DVD Format basic question

memory maker wrote on 3/22/2006, 7:37 AM

This may be something everyone but me knows. I know that some DVD players won't play DVD-R or DVD+R. My question is: how come when you rent a DVD it will play on all DVD players? How can I be sure the DVDs I make will play on all or most players?

Comments

johnmeyer wrote on 3/22/2006, 7:55 AM

I know that some DVD players won't play DVD-R or DVD+R. My question is: how come when you rent a DVD it will play on all DVD players?

Because the DVD-R and DVD+R use a completely different process to record the data and therefore don't reflect light from the laser beam in the same way. Commercial DVDs are pressed, much like old vinyl LPs were manufactured. DVD+R and DVD-R us a laser beam to change the state of reflective dye. The cheaper discs use substandard dye, and that's why they don't play in many players. Always use top-notch blanks.

ECB wrote on 3/22/2006, 8:15 AM

John,

What DVD blanks do you consider top notch these days?

Ed

bStro wrote on 3/22/2006, 9:33 AM

My question is: how come when you rent a DVD it will play on all DVD players?

1. Because the equipment used to make them wasn't bought for $150 at Best Buy.
2. Because the people that make them wouldn't be business very long if their DVDs did not "play on all DVD players."

;-)

Rob

ScottW wrote on 3/22/2006, 10:25 AM

While using quality media is an important factor, the bigger issue is usually the booktype. All DVD's have a field that identifies what kind of DVD it is., +R, -R, +R DL, +RW, etc. Each type has a different code assigned.

The first code that was created was DVD-ROM - this is the booktype used on all commercially stamped DVD's. Many DVD players look at the booktype to figure out what they are playing, and some players won't play the DVD unless the booktype is DVD-ROM.

+R media is the only media that allows the changing of the booktype if you have a burner and burning software (such as Nero) that supports this.

--Scott