RECORDING HARDWARE

What types of devices record writable DVD discs?
The business, marketing and technology of writable DVDs have evolved over the years. There is now a wide variety of computer and consumer electronics (CE) devices available that record various versions and combinations of writable DVD disc formats (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM). Product capabilities as well as marketing language and terminology vary widely so be careful to check with the manufacturer for specific details.

Examples of DVD Discs Writable by DVD Recorders

* Some “Dual RW” recorders are not compatible with DVD+R discs.
** 2.6/5.2 GB DVD-RAM recorders are not compatible with 4.7/9.4 GB DVD-RAM discs.
*** Consumer electronics (CE) DVD-RAM, DVD-RAM/-R and DVD Multi recorders are not compatible with 2.6/5.2 GB DVD-RAM discs.

Are DVD video recorders available that connect to home theater systems?
A number of manufacturers offer consumer electronics (CE) and professional DVD video recorders that connect, like VCRs, to conventional video systems. Typically, they will only record to DVD from un-copy protected digital and analog sources (VCR, camcorder, internal hard disk drive, cable, satellite, laserdisc etc.).

Are writable DVD camcorders available?

Several manufacturers offer consumer digital camcorders that record video and still pictures directly to writable DVD discs. These units employ the smaller 8 cm disc size and can often be connected to a computer (typically using an IEEE 1394 or USB interface) to transfer material for editing as well as to be used as an external DVD recorder.

What do the numbers describing a DVD recorder mean?
Manufacturers typically use a sequence of numbers to express the maximum DVD and CD-R/RW writing and reading speeds of a recorder. Given the wide variety of possible format combinations and marketing approaches there are no established conventions as to the order of their presentation.

What types of computer DVD recorder configurations are available?
Whether for PC, Mac or UNIX systems in desktop, laptop or notebook form, computer DVD recorders are available in a wide variety of configurations to suit most needs. Several industry standard interfaces are available or forthcoming including SCSI, EIDE/ATAPI, USB, IEEE 1394 and Serial ATA for either internal or external recorder connection.

EIDE/ATAPI
The Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics/ATA Packet Interface (EIDE/ATAPI) is the most popular method for connecting internal CD and DVD-ROM drives, hard disks as well as CD-R/RW and DVD recorders to a computer. Since most computers already have EIDE/ATAPI built-into their motherboards no additional interface card is necessary. These devices are normally installed internally but many external recorders are actually EIDE/ATAPI models employing bridge technology to convert them to SCSI, USB or IEEE 1394 interfaces.

SCSI
The Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) or “scuzzy” interface is a high performance and flexible method of connecting to a computer many peripherals including scanners, CD and DVD-ROM, hard drives as well as CD-R/RW and DVD recorders. In addition to long cable lengths, SCSI allows for both internal and external attachments. Some computers already have SCSI built into their motherboards, but, more often than not, a SCSI interface card is required. Some early DVD recorders made use of SCSI but most current units employ EIDE, USB or IEEE 1394 connections.

USB
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is used to connect many types of peripherals to a computer including joysticks, mice, keyboards, printers, scanners, flash memory and external CD-R/RW and DVD recorders. Since USB is a plug and play interface computers do not have to be rebooted when a recorder is attached as these devices are automatically recognized by the system. USB has been updated several times to accommodate the demands of increasingly faster peripherals. While adequate for low speed CD-R/RW units the earlier USB 1.1 interface is not fast enough to keep up with DVD recording so that USB 2.0 is typically recommended. USB 2.0 interfaces are now built into the motherboards of most current systems but older computers may require an additional interface card.

IEEE 1394
Popularly known by trade names such as FireWire and i.LINK, IEEE 1394 is a high performance plug and play interface commonly used to connect computers to external hard disk drives, CD-R/RW and DVD recorders as well as consumer electronics (CE) devices like digital camcorders, game consoles and digital televisions. IEEE 1394 interfaces come standard on many Macintosh systems and on some brands of PCs but, more often than not, an interface card is required.

Serial ATA
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) is a new interface for connecting computers to internal storage devices such as hard disks, DVD-ROM drives and CD/DVD recorders. It is intended to eventually replace the current parallel ATA (EIDE/ATAPI) interface and will offer several advantages including longer and thinner cables with fewer pins, hot-plug capability, point-to-point connection (i.e. no master/slave relationship between devices) and a technology roadmap for future performance increases. Serial ATA interfaces are now built into the motherboards of many up to date systems but older computers may require an additional interface card.

Do computer DVD recorders write CD-R and CD-RW discs?
With near universal playback compatibility and low cost, CD-R and CD-RW discs are still excellent choices for a wide variety of data, audio and video applications. Consequently, in addition to writable DVDs, most current computer DVD recorders conveniently write CD-R and CD-RW discs (some older recorders may not be compatible with high, ultra and ultra speed plus CD-RW discs). However, this has not always been the case so, if in doubt, check with the hardware manufacturer.

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