DVD-R vs DVD-RW for long term storage

[dvdnewbie]

As I understand it, DVD-RW is not as deep a burn as DVD-R.

This kind of implies that DVD-RW ... *might* not be the better choice for long term storage of my home videos - but does anyone out there have a view or experience on this?

Ironically i seem to be able to buy Datasafe DVD-RW cheaper, or certainly AS cheap, than some of my preferred DVD-R brand discs. So .. is this false economy or does investing in RW make sense?

[txpharoah]

I've had issues with DVD-RW discs before. The RW technology is not as sound as the -R technology. I'd just get a good -R disc like an Apple. That's what I do. My -RW is mainly for tests and secondary backups.

[xistan]

I own a DVD+R(W) burner but I am sure my strategy is applicable on DVD-R(W) as well.

I like to think of the RW discs as my old VHS tapes that I use over and over again, i.e. temporary storage only. Temporary in terms of stuff I'm not sure I will keep or stuff for testing purposes.

/C

[garryheather]

Re-writable media uses phase change technology and is "burnt" in a different manner to "conventional" media. It should be reliable and the longetivity shouldn't be an issue with them, but the general rule of thumb is only use RW for temporary use or for material that is subject to change.

Unless you have say a standalone player that is frumpy with recordable media but plays RW's OK, there is no real reason that I can think of as to why you should pay the extra for RW media for general use. I "invested" in a small quantity for my prototype applications, but once the data is verified, I always go for the burn and know it's as close to permanent as you're likely to get.

Erase the wrong disc once by accident and I think you'll know what I mean !!

[LanEvo7]

Depends on manufacturer really. If its the same, the DVD-R should be more storage proof.