What disc format do I need for my Durabrand dvd recorder ?

What type of disc are you trying to format? DVD-Rs that have already been finalised will be read-only. You don't need to format DVD-RAMs, just erase what's on them and re-record.

Use DVD+R,

According to the claims of the DVD Alliance, using a DVD+R (or DVD+RW) recorder will provide the following advantages over a DVD-R recorder:

1. Instantly eject without having to wait for finalized formatting.
2. Ability to record one DVD disc partially on PC and partially on television.
3. Background formatting: while the disc is being formatted, you can simultaneously record on already-formatted portions of the same disc.
4. Enhanced ability to edit filenames, movie and song titles, and playlists.
5. 100% compatibility with all other DVD players, while still enjoying these extra recording features.

Source: http://www.diffen.com/difference/DVD%2BR_vs_DVD-R

You cannot use a DVD-RW disc on a Durabrand DVD player. It is not a compatible disc format. DVD-R discs that have been finalised (as well as shop-bought legal copies) are recommended for this player. As for video and audio bitrates, check out other forums on video to DVD converting and creation for more information. It is down to trial and error.

This model DVD player can play the following disc formats:

DVD-Video (Region 1 or relevant region coded store-bought movies)

DVD-R (must be finalised on appropriate recording equipment for compatible playback)

CD-R (for jpeg/mp3 media files)

CD-RW (for audio such as mp3)

music CD (such as store-bought albums)

This player will NOT accept DVD-RW/+RW discs, or Blu-Ray.

I hope this helps you a tiny bit.

Only DVD-RW discs can be formatted. If it is a DVD-R and you have already tried recording on it, the disc will be unusable. If the disk is not formatting, it might be defective. Try using another disk in the drive to make sure it isn't your DVD drive itseld that is broken.

Do you mean it won't format/initialize the disc? Alternative possible problem, when you put in a disc, does it not recognize that a blank disc is in the unit? Only DVD-RAM discs need formatting. DVD-RW discs need to be initialized. DVD-R disc do not need either formatting or initializing. (This unit does not write to DVD+R or DVD+RW discs.)

In the case of DVD-RW discs that can't be initialized. Check if this has already been done (or if you need to unfinalize the disc).

If the new disc is not being recognized as a blank disc, the recorder may not be recognizing the disc (dirt, scratches or manufacturing issue) or the recorder is not focusing on the disc properly. In the first case, clean the disc or try a different type of disc (Samsung claims that their discs will be most compatible). In the second case, the unit may need service.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(usually tracking and focus problems will be seen on both recording and playback (even with commercial discs).)

My brother had the same problem. Toshiba tech support said the disc was already formatted, so the DVD MENU option would not be available. He went straight to dubbing and recorded to the disc. After recording, the DVD MENU option was then available. He thought the disc was not formatted since it was straight out of the package and he always had to format other new discs. Perhaps your disc was actually already formatted?

You should not format a dvd-r disc as it is a record once disc and formating is a recording function. The message "use a +r/rw" is telling you that the system will only recognise a + disc and not a - disc.

I have same TOSHIBA D-VR4XSU VCR/DVD RECORDER. According to the
manual, you (COULD) can use for recording: DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and DVD-R (see page 50). WRONG!!! I bought all 3 types of discs, but after few
weeks I got same experience you got now. Just type DVD-R works. The other
types were - wasted money and a lot of time trying to finalize the disc. I had to
throw all into the garbage. Try DVD-R and you should?? be O.K.

Hi, UnFormat Problem 1. Try Panasonic DVD-RAM, format that on the recorder, donot finalize OR 2. Try this http://www.videohelp.com/forum/archive/repair-guide-for-panasonics-dmr-e60-gh-quot-unformat-quot-error-t299504.html There is a jpg image on the above URL for guidance Hope your problem vanishes :) Moulee [email protected]