what kind of DVDs should I use for burning?

[nikko]

I just bought a dual format DVD burner. I need to make DVDs that will play on normal set top DVD players. For this purpose, is it better to use the -R or +R DVDs? Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[CraigRT]

as far as i've read (mostly on dvdrhelp.com) -R's are better for set top DVD players. Ive burned a few -R's with no problems in either of my set top DVD players.

 

[EeyoreX]

The answer is: It depends. Some set top boxes (older ones) require one format or the other. Newer set top players will play both without issue. Check DVDRHelp, they have good lists of what drives/players are compatable with what media.

\Dan

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Whatever is on sale.

 

[thraxes]

-R has the best compatibility with set-top players. I am selling a batch of DVDs at the moment with a video that have done and I only use -R. No problems reported so far with over 30 sold. DVD-R can even be read by an unmodded PS2 which is very picky in what it plays or doesn't.

 

[Shagga]

Originally posted by: thraxes
-R has the best compatibility with set-top players.

I understonnd -R media is better for "Older Set-Top" players. As EeyoreX said.

 

[chocoruacal]

Originally posted by: Antisocial-Virge
Whatever is on sale.

Exactly. You'll find a brand that seems to work best and stick with it. Its not like CDRs where you can buy the cheapest crap and never worry about burning a coaster. Some DVD burners are picky about their diet. In general, stick with brands like Verbatim, Memorex, Fuji and you should be fine.

 

[TerryMathews]

If you're wanting 100% compatibility, DVD+RW with the ID bit burned as 'DVD-ROM' is the way to go.

DVD+RW discs are reflectively identical to pressed video DVDs. If it looks like a DVD-ROM and says it's a DVD-ROM, as far as your player is concerned it is a DVD-ROM.

 

[nikko]

Originally posted by: TerryMathews
If you're wanting 100% compatibility, DVD+RW with the ID bit burned as 'DVD-ROM' is the way to go. DVD+RW discs are reflectively identical to pressed video DVDs. If it looks like a DVD-ROM and says it's a DVD-ROM, as far as your player is concerned it is a DVD-ROM.

Wait, could you explain that a bit further? The dual format DVD burner I thought I bought is in fact a DVD+R/RW. I was thinking of returning it, but if RW is the way to go for 100% compatibility, then I guess I'm ok, right? Is there a good resource out there that will explain the pros and cons of each format? Thanks for your help, guys.

 

[TerryMathews]

There are two distinct failures when reading DVD discs. One would be the laser failing to lock onto the wavelength of the disc. This would be characterized by your drive's standard "Unable to read disc" error after a long time possibly 90 seconds.

The other would be the drive reading the identification bits at the beginning of the disc, not recgonizing the disc type, and rejecting the disc. Same error as above, but it would occur almost immediately.

AFAIK -R drives cannot write custom identification headers. (Certain) +R drives can. 'DVD-ROM' would be the same header that commercial pressed discs have. By default, -R drives burn 'DVD-R' for -R and 'DVD-RW' for DVD-RW. +R burns 'DVD+R' and 'DVD+RW'.