The different DVD formats
So that the DVD recording fun is not clouded by the question of the right format, here is a little explanation DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW & Co.:
As the first years ago DVD-Player came onto the market, the "standard question" in the specialist trade was: "Can you do that too
recording?” For some time now it's finally time!
But first to the most important question: What is a DVD recorder for?
The answer to this is at the same time the explanation for the "standard question" quoted at the beginning: According to an American survey, 34% of DVD recorder users would also like to record TV programs with the video recorder as before. 26% want to save films recorded with the camcorder and 21% want to copy videotapes they have made themselves. Only 18% want to copy feature films from VHS and only 15% films from DVD. And since the Germans are known to like to stick to the old, the situation here in Germany will not be completely different. User behavior is therefore (initially) determined by the video recorder: A DVD recorder is primarily used to replace the video recorder.
The question of the right format should depend on the intended use:
DVD R:
The DVD-R can only be written once and is a DVD after burning and therefore bears the DVD logo. In theory, a DVD-R can be played by any DVD player, as the specifications are adhered to fairly closely.
DVD RW:
The DVD-RW is a DVD after finalizing and can be written to as often as you like. Post-processing is also possible thanks to VRF (Video Recording Format). However, compatibility with conventional DVD players falls by the wayside when using the VRF. It can also happen that older DVD players do not support this format. The main argument for DVD-R/RW is its widespread use in the computer sector. Around 2/3 of all PC burners can burn DVD-Rs and around 60% even DVD-RWs.
DVD + R:
The DVD+R is a DVD after burning, but it also offers better quality or a longer playing time. Therefore, it cannot always be played on every DVD player. However, more and more DVD players play the format without any problems.
DVD+RW:
The DVD+RW is a widely compatible DVD. Thanks to VR functionality, the DVD+RW can be rewritten at any time as often as you like. Partial overwriting is also possible at any time. However, older DVD players may not support this format.
DVD RAM:
The one packed in a cartridge DVD-RAM is not a DVD, but a completely different storage medium that is primarily used for data storage.
DVD+R/+RW have an advantage when it comes to playing time: while the first devices offered four hours, most devices now offer six hours, theoretically even eight hours are possible, but then with much poorer quality. The picture quality of the 6-hour mode corresponds to VHS, that of the 4-hour mode to SVHS, and that of the 2-hour mode to DVD, of course. The improved image quality of the 1 hour mode can even be used in (semi) professional image recording.
Although the DVD-R/RW blanks are around 50 cents cheaper than DVD+R/RW due to the higher distribution in the computer sector, the longer playing time of the DVD+R/RW blanks more than makes up for this price difference.
In contrast, the DVD+R/RW is a pure home cinema format that can currently only be written to by a good third of the PC burners. This doesn't have to be the case, however, if you buy a stand-alone DVD+R/RW burner for the home cinema system, because most DVD+R/RW recorders also read the DVD-R/RW format.
The sound recording is the same for all formats: It's just in stereo possible. The DVD-R/RW is also equal to the DVD+R/RW in terms of burning speed.