Over the span of only a few years, DVD recording has gotten faster. Single layer media progressed from 1x media through 2x, 4x, and 8x media, to stop at 16x rated media. DL media has slowly been progressing similarly, from the days of 2.4x rated media, to media that was supported at 4x, then 6x, then 8x, with some writers offering 10x for some of Verbatim's DL discs.
However, it appears that Ritek is attempting to up the ante once again. Advanced Media, Inc., a part of Ritek, has released its 16x DVD+R Double Layer (DL) media under the Ridata name. (Press release here). There are a few things we must consider here, though. There are very few 16x DVD+R DL writers on the market, and there is only a fairly limited market for DVD+R DL. Will this release by Ridata really mean anything for the DVD writing world? Will people really be willing to pay for the discs that their writer may not even support at the full rated speed?
Also, some of the more informed DL users will recognize that Ritek or Ricoh DL is usually not a first choice. Generally, Verbatim is the primary recommendation for all DL use--a reputation that it has earned. Similarly, Ritek's DL has earned its less than stellar reputation, whether it is due to poor media support from virtually all DVD writers or due to poor media all around. With that said, will the introduction of this new media change Ritek's reputation for the better?
Only time will tell, and as this media hits the market, we may soon have our answers.
