burning on computer vs. on tv dvd recorder

[yuna]

Are DVD burns done on a computer vs. on a regular DVD recorder more stable? I used to backup DVDs on my Philips recorder connecting the VCR or DVD player to it and using a video filter for copy protection if needed. Now about a year and a half later alot of the discs don't play. Burns were done on different brands; Maxell, Verbatim, Memorex, stored in jewel cases and don't appear to have any noticable scratches. I just recently started backing up DVDs on the computer and wondering if the burned discs will last longer? I think I read here the quailty is better since its all digital or something like that.

[redwudz]

If they used the same DVD burner, the burned quality would be the same with either method.

If it's not a media problem, then the burner itself may be at fault.
All DVD burning is digital, whether it's done in a settop or a computer.

The difference is the software (and hardware in a settop) that does the encoding and the software that does the burning. But the resulting burned disc should be the same quality in either case, if the burners were equal.

[steve2713]

Making backups of copy protected discs with a recorder is not wise. Doing so will record the analog signal it is being fed rather than doing a true digital transfer on your computer (Transcode with DVD Shrink, etc. if you need to).

I would not be suprised at all if the discs done on the computer are more stable, the burn quality is likely to be better - I'm sure some will disagree. For example, there is a difference in burn quality even between burning programs on your computer - I get the best burns with DVD Decrypter, for example. I'm guessing some standalone recorders burn with much better quality than others regarding their software used to burn the discs, not to mention the obvious fact that some recorders will have better quality burners inside them than others. I've read that some recorders are VERY picky about what media they're able to burn well, luckily my Pioneer has a 107 drive inside it and is quite tolerant of what discs you use.