What Format Do You Use to Burn a DVD so a DVD Player Can Read It?

DVDs come in several formats.

DVD media come in several different formats and types. Burning a DVD does not necessarily mean you can play it in all DVD players, because DVD players may only support certain formats.

The Facts

Not all DVD players support all of the DVD formats. You must burn your DVD in a format accepted by your DVD player, according to electronics expert Loren Barstow from Crutchfield.

Considerations

If you cannot determine which formats are supported by your DVD player, choose DVD-R. According to Video Help, 93 percent of DVD players accept the DVD-R format.

Tip

Be careful when purchasing blank DVD media to look at the label. DVD-R and DVD+R are not the same format. In addition, avoid DVD-RW discs on older machines; only 80 percent of new DVD players support DVD rewritable.

References

• Jake Ludington: Why Won't Burned DVDs Play in My DVD Player?
• Crutchfield: Blu-ray and DVD Player FAQ
• Video Help: What Is DVD?