Not only are there different dvd recording formats, but each recorder also has various connection, recording, editing and playback facilities that come with their own, often mystifying, jargon and confusing compatibility issues. To untangle this mess, we explain thge main features of dvd recorders.

Rewritable DVD Formats

DVD+RW is the widely available system. Discs can be reused 1,000 times and are compatible in almost all existing players. Basic editing is possible but non-linear edits(such as reorganising the order of the programmes or scenes) are not.

DVD-RW (VR mode) uses DVD-RW discs as supported by leading manufacturers. When formatted in VR mode (video recording) you can make non linear edits, but recordings aren't widely compatible. disk life is also around 1,000 rewrites.

DVD-RAM is mainly supported by Panasonic, Toshiba, JVC, and Samsung. Disks are usually come in protective cartridges and enable non-linear editing. They can be reused up to 100,000 times but recordeings are compatible in very few players.

Write-once DVD Formats
Dvd+R is the use-once disk for most DVD+RW recorders. You can accumulate recordings on a disk until you are finished, and you can delete individual recordings but you cannot re-record. Disks must be finalised (sealing the disk contents) before playing elsewhere, but once done compatibility is very high.

Dvd-R is the widely used write-once format as found in DVD-RW and DVD-RAM recorders, as well as many computers. As with DVD+R, you can compile recordings gradually or remove recordings from playback without being able to claimback the space or reuse the disk. Disks must also be finalised, after which compatibility in other players is generally good.