How would you go about recording to DVD-RWs in a computer’s DVD burner? Do you have to format such in the burner and then burn? I’ve got some RWs that I’ve used on the burner on my TV, but I’d like to use them for burning programs on my computer, and I was wondering what the procedure was, if any.
Your operating system may include the needed functionality, or you may need a separate DVD burning program package (there are many available for free).
All DVD burning programs on computers have a command to erase a DVD-RW. Actually, usually two commands: a quick erase (which is sufficient for most purposes) and a full surface erase. The DVD recorder on my TV also has equivalent commands.
Once the DVD-RW disc is erased, you have two ways to use it in your computer:
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You can use it as a normal DVD-R to prepare its contents, then write to it all at once and close the session to make it readable anywhere. In most cases the burning process will take a bit longer, but otherwise it’s the same as a DVD-R.
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You can use a packet-writing software to “format” the DVD-RW and you can then use it as a (slow, unreliable) diskette… that can only be read on a computer with the same software installed. I don’t think this is a very popular option nowadays, since USB thumb drives have more capacity, are faster, are more reliable and can be transported from one computer to the next.
Oh, you also need to take into account the differences between DVD-RW and DVD+RW. Two different disc technologies that are basically equivalent, but not all drives are compatible with both kinds of disc.
Frankly , I don’t think DVD-RW are worth the hassle. I just buy DVD+R when they on sale. Even Vertbatims work out to 20 cents a disk sometimes if you catch a free shipping special on the 100 pack.