Single Layer VS Double Layer, is one "better"?

[mjvgiese]

I'm about to start seriously digging into my old home VHS videos, and transfering them to DVD. I have a stash of both single layer and double layer discs (all Verbatim brand). What I'm wondering is if one is better or has any advantages over the other...will single layer stand the test of time better than double layer? Are most newer DVD players capable of handling DVD+R DL without problems?

I haven't been real into this video type of stuff for the last few years, so I'm just wondering what the general consensus is. If double layer is better, I'll just max out the bitrate on my transfers, but if single layer is better, then I'll obviously go with a lower bitrate and possibly Half D1.

I don't want to start a flame war or anything, I'm just looking for everyone's opinions.
Thanks!!!

[lordsmurf]

.will single layer stand the test of time better than double layer

Probably, yes.

[CobraPilot]

I keep looking at the costs of the SL vs DL discs.

About $0.15-$0.30 for SL, 4-6 times that for DL.

Too, there are lots of anxious requests on this board about how to burn DL discs after the user has tried unsuccessfully to do so. Most everyone has ironed out the kinks in SL burning; not too many inherent problems with SL discs, no layer break problems, etc.

[lowellriggsiam]

I would recomend single layer dvds for three reasons, cost, reliability, and compatibility. If they get scratched they seems to degrade quicker and and top of that DL DVDs are far more likely to fail during the burn process.

[redwudz]

I would probably try one of each size. You don't have to burn the DVD, just see if the encoded results are what you want. And you might also consider the option to split the video onto two SL discs, which still should be cheaper and more reliable than one DL. If you use Verbatim DL, they should play back with no problems on the vast majority of players. If your doesn't work, replace it with one that does.

A lot would depend on the quality of the VHS video after you get it on your computer. If it's home footage from a camcorder and irreplaceable, then I would probably use a method to preserve the best quality, and worry about the storage size later. If it's movies recorded to VHS, then 1/2D1 to a SL disc might be one option.

And since no one mentioned it, I would also only use ImgBurn for DL or SL burning.