Which DVD for data backup.

[nihili]

I'm new to DVD burning, having just acquired my first burner. It's a NEC ND6500a in my laptop. I need to back up about 20 gb of data, and the data needs to be readable by anyone with a DVD ROM in their computer. This is geneaology that my father did, and I want to be able to easily redistribute it to family members.

What would be the best type of DVD to use for this purpose? My drive apparently supports pretty much everything, even an 8.5 gig format. While I would like to be as economical as possible, my primary consideration is compatibility. So should I buy a spindle of +R, -R, or what? Here's a link to the product page in case that's helpful. http://www.nec.co.uk/DVD_RW_ND6500.aspx

Thanks!

EDIT - relevant blurb from the page since the link isn't working for everyone.

NEC introduces its first ultra compact double layer DVD recording drive, capable to write at 8x speed DVD-R and DVD+R media as well as 4x write or rewrite DVD-RW and DVD+RW media and up to 8.5GB on the new double layer DVD +R9 media. Besides DVD recording, the drive writes CD-R Media with 24x speed as well as Ultra-Speed CD-RW discs at 16x.

[TimoneX]

Product page link seems to be kaput. Neway though I'm not overly familiar with your particular drive, I've found that +R discs seem to be the most reliable & compatible. I use Lite-on burners primarily and have had excellent results when combined with RiData 4x +R media. I don't know if anything like it is available for your burner, but liteon makes a book type changer proggie that forces the burn software(nero in my case) to close the disc as a DVD-ROM if you so desire. This increases the disc's compatibility with stand alone DVD players as well as older readers. I've never had a problem with a +R disc burned in this fashion. If there is such a program available for your drive it will most likely only work on DVD+R media as mine does. Hopefully some helpful insight in there somewhere.

[David]

I wouldnt use the dual layer media. Im not 100% sure but I dont *think* most DVD players can play dual layer media. I could well be wrong however.

I would second the DVD+R recomendation. Thats what I use with no issues.

[Mr.Guvernment]

^^^ agreed - much dual layer media still leaves the last few 100mb unreadable it is not maure enough

use standard 4.7g DVD's and burn @ 2.4x or 4x but nothing higher!!!

[Sonny]

MEDIA CODES (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=343758)

Look for Taiyo Yuden, specifically YUDEN000-T02-00, another good bet is RICOHJPN-R02-03. All +R Media.To make them more compatible with your basic DVD-ROM you change the booktype to DVDROM