DVD RW drive questions

[Iniamyen]

I'm considering buying a DVD +/-RW drive but I don't know anything about them. My only concern is that I would like to be able to do everything and not be limited by features or specifications (ie write data discs, backup movie discs, write double layered.) Is double layered media even available? Aren't movies double layered?

Basically all I know is that -R is for movies and +R is for data. Or something like that. I'd prefer to buy LiteOn if they have a drive that will do everything. Also, is one brand of media better for compatability? Thanks in advance.

[RJ]

Is double layered media even available?

Yep, it is.

Aren't movies double layered?

Most of them are.

Basically all I know is that -R is for movies and +R is for data. Or something like that.

Wrong ;) You can use DVD+R for everything, just like DVD-R. I prefer DVD+R and I never used DVD-R at all. With DVD+R, using the DVD-ROM bitsetting, you get the most compatible type of media.

So the drive you want is the LiteOn SOHW-832S. It's LiteOn's only drive that can also burn to DVD+R DL.
So it burns to DVD+R, DVD+R DL, DVD+RW, DVD-R and DVD-RW.

RJ

[Iniamyen]

Thanks for the info, I will check that drive out.

So if I understand you correctly, there is no double layered RW format?
And no double layered -R format?

[RJ]

Yep you understand it correctly, there is no dual layered RW .. . it actually might be impossible, because the RW discs have a lower reflectivity. . they reflect as little light as the second layer of a dual layer disc. That is the problem.

Nope, no dual layer -R either.. . but Pioneer is working on it and they said it might be finished by the end of this year, so it should be available early next year.

DVD+R is the only format that offers you single and dual layered media. I wouldn't bother with DVD-R DL anyway, the "+" format does everything you need. The DVD+R DL just needs to mature a little bit. From what I've read about it so far it works great if burned correctly, and the burning is the actual problem because many programs (Nero and DVD Decrypter included) don't burn it correctly yet.

RJ