Thread: DVD Formats

DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, its all very confusing, what do they all mean?

DVD Video
For viewing movies and other visual entertainment. The total capacity is 17 gigabytes if two layers on both sides of the disk are utilized.

DVD-ROM
Its basic technology is the same as DVD Video, but it also includes computer-friendly file formats. It is used to store data.

DVD-R
Its capacity is 4.7GB. Users can write only once to this disk. DVD-R general uses a different wavelength laser and as a result the media is significantly less expensive. DVD-R disks can be played back in most set top & computer based DVD players.

DVD-RAM
This makes DVD a virtual hard disk, with a random read-write access. Originally a 2.6GB drive, its capacity has increased to 4.7GB-per-side. Double sided DVD-RAM media is now available with a 9.4GB capacity. It can be re-written more than 100,000 times. You do not have to reformat the disk to re-write on it. DVD-RAM disks can NOT be played back in set top or computer DVD players. You must have a DVD-RAM drive to playback DVD-RAMs.

DVD-RW
Its read-write capacity is 4.7GB per side. It can be re-written up to about 1,000 times. DVD-RW is an extension of the DVD-R format and forum. DVD-RW disks can be played back in most set top DVD and computer based DVD players.

DVD+RW
Its read-write capacity is 4.7GB per side. It can be re-written up to about 1,000 times. The technology is based on CD-R/RW formats. DVD+RW disks can be played on most set top DVD and computer based DVD players.

DVD+R
This is the write once solution form the +RW alliance. Its capacity is 4.7GB. DVD+R disks can be played back in most set top & computer based DVD players.

Yikes.. this is a lot of information. Is there one format which is standard - meaning that it is acceptable quality - not the best but it clear and user friendly. I don't want to have the best quality (too expensive..) but I don't want junk. Thanks!