DVD writable formats.

[fangface69]

Hello,
I'm new to this page and I wasn't sure where to post this question. I'm having problems deciding on DVD formats. There are so many.
I've already been doing various research on the DVD formats created by the DVD Forum and the DVD Alliance. *I'm trying to figure out which format will work better universally without problems.

I was curious about DVD-RAM or DVD-ROM. I don't really see them out there being sold. Are DVD+R and DVD-R considered that format?

I'm not interested in playing files such as AVI on a DVD player. This is just for temporary use on a computer. Such as downloading small movie files and storing them on either CD-RW or CD+R for later use. However I need bigger and better storage space that using the least amount of items. DVD writeables do a better job than using CD-Rs/RWs.

I just recently purchased a laptop (Toshiba) and while it uses WinXP, I'm having problems accessing data on most of the CD-RWs that I burned at work. I figured that this might be a software issue. The computer at my workplace used WinNT at one time, then we made the transition to Win2000. The buring software used was Adaptec to Direct CD 5.?.? which is buring software product by Roxio. The Toshiba I own uses Sonic Solutions RecordNow: Basic which I haven't had the chance of experimenting with yet. Trying to access files from the discs cause WinXP to to crash and reboot. No matter how I try. However it has no problem accessing the same data from an External HDD. I called the 24hr tech support on the problem and the only thing they could fathom was software incompatibility issues. I find this highly annoying considering that if you have to access a file or files from any disc received you should be able to without fail. It's gotten to the point that I feel that I have to use some sort of miracle disc that will be able read in ANY machine. Most CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs almost never seem to have this problem. Especially the hybrid ones that are formated for both Mac and PC.

Are there any DVD writeable formats that anyone can recommend that will bypass this problem? And while it may seem that people would rather use DVD+/-R over +/-RWs I kind of like using the RW formats because I can write and delete stuff. But I guess if your storing things the +/-Rs are a better bet. But can they be accessed by any computer despite the software used to burn the data?

I really need something that works, really works. I just don't like wasting money like that.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

[daamon]

Hi fangface69,

Welcome to the site and the forums.

As far as I know, CDs and DVDs of any format should be able to be read in any machine irrespective of the software used to burn it.

Of course, some software is better than others, but I find it difficult to believe that they have different ways of burning that would render a disc readable in only some machines.

I would guess that your problem lies with your hardware (e.g. laser / CD/DVD drive etc.) and / or your software (OS reinstall? etc.)

I know it doesn't solve your problem, but that's my thoughts for what they're worth...

Good luck - I know how frustrating things are when they're simple and expected to be working and they're not.

[fangface69]

Hmmm,

Does sound like a problem with drivers and how it burns. But again it is frustrating.
Hope that I can get more info. on this.

Thanks.

[mats.hogberg]

Been there too, but with CD-R - the ones I burn at work can't be accessed in my reader at home. Found out that CD-RW works fine tho. Seems like the writer at work is "misaligned" or something, 'cause it has no problem reading the discs it creates...

/Mats

[fangface69]

I've had that same problem as well. Often I wonder if the problem lies within the storage media or the driver itself. I notice that as long as I used "ZIP" discs and had no problem accessing data. Once I started using CD-RWs that when I started having problems with the driver at work. I would record something and then I would get a lot of errors or I couldn't retrieve, move or delete the data. I would have to reformat the whole disc over again. I'm looking to try a DVD writable source it's just a matter of what is good to use and will give me a better shot at storing and retrieving temporary files.

[mats.hogberg]

A USB memory stick - that's the way to transfer data between 2 computers that can't reach eachother.

/Mats

[fangface69]

USB stick?

I may have heard of something like this. I'm sure or something like that for transferring data from computer to computer.

How much does one of them cost? And how fast can it transfer data from one computer to the other?

[johns0]

Usb flash memory can cost anywhere from $30 to $3000 depending on how much space you need,copying to usb memory is as fast as the usb 1.1 transfer rate of up to 12 Mbps and hdd speed.

[mats.hogberg]

Yes, a small gadget, sub lighter size, that you jack into a USB slot. Acts instantly as a HDD, just drag your files over, unplug it. Stick it into the other box, and that one now has a new "HDD", filled with files from the other computer. Comes in sizes from 128 MB to 1 GB, ranging from Euro 25 to 100 (where I live).

/Mats

[fangface69]

Thanks for the advice.

I'll take a look into it.