Which Format of DVD is right for you?
The advantage of hard drive recorders is that your recordings are stored on an internal disc drive. But if you do choose to buy a digital DVD recorder then you need to be able to understand the jargon and which discs to buy.
Digital DVD Recorders: which DVD discs do you need?
There is a confusing array of DVD formats, so we’ve put together an easy to read guide below to help you pick the right type of disk for you.
DVD –R and DVD +R
Write once. Once you have recorded onto them, you can’t record over them to use them again. The good news is, though, you can’t erase them either, so possibly a good choice for your favourite films or shows. Can be used in most Digital DVD players.
DVD –RW and DVD +RW. These discs are re-recordable. You can re-use them, recording onto them up to 1000 times.
DVD RAM Used for storing data. Unlikely to play back in most Digital DVD Players.
HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Formats for recording High Definition (HD) TV.
Blank discs can cost about 90p each, but if you buy in bulk (say 100), that price can be reduced to about 20p each.
Each disc would typically have a capacity of 4.7 Gig – enough for 2 hours of standard definition recording.
DVD +RW is possibly the best choice, giving good compatibility and record-ability along with availability.