| If you have been shopping for blank CDs and | | | | and DVDs. |
| DVDs recently, you may have been a bit | | | | |
| confused by all of the choices: CDR, CDRW, | | | | The biggest controversy and source of |
| DVD-R, DVD R, DVD-RW, DVD RW. Trying to | | | | confusion comes when dealing with DVD-R and |
| decipher between all of the abbreviations and | | | | DVD-RW and how they differ from DVD R and DVD |
| plus/minus signs can be a tad overwhelming. | | | | RW. In order to avoid an overly technical |
| | | | explanation of the differences, basically |
| Making matters worse for those who aren't hip | | | | what you need to know is that each DVD type |
| to the latest technological marvels is the | | | | can record movies just as well as the next |
| rate at which technology is changing. Just | | | | type. |
| when you think you are beginning to grasp the | | | | |
| concept of mp3s and burning CDs and DVDs, the | | | | DVD R and DVD RW just happen to be a newer |
| powers that be come out with some new twist | | | | more expensive technology that possesses a |
| on blank media that just confuses you more. | | | | few technical advantages over DVD-R and |
| But before you swear off technology for good, | | | | DVD-RW. Nevertheless, DVD-R arguably has |
| allow me to demystify some of the terminology | | | | greater compatibility with more DVD players |
| associated with CD and DVD duplication. | | | | than most other formats of recordable DVDs. |
| | | | |
| The "R" in CDR and DVD /-R simply stands for | | | | Remember that all recordable and rewritable |
| recordable. It tells the consumer that these | | | | CDs and DVDs do the same thing regardless of |
| CDs and DVDs are blank recordable media. You | | | | their particular brand. However, because |
| can record data, music, movies and photos on | | | | there is not an industry standard when |
| the disc but it can't be erased. | | | | dealing with DVD technology, not every DVD |
| | | | player is compatible with every format |
| "RW" on CDRWs and DVD /-RWs stands for | | | | available on the shelves. For this reason, it |
| rewritable. This means that CDs and DVDs with | | | | is important that you always check with your |
| RW on them can be recorded and erased | | | | manufacturer if you are unsure about which |
| multiple times. Although prices for blank CDs | | | | type of recordable media is right for your |
| and DVDs overall are relatively inexpensive, | | | | recorder/player. |
| you can expect to pay more for rewritable CDs | | | | |