Sony RDR-GX7 Frequently Asked Questions about Recordable DVD - Page 5

DVD-RW DVD-RW has the backing of Sony, Pioneer, Hitachi, Samsung, and Apple, among others in the DVD Forum. It can burn CD-R and CD-RW discs as well as DVD-RW and DVD-R and boasts a high level of compatibility with existing DVD players and drives. DVD-RW advantages include: n It was the first combination DVD and CD recorder on the market and was released over a year before DVD+RW. n More DVD-RW drives in use than DVD+RW at this time. n The most inexpensive DVD writable media in the market today (DVD-R). n An impressive level of compatibility with existing DVD drives and players via its write-once format, DVD-R. This format currently has the edge on compatibility. n DVD-RW is a rewritable format capable of being reused up to 1,000 times and claims compatibility with DVD-Video and DVD-ROM standards. DVD-R provides a 4.7 GB* single-write solution at 2x speed (2.8 MB/s), roughly 18x CD speed, and a rewrite solution at 1x speed (1.4 MB/s). With Sony's DRU-500 series, you can record a DVD-R at 4x speed (5.6 MB/s) and DVD-RW at 2x speed, effectively doubling previous speeds. It has great compatibility with existing drives and players and has enjoyed an earlier release and adoption rate. This format must use 2x-rated and 4x-rated media to support the 2x- and 4x- write speeds. Backed by Sony, Philips, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Microsoft, and others companies of the DVD+RW Alliance, the DVD+RW format is based upon existing CD-R/RW technology and records DVD+RW and DVD+R as well as CD-R and CD-RW discs. Its goal is to provide consumer electronic and PC compatibility, and is a rewritable format providing full compatibility with existing DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. DVD+RW advantages include: n Writes and rewrites at the same 2.4x speed. This makes it possible to burn an hour's worth of video in under half an hour at a throughput of 3.3 MB/s (equivalent to 20-22x CD recorder). n Quicker background formatting within seconds, with faster lead-in and finish times than DVD-RW. This happens invisibly in the background and allows for instant recording. n DVD+RW discs can be used for data and video files regardless of speed rating. n "Lossless linking," which means that the drive can stop recording at any time and then resume later without error by editing directly on the disc. You can replace parts of a DVD+RW recording without having to erase the disc and start over. DVD+R is a single-write, dye-based medium based on DVD+RW that offers great compatibility. It is capable of storing 4.7 GB* of information and can use any DVD+R disc without needing the media to qualify for a particular write speed. DVD+RW