DVD+RW disk compatibility

[Inspiron83]

I have a DVD+RW drive on my laptop that supports 4X burning and can burn 4X DVD+RW Imation disks fine. But lately, 4X disks have become hard to find and only 8X disks are being sold. My drive has the lastest firmware update (Ricoh 1.03 for 8165). I am wondering if i can burn on these disks but at 4X. Any clue if it could work or is it a 50/50 thing? Thanks for any suggestions! :p

[Richard1]

As long as it's in the correct format(i.e. , DVD+R, DVD-R) for your DVD drive then you should be able to use the disk.

[TechZ]

One thing though, you mentioned its a DVD+RW drive, it doesnt mean u can only burn DVD+RW media, u can also burn DVD+R media.

Most probably the media will work as they are backward compatible.

[Inspiron83]

Sorry for not clearing it up, i DO use DVD+R media for my burning :p But can my drive burn DVD-R? I don't quite understand the difference between the DVD+R/DVD-R thing.

And finaly, which DVD+R/DVD-R's are better in terms of brand name? I have been using Imation CD-R's and they are pretty good, i seem to have good luck with the Imation DVD+R's as well, but how are the Verbatim's? Thanks! :D


One thing though, you mentioned its a DVD+RW drive, it doesnt mean u can only burn DVD+RW media, u can also burn DVD+R media.

Most probably the media will work as they are backward compatible.

[Richard1]

It depends on if you have a dual format DVD burner or not. For example some players (Toshiba models and more) don't officially support DVD+R, so who knows whether the disc will play. Your best bet would be to blow a few bucks and buy a DVD-R or borrow one from a freind and give it a try.

[TechZ]

AS long as u know the model name/number of the drive, you can find out whether it can burn DVD+/- RW.

For info on the formats look at this:
http://www.bigbruin.com/techtip.php?file=007

+/- are just different formats, dont worry about it. Some drives (Dual Format) can burn both, some can burn either one.

As far as brand goes, I use Imation and am very happy, fast and reliable. Verbatim are still better IMO, if you can get your hands on them.

[confus-ed]

If you just have a dvd+ capable drive it won't burn DVD- type disks end of story .. (if you want to swap & change between +/- type disks then you want a 'dual format' writer (like techz just said) the two differing types have their own pluses & minuses ! :D)

DVD Formats Explained (http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/2003/DVDFormatsExplained.asp) (not bad for a one page summary as the technical whatnots can make this most confusing! :))

Giving the model number to us, would make the ambiguity in what you keep asking disappear ! ;)