Not Sure which DVD format to use?

[guyfromoz]

I posted this in another discussion on this board
but thought I would put it here in case anyone is
unsure about which DVD's to use to record their shows.
================================

DVD formats explained.


Hope this helps people decide which one will be best to use.
==============================
DVD-R

Digital Video Disc Reader-discs can be written to once.

DVD-R is used for most home DVD players and movies. The DVD-R format is
the prefered for copying movies.

DVD-R is also supported by Panasonic, Toshiba,
Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp.
====================================

DVD-R(W)

Digital Video Disc Reader & Writer-based on the DVD-R format but can be
written to 1,000 times.
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DVD+R DL (Dual Layer)

This type of DVD has 2 layers allowing it to hold up to twice the amount
of Data (9.5GB). You may burn data to this type of disk only if you have
a dual layer DVD burner.
========================================

DVD+R

Digital Video Disc Reader-discs can be written to once.
This format is a little faster for accessing data and a bit more expensive.

I prefer the DVD+R format for data recording. This format was developed
after DVD-R and is in competition with that format.
Eventually, one of the two formats may dominate the marketplace and
eliminate the other.

The + format is supported by Sony, Philips, HP, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha
and other manufacturers.
======================================

DVD+RW

DVD+RW is a re-recordable format based on the DVD+R format.
The data on a DVD+RW disc can be erased and recorded over
1,000 times without damaging the medium.

DVDs created by a +R/+RW device can now be read by most commercial
DVD-ROM players.
========================================

DVD-RAM

Digital Video Disc Random Access Memory-discs can be written
to 100,000 times. This format is different than DVD-R and DVD+R.
The drive and media are much more expensive. These discs are
often encased in plastic for resilience. These discs are popular
for professional DVD video editing and other applications
requiring multiple rewrites, edits or backups.
======================================

DVD-ROM

Digital Video Disc Read Only Memory is the format of commercial DVDs
that are stamped, not burned with a DVD writer.
DVD movies you buy or rent are DVD-ROM format.
======================================

CD-R

Compact Disc Reader discs dominate the CD-writing market. They hold
up to 700 MB of data and can be written to once.
The spindle of blank CDs you buy to back up your music collection are CD-R.
============================================

CD-RW

Compact Disc Reader & Writer discs are based on the CD-R format and can be
written to 1,000 times.
=======================================
Barry
(Guyfromoz)

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

Excellent, Barry. I read the original post and thought it wonderfully clear. By posting it here with a very descriptive subject line, it might be more likely to come up in a search on the subject. (Though nothing pertinent ever comes up on anything I search for. )

Barbara

[Scotty Profile Private message]

Hi,

Very clear and concise descriptions Barry - a very good job!

The only thing I might add is the capability of DVD+R disks to change
their "Booktype" from DVD+R to DVD-ROM thus enabling greater
compatability with all (old) makes of DVD players. All DVD players old and
new and of every make should be able to play DVD-ROM format.

Once again - a good job Barry!

Scotty