DVD questions

I am contemplating purchasing a new computer. Talk about being confused when reading various ads regarding configuring optical drives, I sure am. What's confusing me is the multitude of different options offered, there's one with a CD-RW and a DVD+ R/DVD+ RW, another with a DVD-ROM and a DVD+ RW, and yet another DVD-ROM with DVD+ R/DVD+ RW. What I am uncertain about is, will any DVD drive be able to read my plain old CD'S that contain the original programs, or is that why one of the above configurations has a CD-RW drive included?

R. Gale Harter

 

Yes, any DVD drive will read your plain vanilla data (programme) CD's.
Your problem is going to be deciding what DVD recording format you go with as Pete's list shows.
We will gladly give you recommendations, but they will all differ.

 

Dvd

Thanks PeteC and Paul. It never fails that when I post a question or problem that I have, a straight forward and understandable answere is always waiting for me. You sure make my life more enjoyable. Great work.

R. Gale

 

Pleasure!

 

Only one thing I can add to this.
Get a multi format dvdrw, one that can write + and -
Dig up the manual for your standalone dvd player and find out what IT can read. Some can only read -, some only +, some neither, some both.
Then you'll know what media to purchase when you start burning/backing up movies.
General rule of thumb, the dvd-r is becomming more of a standard than +, and you will find more players now that read -.
If in doubt, or you want to figure out what dvd player to purchase, head over to www.videohelp.com and click on the "players" link.
Hint: The cheap reconditioned Koss or Apex will probably play everything. The expensive Sony or Panasonic may not. DVD players can natively read all formats (it's just a laser), and to actually REMOVE a particular format from it's chip(s) cost money. So paying more for a particular brand name, in this case, may mean paying more for a machine that does less.