I can't play a DVD-RW on my Toshiba D R-400

[WC]

Hello,
I have a Toshiba D R-400 Video Recorder, it works great but I am having a problem getting it to play a Memorex DVD-RW. DVD-R's and DVD+RW's work just fine, my imac computer isn't compatible with DVD+R so I have to use the DVD-RW. I burned a movie on my computer using Toast to the DVD-RW disc just fine but when I put it in my DVD recorder it won't play at all, I press play and nothing happens it won't even start and stop. A DVD-R works just fine, so does a DVD+RW when I record straight from the recorder. Anyone have any ideas on what to do, I have all these DVD-RW discs now that I can't use, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[redwudz]

My first suggestion would be to try another brand of DVD-RW. Memorex is not known as a good brand. And if you are using a Mac, then you should fill out your computer details so we would know what OS you are using to enable better answers and information. If you are primarily using a Mac, then the Mac forum may be a better place to ask questions. I can move this post there if you want.

And welcome to our forums.

[RabidDog]

I dont know I think Some DVD-R/DVD-RW and CD-R/CD-RW discs may be incompatible due to laser pick up and disc design. CD-R/CD-RW discs must be recorded using CD-DA method for CD audio playback. The DVD player in this TV may not support some MP3/WMA/JPEG/DivX recordings due to differences in recording formats, disc structure, or condition of the disc (use of CD-RW for MP3 files is not recommended). See owner’s manual for more information.

[jman98]

DVD+/-R discs have reflectivity closest to pressed DVDs of all the consumer burnable discs. Many older players will not play DVD+/-RW discs at all. I have such players (now both currently boxed up for emergency only use), so I know for a fact they exist. To get DVD+/-RW discs to work a different type of material had to be used in the manufacture and some players may have problems with it.

I'm not real sold on the DVD-RW format and for a variety of reasons I feel very strongly that DVD+RW is superior. It is possible that your brand is the issue (Memorex is the biggest piece of crap media I have ever personally bought). It could also be the DVD-RW format. Your player may not like any rewritable discs or it may only play DVD+RW or it may only play high quality DVD-RW discs like Verbatim. I know it sucks, but you won't be the first person who incorrectly believed that all brands are the same and got stuck with a bunch of crappy discs that don't work. Around here we recommend only Taiyo Yuden (they don't make RW or DL discs for the US or European markets, just single layer DVDs and CD-Rs) or Verbatim (they make all flavors of CD and DVD discs) for best results.