What is the best kind of disc to use with a dvd recorder?

Question

Im using dvd-rw discs now and they wont play in many dvd players.

Answer 1

Hi Keith,

Recordable DVD technology shows little sign of settling down in favor of either the plus or dash formats, which is mostly the result of the increasing numbers of dual-format devices that can record to both formats; it has become very difficult to find new devices that can only record to one of the formats. However, because the DVD-R format has been in use since 1997, it has had a five-year lead on DVD+R. As such, older or cheaper DVD players (up to 2004 vintage) are more likely to favor the DVD-R standard exclusively, and when creating DVD’s for distribution (where the playing unit is unknown or older) the DVD-R format would normally be preferable.

Norm

Answer 2

Use DVD-r's or DVD+r's (depending on which one your DVD recorder can use.) The "r" disks are much more compatible with older DVD players than the "r/w". Also, make sure you finalize or close the disk as that can also affect compatibility.

One thing you can try if you are using DVD-R/W's - record in Video mode instead of VR mode. I have found that most DVD players will not play any disks recorded in VR mode but will play if done in Video mode.

I am on my second DVD recorder and have four DVD players.