DVD-R and DVD-RW: The Difference Between The Two Popular Disc Types

You are planning on creating a homemade DVD and are ready to burn all of your memorable videos on a blank disc. However, you get confused about the different types of DVD discs, especially the variety like DVD-R, DVD-RW, and so on. This guide has all the detailed answers and explains how to use DVD-R and DVD-RW to burn effectively.

Part 1. What is DVD-R

This DVD disc type is a recordable DVD that allows you to store various data, including videos, songs, computer files, and so on. DVD-R has a high storage capacity, providing 4.7 GB for single-layer and 8.5 GB for dual-layer. The great thing about DVD-R is its durability, which means it can last many years while preserving the data in the best condition. Although it is a one-time use and the data cannot be edited, DVD-R is cost-effective and more affordable than other optical disc types.

Part 2. What is DVD-RW

DVD Rewritable is another optical disc used as a temporary medium for data archiving. It is typically used when the user needs to make changes to the data repeatedly. DVD-RW is the disc for this purpose because it is versatile enough to store various data, including data, software, music, and more. Its storage capacity is just like DVD-R: You can get single-layer with 4.7 GB or dual-layer with 8.5 GB.

Part 3. The Difference Between DVD-R and DVD-RW

The two optical discs are similar in many aspects. But the most obvious difference is how many times they can be used for storing data. To make it short, DVD-R is used as permanent storage with the limitation of one-time use. Meanwhile, DVD-RW is used for temporary backup, with a choice for users to make updates or changes to the data multiple times.

Part 4. More About DVD-R and DVD+R

When learning about DVD-R, you will inevitably encounter DVD+R. While they are similar to recording discs, they offer a wide range of differences in quality, speed, functionality, and price. To learn more about them, the following elaborates on their features.

Quality

In general, DVD-R has a decent quality, especially in data retention over the years. On the other hand, DVD+R is of high quality. However, it has a higher chance of error rates at some point.

Speed

DVD-R has a faster writing speed, but its lack of supported drives can be restricting. Compared to it, DVD+R offers a high writing speed with more device compatibility, such as a region-free DVD player.

Functionality

As you may know, DVD-R is a Recordable type of disc, so it is only good for one use without allowing the user to make changes to the data. However, using DVD+R is more flexible than DVD-R since it can be used as a single-use recording and rewriting, just like DVD-RW.

Price

DVD-R is affordable, even in bulk quantities. On the other hand, DVD+R can be a bit expensive because of its flexibility, wide range of device support, and licensing fees.

Part 5. More About DVD-RW and DVD+RW

Just like DVD-R and DVD+R, you need to know the differences between DVD-RW and DVD+RW to maximize their potential for recording and rewriting data on a disc.

Storage Capacity

DVD-RW and DVD+RW have the same storage capacity. They have 4.7 GB of capacity as standard.

Video Length

Comparatively, both DVD-RW and DVD+RW are capable of storing about two hours of video in a standard resolution. Only, you will need to consider some factors to maximize the video length, such as the compression, bitrate, video, and audio quality.

Price

DVD+RW is much cheaper than DVD-RW. This is because larger markets more often adopt DVD+RW, and it has lower production costs than DVD-RW, which is more expensive, especially in bulk quantities.

Best For

DVD-RW is generally more convenient for burning ISO to DVD on Windows, Mac, etc. It is ideal for preserving videos, applications, audio, and so on. Meanwhile, DVD+RW is not really a good choice for common files except applications. Similarly, it has higher error rates, especially when the user rewrites the data too many times.

Part 6. Best DVD Creator That Supports All DVD Types

What you need to create the best DVD-R or DVD-RW is the reliable DVD Creator by Blu-ray Master. It is a professional burning software that lets you store digital files, like MP4, AVI, FLV, etc., to various disc types, including DVD and Blu-ray. Since it is flexible, the DVD burner also has editing tools complete to provide you with trimming, splitting, and merging videos. What’s more, you can design your DVD content by using the built-in templates with different themes for holidays, anniversaries, and more. DVD Creator is an all-in-one solution for straightforward and high-quality DVD making on Windows and Mac.

• Support creating DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-ROM, etc.
• Fast-speed processing without quality distortion.
• Customize DVD menu templates as you like.
• Personalized titles and chapters with themes, text, and soundtracks.

Step 1. Download and install DVD Creator on your computer.

Launch the software and choose the DVD Disc option. Click the Add Media Files button to upload the video or audio files you want to burn to a disc.

Step 2. Use the Power Tools at the upper right part of the corner, where you can edit the video, audio, subtitles, and so on. At the bottom part, you can also select the desired disc type, aspect ratio, and video quality.

Step 3. When you click the Next button, the next window will allow you to choose menu templates for your DVD. You can also add other elements, including an opening film and background music. Watch your work by clicking the Preview button.

Step 4. From the Export setting, check the Burn to Disc option, and remember to insert a blank disc into the optical drive. After editing the settings, click the Start button to create the DVD-R or DVD-RW. Wait for a few moments, and the disc will be ready.

DVD Creator is professional burning software for Windows and Mac. It can also be used as a video editor, converter, and modifier without additional extensions. Download the free trial version to experience an advanced DVD burner.

Part 7. FAQs about DVD-R VS. DVD-RW

• What is DVD-RW used for?

  The DVD type stores data on a blank disc. But unlike DVD-R, you can use DVD-RW to store information and edit it temporarily as needed.

• Can a DVD-RW drive read a DVD-R?

  Yes. Most DVD-RW drives are designed to be compatible with DVD-R and DVD-RW discs. You can use this type of drive to read DVD-R discs without hassle.

• Is DVD-R better than DVD-RW?

  It depends on your needs. DVD-R is a good option for a permanent and longer way to archive information. On the other hand, DVD-RW is good for temporarily storing data but with the benefit of rewriting the content unlimitedly.

Wrapping up

DVD-R vs. DVD-RW, which one are you going to choose for data archiving or creating homemade DVDs? Here, you have learned the definition of the two types of disc and how to use them for shorter and longer archival. Either way, DVD Creator will help you make the-quality DVDs you have in mind. You only need to download and install it on Windows or Mac, and you are good to go.