Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
Step1
Understand the basics. DVDs come in many types. DVD R means recordable. These DVDs can be recorded on once. DVD RW means rewritable. These DVDs can be erased and rerecorded on.
Step2
Notice the difference between DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW. These are two different brands or two different types. You need a universal DVD recorder to play both formats. Look at the front of your DVD player to see what kind of DVDs it will play.
Step3
Use DVD+R to record information that you want keep permanently. Use this only if you have a DVD burner that plays +R. Some brands are Sony, Hewlett-Packard and Dell. Check your television DVD player to see if it plays DVD+R.
Step4
Use DVD+RW to record information that you do not want to keep forever. For example, if you are backing up your work each day, you will want to reuse the DVD. RW means rewritable, so you can erase and reuse these DVDs.
Step5
Use DVD-R to record information that you want keep permanently. Use this only if you have a DVD burner that plays -R. Two brands that use DVD -Rs are Apple and Panasonic. Check your television DVD player to see if it plays DVD-R.
Step6
Use DVD-RW to record information that you will be erasing. If you will be changing the data each day, you will want to reuse the DVD. RW means rewritable, so you can erase and reuse these DVDs.
Step7
Understand that DVD-R DL and DVD+R DL are DVDs that are recordable on both sides, much like the old double-sided records. Information is stored on both sides of the DVD. Make sure you have a player that is capable of reading DLs. DL means dual-layered.
Step8
Check the price. If you have a universal DVD player that can play +R and -R DVDs, you can let the price help you decide which format you will use.
