O/T DVD recorders

[Steven]

There are 5 main types currently out:

Designed and being pushed by Philips are:
DVD+R These discs can be written to only once.
DVD+RW These discs can be erased and used again

Designed by Panasonic and pushed by Panasonic and Pioneer:
DVD-R These discs can be written to only once
DVD-RW These discs can be erased and used again

The above 4 formats can be used for Video purposes. There is not yet a clear standard where recordable DVDs are concerned. This means that any DVD player may be capable fo playing any combination of these discs. Most DVD playes can play at least 1 of the above formats, but some will play 2, 3 or all of them without problems. Of course there are also some DVD players that will not play any of the recordable formats.

The only experience I have had is with a Panasonic Standalone DVD recorder. It can record on DVD-R, DVD-RW and a 5th format called DVD-RAM. This DVD-RAM will only be read by computer - no DVD players.

I have to say that I am not all that impressed. To record on DVD-R in top quality limits the time to 2 hours per disc. My view is whats the point in doing it if you are not going to do it in top quality? The next setting down, allows 3 hours per disc but looks similar to VHS quality.

The recordable discs are unbelieveably sensitive to finger prints and dust. When you consider the size of tha data bits on a normal CD, and how they can cope with certain amounts of scratches and dirt blocking them you will begin to understand why. Imagine that a speck of dust on a CD is blocking 5 data bits. The CD player can use its error correction to account for that and play it without the user noticing a fault. The same speck of dust on a DVD (which have much more data bits packed into a small area) will be locking several times the amount of data bits than it would on a CD. The result is random coloured blocks on the screen and popping noises on the sound.

Panasonic recommends that all DVD-RW discs be recorded and kept in a special plastic cartridge (similar to the ones early CD-ROM discs used to come in) which the slot on the Panasonic recorder can accept. If you dont keep the discs in the special cartridges, then Panasonic donthave to accept any liability for faults and damaged data on discs. To me it seems like a cop out and a sort of excuse for the discs being so sensitive, but unless you take them out the cartridge you cant play them in any other machine.

Neither the DVD-R or DVD-RW played in a Samsung DVD-709 player when I tried them. DVD-R but not DVD-RW played in both a Philips ans a JVC DVD player, but dont let this make you think that DVD-R will play in all Philips and JVC players - not that simple - every model of every make has different campatibility issues.

I have a database where thousands of DVD players have been tested for compatibility with the recordable formats. You are welcome to E-mail me with your make and model number and I'll tell you which, if any, your player will accept.

[Big K!]

The Panasonic DMR-E30 uses DVD-RAM and DVD-R and retails for about ?340 ex. VAT. DVD-RAM being it's re-writable media of choice, DVD-R it's record once format. I believe DVD-RAM is pretty much tied to the Panasonic machines only.

Philips however have the DVD-R880 and others, retails for ?360 ex. VAT. These use the DVD+RW and DVD+R recording media, favoured by Phil and I'm sure many others. I think Sony have been linked to this format too, but as yet don't think they're machines a readily available in the UK.

Pioneer invented and use the DVD-RW and DVD-R format as mentioned. Popular hardware being the internal DVD Writers DVR-A03/4/5 retailing at ?250 ish including burning software.

It really is a case of reading up on whats out there and what suits you most. Prices and compatability being the obvious and important issues.
This link might help.

[MisterC]

Seen the same model advertised here for ?220. Looks like the way to go!

[Steven]

Hi Mr. C.
'Here' is where exactly?

[Big K!]

Could this be the answer, trust Sony!!!!

[Steven]

Yes Big K!, It certainly seems to be an answer, but Mr.C says that he's seen it ?50 cheaper than Amazon's price.

[Shaun?]

[Arnold Layne]

thanks for all the info guys

[Onan The Librarian]

This is a useful site, particularly if you want to find out what formats will play on your standalone DVD player.

[electric]

whilst i agree that beat was indeed better than vhs here`s an article that may be of interest, with an interesting link contained within to boot!