RE: [Videolib] DVD-R -- not a stable format

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With all the questions regarding DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, etc, etc, I =
figured, though quite lengthy, the following would be very timely to =
post Again, please excuse the length, but the article is quite =
definitive. At least some of geeks find it interesting reading...lol
*************************************

Difference Between DVD+R and
DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW
or DVD+RW - Americal.com=20

The DVD Recordable FAQ
Your Top DVD Burning Questions=20

=A92004 by Americal.com, all rights reserved.

Here's a list of the 11 questions about DVD recordables that thousands =
of our customers ask most often. You may want to save this page by =
printing it out and forward this email to a friend.=20

1. New! Some DVD-Rs burn too slow, or not at all on my burner... =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_0> =20
2. New! What is drive firmware, and why do I need it? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#fw_definition> =20
3. New! How can I find out my DVD burner's firmware level? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#finding_fw_level> =20
4. New! Where can I download free firmware upgrades? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#fw_downloads> =20
5. How can I make copies of my DVD movies or games? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_1> =20
6. Which DVD burner and discs are best? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_2> =20
7. Which DVD players can play +/- DVDR's? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_2a> =20
8. Why do my DVD-Rs only play on some DVD players and not others? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_3> =20
9. What is the difference between DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_5> =20
10. Will paper DVD labels hurt my recorded DVDs? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_6> =20
11. How long do recorded DVD discs last? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_7> =20
12. What are "Authoring" DVD-R discs? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_8> =20
13. Are DVD-R discs guaranteed to be compatible with my player or =
burner? <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_9> =20
14. Will my DVD-R discs burn at 2X speed? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_10> =20

Here are the detailed answers, with links to our pages where you can see =
more information, compatible products and latest prices:=20

(New!) Some DVD-Rs burn too slowly, or not at all on my burner...=20

THE PROBLEMS
Many models of DVD burners have had problems burning more than a few, =
limited brands of DVD-R discs. And, sometimes discs that are sold as =
being 2X or 4X rated only burn at 1X speeds. And also, after being =
recorded many DVD-R discs would either not play or produce playback =
errors in some DVD players. Here are some of the complaints we hear most =
often:=20

* "My 8X DVD Writer won't even recognize many brands of 8X DVD-Rs, or =
only burns them at 4x or 2x, sometimes even 1x... are these bad discs?"=20
* "My 4X DVD Writer won't even recognize many brands of 4X DVD-Rs!"=20
* "My 4X DVD Writer burns some 4X DVD-Rs at 4X and others at only 1X!"=20
* "My 2X DVD Writer burns all 4X discs at 1X... why not 2X?"=20
* "My DVD Writer shows lots of errors when burning 2X or 4X DVD-Rs!"=20
* "My DVD Writer seems to burn at 4X okay, but then the discs don't play =
well!"=20
* "My old 103/104 model burned these same DVD-R discs at 2X, and now my =
new 105/A05 only burns them at 1X -- what's going on?"=20

BACKGROUND
Fixes are now available for many models of DVD burners that will address =
some of these issues (see if your burner model is listed below). The DVD =
recording industry is still evolving, and important improvements in how =
well discs, burners and players work together are being made almost =
every week. As the factories which produce the various brands of burners =
and discs and players learn about ways to make their products work =
better, they add these improvements into newer models they are shipping, =
and also release "firmware upgrades" where possible to add these =
improvements into burners and players they have already sold. Some of =
these problems are impossible to fix, but great improvements are being =
made.=20

SOLUTIONS
The newest firmware upgrades from burner manufacturers can improve your =
burner's compatibility with DVD-R discs, making it possible to burn them =
and play them with fewer errors and at higher speeds. you simply =
download a free upgrade from your manufacturer, install it into your =
burner, and then do some more tests. In many cases, after installing the =
latest firmware upgrades you will find...=20

After Installing the New Firmware...=20

* Most 8x or 4x discs will now burn at their full top speed rating=20
* Many 2X DVD-R discs that would only burn at 1X will now burn =
successfully at 2X speed=20
* Many 4X DVD-R discs that would not burn at all, will now burn =
successfully=20
* Many 4X DVD-R discs will now "fall back" to 2X instead of 1X when 4X =
speed is not possible=20
* Many 2X rated DVD-R discs will now burn at 2X instead of only 1X or =
not at all=20
* Overall writing or reading disc errors will be reduced on most disc =
brands=20

WHERE TO DOWNLOAD FIRMWARE UPGRADES

DVD Burner Drive Updates - Most problems with drive performance and disc =
compatility can be solved by upgrading your drive to the latest firmware =
by downloading a small free updater file from the manufacturer, and =
running it on your computer. Updates are free, and usually come out =
several times a year. Even new drives usually need new updates applied =
to fix problems. New firmware will update the settings on your drive's =
internal firmware chip to fix bugs and improve performance with more =
brands of discs. We maintain a page to help you find the latest firmware =
for your DVD burner model, and keep it up to date with latest download =
links. You can find recent firmware free download links on our own =
Burner Compatibility Updates =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-burner-compat.html> page. On our page, =
click the brand at the top of the page to jump to your brand of drive. =
This will show you a download link for firmware updates, and also a list =
of our recommended compatible discs by Stock Nos. for your particular =
burner - be sure to check this important page often. You can also find =
recent updates at Firmware-Flash.com <http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_all.php> =
. On that page, click the "DVD Recorder" link under your brand of drive, =
and then find your model listed on the next page.=20

WHAT IS FIRMWARE? -- BACKGROUND OF HOW DVD WRITERS WORK
WITH DIFFERENT BRANDS OF DISCS
DVD burners optimize their ability to write to different brands of DVDs =
by internal "write strategies" that control the laser power and pulse =
settings to maximize its accuracy with each different dye formula, =
reflector density and plastic doping chemistry for each brand of blank =
DVD disc. When a disc is inserted, the drive reads the factory media ID =
off the disc and queries its internal list of known disc brands and =
write strategies. If the disc is listed, then it uses the write strategy =
for that disc. If a write strategy for a particular disc brand is not =
present in the drive's firmware, it tries to estimate how best to write =
to the disc by writing to the small re-writable "power calibration" area =
on each unknown disc type to see which power setting might produce best =
results for the unknown disc brand. In some cases, the firmware is =
unable to produce reliable burning with a particular disc brand, and =
rejects the disc as having a "power calibration error" or "illegal disc" =
or a similar error. This error is generally not related to disc quality =
issues, but is simply a result of the drive not having the latest =
firmware in it that lists the particular disc brand.=20

FIRMWARE UPGRADES
>From time to time, drive makers test additional brands of DVD discs and =
then update their firmware with new write strategies for those newly =
tested discs, enabling their drives to work with more brands of DVD =
discs. All DVD writer owners need to frequently check with their drive =
manufacturer to see if there is a new firmware upgrade available for =
their drive. That way they can expect to enjoy working with more brands =
of discs, and more reliably with the discs that they already can use.=20

HOW TO FIND YOUR DRIVE'S MODEL and FIRMWARE LEVEL -- For Windows =
computers, right click on MY COMPUTER, then click on the HARDWARE tab, =
then click on the DEVICE MANAGER button, then click to highlight your =
drive from the list of devices, and select PROPERTIES, then SETTINGS if =
shown. You should see your drive manufacturer, model and firmware =
revision level listed. For Macintosh computers, go to the Apple Menu at =
the upper left of your screen, and pull down to activate the Apple =
System Profiler. Click on the DEVICES AND VOLUMES tab at the top, then =
find the line down the left side that lists the ATA Device for your =
Superdrive, and click on the small ARROW to expland that line. It should =
now show your drive model, manufacturer and firmware revision number.=20

(1) How can I make copies of my DVD movies or games?=20

IMPORTANT
We no longer sell DVD copying software--here's why... Some recent USA =
court decisions have backed up the arguments made by the Recording =
Industry Association of America, and various other trade associations, =
that all movie and music disc copying is unlawful. Whether this line of =
reasoning will stand for many years to come remains to be seen. Retail =
software companies like DVD X COPY which had previously facilitated such =
copying have been ordered to change their programs to stop the practice =
for any copy protected DVD movie or audio disc. Other companies and =
software makers may face similar orders in the future, or perhaps future =
appeals and laws may return to the idea of "fair use" copying. The =
previous interpretations of "fair use" in copyright laws permitted =
making ONE copy of a recording as a backup of a disc or tape you =
actually own, for your own use. They did NOT permit making a copy of a =
disc you did not own, nor re-distributing any copies to others. Remember =
that making more than one copy of any disc you own is certainly against =
the law and "fair use". And, making a copy of a friend's disc, or =
distributing copies to friends is directly against the law. Please use =
these DVD and CD creation software applications and devices in legal =
ways. Respect the intellectual property rights of the authors of these =
discs. We do not support nor encourage unethical or illegal copying of =
DVDs or CDs or tapes, and we will not assist people in those efforts.=20

Freeware DVD Backup Programs -- If legal to use in your state or =
country, you may want to download these programs below. Check your local =
laws if uncertain about whether you can use these programs in your area. =

The two programs below are very easy to use, and dependable for most =
users with Windows computers. If your DVD is a short movie less than 2 =
hours long, and less than 4.7 GB in total size, then it will fit onto =
one DVD-R or DVD+R and you can use DVD Decrypter. If your original DVD =
is longer than two hours or its total size is bigger than 5GB, then you =
need to use DVD Shrink. DVD Shrink will let you squeeze these bigger =
DVDs into one DVDR disc. You will be able to choose which languages, =
menus, trailers and titles to remove and what final quality setting to =
use. Removing most extras from these longer movies often lets you get a =
final quality of 90% or so, which is still quite enjoyable. DVD Shrink =
does require that you have Nero =
<http://www.nero.com/en/631939541422774.php> already installed in your =
computer, since it automatically depends on Nero's burn engine to do the =
final burning of your DVDR disc. If you don't have Nero =
<http://www.nero.com/en/631939541422774.php> yet, you can use the link =
below to download a trial version. After 30-days, it costs $60 for the =
serial number.=20

* For DVD5 "Short" Movie Disks -- up to 4.7gb 2 hour movies onto one =
DVD. Requires no added software.=20
* DVD Decrypter 3.1.9.0 (January, 2004)=20

* Download DVD Decrypter 3.1.9.0 <http://www.dvd-guides.com/tools.php> =

* Read a How-to-Use DVD Decrypter Guide =
<http://www.dvd-guides.com/guides.php?category=3Ddvdcopy&name=3Ddecrypter=
dvd> =20

=09

* For DVD9 "Long" Movie Disks -- squeezes 9gb several hours onto one =
DVD. The recording function requires Nero, see below.=20
* DVD Shrink 3.1.4 (January, 2004)=20

* Download 3.1.4 <http://www.dvd-guides.com/tools.php> - Latest =
version=20

* Read a How-to-Use DVD Shrink Guide =
<http://www.dvd-guides.com/guides.php?category=3Ddvdcopy&name=3Dshrink> =

* Nero Suite 6.3.x -- required to use DVD Shrink above. If you already =
have an older Nero version installed, you may not need this download.=20
* Nero 6.3.x 30-day Trial Download <http://www.nero.com/> (Serial =
Number costs $60 after 30 days)=20

Other Programs -- The two programs above are all most users will every =
need. However, many other programs are also available, some free and =
some in trial or retail versions. See them described in the big list on =
the http://www.dvdrhelp.com/tools/ page.=20

DVD burners are made to produce your own ORIGINAL DVD movies (such as =
wedding videos, home movies, company presentations, etc.), to record =
backups of VHS movies and television shows, and so on. However, when it =
comes to duplicating DVDs, burners and DVD movie or game discs are =
designed to make it difficult for you to make direct copies.=20

So, DVD burners are NOT capable of DIRECTLY copying a DVD movie or game =
disc, since the discs are scrambled, and the CES de-scrambling codes are =
located on a part of the disc that cannot be mechanically copied by the =
burners, but can be read by all DVD players. Those codes are required to =
decode them, so they will play on the DVD players.=20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(2) Which DVD burner and discs are best?=20

The recordable DVD world is now a bit too complicated, something like =
the video tape or CD-R world was many years ago. Take a look at a few =
dozen of the most popular DVD Writers and the types of DVD recordable =
discs they can work with at... Our "Which Burner with Which DVD?" Page =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-compatibility.html> =20

Recommended DVD Burner -- The new Pioneer DVR-107 and their previous =
DVR-106D model are the most popular and dependable burners/players for =
most users. They burns or creates 4.7gb DVD=B1R write-once discs at up =
to 4x speed (8x for the new DVR-107) and DVD=B1RW erasable discs at 2x =
(4x for the DVR-107). They also creates or burns CD-R and CD-RW discs. =
It plays DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, CD-RW and both DVD Video and DVD Music, CD =
Video and CD music discs. They are internal ATAPI EIDE drives that work =
in the great majority of Windows PCs and G4 Macs. Installation is easy, =
and is "plug-n-play", only taking a few minutes. If you can install a =
hard drive, you can install this DVD burner. An optional external =
Firewire/USB2.0 enclosure can also be ordered with the drive if you =
intend to use it on Notebook computers or want to make the drive usable =
on more than one PC. See our DVD burners at... Our DVD Burner Page =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd_burners.html> .=20

Regarding DVD-R and player compatibility, see our below... Which DVD =
players can play +/- DVDR's? =
<http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#faq_2a> =20

The majority of DVD players now in the market appear to play at least =
one type of DVD=B1R 4.7gb "general purpose" type discs well.=20

We sell all formats of recordable DVD discs, including DVD-R, DVD-RW, =
DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, and so on. So whichever burner you buy, we can =
sell you the discs you need at very competitive prices.=20

There are other burners out in the market, including the Panasonic =
drives which burn only DVD-R/W and DVD-RAM discs. The advantage to this =
recorder is that it can edit DVD video using the fast DVD-RAM discs, and =
then produce a final DVD-R disc which will play on most popular consumer =
DVD players. If you do a lot of DVD video editing you may want to =
consider this drive. However, many video editors prefer to edit their =
video on their fast hard drives since hard drives are so cheap these =
days, and prefer the versatility of the Pioneer DVR-A04 above for =
burning and playing many formats of DVDs and CDs. A major problem for =
many users is that these drives require much more expensive DVD-R discs =
than usual, due to their use of a DVD-RAM laser that was designed =
primarily to write to the metallic bottomed DVD-RAM discs. If you are =
intending to use your burner to write to DVD-R discs, don't by a DVD-RAM =
machine. It will end up costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars =
more due to its -R reflectivity issues.=20

If we were entering the market at this time, we would buy the =
most-popular Pioneer DVR-107 burner. For editable discs, we'd use the =
DVD-RWs it burns. For DVD "releases" for public or company-wide =
distribution, we'd use the 4.7 GB DVD-Rs it produces (understanding that =
about many DVD players may not play a particular brand of blank DVD-R or =
DVD+R disc). Over time, as the market matures, more and more consumer =
DVD players will play the DVD-R discs. It is priced right, and is very =
versatile. Then, we would expect to replace it with an all new drive =
sometime in 18-24 months.=20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(3.a) Which DVD players can play +/- DVDR's?=20

Model by Model Lists of Reported Features
by DVDRHELP.COM
Reported DVD Compatibility (as of Feb. 2004)

60% DVD-R "minus" COMPATIBILITY - 2204 of ALL 3688 TOTAL DVD PLAYERS =
<http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDname=3D&Submit=3DSearch&dvdr=3D=
1&Search=3DSearch&orderby=3DName> (click to check your model of DVD =
player for Minus or General compatibility)=20

47% DVD+R "plus" COMPATIBILITY - 1731 of ALL 3688 TOTAL DVD PLAYERS =
<http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers.php?DVDname=3D&Submit=3DSearch&dvdplu=
sr=3D1&Search=3DSearch&orderby=3DName> (click to check your model of =
DVD player for Plus compatibility)=20

In practice, as shown on the pages linked here, about 53% of today's DVD =
players don't work with either DVD+R or +RW discs, a number which is =
substantially more than the "minority" they admit to on the page above.=20

And, the number for DVD-R and DVD-RW discs is only a bit better, with as =
many as 40% of today's DVD players not working with the "general" or =
"minus" type of blank DVD recordable.=20

However, the percentages are improving. More and more of today's current =
DVD player models actually support playing most DVD-R and most DVD+R =
discs. The number of DVD players actually on the shelves in stores that =
play recordable DVDs is around 90%. Only a few models don't play at =
least some brands and kinds of blank, recordable -R or +R discs.=20

It is our experience that thousands of our customers do in fact report =
greater DVD player compatibility of the DVD-R and DVD-RW "minus" or =
"general" type discs, compared to the "plus" type +R or +RW discs. Some =
sources report similar findings of about 60% player compatibility for =
DVD-R, and only 47% or so for the DVD+R. As always, your own =
compatibility may vary...=20

Furthermore, the actual performance of any particular BRAND of disc can =
vary within a type, due to variations in proprietary (patented) design =
issues relating to differing bottom dyes used, dye laser light =
absorption factors and silver reflectivity values. As a result, any =
particular brand may not perform with a particular model of DVD player, =
even though the player is designed to theoretically handle some brands =
of "plus" or "minus" type of blank DVD.=20

The DVD+RW Alliance group that controls that "plus DVD" recording =
industry claims that their disc format is at least theoretically =
compatible with ALL of the DVD players. See their page at... =
http://www.dvdrw.com/why/compatibility.htm.=20

DVD+R and DVD+RW are compatible!=20

DVD+R/+RW video recorders are based on the standardized DVD-Video =
format currently used by the millions of DVD players sold worldwide. =
Because DVD+RW uses only one mode for recording and editing, every =
recording you make is DVD-Video compatible. There is no need for a =
player explicitly to support DVD+RW or to indicate compatibility with =
DVD+RW on the front of the player by means of a logo. The reason you see =
this on other recordable DVD formats is because they require specially =
adapted players to make their recordings compatible with other machines. =
The logo lets you know which players will work with your recording. In =
contrast, even if a player is not indicated explicitly as being DVD+RW =
compatible, it is very likely it will still play the disc because we use =
the standardized DVD-Video format.=20

On a physical level, recordable and rewritable DVDs are almost =
identical to normal, pre-pressed DVDs. However, due to the nature of =
recordable and rewritable media (such as a different degree of laser =
reflectivity), a minority of players might not be able to play such =
discs correctly. As a guideline to which players can and cannot play =
DVD+R and DVD+RW, so-called compatibility overviews were created.=20

DVD+RW ALLIANCE'S OFFICIAL LIST
DVD+RW Compatibility Overview =
<http://www.dvdrw.com/why/compatoverview.htm> =20

DVDplusRW.org LISTS
Home DVD Players =
<http://www.dvdplusrw.org/resources/compatibilitylist_dvdvideo.html>=20
Computer DVD Drives =
<http://www.dvdplusrw.org/resources/compatibilitylist_dvdrom.html> =20

DVDRHELP.COM LISTS
Main DVD Player Search Form <http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers> =20

HP LISTS
HP DVD Player Compatibility List =
<http://www.hp.com/cposupport/information_storage/support_doc/lpg41401.ht=
ml> =20

RICOH LISTS
<http://www.ricoh.co.jp/dvd/asia/cope/>=20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(3) Why do my DVD-Rs only play on some DVD players and not others?=20

While the DVD Movie and Game discs you buy or rent in the stores appear =
to be "silver" or "gold", they are usually made from aluminum coatings, =
over a clear layer that has been mechanically pressed with pits or holes =
to encode the data that the lasers in the DVD players decode into music =
and video signals. DVD Video discs that are made this way do not require =
the light sensitive dye layer used in DVD-R discs, and so they appear =
clear on the bottom, or nearly so. They never have to be "burned".=20

By contrast, the recordable DVD-R discs use a dark dye layer to absorb =
the higher powered laser in DVD burners to create the tiny pits or holes =
that encode the disc's data. This dye layer causes problems for some =
cheaper and older DVD players, but it is none-the-less required to =
"burn" the DVD-R. Most of today's DVD Players now are able to read both =
the clear bottomed DVD movie and game discs, and also the colored dye =
bottomed DVD-R discs. We have a page that lists over 200 DVD players now =
in the market, rating their DVD-R playing compatibility. Approximately =
97% of today's DVD players actually being sold at the moment, can play =
DVD-R type discs, while about 86% will play DVD+R discs. When you count =
ALL THE PLAYERS still in use, then the numbers drop down to 47-60% =
compatibility... but the older machines are being replaced by newer more =
compatible machines pretty fast. You can see more info on DVD players =
and DVD-R/+R compatibility discussed below...=20

As far as the "quality" of the DVD-R discs themselves, we constantly =
test our own generic DVD-Rs to ensure their high-quality, low-errors, =
and consistent workability with popular players and burners. We get far =
less than 1% of them returned. See our FULL list of all our general =
purpose DVD-Rs at... General DVD-Rs List =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/gen%20dvd%20media.html> =20

The blank DVD-Rs we call "Pro-Grade" are our best quality discs, with =
the lowest error rates and highest player/burner compatibility. See our =
list of Pro-Grade general purpose DVD-Rs at... Pro-Grade DVD-Rs =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/gen%20pro%20dvd%20media.html> =20

Our "Standard Grade" DVD-Rs are less expensive, but may not be =
compatible with a few brands of DVD burners and players, such as the =
Panasonic DMR-EM20/30 series. Otherwise, the discs are of reliable, =
consistent quality for most users. See our list of Standard general =
purpose DVD-Rs at... Standard Grade DVD-Rs =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/standard%20dvd%20media.html> =20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(4) Which DVD recordable discs are the most compatible with players?=20

Not all DVD Players are capable of playing or reading a DVD-R format =
recordable DVD disc. And, those that can play at least one kind or brand =
of DVD-R may not be able to play other brands, regardless of quality.=20

Most Can... A glance at the lists linked here will show you that about =
97% of today's DVD players actually on shelves can handle DVD-Rs. As you =
may know, the store-bought DVD Movies and Games you have were pressed =
mechanically, like old-fashioned vinyl LP records. By contrast, your =
recordable DVD-R discs are "burned" with a laser, and have a slightly =
different format than the retail DVDs you buy or rent. Playing your =
burned DVD-Rs requires an extra feature or two that MOST but not all =
players have. Below is our current detailed list, of existing DVD player =
brands and models with an evaluation of their ability to play your DVD-R =
recordings.=20

Little Differences Matter... There are subtle differences between the =
dye formulas and top reflectors used among DVD-R manufacturers, as each =
company struggles to find a "middle ground" that straddles the wide =
variations in laser types and logic circuitry used by DVD players and =
burners. Even though two general purpose type DVD-Rs may be well made, =
they may have been made to slightly different standards by their makers; =
each deciding to be more or less compatible with certain brands of =
players and burners.=20

How Do We Know? This information has been obtained from many sources, =
including our own tests and information from users such as yourself. It =
is constantly updated. While we cannot absolutely guarantee that your =
recordings will play on each of these players, we hope that this partial =
list of over 200 different DVD players will help you see the present =
state of the DVD player market.=20

No Guarantees... Remember that this list is merely a guide to DVD-R and =
DVD player compatibility. It does not, nor cannot guarantee that any one =
DVD-R disc is compatible with a particular player. It merely reports =
that the player has been reported to work with at least ONE type or =
brand of general purpose DVD-R or DVD-RW.=20

Try a Few... As always, we recommend that you buy small quantities of =
several types of general purpose DVD-R discs to determine which will =
work best with your own burner and available target DVD players. The DVD =
recordable market is constantly changing and requires that you be =
willing to invest a minimum of time and a modest "testing budget" to =
gain the experience and knowledge you need to fully enjoy and benefit =
from this exciting new technology. If you wish, you may want to order =
one of our affordable Sampler DVD Paks =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/gen%20dvd%20sampler.html> (Each sampler pak =
includes FREE 2nd Business Day Air Shipping at no additional charge, and =
is non-returnable.)=20

Share Your Wisdom... If you wish to provide us with another model that =
you have tested personally and can provide reliable information about, =
or you have found an error in the list below, feel free to email us your =
own research results at... support@vend4less.com=20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(5) What is the difference between DVD-R/DVD-RW, DVD+R/DVD+RW and =
DVD-RAM discs?=20

DVD-R and DVD-RW=20

These 2 disc types were created by the DVD Forum ( see it at DVD Forum =
Site <http://www.dvdforum.org/forum.shtml> ).=20

Both DVD-R and DVD-RW types generally come in the single-sided, single =
layer 4.7 GB capacity, which is roughly equal to 120-minutes of standard =
playing time.=20

You can also now find 9.4 GB double-sided discs entering the market, =
although there are no players which will automatically play both sides =
of the disc without ejecting it and turning it over. Eventually, there =
will be DVD-R discs available that will hold around 20 GB of data, =
recorded into two layers on each side of the disc. At this time, these =
20gb discs are not yet available.=20

The most common DVD-R is a write-once 4.7gb disc that comes in two =
sub-types -- "general purpose" and "authoring". The general purpose =
discs are part of the industry's copy-protection scheme, which employ =
CES scrambling to protect movies and music and game discs from being =
copied. These discs can only be burned by general purpose type DVD =
writers such as the Pioneer DVR-A04/104/A03/103 machines, the Panasonic =
LF-D311 and D321, Apple Superdrive, etc. Such machines cannot copy the =
playback descrambling codes on DVD movies or game discs, so they cannot =
be easily copied. Authoring DVD-Rs must be burned by the Pioneer =
DVR-S201 DVD Writer, which produces non-copy protected discs for use in =
the industry for professional, retail DVD duplicators and distributors. =
Once recorded, either a general or authoring DVD-R can be played on most =
DVD players (if the player is DVD-R compatible). See our DVD-R discs' =
info and price offerings at... General DVD-R Discs Info =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/gen%20dvdr%20media.html> =20

By contrast to the write-once DVD-R types, the DVD-RW is fully =
re-writable or eraseable up to 1,000 times. However, unlike the older =
DVD-RAM format, these particular erasables are NOT "random access", =
meaning that you cannot erase bits and pieces of them. Instead, you have =
to completely erase the whole disc to reuse it. The DVD-RW can be played =
on many DVD players, but not quite as many as the DVD-Rs. Of course, =
DVD-RAM discs are playable on only a few types of DVD players. See our =
DVD-RW discs' info and price offerings at... General DVD-RW Info =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/gen%20dvdrw%20media.html> =20

Most DVD-R burners like the Pioneer DVR-104s and compatibles, can also =
burn DVD-RW discs. An exception is the popular Panasonic DVD burners, =
which burn only DVD-R and DVD-RAM. This drive is great for users who =
want both data storage and editing features from DVD-RAM, and DVD-R =
production capabilities for disc copying and distribution.=20

DVD-R is the most popular format for most Windows users, and is almost =
universally accepted by Mac users as their standard DVD recordable =
format.=20

DVD+R and DVD+RW=20

These two types were created and are backed by the DVD+RW Alliance ( see =
it at DVD+RW Alliance Site <http://www.dvdrw.com/> ). A few companies =
who back the DVD Forum (above) are also active in the DVD+RW Alliance, =
but the two standards are not compatible.=20

The oldest "plus type" DVD is the DVD+RW. It, like DVD-RW, is a =
rewriteable 4.7 GB DVD kind of disc. DVD+RW, does have a couple of =
technical advantages -- (1) lossless linking (which enables some editing =
after recording without a full erasure that DVD-RW requires), (2) up to =
2.4X recording speeds on some burners, and (3) a special drag-and-drop =
file support on the desktop (otherwise known as DVD+MRW). Unfortunately, =
the DVD+R disc type does NOT even begin to compare with DVD-R as far as =
DVD playback compatibility. However, the actual level of DVD workability =
on players of DVD+RW is claimed to be about equal to DVD-RW. Of course, =
even so, neither the DVD+R nor the older DVD+RW discs are as popular as =
DVD-R and DVD-RW are. See our DVD+RW disc info and prices offerings =
at... DVD+RW Product List =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/plus-rw%20media.html> =20

The newer DVD+R write-once type disc is aimed at becoming more =
compatible with DVD players. However, the fact is that so far it is only =
about as compatible as DVD-R discs are. Also, the DVD+R discs are more =
expensive in today's market, and not burnable by "1st generation" =
plus-type burners, which were designed only for the DVD+RW rewritable =
discs. If you want to create +R discs, you'll need the newer "2nd =
generation" type burners, such as the Sony 120A, the Ricoh 5125A, and so =
on. See our DVD+R disc info and prices offerings at... DVD+R Product =
List <http://www.americal.com/ct/plus-r%20media.html> =20

DVD-RAM=20

DVD-RAM is used for data backups and storage, and for editing of video =
or audio content prior to the production of a final distribution DVD. =
The DVD-RAM disc type is made to act a lot like a hard drive, where the =
disc can be formatted for HFS+ Macintosh or Windows type computers, and =
so on. It can handle 100,000 or more erasures, and should last for many =
years. Of course it is not playable on many DVD players. Type 2.0 =
DVD-RAM discs can be removed from their cases to enable playback on the =
few players in which they are compatible. The newer DVD-RAM drives can =
handle any sized such disc, including 2.6, 5.2, 4.7 or 9.4 GB discs. See =
our DVD-RAM disc info and prices offerings at... DVD-RAM Product List =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/dvdram%20media.html> =20

HOW ABOUT AN "EVERY DVD" TYPE BURNER?=20

Nope. Unfortunately you can't get a burner that will handle both =
"general type" and "plus type" DVD recordables.=20

The Panasonic LF-D321/311 machines (and OEM versions packaged by other =
companies using the same mechanism) offers a drive that some users =
prefer. It lets you do backups, editing and temporary storage on DVD-RAM =
discs, and then lets you switch to DVD-R's popular format when you want =
to make discs for distribution. For editing, the DVD-RAM is very fast =
and offers a drag-and-drop type ease of use like a hard drive. See the =
Panasonic DVD Writers at... Panasonic DVD Burners =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/lfd311.html> =20

However, the popular Pioneer DVR-104 and its OEM compatibles such as the =
Apple Superdrive also offer a combination of features -- you can burn =
both CD-R and CD-RW discs, as well as DVD-R and DVD-RW discs. While you =
can use DVD-RW for erasable backups, you don't have the easy file access =
that DVD-RAM offers. As far as editing goes, most users simply buy =
bigger hard drives to have the room for video and music edits. Hard =
drive prices and speed advantages make that an attractive option. =
Altogether, these drives are by far the most popular machines for most =
users. See the Pioneer combo DVD Writers at... Pioneer DVD Burners =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/pioneer%20dvd%20burner.html> =20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(6) Will paper DVD labels hurt my recorded DVDs?=20

For many years, CD-R manufacturers recommended that users NOT apply =
paper labels to their newly recorded CDs. They felt that the labels' =
adhesive would harm the sensitive silver reflector by tarnishing it, or =
that off-center labels might cause the disc to wobble, making it =
unreadable.=20

These factors are much more important today for DVD recordable discs =
than they ever were for CD-Rs. On DVD-Rs, the tiny data bubbles that =
encode the video and audio data are 8-times closer together than on CDs. =
Even the slightest degradation of the edges of the bubbles due to UV or =
heat exposure can ruin a DVD-R. Also, even the slightest wobbling during =
playback can make video tracks unreadable, or produce "jitters" or =
blinking, horizontal lines, and so on. In some cases, the discs can =
become completely unplayable.=20

We recommend that if you wish to apply labels to your DVD recorded =
discs, you use our "no-wobble" discs, together with an appropriate =
full-face label applicator tool to help you center and prevent bubbles =
when applying the labels. See these products at... No-Wobble DVD Labels =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/no-wobble.html> =20

The other solution is to print directly onto the disc itself with a high =
quality inkjet or thermal printer. We sell special inkjet surface DVD-R =
discs. See them at... Inkjet Printable DVDs =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/dvd%20inkjet%20media.html> =20

We also sell CD/DVD inkjet printers with the pass-thru trays that let =
you print directly onto the special inkjet discs... Direct-to-disc =
Inkjet Printers <http://www.americal.com/ct/inkjet%20printer.html> =20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(7) How long do recorded DVD discs last?=20

All DVD recordable discs are extremely sensitive to heat, UV light and =
humidity. You should avoid exposing them to any extremely hot =
environment such as automobile interiors in the sun, or inside near =
radiators or heaters, or near an outside window, and so on.=20

It's best to keep all DVD-R discs stored in a cool, dry place, closed up =
in a blank plastic DVD movie case. This will ensure that they last the =
longest.=20

Avoid any abrasive, scratching or etching treatment of the disc's top or =
bottom. Remember that they are much more sensitive than DVD VIdeo or =
Game discs, and that even a small scratch can make them unplayable.=20

However, a scratched DVD-R can be destroyed in seconds, and one exposed =
to high temperatures, humidity or strong UV light sources can become =
unplayable within anything from a few hours to a few days. One study of =
average DVD-R discs stored at 80 degrees and high humidity showed that =
many of them became unplayable in only a few hundred hours. Imagine what =
storage in a sun-heated car interior's "oven" at about 200 degrees would =
do!=20

Treat your recorded DVD-Rs with care. Handle them by their edges, =
gently. Avoid harsh chemicals in marking pens, ink and label adhesives. =
Avoid touching the top or bottom surfaces. Don't slide them across =
tables, players or computer cases. Return them to their black DVD cases =
immediately after playing. Don't stack DVD-Rs one on top of each other =
and shuffle them like a deck of cards.=20

Do buy white coated DVD-Rs. The extra top coating can add a bit of extra =
protection against some chemicals and minor nicks and abrasions. Do buy =
gold metal reflectors when you want to get the absolute longest storage =
possible. Gold does not tarnish. Silver alloy metal reflector discs can =
last for many years also, especially with the white top.=20

With proper handling and protection during storage, a DVD-R disc can =
last for longer than you will probably want to re-play them. One company =
claims that its DVD-R discs can last up to 100-years or more. Store your =
own DVD recorded discs carefully in a cool, dark, dry place and they =
should last for many years.=20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(8) What are "Authoring" DVD-R discs?=20

Authoring type DVD-R discs are made to be compatible only with the very =
expensive Pioneer DVR-S201 DVD Writer, which sells for $4,000 to $5,000. =
This machine produces special DVD-Rs which are used as "mastering" discs =
for professional distribution and duplication purposes. Authoring discs =
are not compatible with inexpensive "general purpose" or "plus type" =
DVD-R/RW or DVD+R/+RW Writers. The actual quality of authoring discs is =
not necessarily better than any other. It is simply a non-copy protected =
disc type, made for professional use. See our AUTHORING DVD-R discs' =
info and prices at... Authoring DVD-R Discs =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/auth%20dvd%20media.html> =20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(9) Are your DVD-R discs GUARANTEED to be compatible with my player or =
burner?=20

Actually NOBODY can guarantee 100% compatibility for their DVD =
recordables in today's market. Why? Well ...=20

While the market is improving regarding burner/player/disc compatibility =
and conformity with standards, it is not yet a "mature" market.=20

In fact, some say there is a battle going on between major brands such =
as Philips and Pioneer, with the consumer caught in the crossfire.=20

Unfortunately, as a result of this battle, DVD-R discs cannot be =
guaranteed to be compatible with all DVD burners or all DVD players. =
Even within the specific DVD recordable type, such as authoring, general =
purpose, plus and DVD-RAM, a particular brand of disc may not be =
compatible with a particular burner or player. The discs are only =
guaranteed to be free of defects in materials or workmanship. Since you =
find a disc of excellent quality to be incompatible with your particular =
combinations of burners, players and software, we always recommend that =
you order a sampler pak before ordering the larger spindles of discs. =
Anytime after upgrading your software, firmware or changing your =
hardware configuration, we recommend testing again. You may obtain an =
inexpensive, non-returnable sampler pak containing several brands of =
recordable DVD discs at... DVD Sampler =
<http://www.americal.com/ct/dvd%20sampler.html> (we include free 2nd =
day shipping in the cost of these paks)=20

About 75% of today's DVD players can play at least one kind of DVD-R. It =
appears that just slightly fewer can play DVD+R discs at the moment, =
although this number is slowly increasing. Perhaps 25-30% can play some =
kind of DVD-RW. Next come the DVD+RW and DVD-RAM discs. See a list of =
DVD players with recordable playing features at... DVD-R/W Compatible =
Players <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvdr-play-compatibility.html> =20

* Back to Top <http://www.americal.com/pg/dvd-r-faq.html#top_list>=20

(10) Why won't my DVD-R discs burn at 2X speed?=20

Unfortunately there is no official standard for the manufacturers of 2X =
discs. Standards are set by a group called the DVD Forum, and they DO =
have a standard for 1X. The way that Pioneer gets 2X performance on some =
kinds of DVD-R discs is by testing a sample of each manufacturer's discs =
and tweaking their DVR-104/A04 burner's firmware for each disc. If they =
find an adjustment that works for a disc brand and type, they create a =
modified version of their firmware and release it on their web pages. =
Every few weeks or months, there is a new firmware for the Pioneer brand =
DVR-104 and DVR-A04. However, some DVR-104 units installed by other =
computer makers may use different, and older, firmware. That firmware =
may not recognize as many kinds of discs to operate at 2X.=20

FOR WINDOWS USERS -- Most of our Windows users have no problems with the =
2X speed on our 2X Pro-Grade DVD-Rs, however we have had a few Apple =
owners report that they've had problems. If you're a Windows and Pioneer =
drive user and have installed the latest Pioneer firmware upgrades, you =
still may not be able to get 2X performance from some discs that are in =
fact rated for 2X. This may be due to the condition of the disc, the =
version of the creation software you're using and various other factors =
including memory usage, bus and processor speed, and so on. As always, =
it is best to buy a small sampler pack of DVD recordables to check for =
performance on your machine. Be sure that no other programs are running =
other than your disc creation software to guarantee maximum speed =
performance.=20

FOR APPLE MAC USERS -- Apple's Superdrive will probably NOT be =
upgradable with the Pioneer Firmware, but you will need to check with =
Apple to find out. Also, Pioneer may know about that issue, since they =
are the ones doing the testing and re-writing of the upgraded firmware =
for users to download.=20

See the Pioneer 2X DVD-R Writing Statement at... Pioneer's 2X Statement =
<http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDA/Common/ArticleDetails/0,14=
84,36000,00.html> =20

See Pioneer's comment about non-Pioneer drives ... "This firmware =
utility is not proper for upgrading OEM drive. For users of OEM drives, =
please contact each PC maker for assistance when upgrading." (By OEM, =
they mean non-Pioneer units like the Apple Superdrive.) at their =
firmware download page... Pioneer's Firmware Page =
<http://wwwbsc.pioneer.co.jp/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00001r_e.html#firm=
ware1> =20

Read Apple's knowledgebase support page about upgrading the Superdrive's =
firmware... Apple Firmware =
<http://download.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/Misc/Inserts/073-0662-=
a.pdf> (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)=20

________________________________

From: videolib-bounces@library.berkeley.edu =
[mailto:videolib-bounces@library.berkeley.edu] On Behalf Of =
MileFilms@aol.com
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 11:52 AM
To: videolib@library.berkeley.edu
Subject: Re: [Videolib] DVD-R -- not a stable format

Here's my perspective as a distributor who just got into DVD-R last year =
for our smaller titles. I will be the first to admit that there are =
inherent problems with the technology and say that I don't particularly =
like them. We include instructions in the case or on the back explaining =
the difference between a DVD-R and a DVD that strongly encourages =
everyone to play the DVD-R on the machine that will be used ahead of =
time to make sure it's compatable with the player. On important =
playdates with our new releases, I tend to provide a DVD-R and a DVD+R =
as backup.

DVD-Rs only exist because a) they're cheaper to produce and b) libraries =
and educators prefer DVDs in whatever format over VHS tapes. It's =
getting back to Gary's theory about new technologies. And admitedly, =
when done right and depending on the source material, DVD-Rs do look =
better than tape.

I'd say "home produced" DVD-Rs (those burned on replicators or computers =
at the distributor) have a 5% to 20% failure rate, which is way too =
much. The DVD-Rs that come straight from the lab with more sophisticated =
machinery, seems to have less failures.=20

Of course, anytime there's a failed DVD-R, we replace it immediately and =
I suspect other companies do as well. And we are continuously =
investigating ways to provide real DVDs for new nontheatrical titles at =
an economical cost, and though that time hasn't come yet, it should =
soon. Especially when the studios start going over to HD-DVD and the =
small replicators get desperate for standard DVD work.

We also established a policy for those who bought a DVD-R from us for =
institutional rates (such as WINTER SOLDIER), where we will be shipping =
the standard DVDs out automatically to those people when they are =
printed for the home video market. I hope other distributors consider =
this.

Hopefully, DVD-Rs will be a temporary format before a better one comes =
along. Most of our DVD-Rs of our older titles cost $29.95 to $39.95 to =
purchase (without PPR) as we have a different model for our company.

Unless they come with a free replacement guarantee at any time (they are =
even more prone to scratches and fingerprints than DVDs), I don't think =
they're worth buying over a VHS. Not yet.

Dennis Doros
Milestone Film & Video
PO Box 128
Harrington Park, NJ 07640
Phone: (800) 603-1104 or (201) 767-3117
Fax: (201) 767-3035
Email: milefilms@aol.com
Website: http://www.milestonefilms.com

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