Page 1 of DVD+R/DVD-R/DVD+RW/DVD-RW ???????

Anyone have any idea which of the various formats seems most likely to be the ultimate winner, similar to VHS v BETA. Are the differences betwen the various formats down to the composition of the disc or the recording method used in the mastering? of the discs. If the differences are down to the method of recording would that mean that a DVD+R could not be copied to a DVD-R and vicky vercky. The reason I am asking is that at some point in the next 6 months I am considering getting a DVD writer/re-writer for my PC, Pionerr A04 , and prior to getting this or any other writer/re-writer I would like to know if any of the available writers can read/copy etc all the various formats.

I can`t help in your quest as I am looking towards either or both a DVD re-writer for the computer or a standalone, however I want to have the facility to watch a programme whilst the dvd is still recording, the only one I know of that does this is the Panasonic (I stand to be corrected). I believe this is one of the things most people will look for (other than copying onto DVDs). Thus it seems to me that the Panasonic & the makes that go down this road will be the winner.

try this www.dvdplusrw.org also gives compaiblility of DVD+RW with existing players. I`m interested in the new phlips range, they start from £399

of course this site is biased towards dvd+rw

Panansonics recorder is the only one with the time slip function at the moment. It`s an option for manufacturers of DVD-RAM recorders if they want that in or not.

DVD-R/DVD-RW are limited to 2hrs recording per disc if you want them to be read by ordinary players.

It`s a veritable minefield. Personally, I`m persuaded more by Pioneer`s DVD-RW format. See this article I wrote a while back for Area 450

http://www.area450.com/thesampozone/articles/dvdr.htm

Dunno if it makes it any clearer :-)

When I first heard about DVD writers and recorders I liked the Philips DVD+RW as it was backwards compatible.

It does depend on what you want from a DVD recorder but if like me it is to replace a VCR then I would like the Pansonic. I did not like the DVD-Ram format as first but used as a video recorder it has the best quality and the longest recordering time (6 hours per disc I think). I also like the fact you can record one program and watch another on the same disc at the same time. Even watch the start of a program before it has recorded the end. Like VHS I now think its a good idea that the discs are in case which will increase the life span on the disc.
It will also record on DVD-R discs If you want to keep a program/film or backup a DVD.

Still to much for me at £699 but will soon drop. Under £400 and I will be buy!

I read that DVD recorders will be under £500 in a year and under £250 in 3 years. If you can get one now for under that then the £250 target will be here even sooner.

Then what am I going to do with over 300 VHS tapes??

Talking with my mate who keeps his eye out for a bargain, he said that now the Panasonic is down to £499-00. When he clicked to buy it said no stock. I don`t know the site though.

Thanks for the info/link clayts. Going by some reviews/contributions to vcdhelp it looks like the Toshiba SD220E can read from both DVD-R and DVD+RW ( not sure about DVD+R or DVD-RW) .So it looks like I might be able to use either format reliably and not really have to worry about DVD-R/DVD+RW when I get a re-writer for my PC.
Cheers

Further to my last post I think it will be a DVD+RW drive I will get for my PC as all 3 DVD players in the house will read from these discs.
Cheers.

Yeah, I`ve decided on the philips format too. They have a firmware updgrade coming that will allow 6hrs recording to be made. Also the DVD+RW/DVD+R will allow different recording qualities on 1 disc to be made and playable on standard players.

MicroMan. One of the new Phillips recorders (the number escapes me at the moment) will retail at £499.95. (if we ever get them) Up to 4 hour record but no I-link.

All the best,

The 42%er.