What to look for in a DVD-R?

Question

My mom mentioned that she wants a DVD-R to record some movies off TV (and if possible from DVDs she rents). I'd like to get her one for Christmas but I have no idea what to look for. There's all these different formats, which is it that I'm looking for?

Answer 1

Today, recordable DVD players are very affordable but you still do get what you pay for. First of all, you need to know about the different formats and the differences between them. There are basically 5 formats: DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW. DVD+RW and finally DVD-RAM. Keep in mind that most DVD recorders today are multi-format and can play and/or record in 2 or 3 or more of these formats.

The biggest difference between the formats is that some are able to record only once and some are able to record over and over again. The first type is DVD-R and DVD+R. These are the cheapest formats and offer the cheapest discs, however you can only record onto them once, you cannot erase it, you cannot record over it - once the disc is full, is it over. This is the format you want if you plan on transferring home movies to or want to archive favorite TV shows to.

The second format type is DVD-RW and DVD+RW. These recorders and discs allow you to record onto them over and over again. This is the format to choose if you are planning to record a TV show to watch later and then erase it and record another show.

The final DVD format is DVD-RAM which is much like DVD-RW and DVD+RW but takes is a step further. With this format you can record a TV show and just like TiVO, you can pause, rewind and jump ahead, while it is still recording the remainder of the show. This format is great if you want to watch say an hour show but won't be home until its 20 minutes into the program. Well with DVD-RAM you don't have to wait till the show is over, you can start watching the beginning of the show while it continues the recording. Obviously, the DVD-RAM players and discs are the most expensive but they really offer more versatility and flexibility.

As a little side note, the "+" symbol and "-" represent different manufactures of the same format and, unfortunately, are not 100% compatible. A DVD+R may not play in a DVD-R which may not play in a DVD+RW and so on. It is important that you purchase a machine that has the format or formats you want and you must also purchase the correct discs with that player.

Finally, no matter what machine you buy - you will not be able to copy commercial discs from the rental store (or any store). They are copy protected with Macrovision software which will completely kill the picture on your copy. There are "black market" Macrovision filters out there which will allow you to make a duplicate copy but I can't endorse anything that is illegal to do.

Good Luck on your search!

Answer 2

I purchased a Lite-On SHW-160P6S04C for $50, must be inexpensive now High speeds, does all DVD and CD learn and write and does double layer DVD's. You simply plug it in like all IDE force (like your difficult drives)

Answer 3

*Don't* get an HDDVD or Blu Ray recorder/player, just get a normal DVD recorder from Best Buy or wherever...shouldnt cost more than 150, also

Answer 4

well most of them are good.
i had a lot of different ones before.
the best one is panasonic though (my opinion)
um itz very rare that u can record dvds. most of them are copy protected.

Answer 5

most of the recorders r multiformat now-a-day.if u want dvd-r only recorder , it should b cheaper.buy samaung or lg which r good n cheapper than japanese.