Burning DVDs

[Bearvet]

DS17 and DS13 have asked for blank disks for Christmas. Can anyone explain the difference between: DVD+R, DVD-R and DVD+/-R? Which is the best to buy for computers? for DVD recorder? Thanks for your help!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

It depends on what your DVD recorder and burner burns in. Some are +, some are -, and some do both. You need to check your machines/manuals and see what they do. Our - DVD recorder will not play something recorded in + mode. Our + computer burns on + disks.

The DVD-RW can be recorded over and over again. The DVD-R's are a one time burn only.

 

[JR6ooo4]

often there is a little sticker right on the front of the computer telling whether the DVD drive is + or - or both...

Mikeeee

 

[Bearvet]

Thanks - your explanations were very helpful! Now I'll just watch for sales on the spindles - they are usually pretty reasonable on Black Friday.

I'm asking DH for a combo DVD recorder/VCR for Christmas and was looking at the Panasonic model based on Consumer Reports. My main objectives are to convert some VHS tapes to DVD and make DVDs from my video camera. Does anyone have this model or recommend another model?

Is it best to just buy the DVD+/- disks which can do both?

What are the pros and cons of the DVD-RW?

Thanks again for all of your help!

 

[MyGoofy26]

If you are patient (check boards like www.slickdeals.net regularly) you can get 100 disc spindles for around $20 fairly regularly.

And yeah, you can probably find some good deals Black Friday. I think places like Staples usually have smaller packs that are free (or closer to free) after rebate.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Oh, and I really wouldn't waste money on the RW (rewritable) discs. Blank discs are SO cheap (like I said 100 for $20 - so 20 cents each) that it's not hard to justify just tossing one and using a new one.

 

[cardaway]

What are the pros and cons of the DVD-RW?

The cost. Unless you really only want to have a couple that you continue to use over and over again I would suggest just finding a good price on a DVD-R spindle and just throw away any you don't want anymore.

 

[Towncrier]

I find the website www.videohelp.com very useful in all things related to burning DVDs. They do their best to explain the various formats of DVDs as well as providing a forum for users to discuss which media they prefer to use.

 

[Makdyn]

I have a Panasonic dvd recorder/vhs. I dont know if it is the same one. I can not give you any advice because I still never recorded anything. I just watch dvds on it.