DVD Recordable

DVD recordable and DVD rewritable refer to part of Optical disc recording technologies. DVD optical disc formats that can be recorded by a DVD recorder, (written, "burned"), either write once or rewritable (write multiple times) format written by laser, as compared to DVD-ROM, which is mass-produced by pressing, primarily for the distribution of home video. DVD recordable is a general term that refers to both write-once and rewritable formats, whereas DVD rewritable refers only to rewritable formats.

Like CD-Rs, DVD recordables use dyes. Depending on the intensity of the laser, the reflective property of the dye on a particular spot will determine whether it is a peak or a valley representation from pressed DVD. Dyes give the data side of a disc a distinct color. Dyes are also the reason playback is not guaranteed. Their reflective properties are not as good as with stamped DVDs that commonly have aluminum as the reflective layer.

Recordable DVDs are divided into three incompatible camps:

DVD-R/DVD-RW (DVD "minus" or DVD "dash")
First DVD recordable format released in the market. Developed by Pioneer and backed by the DVD Forum. Has broader playback compatibility than the "+" especially with much older players. The dash format is based on an older CD-R/RW format for easy upgrade or migration for disc manufacturers.
DVD+R/DVD+RW (DVD "plus")
Developed by Philips and Sony with their DVD+RW Alliance. Introduced after the "-" format.
DVD-RAM
As RAM stands for Random Access Memory, it works more or less like a hard-drive and was designed for corporate back-up use. Can only be read in drives that are DVD-RAM compatible. DVD Forum backs this format.

Michael Spath at CDfreaks analyzed the specifications of DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats and came to the conclusion that the DVD+R/RW format is superior to DVD-R/RW.

Multi-format drives can read and write more than one format; e.g., DVD±RW (DVD plus-dash rewritable) is used to refer to drives that can write/rewrite both plus and dash formats, but not necessarily DVD-RAM.

DVD recordable media are sold in two standard sizes, a standard-sized 12cm size for home recording and computer usage, and a small 8cm size (sometimes known as a miniDVD) for use in compact camcorders and the like.

Read more about DVD Recordable:  DVD Write-once Formats, DVD Rewritable Formats, Speed, Capacities, Longevity