Understanding DVD Formats

All DVD formats-and there are many-have features in common and can be used for similar tasks: data storage, video, and audio recording.

But even though these discs look exactly the same, not all will work in every television, DVD player, or DVD computer drive. All DVD formats (and CD formats) have significant technical differences, but here we'll focus on why the differences exist and how they affect you.

Why are there so many DVD formats? It all boils down to the DVD manufacturers. Each manufacturer chooses or develops a specific DVD format; that's what they invest in, produce, then market.

The DVD format is labeled in the ad or on the box of any DVD hardware or disc media you plan to purchase. Pay attention when you buy so your discs match your DVD players, DVD recorders and DVD software. Recently, manufactures have produced hardware that can handle multiple DVD formats, but until these are in wide use, you'll want to pay attention to what you purchase.

Here's an overview of DVD acronyms (and CD acronyms) and main functions that set each apart.

DVD-R

Digital Video Disc Reader-discs can be written to once. DVD-R is used for most home DVD players and movies. Our reviewers prefer the DVD-R format for copying movies.

Pioneer developed this format. DVD-R is also supported by Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp and the DVD Forum.

DVD-R(W)

Digital Video Disc Reader & Writer-based on the DVD-R format but can be written to 1,000 times.

DVD+R DL (Dual Layer)

This type of DVD has 2 layers allowing it to hold up to twice the amount of Data (9.5GB). You may burn data to this type of disk only if you have a dual layer DVD burner.

DVD+R

Digital Video Disc Reader-discs can be written to once. This format is a little faster for accessing data and a bit more expensive.

Our reviewers prefer the DVD+R format for data recording. This format was developed after DVD-R and is in competition with that format. Eventually, one of the two formats may dominate the marketplace and eliminate the other.

The + format is supported by Sony, Philips, HP, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha and other manufacturers.

DVD+RW

DVD+RW is a re-recordable format based on the DVD+R format. The data on a DVD+RW disc can be erased and recorded over 1,000 times without damaging the medium.

DVDs created by a +R/+RW device can now be read by most commercial DVD-ROM players.

DVD-RAM

Digital Video Disc Random Access Memory-discs can be written to 100,000 times. This format is different than DVD-R and DVD+R. The drive and media are much more expensive. These discs are often encased in plastic for resilience. These discs are popular for professional DVD video editing and other applications requiring multiple rewrites, edits or backups.

DVD-ROM

Digital Video Disc Read Only Memory is the format of commercial DVDs that are stamped, not burned with a DVD writer. DVD movies you buy or rent are DVD-ROM format.

CD-R

Compact Disc Reader discs dominate the CD-writing market. They hold up to 700 MB of data and can be written to once. The spindle of blank CDs you buy to back up your music collection are CD-R.

CD-RW

Compact Disc Reader & Writer discs are based on the CD-R format and can be written to 1,000 times.