cdr/rw, dvd etc

[Dave Bradley]

Can anyone explain the differences between all the different uses for CDR /RW ; DVD R etc and why are some +R and some -R. I manage at the moment by trying and failing but don't really understand it. Answers in plain English would be v much appreciated!

[andy_wood]

i think the R stands for ReWritable

[IndieSinger]

The R does not stand for Rewriteable. It stands for Recordable.

 

CD-R - Compact Disk Recordable - this means that you can record onto the blank disk providing you have the correct hardware (a CD-R or CD-RW drive) and software (the programme you run) on your computer. Once you "burn" files onto the CD, they cannot be erased.

 

CD-RW - Compact Disk Rewriteable - these are usually more expensive than CDRs because, using the correct setting on the software, you can record onto this disk, erase and add more at will whenever you like.

 

DVD-R - Digital Versatile Disk - Recordable - same as a CD-R but a DVD can hold a lot more data.

 

DVD-WR - Digital Versatile Disk - Rewriteable - same as a CD-WR but, as above, holds a lot more data.

 

[Faith5by5]

But what about the + and - but after DVD-R ? I'm confused too!

[IndieSinger]

I'm not sure I've ever seen what you're talking about. The only thing I can think of is that sometimes hardware manufacturers write DVD-RW or DVD+RW - both mean the same thing (the latter emphasising that the product is a DVD player plus has the capability of rewriting DVDs onto DVD-R and DVD-RW disks. Similarly, CD+RW just means the CD drive has the added capacity to rewrite files onto CD-RW disks.

[Hammer]

The + and - are two different formats for recordable DVDs. It's a bit like the old VHS and Betamax situation. They are the same but different if you know what I mean. The jury is out on which is best, but I really don't think it matters, as long as you buy the correct blank DVDs for the recorder.

[muggyjim]

Also, if you want to play a DVD on a player, make sure you either record in a format that your player recognises, or better still, buy a player that plays all types of disk. People buy bargain players but they dont always play all discs.

[microfish]

and also there's dvd-ram discs which are rewritable, but only used by panasonic dvd's and pc's