Great Lakes Media Technology Blog

DVD-R Compatibility

When CD-R media was first released to consumers, there were many compatibility issues with the playback hardware that was on the market. Over time, the hardware manufacturers worked to overcome these issues and create a broader scope of compatibility for all the various brands of media available. Today, we're seeing a similar process with DVD-R media.

For one, none of the writable formats of this media are totally compatible with each other or existing hardware. On the upside, a playback device with 'DVD Multi' is guaranteed to read DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM discs. Other new drives can support both plus and minus formats, and a few are capable of recording and reading all five disc types (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM).

As with early CD-R media, hardware manufacturers are working to create equipment that has a broader range of compatibility. In essence, buying only top grade brand name recordable media will provide better chances that the media will be compatible with a broader range of players. Low-grade generic media might have more issues since hardware manufactures focus on the more prevalent brands in the market.

GLMT provides a variety of top grade, name brand recordable media. Call us and speak to an Account Manager to find the best type of recordable media for your project.