Why is DL and multi-format support lacking in recorders?

[Wile_E]

I don't understand the lack of support for Dual-layer discs and +RW/+R/-R/-RW readablitiy. They are basically a stripped down computer, with a standard 5-1/4" DVD drive and hard drive, with a chipset to control it. How about adding DL RW support too?

Are manufacturers doing this on purpose? Adding options slowly to these recorders, so current consumers will chunk their "old" one year recorder for the new one with more features? Or is it because of the DVD Forum and DVD Alliance that companies don't want to spend royalties on the competitions technology?

We've had DVD dual-layer drives for a couple years now, that support ALL formats. All this nonsense makes me want to put together a small HTPC instead of buying one of these substandard recorders that have lack of support for formats. That, or replace the cheap DVD drive they put in the recorder with one that does support all formats. Unfortunately, the firmware on these recorders probably is "dumbed down" and won't allow it. By the time they get DVD Recorders perfected, HD-DVD/Blu-Ray will be here. (Looks like we only have a couple months to wait.) Toshiba's $499 HD-DVD recorder is looking better every day.

[lordsmurf]

It's not that easy. DL recordable media has only been with us for a year maybe, not "years". DVD Forum companies don't see any need to guarantee compatilbity with rogue formats like VCD, SVCD, CVD, DVD+R, etc. Those are not the official DVD SPEC formats. And that's what is important, the DVD spec. I've not see a DVD player in a while now, especially nothing made in the past few years, that refused to read a high quality DVD-R disc.

Newer equipment may include DVD-R DL in time, but not yet. All things happen eventually.