dvd discs - please explain

[starrs]

Can someone please tell me why there are different types of dvd discs (2x 4x 8x) and how do I know if they are compatible with my dvd recorder. Thanks.

[ugly_bob]

They'll all be compatible, it's just their maximum burn speed. If you've got a 16x burner, you'll be limited to the maximum burn speed of the disc you buy, whereas if you've got a 2x burner, any disc you buy will only be burnable at double speed.

The only compatability issue is DVD+R/RW or DVD-R/RW. Most PC writers can use both, whereas standalone DVD writers often only burn in one-or-the-other format, but most will read both.

[starrs]

Thanks bob, that's very helpful.