DVD Label's Effect on the Ability to Boot Backups

[warrior]

I recently had a Magic 3.1 chip installed in my V5 PS2 and noted an interesting trend in regards to the ability to boot DVD-R backups. While all DVD-R backups without labels affixed to the discs work great every time, the backups with glossy labels affixed to them will not boot 95% of the time. I read Charlie_ps2's informative thread regarding DVD-R issues and thought reflectivity may have something to do with my problem. Is this problem isoloated to the Magic chip, or will I have the problems with a Messiah 2 chip? Any insight on the matter would be greatly appreciated. I must note that I had absolutely no trouble reading labeled backup discs when using a no-solder modchip on the same V5 unit, nor have I ever had problems in the past with labeled backups on the PSone.

I apologize if this issue has already been discussed before, however, I was unsuccessful in finding any related threads when performing a search via this forum.

Warrior

[charlie_ps2]

A difficult one. The potential problem with labels (and I find this to be rare but known) is that if the label is poorly affixed so that glue is not inbalanced distribution, the disk can wobble in the vertical plane. It only takes micrometres for the laser beam then to fail to focus.

There are other possibilities (that I have not personally investigated). The top of the disk where the label goes has no optical properties. The reflective layer lies just below it. However if the top is gouged, the reflective layer is so close that it will be destroyed at the gouge line. Also if the glue used for the label is chemically active then it might have dissolved the compound. I regard this as unlikely but not impossible.

As to whether or not Messiah 2 will do any better - well it might but I can't promise that. Messiah 2 is more time tolerant over how long it takes to boot the game.

[warrior]

Thanks for the prompt reply Charlie. You last comment regarding a modchip's tolerance to how long it takes to boot a backup answers my question as to why the same labeled disc would work with one chip, but not another. Also based on your comments, it appears that a poorly positioned label and/or glue issues could affect the bootability of a backup in any scenario, but I don't think this is my situation since the labeled discs do work with my no-solder chip with no problems.

Last question. I re-installed my no-solder modchip (Ace-Key) alongside of the Magic 3.1 chip thinking the two chips could co-exist. However, I've had mixed results. Theoretically, could this work where I simply use the no-solder chip boot method via a GameShark when the Magic 3.1 fails to boot a backup? If not, I'm prepared to remove the Magic 3.1 chip this afternoon. While I had an installer install the chip for me, I assume it should be easy to remove with a soldering iron. Is this true?

Thanks again for your help and insight. I appreciate.

[midome]

what i have realized is anything direct boot boots bad media less often, when you swap it can force it to boot it, charlie you should try this in the 37 pin ps2

[warrior]

I always use Verbatim or TDK DVD-R media for all of my PS2 backups. Therefore, poor quality DVD-R media is not an issue in my situation.

[charlie_ps2]

Originally posted by midome
what i have realized is anything direct boot boots bad media less often, when you swap it can force it to boot it, charlie you should try this in the 37 pin ps2

A swap with AR2/GS2 is often a solution AS mIDOME SUGGESTS, PARTICULARLY FOR dvd9 GAMES.

[hannanshah]

Edit: ignore

[trumpetguyscw]

My friend's label came off inside his drive and burned up his ps2.....lol it was quite a show, seeing the little fire that erupted, looked like Sony World War III, lol