DVD-RAM vs DVD-/+RW

Is there much difference between the two? I've read that the two formats do that same thing...just that they're supported by different manufacturers...but I've also read that DVD-RAM is obsolete now..

I ordered a DVD-RW drive..and I got a DVD-RAM drive...hence I'm wondering if the two are equivalent.

 

The main difference between the 2 is that the DVD-/+RW is much more compatible to other drives than a DVD-RAM.

 

I have a DVD-RAM drive.

Generally it means it can handle all writing to all DVD formats including Dual Layer DVD.

Compatability has nothing to do with the drive, only the type of disks you use.

 

Is the drive you recieved a multi drive? i.e. supports DVD RAM and DVD +/-RW because my drive nearly supports all formats.

DVD-RAM disc's are only compatible with drives that support DVD-RAM whereas most DVD ROMs (read only), Standalone home DVD players/recorders ("some"), DVD-RW drives (+ or - or both) etc. will be able to read DVD+/-RW disc's.

So if you have a multi drive then great otherwise get it replaced with a DVD+/-RW since they sent you the wrong drive.

Check the model on your drive either physically or with device manager through control panel. Type the model number in google and you should be able to find out what your drive supports.

 

Well, I ran DISCinfo and it says my drive can read and write in all DVD formats. So now my question becomes how do I toggle between the modes...I've heard that with Nero, it reverts back to the original mode, (which I'm not sure what is). I assume it's DVD-RAM since that's what My Computer displays.

By the way, I have a Samsung TSSTcorp CD/DVDW TS-L632D.

And a side question, what's the difference between firmware and driver >_>?

*Edit* Btw, thanks for all the info guys!

 

The driver is the interface between the hardware and the software. Windows does not need a driver for the writer other than the one installed with XP. The firmware is the software on the drive that allows reading and writing of discs. DVD-RAM has better error correction which makes it an excellent choice for backups. There is no need to toogle between modes. The drive knows which disc is in there. For DVD-RAM, which is supported natively in XP, you just need to fomat the disc and you can drag and drop within Windows Explorer. Sort of like a removable 5GB hard drive.

 

Oh, sweet. Thanks ZaZ!