DVD & CD Formats

1. CD -RW DVD +RW CD -R DVD -RW DVD & CD Formats DVD +R DVD -R CD +R CD +RW CD -R DVD -R DVD -RW DVD +R CD +R

2. Different Formats • DVD-R • DVD+R • DVD-RW • DVD+RW • DVD-RAM • 2 hours of video, 4.7GB data (single) • 4 hours of video, 9.4GB data (double)

3. -R • A single-write format • Currently the most compatible (92%) of all DVD Recordable formats with existing DVD ROM drives and DVD Players • DVD-R discs are currently the cheapest recordable DVD discs to purchase

4. +R • A new single-write format, based on DVD+RW technology • Offers a defect management system • Compatible with most newer DVD ROM drives and DVD Players (86%)

5. -RW • Allows you to write, erase and re-write on the same disc up to 1,000 times • Before re-writing you must first erase the entire disc • DVD-RW drives can also write to DVD-R discs • Compatibility problems with some DVD Players and DVD ROM drives (75%)

6. +RW • Designed to allow you to write and rewrite without first having to erase the entire disc • Can be re-written up to 1,000 times • Offers a defect management system • Compatibility problems with some existing DVD Players and DVD ROM drives (75%) • Faster writing speed than "minus" formats (2.4x vs. 1x) • Newer drives can write to DVD+RW and DVD+R discs

7. So, which one do I buy? • Depends on usage • For Computer, does not matter • To share with other devices, need to do research: • http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers.php

8. Closing • Check out these web site: http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.htmlhttp://www.dvdrhelp.com/http://www.dvdirect.com/TSS/charts/DVDFormats.htmhttp://www.gocyberlink.com/english/dv-entertainment/articles/recordable_dvd_article.jsp