Understanding DVD Recordable Formats (Continued)

So what format should I buy?

If you only want to view your DVD recordable discs on your PC (through your DVD recordable drive), it doesn't really matter which format you purchase - all are good, and offer many advantages over the current CD-R and CD-RW format. However, if you want to share your recordable DVD discs for use on different DVD ROM drives or DVD players, you'll need to do some homework. As we've already stated, not all formats are compatible with all players, but this situation is continuously improving.

If you want to purchase a DVD Recordable drive, but want to make certain that it will be compatible with your existing DVD ROM and/or DVD Player, there are a number of excellent resources on the Internet regarding compatibility of specific products with specific formats. I suggest that you contact your (prospective) DVD ROM or DVD Player manufacturer for specific compatibility information. The following links provide comprehensive compatibility lists:

Compatibility List of DVD-Video Players
Compatibility List of DVD ROM Drives
DVD Players Compatibility List

Do CyberLink Products work with DVD Recordable Discs?

Yes. PowerDVD XP 4.0 can supports all major DVD recordable formats. So long as your DVD drive supports the disc format, PowerDVD will be able to play the movie file without any difficulty. CyberLink's video editing software PowerDirector Pro also has the ability to author and burn DVD and CD titles. PowerDirector Pro supports DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats for maximum compatibility with DVD drives and players. CyberLink's newest product, PowerProducer, an excellent tool for authoring and burning photo slide shows and home movies to DVD (or CD) also supports DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats.

Where can I find more information?
If you want to delve deeper into the world of Recordable DVDs, you will surely find some of the following sites to be useful:

DVD Forum: An association establishing non-binding standards for the DVD industry
DVD+RW Alliance: A group promoting the benefits of the DVD+RW, DVD+R technology
DVD Demystified DVD FAQ: This FAQ answers virtually every DVD question imaginable.
DVDplusRW: An independent, unofficial source of DVD+RW information.