DVD-R

As far as I know the firmware and hardware required to write is not present in the R model.

As Hendrik says,

My understanding is that DVD -R is read only, if you want to write to it you need a DVD RW

There are 2 major formats for DVD writing +R and -R.

You need a DVD-R burner for your DVD-R disks. Your computer probably has a DVD+R burner.

Please note that both of these formats (+/-) are only writable once. Once written two the disk is 'closed' and then becomes 'read-only' This 'closure' normally happens regardless of the amount of free space remaining after the initial write. If you are not 'closing' the DVD after writing, you cannot read it back until closed.

The DVD +RW and -RW are the ones that can be written to more than once.

Hello Bondy111

Your DVD-R can be written to, but written once only, and read many times.

You have one of several possible causes.

1. The organic dye used in the brand of DVD-R may not be compatible with the angstrom (light) frequency of the laser used in your DVD burner. This is a common cause of an unsuccessful burn, as the dye layer is not burned through properly. Most noticeable are the China-made "Princo" make, which are sold in bulk of 50 or 100 in a package, very cheaply. While some burners can burn "Princo" media, most are unable, and the burn fails. - (Check your Burner Specification). Please note that some DVD mediamakers are getting "Princo" to manufacture, and then they are having their own brand placed onto the packaging.
2. You may well have encryption or "Copy Protection" on the Master DVD.
3. Many "Original DVD's" are larger than the standard 4.7GB, (they are mechanically pressed, like an old vinyl record) to accommodate extra sound channels, extra languages, bonus tracks and so on. If you attempt to copy a larger than 4.7GB to a 4.7GB "blank Media DVD", the copying will fail.
4. Your Computer may not have the CPU/RAM etc resources for the intensive use demanded for successful DVD burning. For successful burning, you need at least 1GB CPU, and if possible 1GB of RAM or more, (more if using MSVista).
   
5. Your Operating System may be "locked" by remote control through the Internet, via Microsoft's "Licensing of music or film" software.
6. You may be trying to use "Packet Writing" when the DVD Burner is unable to use that format.
7. You may be trying to use a DVD which is outside your Country Code. The normal DVD Burners, by cosy "arrangements" with Studios and Music Licensing Authorities, allow only 4 changes in the lifetime, of the Country Code, locking up irrevocably on the 5th change. To remedy that, requires a replacement ROM chip in your burner,cheaper to throw the burner away.

There is Proprietary Software available, from various Suppliers, which CD and DVD copiers use, to remedy most of the above problems, but this Forum is not the place to itemize those, for legal reasons.

If you give further details here, perhaps we may solve your problem, bearing in mind we cannot encourage you to break a Statutory Law in your own jurisdiction......

To save data to a DVD-R, you need the following:

1) A new, blank DVD-R. If anything has been recorded on the disk, it is a closed book. You can't write to it again.

2) A DVD recorder. Make sure that your CD/DVD drive can record DVD's as well as play them.

3) Recording software, such as Nero or Easy CD Creator (Win) or Toast (Mac). If you have a Mac, recording software is installed with the operating system, but Toast (or something like it) gives you more flexibility. If you are running Linux, there are applications to record DVD's available, but you will probably need to download and install them. Maybe download, compile, and install them. If you are running Windows, you will need to install a third-party application, such as Nero.

Depending on the speed of your computer, and your recording speed, it takes a while to record a DVD. Don't wiggle it while it is working. Good luck.

In test, DVD+Rs generally have the least number of errors on them, it would appear that the manufacturing process is in some way better or easier.

That is not to say that a high quality -R disk will have more errors than a low quality +R disk....but all other points being equal, usually +Rs are best.

This is only interesting provided your DVD Burner can burn +R disks in the first place, some cannot, you need to read up on your model.....

Once burnt, there is no real difference anymore between the two for all practical purposes....

You do need some software to burn the disk, some burners come with free software, its as good a place to start as any. There are some quite good free packages on the web too.

If you want to buy, look out for Nero 8 or WinOnCD version 10 (I prefer Nero), but both are good.