DVD Recorder Buyers' Guide
What is the best DVD Recorder format? What is the difference between DVD formats?
DVD recorders may mean that your VCR is soon to be discarded, but buying a
DVD recorder still involves a little thought. DVD recorders use different disc
formats. That means when you burn DVDs they may not play on all machines. DVD
recorders can use the following formats when they burn DVDs:
- DVD-R
- DVD+R
- DVD-RW
- DVD+RW
- DVD-RAM.
The first difference is that DVD-R and DVD+R can be recorded one time just
like CD-Rs in the CD format.On the other hand DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM can
be used and erased hundreds of times. The re-writable discs are slightly more
expensive to buy.
The second difference is to do with compatibility. In today’s market place
it is pretty safe to assume that recordings using DVD-R (The Panasonic and Pioneer
formats) or DVD+R (The Philips format) are likely to play in most DVD players.
The real limitations begin when you choose the rewritable discs. If you copy
DVD+RW with the Philips DVD recorder then your disc will play on most DVD players.
If on the other hand you choose a recorder using DVD-RAM format discs as used
in the Panasonic series then you are limited to a very small number of DVD-RAM
compatible players. This becomes a problem if you wish to lend the disc to a
friend. DVD-RAM has more recording features but think more of it as a removable
hard disk.
Key features of DVD recorders & players
There are many good players available. Video and audio performance in all modern
DVD players is excellent. Personal preferences, your budget, and your existing
home theatre setup all play a large role in determining which player is best
for you.
We would suggest making a list of things that are important to you. Considerations
could be:
- Recorder format
- Ability to play CD-Rs
- Ability to play Video CDs
- 96 kHz/24-bit audio decoding
- DTS Digital Out
- Internal 6-channel Dolby Digital decoder
- Ease of Use
- Time lapse feature (allows you to view a programme from the beginning whilst
simultaneously recording the end)
- Front panel controls (in case you can’t find the remote!)
Other than the above, read what other consumers have to say via our reviews,
and if you purchase a machine please leave a review for others to read!
|
