How do I know which dvd to burn?????

[ingeborgdot]

I am planning on buying a plextor 708a because of the ratings it has received and because it burns all the formats.  My question is I am planning on burning some dvds from vcr sources of family for a gift but how do I know which dvd to use for them?  Should I ask for the make of their dvd player or what?  What is the most common dvd??  Thanks.

[Tranquility_Base]

If they're gonna watch it on their own DVD-ROM u should ask them which formats their drive supports. There's DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW. Download a utility called Nero Info-tool to get detailed info on the drive and what DVD formats it supports. Usually u can also read the specs for the formats on the front of the drive, but u have the Nero tool to help u out.
DVD-RW was the only format that was available andwas supported by Compaq, Apple and Pioneer, before the DVD+RW alliance was formed including Dell, HP, Sony, Phillips, Thomson, Yamaha, Ricoh and Verbatim. Thheres also the DVD-RAM format which also lets u burn data on both sides the disc.

[ingeborgdot]

It's going to be played on the family dvd players.

[Tranquility_Base]

So check their format which should be with the documentation or on the front of the front of the player.

[ingeborgdot]

I guess that would be easy enough.  Thanks.

[Tranquility_Base]

No problem. As I said, if u want to do tht for a computer based DVD-ROm, the best tool to check the drive compatibility would be Nero info tool at www.nero.com

[query]

DVD+R is the closest thing to a universal disc - most players can read them.

Many players cannot read DVD-R, and even fewer (mostly the newest ones) can read DVD-RW/+RW.

[iansl]

I've got the HP 300c DVD Wirter. Does it really burn at 8x, and when and where can I get 8x discs, and for how much?