I just picked up some new Verbatim single layer DVD-RAM media, the first time in a while I've bought RAM. Usually I just burn DVD-R or use my old RAM, and have not had problems. However, I've filled up my trusty Pana RAMs and don't want to copy off the stuff. Anyway, the Verbatim discs won't load at all on my DMR-E30! First I get an error message telling me to format. I try to format and it says bad media. The discs work fine on my desktop computer DVD-RAM drive.

Any ideas? Is this a known problem? Should I just try another brand of media?

Try washing the recording side of the RAM with tepid tap water and liquid dish soap. Use a soft dishcloth to give the surface a good scrub and dry with a soft towel. It is my standard practice to wash all my new RAMs as soon as I open the package and before I put them in my E-85 for formatting.

There are a number of us here who have corrected RAM write problems by this washing procedure. Hard to believe -- I know -- but if you do it and it works, then you are one of us -- resistance is futile.

P.S. -- some are of the opinion that there is some sort of residual silicone mold release agent left on the surface from manufacture. If it's thin enough (100 nm) it would screw with the reflectivity of the laser. No one knows for sure, but the fact is the washing cures most of the RAM ills.

I agree. Hard to believe but it works.

If all else fails, buy more Panasonic DVD-RAM. I have used about 100 so far and I have never had even a hint of a problem with any of them.

Dave

Well, the cleaning thing does sound nuts but I don't see how it can hurt (except maybe ruin a blank / worst case), so I'll give it a shot tonight. I did find some Panasonic media in stock locally, decent price too, so I'll pick them up tomorrow if the cleaning doesn't work. I'll let everyone know either way what happens.

Thanks for the quick input all!

Moore. I felt that way too, but it has worked for me with several DVD Ram discs.... All Panasonics btw. All I buy.

Well, I did try the cleaning on two of the Verbatim media, gently at first and then more aggressive cleaning when that didn't help. No luck. Still won't read, tells me to format. So I went ahead and got some Panasonic discs, they work fine out of the package.

Oh well, I guess I will stick with Pana media for the recorder, but I can still use the 5 Verbatims for my computer.

I just got a bunch of Verbatim DVD -RAM disks (5x). They came today, so at lunch I tried one, kinda nervous after the OP's experience, and since I have never used Verbatim -RAMs before--Maxell yes, Panasonic, or course, but Verbatim, no. Anyway, my EH50 told me it was unformatted. I formatted it and copied a two hour show, no incidents like the OP reported. It indeed was 5x, took less than 12 minutes. I have played back about 1/2 of the material with no problems, glitches or pixelation at all. No, I haven't given them the wash routine, yet, but I was eager to see if they would format and work. It seems that the EH50 has no problems with the 5x Verbatim disks. Maybe it's your E30. I assume you were using 3x disks, and those I haven't tried. Strange that the disks work on your computer but not on your DVD recorder.