8
DVD Recording: The Essentials
DVD recorders not only offer the basic recording and playback functions as the traditional VCRs (video casette
recorders) do, but also make convenient content-sharing possible. Now you could play a finalized disc on other
compatible DVD players as well as on PCs. The following sections introduce the basics of DVD recording which
may help you get the most out of your recorder.
What to Choose
Unlike the traditional VCR, DVD recorder comes with a wider variety of recordable media to choose from.
Depending on different technologies employed, recordable DVD discs are divided into two major categories: the
‘minus (-)’ and ‘plus (+)’ formats. Within these two groups, discs are further classified by their ‘rewritability’.
Recordable (+R or -R) discs can be used for recording only once, which means that you will not be able to write
anything into a section already used. Rewritable (+RW or -RW) discs, on the other hand, allow users to erase
recordings and then to add new ones to the same section repeatedly.
Format
Rewritability
Disc Type
Minus (-)
Recordable (Write-Once)
DVD-R
Rewritable
DVD-RW
Plus (+)
Recordable (Write-Once)
DVD+R
Rewritable
DVD+RW
Note
• Before buying discs, please check what types of discs are supported by your DVD recorder.
How to Record
Using DVDs to record is similar to what you do with videotapes, except that you may need to prepare your blank
disc in a certain format. This formatting process varies depending on your recorder and the disc you use. To
record, insert a suitable disc to the recorder, and select a recording mode if necessary. When preparation is done,
press the
RECORD
button on the unit or the remote control to start recording.
How to Play
When the recording is finished, press
PLAY
to view the recorded programs or titles. A disc menu may appear:
press
to select your desired program or title. If you would like to play the recordings on other DVD
players or PCs, you need to finalize the disc first, unless you have used a DVD+RW disc or a DVD-RW disc
previously formatted in “Full Preparation” mode.
