DVD RAM is a recordable dvd technology that uses a recording style similar to that of a computer hard drive wherein information is stored across the medium, not necessarily in sequence. DVD RAM discs are re-writable, and come in a cartridge reminiscent of minidiscs.
DVD Ram is NOT compatible with everyday dvd players. You can only play DVD RAM discs on DVD RAM drives.
Recently, Pioneer announced its third generation DVR 7000 DVD-R And DVD-RW deck for release in the US (due this fall, retail price of $2,800 - see www.pioneer.co.jp at this page click on english version then read press releases).
I have used Pioneer's DVR-2000 which is the unit released prior to the 7000 (the 2000 was only released in Japan).
The 2000 and the soon to be released 7000 make DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs (re-writable up to 1000 times) that are recorded sequentially and formatted such that they can play in most current dvd players. I have confirmed that dvd-rs made in the 2000 play in my two dvd players.
Happy hunting. IMHO the pioneer is the (only) way to go if you are looking to record material to be played on stardard dvd players. Also, the Pioneer decks have firewire inputs for recording from digital video cameras. I am not sure if the Panasonic DVD RAM decks have this (if not they probably will at some point).
DVD Ram is NOT compatible with everyday dvd players. You can only play DVD RAM discs on DVD RAM drives.
Recently, Pioneer announced its third generation DVR 7000 DVD-R And DVD-RW deck for release in the US (due this fall, retail price of $2,800 - see www.pioneer.co.jp at this page click on english version then read press releases).
I have used Pioneer's DVR-2000 which is the unit released prior to the 7000 (the 2000 was only released in Japan).
The 2000 and the soon to be released 7000 make DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs (re-writable up to 1000 times) that are recorded sequentially and formatted such that they can play in most current dvd players. I have confirmed that dvd-rs made in the 2000 play in my two dvd players.
Happy hunting. IMHO the pioneer is the (only) way to go if you are looking to record material to be played on stardard dvd players. Also, the Pioneer decks have firewire inputs for recording from digital video cameras. I am not sure if the Panasonic DVD RAM decks have this (if not they probably will at some point).