Dvd-Ram versus VR mode DVD-RW

[ChainsawDude]

I have been waiting for the Panasonic DMR-EX85 for a couple of months. Now that the details are available, I have studying the manual.

Despite Panasonic calling it a "Super multi format" machine, it is basically a Dvd-Ram recorder. Support for other formats is weak and no VR mode Dvd-RW at all.

I know that Dvd+RW is linear editing only but VR mode Dvd-RW is non linear editing so my questions is this

Does Dvd-Ram do anything that Dvd-RW VR mode can not do?

If not then I will probably continue my search for the ultimate DVD Recorder.

[samijubal]

RAM doesn't have to be finalized and has error checking.

[piano632]

I've used both DVD-RW VR mode and DVD-RAM on my JVC recorder and I would say they are pretty similar. RAM discs are a bit faster at all operations (loading, editing, etc.) and are probably a bit more reliable in the long run. RAM can also be rewritten 100,000 times vs. 1,000 times for -/+RW. And as previously mentioned, RAM doesn't need finalization. Also, depending on the machine used, it may not support Time-Slip on -RW.

[lordsmurf]

RAM/RW times are really both exaggerations. Neither will last even a fraction of that, in all likelihood.

Your question is actually backwards. DVD-RAM discs cannot play in DVD players while more DVD-RW can. But even then, most players refuse to see VR mode data, it's not DVD-Video.

VR mode is a poor choice all around.

If you want to edit a DVD-Video, you really need a computer.

[DereX888]

There is one RAM disc in my studio which has been rewritten at least 3000 times (minimum twice a day in past 7 years, assuming 200 working days in a year). It still works perfect.
My personal longest rerecorded DVD-RW reached about 900 rewritings (I count it at 881, but there were some complete disc erasings done too, which I didnt count).

I agree with smurf that the specs about rewriting numbers are exaggerated, but still Im pretty sure RAM should last basically a lifetime for average user, while +/-RW can do only a fraction of that.