Thank you all for the help! One more question

[glen]

I am going to get this:
NU Technology 8X DVD+RW/-RW Drive, Model DDW-082, Retail
Model# DDW-082
Item # N82E16827154010
Specifications:
Write Speed: 8X DVD+R, 4X DVD+RW, 8X DVD-R, 4X DVD-RW, 40X CD-R, 24X CD-RW
Read Speed: 40X CD-ROM, 12X DVD-ROM

So, can I burn 4X DVDs at 8X?
Do I need both DVDR- and DVDR+
Do I have to buy the 8X ones?

 

[Cerb]

1. Yes, but they aren't garunteed to work at 8x, just like most 24x CDRs work fine w/ 40c and higher writes.
2. Not really. Some DVD players can be picky, but overall, the cheaper usually works fine.
3. To burn at 8x and be assured of a solid burn and full shelf life. 8x DVD media is around, and will be mainstream (cheap) within a month or so, I imagine, as the newer 12x burners start to filter in.
Oh, and ^

 

[glen]

So, DVD+R and DVD-R are really the same?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: glen
So, DVD+R and DVD-R are really the same?

DVD-R is more likely to work with players more than a couple of years old.

www.DVDRHelp.com has both dvd player compatibility, and user disc brand feedback by burner

Aside from Hot Deals, www.Rima.com is a good place to buy discs

 

[glen]

Darn, so I need to buy a pack of both to be safe?

 

[gsellis]

Glen,

What you need to buy depends on your audience. If you know that you have someone that has a player that will only play -R or +R, then yes, you would need both if you choose one. I use -R and figure that I will need about 5 +Rs in about 100 for some older players. There are even a few players that will play +R and not -R (and most of them are Panasonics.)

I took a different route. For the grandparents and my wife's ex, we bought them APEX DVD players for Christmas presents. I know what will run on those 😉