The truth about DVDr compatibility

[smithy]

I have thought about DVDr for a while but have been put off because I was told that there is a big problem with compatibility. For instance if I used Philips or Sony tnhe it may not play on certain DVD players even if they were DVD’r compatible.

Q. Is it true that if you use a certain DVD writer it is only compatible with certain DVD players.

Q. Can any writer make a DVD for any DVD compatible player.


Thanks
Hope this is in the right place

[SaSi]

The simple truth is that most modern DVD players will play any type of DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW.

What may make a difference is the writing filesystem you choose. Use Joliet extensions and you may be in trouble with some players.

According to the manufacturers, DVD+R and DVD+RW are more compatilble with DVD-Video. DVD+RW has the same reflectivity as a dual layer DVD Video.

However, very many people in these forums use DVD-R and DVD-RWs and they don't usually complain about incompatibility of media. However, mind the Nero 5.5.10.0 bugs. This version will just not work (as I found out).

As advise, buy a recorder that can also burn DVD+R. You will find the DVD+RW discs much faster (at X2.4) even compared to X2 discs. I use a couple of DVD+RWs to make backups. 4.5Gb of data in 25 minutes is not bad.