Would using DVD-R instead of DVD-RW make a difference?

[Mee_Too]

Hello, All!

I'm new to the forum, and to the world of creating DVDs, so I hope that you'll bear with me...

Here's the deal: I have a collection of home movies on HI-8 tapes, which I want to convert to DVD. I purchased a line-in DVD recorder (Sylvania Model # ZC320SL8B) which uses the DVD- format. I also purchased a package of Maxell DVD-RW discs. It was my understanding that the finished product would be playable on any DVD player, once the disc had been finalized.

I went ahead and connected my camcorder to the inputs of the DVD recorder, and proceeded to transfer the video to the DVDs. When finished, I finalized the discs as instructed in the manual which accompanied the recorder. Then, I placed the discs into a separate DVD player, and I was able to view them just fine.

However, I presented the completed discs to my daughter, and when she attempted to play them in her DVD player, she received a message stating that her player was unable to read the disc.

I was wondering if there is a downside to using DVD-RW discs rather that DVD-R discs, and if I were to try again using a DVD-R disc, I might have some success.

I understand that there is also a DVD+ format, is it possible that my daughter's player can only read discs in that format? As I mentioned earlier, I was told that the discs created in my DVD- recorder would play on any player, provided the disc was finalized.

Any input would be very welcome!

[Baldrick]

Yep, DVD-R has better dvd player compatibility then dvd-rws so I would try burn on dvd-rs. Use "good" dvdr media, see www.nomorecoasters.com .

[jman98]

Older DVD players may not be able to play DVD+/-RW discs. Nothing you burn can give you 100% compatibility. There will always be some piece of crap DVD player that will refuse to play a burned disc. DVD-R does have better compatibility as Baldrick points out, but even with these there are no guarantees that the final product will play on "any DVD player". I'd advise using Verbatim for either DVD-R or DVD-RW as both should be higher quality than Maxell and you should be able to find Verbatim in a variety of stores where you live.

[Mee_Too]

OK, many thanks to both of you for the suggestions and advice.

I'll get ahold of some good quality DVD-R discs and give it another shot...will let you know the outcome...