What is the difference between DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW etc. discs

[kaw69]

Hi all
What is the main diff. between them all, as most drives say that they can read and write to them all.
Is there a (Best one) quality wise?
Just probably me but why not use just one good generic one.
TIA
kaw69

[Buenchico]

If you're only using the disks in the drive that writes them, there's little to choose between the technologies. However if you want to record a disk for use in a standard DVD player you should avoid RAM disks, because they can't be read by them. RAM disks are slightly more reliable though for the accurate recording of data.

However, if you're making archive recordings (which you want to keep indefinitely, such as a compilation of your wedding photos) you shouldn't be using either RAM or RW disks. DVD+R or DVD-R disks are much safer.

General info about disk types here:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvd

An excellent article about the use of disks for archive purposes here:
http://www.clir.org/P...orts/pub121/sec4.html

Chris

[VHG]

Ignore RAM as that is a little supported technology.

There are two other technologies called + (plus) and - (minus). They are similar but not exactly the same. Most DVD recorders/players support both.

But there are two types of DVD disks namely R and RW.

R means you record on it and it CANT be delete.

RW (read/write) means you write to it but it CAN be deleted. So not good for archiving or backing up stuff.

So as Buenchico says, you need either DVD-R or DVD+R (assuming your DVD recorder and player supports both).

I tend to use DVD-R (minus) but that is personal preference.

[genthon]

Not all DVD recorders will record on both - and + you need to check that disks are compatible with your player before you purchase them. I had a player which used + disks but my new player only plays - disks. All purchased DVD's will play on any player.