Media availability

[mygodrulz]

It seems that most of the DVD players out there will read the store bought DVDs but won't play the recordable on many occasions. Are the silver store bought type blanks available? What does it take to use them?

[Fandim]

Almost all current store-bought DVD players will read DVD-R and DVD+R. No, silver bottom DVD's, are pressed (factory manufactured), you cannot buy burnables with silver.

Just use a good quality burner (I recomend either a NEC 35xx, or Pioneer DVR-109...BenQ 1620's are decent, I gather, as well), coupled with high quality media, and you'll be fine.

Just remember - High Quality media can be expensive. (Although lately there have been great in-store deals).

If you're buying online, look for Taiyo Yuden from Supermediastore, Rima, or Meritline. If you're buying the media in-store, try to stick with Maxell and Fuji DVD+-R that are MADE IN JAPAN to be safe.

Hope this helps.

Seth

[Cobra]

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/dvd3.htm

This tells you how commercial DVDs are made. DVD-Rs (recordable DVDs that you use at home) work using a dye that is discoloured when hit by the laser in your burner. The sequence of normal dye and altered dye represents the bumps and pits of a commercially-pressed DVD.

In answer to your question, you cannot use the commercial-type DVDs in a DVD burner.

Most DVD players can cope with DVD-R discs (or indeed the +R format, there is very little difference between -R and +R) - even old models. You can search the "DVD Players" section (in the toolbar to the left of your screen) for players to see what they support.

Hope this helps,

Cobra

PS - I've moved your topic to the DVD Players forum since it had nothing to do with conversion of video.

[chas0039]

If you are looking for a player that can play just about anything try the Philips 642. I have 2 of them and they are bullet proof. At only $63 they won't last forever but they do what they say they will do with the added benefit of all region and PAL.