Curious about DVD-R

[LooneyJetman]

If I were to buy a DVD-Recordable drive for my PC and create a DVD video disc, would it play in my LG-4710?

Are all DVD Players capable of playing DVD-R discs?

[Cable Monkey]

I am not entirely sure, but I think this is largely dependant on the type of recordable DVD drive you buy. I don't think DVD ram will play on an ordinary player. DVD-R should play assuming the player has not been built to ignore home recorded discs. DVD+R is yet another format that Philips have championed that looks on paper to be very good, but I don't think has the backing of the DVD authorities. This is my interpretation of the situation so far gleaned from various sources, probably none are too accurate! More informed opinions are welcomed!

[Sprout Crumble]

DVD-R is a write-once format (same as CDR) which is approved by the DVD standards forum.

DVD-RAM is also approved, technically the most competant, but at the moment needs a caddy and a compatible DVD player to play them back. Expect this to happen soon as DVD-RAM is already widely establiblished in the AV community, by far the best format for computer data storage, and backed by some big names. Its possible however, that this format may not become the dominant video format although caddyless versions are reported to be on their way.

DVD-RW is approved as well and is tipped to be a possible winner in the home video market. It has some major backers but is not as flexible as DVD-RAM. That didn't stop VHS stuffing Betamax though.

DVD+RW and its new write-once version DVD+R is a joint Philips and Sony version supposedly more compatible with existing players, although its becoming apparent that its not as compatible as Philips would have you believe. Least likely to succeed as even Sony are hedging their bets with both -RW and +RW.


DVD-R discs should play in most players but there's bound to be a few that won't want to know


Current PC drives are;

Pioneer A03 DVD-RW and DVD-R
Panasonic FD-311 DVD-RAM and DVD-R
Hewlett Packard DVD-100i DVD+RW and DVD+R

Others include Ricoh MP5120 (+RW), Panasonic LFD-201 (RAM), an LG (RAM) and a Toshiba (RAM available at PCWorld for just £180!). None of these write DVD-R. DVD-RAM drives will not yet write CD's.

IMO, the best bet will be to wait until January when LG are reported to be releasing a drive that will write DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD-R, CDRW and CDR, all for a price less than currently available drives. This looks a safe bet as it covers all the most likely to suceed formats.

Basically its a bloody lottery what's going to happen. The LG drive is where I'd put my money.

[LooneyJetman]

Originally posted by Sprout Crumble
Current PC drives are;

Pioneer A03 DVD-RW and DVD-R
Panasonic FD-311 DVD-RAM and DVD-R
Hewlett Packard DVD-100i DVD+RW and DVD+R

Others include Ricoh MP5120 (+RW), Panasonic LFD-201 (RAM), an LG (RAM) and a Toshiba (RAM available at PCWorld for just £180!). None of these write DVD-R. DVD-RAM drives will not yet write CD's.


Well, I was looking at the DVD+RW HP DVD100i as the promotional information made it appear to be the most compatible with existing DVD players. I think I'll take your advice and hold off for a while.

It also helps that I use XP at home and HP still appear to be producing patches for it...

Thanks for the advice.