Page 1 of DVD Recording Format Clarification

Like other contributors to this forum, I am considering taking the plunge and investing in a stand-alone DVD recorder. Please could someone help clarify some of the advice given previously?

I like the idea of DVD RAM as a time shifting device and the Panasonic DMRE50EBS seems an attractive proposition. However, it has been stated that, the DVD-R discs are not truly DVD compatible. Yet DVD-R is the 'official' standard of the DVD Forum !

Also reading the specs of various DVD +R/WR machines, they will play DVD-R discs. So surely this will in some way 'future proof' ant recordings I make on DVD-R discs, should DVD+R win out finally as the winning format

Finally, what are the choices of DVD+R recorders. I personally don't like Philips having experienced a LOT of problems with that in the past.

Regards
Steve

DVD-RAM is very versatile (with editing and timeslip), but is not compatible with many DVD players at all. - Multiple use!

DVD-R is very compatible with DVD players (between 85% and 95%). - Single use!

DVD+R is also very compatible with DVD players (between 80% and 90%). - Single use!

DVD+RW is fairly compatible with other DVD players (between 70% and 80%). - Multiple use!

I think that if DVD+R comes out on top the DVD-R will always be supported. As for other DVD+ records, well there is the new Sony one coming out soon and I think there is a Yamaha one out too.

No matter what way you go (+ or -) it might be a good idea to get a unit with a hard disk in it as you can then record from -RAM/+RW to hard disk and then back to +/-R.

I recently purchased a Panasonic DMR-E50 & I have made many recordings on DVD-R discs. These have played back problem-free in Sony, Samsung, Philips & Toshiba DVD players that I have used. As long as you finalise the DVD-R disc after recording, it will playback in 99% of DVD players. However 50% of my recordings are on DVD-RAM discs due to the time-slip feature(watch programs while recording another on the same Disc) & the Quick View feature(watch recordings at 1.3 times normal speed. The editing flexibility of DVD-RAM discs put other formats to shame. Also the reliability of Panasonic DVD recorders is unmatched. I cannot imagine using another DVD recording format. Also the price of the DMR-E50 is now priced at £324.95 at http://www.prcdirect.co.uk, the lowest price in the UK & delivery is free.