Path Technology

Similar to the old video tape VHS vs. Beta tape wars when VCRs first hit the markets, different manufacturers support different computer DVD recordable standards.

Before mere mortals could burn their own DVDs, the DVD-ROM was the first DVD standard. It is a read-only format, where the video or data content is burned onto the DVD once using precision optical machinery at a commercial facility. This DVD type will run on any DVD-ROM-equipped device.

Today, with the excitement of DVD burning on desktop computers, we're all confused and concerned about DVD-R vs. DVD+R formats. And similar to the old video tape VHS vs. Beta tape wars when VCRs first hit the markets, different manufacturers support different standards.

First of all, understand the DVDs created by either a -R/-RW device or by a +R/+RW can be read by most commercial DVD-ROM players. They both work! It is most important that you use the blank media that matches your burner. The very latest burners are dual-format.

• DVD-R, -RW and DVD-RAM are formats are supported by Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp, and the DVD Forum.
• DVD-R is a recordable DVD format similar to CD-R. It can only record data once. Two additional standards for DVD-R disks: DVD-RG for general use, and DVD-RA for authoring, which is used for mastering DVD video or data and is not typically available to the general public.
• DVD-RAM discs can be recorded and erased repeatedly but are only compatible with devices manufactured by the companies that support the DVD-RAM format. DVD-RAM discs are often housed in cartridges.

• DVD+R and +RW are formats are supported by Philips, Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha and others. DVD+R is a recordable DVD format similar to CD-R, and like a CD-R or DVD-R, a DVD+R can only record data once.

Finally, DVD-RW and DVD+RW are the re-recordable DVD format similar to CD-RW.