Somebody Please Explain DVD-R, etc. (1 Viewer)

[DaveJJ]

I want to apologize if this question has been asked before! I just bought a new DVD burner. Can someone explain all the different DVD formats. Thanks!

 

[Diallo B]

www.dvdrhelp.com

 

[Christ Reynolds]

more specifically...

DVD-R and DVD-RW
DVD-R/W was the first DVD recording format released that was compatible with standalone DVD Players.
DVD-R is a non-rewriteable format and it is compatible with about 93% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD-RW is a rewriteable format and it is compatible with about 77% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD-R/W supports single side 4.7 GB* DVDs(called DVD-5) and double side 9.4 GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
These formats are supported by DVDForum.

DVD+R and DVD+RW
DVD+R/W has some "better" features than DVD-R/W such as lossless linking and both CAV and CLV writing.
DVD+R is a non-rewritable format and it is compatible with about 87% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD+RW is a rewritable format and is compatible with about 77% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD+R/W supports single side 4.7 GB* DVDs(called DVD-5) and double side 9.4 GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
These formats are supported by the DVD+RW Alliance.

DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM has the best recording features but it is not compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD-Video players. Think more of it as a removable hard disk. DVD-RAM is usually used in some DVD Recorders.
This format is supported by DVDForum.

info obtained from http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvd

CJ

 

[Brian Teal]

Also, the + camp is in the process of adding dual layer recording. Current +R drives will not be able to do it, though some may be able to with a firmware update. As of now, no -R technology developers have demonstrated dual layer recording.