Whats is the difference between DVD-RW,DVD-R+D,DVD-RW+D,DVD-R?

Question

hi all. I am planning to buy a [dual/single layer] Dvd writer as well as a Dvd player..
however I am confused by these various media formats !! what does exactly it all mean - .DVD-RW,DVD-R+D,DVD-RW+D,DVD-R?!! i would like to know in detail, please help me ..
Also which dvd Writer [do mention the Model number of the Brand also!] and a good dvd player,that u also suggest.
I am moving to my new home [literally starting a new life!] so i want this [dvd writer & dvd player] to be atleast a long term investment
Thanks everyone for all your answers..Take care..
Regards ,
Joe..

Answer 1

DVD-R and DVD+R are formats that only be recorded to once. DVD-RW and DVD+RW can be ReWritten to more than once. (Similar to CD-R and CD-RW).

DVD+R and DVD+RW formats are supported by Philips, Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha and others.

DVD-R and DVD-RW formats are supported by Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp.

DVDs recorded in the above formats can be played on most other DVD players and computers.

DVD-RAM discs can be recorded and erased repeatedly but are compatible only with devices manufactured by the companies that support the DVD-RAM format. DVD-RAM discs are typically housed in cartridges.

You just have to buy right the discs for whatever machine you have. However, if you already have a DVD burner in your computer, try to get discs that will work in both your settop machine and computer. Most settop machines will record in all formats. We just bought a Panasonic DVD recorder from Best Buy for $120 that also has a built-in TV tuner. Just like a VCR, but it records on DVDs and even came with a DVD-RAM. This is cool because you can record up to 8 hours on it and set it up like a DVD with chapters and such.

As for which brands to buy, check with Consumer Reports, but they said most brand names are pretty much equal when it comes this type of products. Look for features you would like (timer, tuner, S-Video connections, front connections, etc.) and price in your budget.

Answer 2

Well everyone can give an opinion, but I prefer the site where they test the stuff. Anyway here is a URL on DVD players. You can search for DVD drives and other stuff too.
http://www.pcworld.com/product/pricefinder/browse/category.html?id=10140&page=1

These sites have topics on whatever you need to buy.

Check the download section at these sites for some free downloads.
http://www.cnet.com/
http://www.pcworld.com/
http://www.computerworld.com/index.jsp.....
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/

No me personally. I bought the Sony DRU-830A. It was rated number 5 by pcworld.com. That was in Jan and I ended up buying it on the internet for $54, cheaper than the store with rebates. But I did not need the Lightscribe option. It ties up the disc drive for 30 minutes and the color is chromatic (meaning a shade of gray, or brown, but one color only). Ratings are based on price, software that comes with it also. I liked the RAM feature and plus the 18x was the fastest one there. But speed is only one factor now for placement. If you compare first and the 5th rated devices to me they were not that impressive.
But check the internet prices as to what you want and can afford on the computer disk drives and the home stereo drive.