DVD Recorder that records to and records from VCR. Which can format DVD's that will play on any machine?

Question

I'm looking for one of these. What would you recommend? Please answer only if you know about the new ability to record DVD's that can be read anywhere. I haven't got a clue and will pick your superior answer. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Because there are so many different types of DVD players, both newer and older ones, it's tough to find one that will play in everything.

For example, some can only handle DVD+R or +RW. Others can only play DVD-R or -RW. And there are some that will play both. Plus, there's Blu-Ray and HD-DVD.

I have a DVD-VCR recorder and have shared discs with many others who don't have recorders and a few who do. What I've found works best is using DVD-R discs. They tend to play in nearly every player. Most newer ones will handle the DVD-RW, but not all of them. And many of the older ones won't handle them at all or they'll freeze when playing.

All of the recorders today will record to both DVD +/- R or RW, so that's not the issue. But to make them compatible for those who don't have recorders, I suggest the following:

1) Use DVD-R discs
2) When you're done and ready to share it with others, you'll need to finalize the disc. This prevents anymore recording onto it and prepares it for playing in non-recorders. To do this on most models, you go to the setup or disc menu and choose finalizing. Each machine has different screens, but the feature is usually in one of these two places. But you may have to go "digging" for it.

But remember, once you finalize the disc, it cannot be recorded on again. Also, never interrupt this process! And keep in mind that this will work for many players, especially the newer ones, but not all. For example, my friend's and sister's work perfectly, but my mom's doesn't. On her's, it will appear and start to play, but then freeze partway through the movie. That's because her machine is older and can't handle these discs. So it may or may not work for all.