This is a common question that we get asked when people are buying a DVD recorder so we thought we would try and make the different DVD formats a little easier to understand.

Re-Writable Discs

There are three rewritable formats, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW and DVD-RW. DVD-RAM is the most versatile and used by the Panasonic recorders. This boasts the highest data transfer rate of just over 22Mbps and allows features such as simultaneous recording and playback and some versatile editing features. The main drawback is that few stand alone DVD players are compatible with the DVD-RAM format.

The Philips format is DVD+RW. This lacks the flexibility of DVD-RAM however it is compatible with a high number of third party players.

The other rewritable format is DVD-RW, as used by Pioneer's DVR-7000 or Sony RDR-GX3. This is very similar to DVD+RW however it offers better editing functionality. DVD-RW recordings can be made in two modes, Video Mode and VR mode. Recordings made in Video mode will be compatible with most third party players however cannot then be edited. In VR mode recordings can be edited however can only be watched on a limited number of players.

Single Shot Write Once Discs

If you want to burn a disc permanently you should use a write once format. There are two kinds: DVD-R and DVD+R. Both offer capacity of 4.7GB or 120 minutes and you need to purchase the correct type of disc for your recorder. Some recorders, such as the Liteon LVW-5006 support both plus and minus recording so it does not really matter.

Compatibility matrix (November 2004)

If you need any assistance with selecting the correct media for your recorder, please send an email to support@bb-shopping.com and we will do our best to help you.