Aren’t All DVDs the Same?
Currently there are many writeable and rewriteable DVD formats on the market, and this can be confusing to the average consumer. These DVD formats include:
DVD-RAM
DVD-R (aka DVD minus R)
DVD-RW
DVD+R (aka DVD plus R)
DVD+RW
DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM, in a nutshell, is a type of DVD that can only be used by specific DVD drives. It is usually a re-writable DVD. Make sure that your DVD player or burner (or both) can utilize DVD-RAM discs.
DVD-R and DVD-RW
DVD-R is a write-once recordable 4.7 GB format which allows excellent compatibility with both standalone DVD players and DVD-ROM drives.
DVD-RW media uses rewriteable discs which are rated for more than 1000 rewrites in ideal situations. The majority of standalone DVD players will play video recorded on DVD-RW discs, but the compatibility is not as high as with DVD-R.
DVD+R and DVD+RW
DVD+RW, like DVD-RW, is a rewriteable 4.7 GB format, and overall it has similar functionality to DVD-RW. The rewritability of DVD+RW is also said to be similar to that of DVD-RW, allowing up to 1000 rewrites.
DVD+R is a format that was introduced to consumers in early 2002. Compatibility of +R discs in standalone DVD players is similar to that of DVD-R.
What should I buy?
The choice largely depends on your use and preferences.
DVD-RAM discs cannot be used in most standalone DVD players and DVD-ROM drives, and this has historically made this format less attractive for the average home user. DVD-RAM capable PC drives will also be ideal for those whom already own DVD-RAM based camcorders or standalone DVD-RAM recorders.
DVD-R/DVD-RW drives currently have the highest popularity, both with PCs and Macs.
DVD+R/DVD+RW is gaining in popularity, and these discs appear to have similar compatibility on standalone DVD players as DVD-R/DVD-RW discs.
Many multiformat drives exist, but you may end up paying more.
Last updated: 2/22/07