Problem formatting DVD+RWs

[Sephiroth666]

I tried erasing a DVD+RW in my PC DVD+R/RW drive with Nero, but the damn standalone recorder won't see it as formatted. Is there some way to properly format a DVD+RW in a PC for use with a standalone recorder? Odd question, I know, but I record and rip a lot to my PC. Problem is I keep forgetting to format the damn disc when I put it back in the standalone recorder, so it records for like 15 minutes and quits cause the disc is full. I'd rather erase the disc after ripping it to my hard drive, so it's ready to go the next time I stick it in the standalone recorder. I think that'd work better for me, assuming it's possible.

[jagabo]

Standalone's can't read pack writer formats. You have to use ISO or UDF, just like DVD+R or DVD-R.

[Sephiroth666]

I don't get it. How does that apply to erasing the disc? Is there some setting in Nero or another program to do it right?

[jagabo]

Did you erase in Nero with the "Erase Rewriteable Disc" option? If that's the case then your recorder won't see it as formatted, it's erased, all the formatting information is gone. The recorder should see it as a brand new disc.

[bevills1]

Doing full erase in Nero should make RW re-usable, but doing quick erase will not.

[Sephiroth666]

I don't want it seen as a brand new disc. I want is seen as formatted but empty, so it's ready to be recorded on by the standalone recorder (without the need for the recorder to format it again).

[OneSickPup]

I don't want it seen as a brand new disc. I want is seen as formatted but empty, so it's ready to be recorded on by the standalone recorder (without the need for the recorder to format it again).

I have 5 DVD-RW's and 3 DVD-RAM's that I record to off my set top recorder on a rotating basis. The rw's are almost 2 years old now and have never failed me. I ALWAYS format after every use on my set top recorder. I may be lucky in regards to the fact that my recorder formats -RW's very quickly. Bottomline is - formatting needs to take place at the device that is doing the writing IMO. Good luck.

[Sephiroth666]

Well, here's the problem (and solution). When the standalone recorder formats a disc, it also initializes it with some empty DVD files. I formatted one in the standalone then made an ISO with DVD Decryptor. Erasing the disc and burning that image works, and it seems faster than formatting on the standalone.

[jagabo]

Good idea!

[oldfart13]

Which standalone? For my Liteons, I erase the +RWs in the computer using Ashampoo Burning engine, erase rewriteable disc. That would be akin to "Quick Erase". It works perfectly every time. Been using the same +RWs for many months now....

PS as to formatting the disc, the computer format isn't the same as the standalone format which writes a particular header into the disc making it unusable in anything other than that standalone or a similar standalone DVD recorder. As a test, try it with a +R disc and only let the standalone format the disc but don't finalize it. You will find it unusable if you put it into the computer. It will be fine though if you put it back into the standalone DVD recorder....

[Sephiroth666]

Sony something GX330

[oldfart13]

Just use the computer to erase the disc and let the GX330 reformat them. Should be okay from here on out....

[jagabo]

I want is seen as formatted but empty, so it's ready to be recorded on by the standalone recorder (without the need for the recorder to format it again).