DVD-RAM Drives

Hey guys,
I was just wondering what the difference is between a DVD-RW drive and a DVD-RAM drive, if they are different. My laptop has a DVD-RAM drive and I'm not sure if it can record DVDs on DVD-Rs, but according to the specs I read online, it should have a DVD-RW drive. So I'm just wondering if it was referring to the DVD-RAM or if that's something completely different.

 

dvd-ram were the first drives DVD writable drives that came out (1997), most can only write to dvd-ram, and not rw or (r), recent ones can though, check if it supports multiread.

 

i'm fairly sure it supports multiread, as I have seen that word somewhere in the manual. it says on the laptop that the DVD-RAM is "SuperMulti" but I'm not sure where else to check.

 

DVD RAM allows you to use a DVD like a hard drive, and data can also be accessed like a hard drive.

Unlike other formats, you don't need any special software to read or write to it.

It's better suited for data backup and video recorders, and can be written to up to 100 000 times, whereas a typical DVDRW is only about 1 000.

It can be slow for large amounts of data, and the discs are usually more expensive, however for small amounts it's as fast or faster than other formats.

 

i'm sorry, but i did not completely understood your post. how exactly does the drive store space and can it be used to burn dvd-r CDs to watch on tv etc.... Thanks.

 

Your post doesn't really makes sense, and sorry if I confused you.

DVD-R is another format, as is DVD RAM. They both require different discs.

DVD RAM allows you to use a disc like a hard drive (just like a big floppy), so you can delete and add files without having to erase the whole disc or use multisession. (you also don't need special burning software)

This is why it's better suited to backing up or video cameras.

As far as watching it on TV, you first need to find out what your DVD player supports, then burn accordingly.

If your player supports DVD-R or DVD+R, then just burn the disc on that format.

It's pretty complicated, and not something that can be explained in a few posts, so I suggest finding out your players supported formats and burning accordingly.


Happy Festivus everyone!

 

oh i understand what you mean by the DVD-RAM after you made the floppy analogy. i guess i just have to look and see if it supports dvd-rw CDs (probably not ). any tips on where to check it does support it then?

 

What is the make and model of your computer? Or better yet, your DVD drive? If it is brand new, chances are it does all DVD formats.

 

i'm starting to think it does have all of it. it's a toshiba m45-s359 and it says that the drive is "supermulti +/-R double layer". if it does have all the drives, would burning a dvd-r be a normal process as if i had a regular dvd-rw drive or would i have to do something different/special.

 

DVD-R is a different format than DVD-RW, DVD+R and DVD+RW. You need both a disc and a drive that have the same format. Nearly all DVD drives sold today are +RW and -RW. If a drive can do +RW then it can also do +R. If it can do -RW it can do -R.

@ Toshiba's website has the specs:
http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/product/pdf_files/detailed_specs/satellite_M45-S359.pdf#

8x DVD+-RW Dual-Layer and DVD-RAM. Case closed.

 

ok thank you.

 

Easiest way to check all the formats your burner supports is to use the NERO INFO TOOL.

 

useful tool, i'll check it out.