DVD formats

Which dvd format should I use to make my own dvd?

From much experience and trial/error, I have found that DVD-R discs have the highest compatibility with the most number of consumer DVD players. In all the years that I have been making dvds for customers using the DVD-R format, only one customer had difficulty with the DVD-R disc. According to most reports, the DVD-R format is compatible with about 95% of all consumer dvd players. Understand that once a dvd has been burned in the DVD-R format, it is permanent. The disc cannot be erased and used again.

The second best format is the DVD+R format. Like the DVD-R discs, it is permanent. Once the disc has been burned it cannot be erased and used again. While similar to the DVD-R disc, the DVD+R format is compatible with about 89% of all consumer dvd players. If you use the DVD+R rather than the DVD-R format, you increase the chance that your dvd will not be compatible for the person you are making it for.

There are other formats, some rewritable and some dual layer which hold much higher capacities, but it's touch and go whether or not they will be compatible with the dvd player you are going to watch them on.

Best advice--stick with the DVD-R format.