Different types of DVD Media

Unfortunately due to the various array of technology that exists in the way of DVD's there is no definite standard. Because of this it makes it very difficult to create a DVD that is guaranteed to work on every player. Here at EckS Media we use DVD-R disks as they are the most versatile disks and will work in the majority of DVD players. As such there are three main types of DVD media that all have different advantages and disadvantages. Here is a brief explanation of each:

1. DVD-R or DVD-RW

Firstly the definition of R and RW are R = write once (once a blank disk is written to it is not possible to be erased, added to or modified) RW = Re-Writeable (once a blank disk is written to the data can be erased and the disk can then be re used).

     DVD - (minus) disks are the most common of the burnable DVD's. These are mostly used for video because they are compatible with most DVD players. These disks are compatible with around 96% of DVD players on the market today. If you are not sure if your DVD player is able to play DVD-R disks please check here.

2. DVD+R or DVD+RW

     These disks also come in write once (R) and re-write (RW) as with DVD-.

     DVD + (plus) disks are very similar to minus disks in that these are also a burnable media. They are still a very compatible disk that will work in most DVD players however they only work in around an 88% of the DVD players on the market today.

3. DVD (glass mastered)

    DVD disks are non recordable media. This is the type of disk that you would buy from the store with the latest Hollywood blockbuster on it. These disks are created using a Glass Master and are only available for mass produced productions. A glass master disk is created by a DVD duplication company which is used to "stamp" the information onto the blank disks. This process is normally limited to duplication runs of 1000 disks or greater.

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So what format does EckS Media Prefer?

    Here at EckS Media we use DVD-R disks for all of our DVD video productions. The reasons for this are simple: They are the most reliable media, and also compatible with the most DVD Players.

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To check the compatibility of your own DVD Player please go to here, videohelp.com and search for your DVD Player model number.

Read our next article "Why DVD over VHS?"

©EckS Media

This article was written by Darren Wilkins
Last updated 9th June 2006