Dvd Burners--- WHERE DO I BEGIN!?!?!?!

GrimReepr

Senior member
Jun 12, 2000
363
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Ok the world of dvd burners is not totally new, but I want to get in to it. Anyone know a good site for an experienced computer user to quickly run down the details on such things as the difference between + and -, how dvdrw's and dvdr's work, and what media to use and stuff like that. I think I know the answers to all these, but just wanna refresh.

What is everyone's choice for burning data to dvdrw's and r's..... I hear the newest nero is a nice choice?

thanks, ryan
 

LethalWolfe

Diamond Member
Apr 14, 2001
3,679
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There is an offical AT FAQ 'bout DVDs, but I don't know where it is. If you do a search for "dvd burners" in video and/or general hardware I'm sure you'll find it. It basically goes like this. If yer main concern is data (you don't wanna make DVDs to play at home) then go DVD-RAM (it basicaly acts like a removable HDD). DVD-R is older, cheaper media, and more compatible w/older DVD players than DVD+R. DVD+R is newer, more expensive media, less compatible w/older DVD players. Current DVD players (lets made w/in the past 2yrs) should play - and + equally well. -RW and +RW media isn't as compatible in any DVD player. So if you are burning a movie do it on -/+R not -/+RW. You can always play it safe and buy a burner that burns both - and +, but those are naturally more expensive.


Lethal
 

Jeff7

Lifer
Jan 4, 2001
41,596
19
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And DVD Forum for info on the DVD-R format.

I have a Toshiba SD-R5002 writer; it's not exactly speedy - 2x DVD-R, and 1x DVD-RW speeds, but it seems to get the job done. I've not written many DVDs yet, as I'm still learning the software; plus, I'm finding that I need to buy editing software that works anyway.
The software the writer comes with is pretty unimpressive - the DVD writing software won't let me write video to DVD - lisencing restrictions it says, which probably means "demo version." DVD writing software that won't write to DVDs. Makes sense...
You might as well use Nero to write to DVD's; only thing it can't seem to do is convert video files directly into the file types needed by DVD players.