Best disc type for backing up home videos - opinions?

[ramarco]

Howdy! I have 10+ years (and counting) of home video on VHS-C tapes that I want to backup on DVD. I finally took the plunge and bought a Panasonic DMR-ES20 DVD recorder to do the job. I connected it to my Samsung DVD/VCR player and made some test dubs on the DVD-RAM disc that came with the recorder. The quality of the copy is as good as the source (which ain't always the greatest) but it seems to work fine.

I'd appreciate opinions on what disc type to use for my backups. I don't plan on doing any editing at this time. I just want to copy the video to a more stable media and perhaps I'll edit someday when all the kids are grown and time permits.

This Panasonic will record on DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+R.

Thanks a lot,
-R

[Bodyslide]

Welcome to the Forum.

I would buy TY DVD-R's. You can get them from a few online Stores. IMHO some of the Best Media for the Money.

http://www.rima.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=R&Category_Code=DMRTY

[trhouse]

It depends on what you plan to use to edit. The ES20 can only edit a dvd-ram disk. A computer with the right software can edit any of the types. There are differences between types but if you go to the DVD Media tab at the left, you will find that within any type of media there are wide variations in quality.

[lordsmurf]

DVD-R or DVD+R only.

DVD+RW, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM was made for temporary re-usable storage only, not long-term.

[ramarco]

I hope to eventually have the capability to edit with a computer but for now I'll follow your advice and save the video on DVD-R or DVD+R.

I happened to be in Circuit City today and picked up a 50 pack of Nexxtech DVD-R for $7. I assume this isn't the quality I'll want for backing up my home video but, for the price, they'll work for non-crutial recording.

Thanks for the help!
-R

[hiptune]

Howdy! I have 10+ years (and counting) of home video on VHS-C tapes I just want to copy the video to a more stable media and perhaps I'll edit someday when all the kids are grown and time permits.

Thanks a lot,
-R

The tapes may last and last. And they will likely be the better source for editing should you later wish to. But still, a good idea to do dvds of everything now. TY is the prefered and trusted maker.

Rima.com is one of the low cost online sellers of this brand of blank dvd-r.

[scoooott]

Verbatim, Ritek and Taiyo Yuden are better.