19. DVDs FormatsThere are no less than six DVD formats around. We have DVD+R and DVD+RW. A DVD with the +R is a disk that can be recorded only once, just like a CD-R. A DVD with the +RW is, you guessed it, like a CD-RW. It can be recorded on over and over again. Then we have DVD-R and DVD-RW. DVD-R is a disk that can be recorded on only once. DVD-RW is rerecordable. Is there an echo in here? Not really. The difference is one of compatibility. Because different manufacturers of DVD recorders stand behind different standards, "none of the writable formats are fully compatible with each other or even with existing drives and players . . . a DVD+R/RW drive can't write a DVD-R or DVD-RW disc, and vice versa," says DVD Demystified, a knowledgeable Internet site. Moreover, some experts believe that the +R/+RW format is better because, among other things, it is somewhat faster than the -R and -RW format. Others think it is more reliable, too, but that is not a thicket into which I will wander voluntarily. If you are asking the question because you want to buy a DVD drive, don't try to sort out all the arguments. Just buy a DVD drive that supports both formats. Also, keep in mind that, in theory anyway, you can put a home video on a DVD disk and then play it on most home entertainment DVD players, whether you used DVD- or DVD+. Similarly, if you buy or rent a DVD movie, it should play on your home computer's DVD drive, whatever the device's formatting capabilities. But, again, when you shop for a DVD player, do ask about compatibility issues. Almost forgot: There is also DVD-RAM. It refers to disks that can be used again and again, but that can only be played in drives that support that particular standard. Finally, there is DVD-ROM. It is used to engrave movies and games on DVDs and is a read-only format.
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