This is ironically the oldest and the least compatible of all the DVD formats. Lastly, we have the odd-ball DVD-RAM format hiding in the back of the shelf. Yikes that may be a risk you are willing to take with DVD+RWs. Think of this possibility: an inquisitive family member or friend accidentally deletes the precious and only video recording of your trip to Singapore. On the other hand, DVD+RW discs are not as compatible as DVD+R, and are not designed to permanently back up your data. Instead of emptying your entire spindle of DVD-R discs, which cannot be reused after they're finalized, DVD-RW discs save on the wallet and on discarded discs. This is particularly useful if you're recording a television program from week to week. The benefit of these discs is, of course, the ability to record and re-record data to the disc.

In the end, it's a decision between price and capacity do you or do you not need to record 8 hours of DVD-quality video? If you do, go for DVD+R dual-layer.ДЄnd then we have DVD-RW and DVD+RW media to think about. Many current DVD players and recorders support the format, but as previously mentioned, if you have a decade-old player, you will probably have some trouble. The price tag, however, also tends to multiply it generally costs about $1 for a single-layer disc versus as much as $5 for a double-sided one. Now you have 8.5GB (opposed to 4.5GB) of storage capacity. How do dual-layer discs fit into this format morass? As the name implies, DVD+R dual-layer and DVD-R dual-layer discs double the capacity by having a second layer affixed to the disc. However, if that's not the case, which is probably true for most customers, DVD+R is the 'improved' format, producing more accurate, less error-prone recordings that can play well on all modern DVD players (from the last three years or so). The question, however, remains: which is better? If you still have a decade-old DVD player, you will need to use DVD-R media it's the oldest and thus most compatible format of the two. Unlike the recent format wars, however, both camps came to a mutual understanding in 2008 DVD+R was officially accepted as a DVD format alongside DVD-R, meaning all modern DVD recorders should support both formats.

As mentioned, DVD+R and DVD-R formats were once duking it out to be dominant in the market (like HD-DVD vs. Fortunately, today our intrepid endeavor with DVD recording is much smoother. Back in 1998, it was not uncommon for the first DVD recorders to spit out five or so unusable discs in one session-an experience that was made even more excruciating by the sluggish burning speeds at the time.

More accurate recordings mean fewer damaged or unusable discs. It was developed in 2002 by the DVD+RW Alliance as a then competing format for DVD-R media, with a number of significant technical improvements.ДЇor example, according to its Wikipedia entry, 'DVD+R utilizes what's called the ADIP (Address In Pregroove) system of tracking the speed of the recording, which is less susceptible to interference and error than the LPP (Land Pre Pit) system used by DVD-R, resulting in a more accurate recording at higher speeds.' Also, the DVD+R system includes a better error-handling mechanism than DVD-R. Think of DVD+R as an improvement on the DVD format. The underlying technology, which will not be obvious to the end-user, is notably different, though. They appear physically identical to DVD+R, store the same amount of data (4.7GB or about 2 hours of video), and work with most modern DVD recorders and players. DVD-R discs are the older brethren of the two formats, developed in 1997 by the DVD Forum as a high-capacity format (what CD-R did for music, DVD-R did for video). But if you require more disc space and rewritable capabilities, continue reading.ДЇirst, let's look at the difference between + and - DVD discs and their positives and negatives (yes, pun intended). Since most VHS tapes hold around 2 hours of video, you should be fine. Using your Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK recorder, you will be able to record up to 4 hours of decent-looking video on LP mode. The short answer: Look for DVD+R-the most compatible, cheapest option out there. How does one decide which format to choose without pulling out one's hair?

Then you notice DVD+RW, DVD-RW, dual-layer, and the elusive DVD-RAM discs that are gathering dust on the shelf but are more expensive than the rest. Yes, it can be a confusing (and probably a frustrating) shopping experience to browse your local electronics store and decide between all the disc spindles labeled with + and - signs. Also, is there a different between +r and -r? - Lisa, via e-mail.ДЄ: Those are excellent questions. I would like to know what disc-type I should buy for recording VCR tapes onto a DVD disc. Q: I have a Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK recorder that I recently purchased.

Dual layer dvd player and recorder