Mungo

Hi Folks

I have an LG DVD-RAM drive on my PC (not sure of the model but it looks like a normal CD/DVD drive), which can read/write in (seemingly) every format under the sun. Which format media should I use? I have 2 needs:
1 - Read-write as photo libary backup (large volumes)
2 - Write edited video to DVD

Cheers
Guy

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

For your backups, DVD-RAM is best as you can read/write to it just like a hard drive or a big floppy disk.

For your edited DVD video (so long as once its edited its finished), I'd say DVD-R, so it can be read in most standalone DVD players.

Mungo

Cheers Dunk.
I've now been to order some DVD-RAM discs, and there seem to be a variety available, even within that one format....
Some come with a "caddy" that looks like some kind of cartridge, and there seems to be Types 1 to 4. There are also a variety of speeds, and some 4.7Gb, and some double-sided 9.4Gb. Which of these do I need? I'd rather have the bigger capacity if possible.

AndyMoody

iTrader: (2)

I use Verbatim DVD-R for video and not had one single problem like you may get with the cheaper brands. I use single layer 4.7gb as the dual layer ones are still expensive.

For supplies try:

SVP Communications
APR Media

Sure others will tell you other places too.

Andy.

DJ Dunk

iTrader: (5)

With the Type 2's you can remove the disk from the caddy and load it straight into your drive. My standalone DVD recorder takes the caddys, so I remove it to load it into my PC drive. Type 1's cannot be removed from the caddy.

Just go for the ones without caddys, single or double sided depending on your preference. I use Type 4's, removeable and 4.7Gb a side double sided.

Mungo

Cheer chaps

Scooby Dooby Blue

For a photo library backup you want to append to, DVD-RAM is definately best.
the 9.4GB are double sided, not dual layer so they need to be turned over. This can pose a problem as by the nature of the product, there is nowhere to write on or mark the disc.

Unlike re-writeable DVDs, DVD-RAM does not use a phase change dye so is far less likely to degrade over time resulting in lost/corrupt data.

For your video, people used to tend to recommend DVD-R for improved compatibility with standalone DVD players but the +r format really is now every bit as compatible. The manufacturer of the disc is more important than the format.
The majority of reputable retailers will advise on the dye used in a particular disc, most knowledgable customers shop by lead-in as opposed to brand.

Recommendations:

MCC (Mitsubishi)
TYGOx (Taiyo Yuden)
RITEK (Ritek Taiwan)
TTGOx (TDK)
CMC (CMC Magnetics)

Hope this helps a bit,
Paul