There are many types of DVD discs but this camcorder uses only the following three types of 8 cm mini DVD discs: DVD-R, DVD-R DL and DVD-RW. Note that what you can do with a disc depends on the type of DVD used so select the disc that best fits your purpose.
| DVD-R | Best for Compatibility |
DVD-Rs can be recorded only once - you cannot edit or delete the recordings. On the other hand, these discs are comparatively cheaper and they can be played back in most common DVD players.
| DVD-R DL | Best for Recording Time |
Dual-layered discs allow writing up to 80% more data (2.6 GB) on a single recording side. However, DVD-R DLs can only be played back on DVD devices compatible with dual-layered discs. Also, you cannot edit or delete the recordings.
Dual-layered discs have two recording layers. The camcorder | Layer 2 | | | | | | |
will record on Layer 1 and then continue to Layer 2. During | Scene 2 | | | |
the playback of a recording spanning both layers, you may | Layer 1 | Scene 1 | | | | |
notice a brief stop (about 1 second) at the point where the | | Recording surface | |
camcorder switches to the second layer. | | | | | | | |
| DVD-RW | | Best for Reusability |
Recordings made on a DVD-RW disc can be edited or deleted. Also, the disc can be initialized1 allowing you to use the same disc numerous times.
Disc specification on DVD-RWs
DVD-RW discs can be recorded using either one of two disc specifications: VIDEO mode or VR mode. When you first insert a brand new DVD-RW disc, the camcorder will automatically display the initialization screen where you can select the disc specification for the disc.
VIDEO mode: Once finalized2, discs recorded in VIDEO mode can be played back in most common DVD players offering the best compatibility. However, recordings cannot be edited (deleted, rearranged, etc.).
VR mode: You can easily edit the recordings. However, discs recorded in VR mode can only be played back with DVD players compatible with DVD-RWs in VR mode.
Note: DVD-R and DVD-R DL discs can only be recorded in VIDEO mode.
