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DVR buying guide

» 1. Types of DVR
» 2. Price parameter
» 3. A/V recording modes

» 4. DVD format compatibility
» 5. Features explained
» 6. Input/output connectivity

DVD format compatibility

This will determine the DVD format that can be played back or recorded on a DVR. Those models that are capable of supporting all major types in the market are usually known as universal recorders. Furthermore, these media can be generally categorized by their rewrite capability, number of recording layer and speed.

The +R and –R are "write-once" discs that cannot be reused, while the +RW, -RW and –RAM can be reformatted for subsequent usage. The latest Dual Layer or DL is similar in all respect to the write-once except that it has twice the capacity at 8.5GB.

On the other hand, there is currently very little difference between the "+" and "-" formats in terms of pricing, performance and availability. That said, earlier-generation players and recorders do have the tendency of favoring the latter.

As for recording speed, the faster media are pricier though there is no guarantee the recorders will capitalize on their full potential. It's also not uncommon for the disc to "burn" at lower speeds to minimize error, for example.

DVD recordable format: DVD-R | DVD-R DL | DVD-RW | DVD-RAM | DVD+R | DVD+R DL | DVD+RW

DVD FORMAT	WRITE-ONCE	REWRITABLE	LAYER(S)	CAPACITY	MAXIMUM SPEED
DVD-R	X	N/A	Single	4.7GB	16x
DVD-R DL	X	N/A	Double	8.5GB	8x
DVD-RW	N/A	X	Single	4.7GB	6x
DVD-RAM	N/A	X	Single	4.7GB	5x
DVD+R	X	N/A	Single	4.7GB	16x
DVD+R DL	X	N/A	Double	8.5GB	8x
DVD+RW	N/A	X	Single	4.7GB	8x