8
DVD Recording: The Essentials
DVD recorders not only offer the basic recording and playback functions as the traditional VCRs (video casette 
recorders) do, but also make convenient content-sharing possible. Now you could play a finalized disc on other 
compatible DVD players as well as on PCs. The following sections introduce the basics of DVD recording which 
may help you get the most out of your recorder. 
 
What to Choose 
Unlike the traditional VCR, DVD recorder comes with a wider variety of recordable media to choose from. 
Depending on different technologies employed, recordable DVD discs are divided into two major categories: the 
‘minus (-)’ and ‘plus (+)’ formats. Within these two groups, discs are further classified by their ‘rewritability’. 
Recordable (+R or -R) discs can be used for recording only once, which means that you will not be able to write 
anything into a section already used. Rewritable (+RW or -RW) discs, on the other hand, allow users to erase 
recordings and then to add new ones to the same section repeatedly. 
Format Rewritability  Disc Type
Minus (-) Recordable (Write-Once)
  Note 
•    Before buying discs, please check what types of discs are supported by your DVD recorder. 
How to Record
Using DVDs to record is similar to what you do with videotapes, except that you may need to prepare your blank 
disc in a certain format. This formatting process varies depending on your recorder and the disc you use. To 
record, insert a suitable disc to the recorder, and select a recording mode if necessary. When preparation is done, 
press the RECORD button on the unit or the remote control to start recording.  
How to Play 
When the recording is finished, press PLAY to view the recorded programs or titles. A disc menu may appear: 
press  to select your desired program or title. If you would like to play the recordings on other DVD 
players or PCs, you need to finalize the disc first, unless you have used a DVD+RW disc or a DVD-RW disc 
previously formatted in “Full Preparation” mode.