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