Recordable DVDs capable of storing music, video and data files are inexpensive and available in a variety of formats, including DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM. When you're recording DVDs for others to access and view the discs' content, purchase and use DVD-R discs. DVD-R discs will play in stand-alone DVD players, DVD recorder/player devices and computer DVD-ROM drives.
DVD-R Discs
DVD-R discs work in both modern and in older DVD players. The ability to play in older devices is known as backwards compatibility. In this case, the backwards compatibility encompasses Blu-ray, progressive scan, computer DVD-ROM and portable DVD players. The discs can hold 4.7 Gigabytes of data and are compatible with DVD recorders and computer-based DVD burners. You can only record on the discs one time and you must finalize the discs once you finish recording on them. To finalize, select "Finalize" or a similar word option when prompted by your DVD recorder or burner.
Television and Other Video Recordings
DVD-R discs can also hold television, movie and other video recordings as well as video content from the Internet. Depending on your DVD recorder or burner, you can mix video and picture files on the same disc. Once the disc is finalized, you can play it on any DVD player -- the pictures will play as a slideshow and the videos will play in the order they appear on the DVD-R disc.
DVD+R
DVD+R discs are similar to DVD-R, but may not play on all DVD players including older DVD players and computer systems with older DVD-ROM units. DVD+R discs only allow you to record on them one time and you must finalize the discs before playing them back in another DVD player.
Availability
DVD-R and DVD+R discs are available at retail, computer and electronics stores as well as from online electronics outlets. The discs are also available at discount stores and online outlets that specialize in DVD discs and accessories.
From: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/type-recordable-dvd-need-others-can-recording-27628.html
