Why the "PLUS" FAQ This FAQ will answer some questions related to DVD+RW and DVD+R. Just how compatible is the DVD+R/+RW format? Is DVD+R/+RW a real DVD format? Do DVD+RW discs need to be finalized? Can I reclaim the space on a disc from the part of a recording that I do not want to keep? Does DVD+RW allow me to cut out interruptions from a TV-recording? Can I use a DVD+RW disc to directly store my data files, or do I always need to use a burning program? Can I edit a disc recorded on my DVD+RW video recorder on a PC? Does DVD+RW support double sided or 8 centimetre discs? What is the DVD+RW Alliance standpoint on digital piracy? Just how compatible is the DVD+R/+RW format? The most comprehensive independent research performed by Intellikey Labs found that DVD+R is compatible with over 95% of current DVD players and drives, which makes it the most compatible of all recordable DVD formats. Furthermore, a DVD+RW video recorder is based on the normal DVD-Video specifications, hence it is very unlikely that need to buy a new player with dedicated playback functionality or compatibility logos to play your discs. Even the edits you make on your DVD+RW discs are DVD-Video compatible. Also refer to glossary: Two-way Compatibility Is DVD+R/+RW a real DVD format? DVD+R/+RW recorders are the only DVD recorders that use just one operating mode, which always creates DVD-Video compatible discs. Whereas other formats have different physical disc types or different logical formats (methods used to record video on a disc) to offer the user a flexible recording experience, DVD+R/+RW offers the user flexibility and a rich feature set without sacrificing compatibility. With DVD+R/+RW, there is no need to buy expensive dedicated players to allow playback of recorded discs, as the recordings can be played on the majority of the 100s of millions of DVD-Video players and DVD-ROM drives available today. Furthermore, also on a physical level DVD+RW and DVD+R are closer to the DVD format than competing formats, as they do not need special "pre-pits" on the disc that could affect compatibility. All in all, DVD+R/+RW is the most real recordable DVD format around. Do DVD+RW discs need to be finalized? Unlike competing formats, a DVD+RW disc does not require long finalization times. A DVD+RW disc recorded on a DVD+RW video recorder can immediately be played on a DVD-Video player, without the need for finalization. A disc can be edited, or new recordings can be added, without needing to erase completely the existing video recording. Also refer to glossary: Finalization Can I reclaim the space on a disc from the part of a recording that I do not want to keep? Yes. With other DVD-Video compatible formats, you have to erase the full recording if you want to re-use the space. With DVD+RW, you simply start recording from any point, only overwriting unwanted parts. Also refer to glossary: Partial Overwrite Does DVD+RW allow me to cut out interruptions from a TV-recording? Yes. Unlike other formats, which offer no editing functionality on DVD-Video compatible recordings, you can quickly and easily cut out unwanted parts of a recording, and thereby create a linear play list. A normal DVD player will even play a play list made on a DVD+RW disc! Also refer to glossary: Favourite Scene Selection Can I use a DVD+RW disc to directly store my data files, or do I always need to use a burning program? DVD+RW is the only rewritable DVD format that supports the Mt. Rainier or EasyWrite system. With an EasyWrite enabled DVD+RW drive and by using the forthcoming version of Microsoft Windows, Longhorn, you can directly store your data on a DVD+RW disc. Just as you would using a floppy diskette, although a DVD+RW offers you about 3,000 times the storage capacity! Mt. Rainier performs important tasks in hardware instead of software (like background formatting and handling of defect management) resulting in a very robust system. Also refer to glossary: Mt. Rainier Can I edit a disc recorded on my DVD+RW video recorder on a PC? Yes. DVD+RW is the only rewritable DVD format that offers you this true convergence between consumer electronics and PC equipment. Discs recorded on a stand-alone DVD+RW video recorder can be edited on a PC by any software package that supports the +VR functionality, and vice versa. Completely in line with the DVD+RW philosophy, the disc remains compatible with normal DVD-Video players throughout all stages. Also refer to glossary: +VR functionality Does DVD+RW support double sided or 8 centimetre discs? Yes, the DVD+R and DVD+RW formats allow for double sided or smaller sized (8 cm or 3") discs. Contact the media manufacturers directly for specific product details. What is the DVD+RW Alliance standpoint on digital piracy? The DVD+RW format will not copy content with CSS protection. As a group, the DVD+RW Alliance fully supports the legal use of copy write content around the world and we recognize the rights of content owners. DVD+RW copy protection meets the requirements of industry accepted copy protection technologies.
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