Why does DVD Recorder format DVD-RW

[Mr_Clicky]

The DVD-RW states that it si for Video and Data and I have been getting a
not writable error message from my PC DVD drive so I put the same DVD-RW in my Panasonic DVD Recorder and attempted a VHS to DVD transfer when the recorder popped a message that the DVD-RW was in the incorrect format and gave me the option of formating which I did and it seems fine.....however can I assume that every time I want to record video using my pC DVD drive that I have to "format" the DVD-RW? It seems burdensome and time consuming. I have DVD+RW's which work fine in the same PC DVD drive. Can anyone shed light on this?

[Synergy]

Two questions:

1. What's the brand and model number of your PC burner? Are you sure it can record both + and - format and at what speed?

2. Was the DVD-RW disc you used brand new or one with previously recorded material? What's the brand and rated speed or media ID of the DVD-RW disc?

Since DVD-RW media can be recorded either as VR mode or Video mode on standalone recorders, it's normal for recorders to format or reformat the disc if the intended recording format is not present. As for your PC burner, if you use an incompatible disc (such as a 4X DVD-RW disc in a 2X rated burner), then you won't be able to record anything. That's why you need to provide the above info before anyone can answer your questions.

[Mr_Clicky]

1. What's the brand and model number of your PC burner? Are you sure it can record both + and - format and at what speed?

Reply - My PC DVD-RW is a Pioneer DVR 106D

2. Was the DVD-RW disc you used brand new or one with previously recorded material? What's the brand and rated speed or media ID of the DVD-RW disc?

Reply - The DVD-RW disc is brand new and I tried several in the same pack thinking one might be bad but all gave the same result. The brand is Fuji and the speed is up to 2X. On another note, I just bought some 16X DVD+RW and the store clerk said they are backward compatible. Are you saying that for DVD-RW I would need to buy 4X or below since my burner is rated as 4X ?

[lordsmurf]

All digital media requires formatting.

[Synergy]

Reply - My PC DVD-RW is a Pioneer DVR 106D

Reply - The DVD-RW disc is brand new and I tried several in the same pack thinking one might be bad but all gave the same result. The brand is Fuji and the speed is up to 2X. On another note, I just bought some 16X DVD+RW and the store clerk said they are backward compatible. Are you saying that for DVD-RW I would need to buy 4X or below since my burner is rated as 4X ?

Since the Fuji DVD-RW discs are rated at 2X, they should work on your PC burner. The only possibility I can think of is that Fuji used a new media ID not included in your burner's current firmware. You may want to download the latest firmware version 1.08 for the burner from the following link:

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_firmware.php?category=4&manufactor=25

I have a feeling that the discs you bought were made by Ritek (if the package indicates made in Taiwan). Hopefully an upgrade of firmware will solve the problem on your PC burner. Please remember that your PC burner can only record 2X/1X DVD-RW media just in case you want to switch brands. If you don't want to upgrade firmware, then try to buy 2X TDK, Maxell, or Verbatim brand of DVD-RW media instead. These are more likely accepted by your PC burner. If DVD-RW media work properly, your PC burner should just accept them until your are ready to burn files. There shouldn't be any warnings at all.

Your Pioneer DVD burner is rated for 4X DVD±R, 2X DVD-RW, and 2.4X DVD+RW writing. There is a big difference between write-once and rewritable media due to different technologies used, and DVD±R media are much more backward compatible than DVD±RW. For example, you may be able to use 8X or even 16X DVD±R media on your burner, but you cannot use any 4X DVD-RW discs or 8X DVD+RW on it, although 4X DVD+RW media can be used without problem.

Final advice, if you plan to keep the PC burner for a while, it's better to update to the latest firmware. 16X DVD+R discs can only be written at 4X on your burner, but you'll probably get better quality writing with the latest firmware.

[handyguy]

"All digital media requires formatting. "

Often you can buy it preformated & save yourself alot of time.

What panasonic does dvdrw? A S10?

[lordsmurf]

"All digital media requires formatting. "
Often you can buy it preformated & save yourself alot of time.
What panasonic does dvdrw? A S10?

No you cannot. Different recorders require different types of formatting for the structures created by the video chipsets.

What you mention only applies to a few things like hard drives or floppies. But even then, only for that one OS.