DVD Question

[lovingway]

Ok I finally got a DVD recorder and wonder if someone can help me. What is the difference between all the DVD types like DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW?

[Lair of the Shadow MaDaBa]

DVD-R is a mini-DVD that you can only record one time. Once something's on it, it's there forever and can never be recorded over. I assume DVD+R is just longer running time.

DVD-RW can be recorded over, albeit as an assumed drop in picture quality.

[lovingway]

mdb913 said:

DVD-R is a mini-DVD that you can only record one time. Once something's on it, it's there forever and can never be recorded over. I assume DVD+R is just longer running time.

DVD-RW can be recorded over, albeit as an assumed drop in picture quality.

So which one is best to record things onto? Especially from a VHS copy of something

[Cranjis McBasketball]

Be sure to check which format your recorder needs. It will say on the Recorder or the manual which to use. If you use the wrong kind, your recorder will eventually freeze and will not work again, leaving your SOL and JWF.

Look for a logo on the front of the recorder which says "DVD-R" or "DVD+R". If the recorder has a logo with the + and -, you may use both.

[lovingway]

cdr said:

Be sure to check which format your recorder needs. It will say on the Recorder or the manual which to use. If you use the wrong kind, your recorder will eventually freeze and will not work again, leaving your SOL and JWF.

Look for a logo on the front of the recorder which says "DVD-R" or "DVD+R". If the recorder has a logo with the + and -, you may use both.

Cool, mine says it uses like four types of them including both versions

[MDH1980]

I got a DVD Recorder for Christmas. It records in all 4 formats (-/+ R an -/+ RW). Does anyone have any tips concerning if any brand of disk (Sony, Maxell, Memorex, etc.) work better than others when it comes to dubbing old tapes onto?
I've heard that there can be pixeltion problems when copying wrestling.

[Ace Diamond]

DVD-R is not a mini DVD. I have DVD-Rs and they are regular size recordable (but not rewriteable) DVDs.

Here's how the formats break down.

DVD-R/DVD-RW (DVD "dash" (or DVD "minus" in the UK and Europe))
First DVD recordable format released in the market. Developed by Pioneer and backed by the DVD Forum. Has broader playback compatibility than the "+" especially with much older players. The dash format is based on an older CD-R/RW format for easy upgrade or migration for disc manufacturers.

DVD+R/DVD+RW (DVD "plus")
Developed by Philips and Sony with their DVD+RW Alliance. Came out after the "-" format.

DVD-RAM
As RAM stands for Random Access Memory, it works more or less like a hard-drive and was designed for corporate back-up use. Can only be read in drives that are DVD-RAM compatible. DVD Forum backs this format.

Multi-format drives can read (write) more than one format; e.g., DVD±RW (DVD plus-dash rewritable) is used to refer to drives that can write/rewrite both plus and dash formats, but not necessarily DVD-RAM.

DVD recordable media are sold in two standard sizes, a standard-sized 12cm size for home recording and computer usage, and a small 8cm size (sometimes known as a miniDVD) for use in compact camcorders and the like.

So basically it all comes down to compatibility and what you can use. If you want to show the DVDs to other people, DVD-Rs would be your best bet since they have the largest compatibility range.

[lovingway]

Ok cool.

Now can someone explain the time length of DVDs and all of these formats like XP, SP, LP, EP and Time...something. I know the 3 formats from VHS but what is XP? And what is the second layer? Is it the flip side of something else?