disqworld.net, or http://www.dvd-recordable.org where there are in depth reviews of some discs available.
Final Words **************
Although Datawrite have previously had a reputation of being somewhat hit and miss, they have recently been producing excellent discs, that rival and are in many cases superior to the better known brands. I, personally, only use Datawrite, as for me they offer the compatibility I need at an exceptional price. My personal recommendation, is give them a try, at the asking price, you won't be losing much if they don't work for you, and if they do you'll have saved yourself a great deal of money.
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
