Technical Reference: Recordable DVD Formats
DVD Recordable Formats
Format
Attributes
DVD-R
Single-write format. Plays on most DVD players, ROM drives. Cheapest recordable discs at less than $5 a unit.
DVD-RW
Can be written and rewritten up to 1,000 times. Must erase entire disc before re-recording. Compatible with about 70% of DVD players and drives.
DVD+R
Single-write format. Compatible with 84% of DVD players and drives. "Plus" formats not ratified by the DVD Forum.
DVD+RW
Can be rewritten up to 1,000 times. Doesn't have to be erased to be rewritten. Compatible with 70% of DVD players and drives. Faster write speeds than minus formats (2.4x vs. 1x).
DVD-RAM
Can be written and rewritten up to 100,000 times. 9.4GB capacity. Not compatible with vast majority of DVD players or DVD-ROM drives.
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First published on 07/04/2003
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Last modified on 07/04/2003
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