Electronics

[qualityshopper]

I have some old video tapes that I wish to dub onto DVDs before the tapes totally deteriorate, so I dug out my old DVD/VCR combo unit to do this. It's been years since I've done any dubbing, but when I did, I always used DVD+RW discs. These did not require finalizing. Currently, the only blank DVDs I have are +R, and according to my manual, I do need to finalize them. Since I'm not familiar with what this really means, could anyone explain what the purpose of finalizing is, and whether it's really necessary. Also, would it just be better to get some +RW discs? Thanks.

[I am still oxox]

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@qualityshopper wrote:

I have some old video tapes that I wish to dub onto DVDs before the tapes totally deteriorate, so I dug out my old DVD/VCR combo unit to do this. It's been years since I've done any dubbing, but when I did, I always used DVD+RW discs. These did not require finalizing. Currently, the only blank DVDs I have are +R, and according to my manual, I do need to finalize them. Since I'm not familiar with what this really means, could anyone explain what the purpose of finalizing is, and whether it's really necessary. Also, would it just be better to get some +RW discs? Thanks.

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Can you record on the DVD combo you have, in my limited knowledge once you wrte a DVD it is locked in place 

[Caffeina]

If you don't finalize, the disc won't play on other DVD players, only on the one one which it was recorded. Once you finalize a disc, nothing else can be added to it.

[Zukie]

I have been creating discs on a DVD player/recorder for many years.  I have had several  DVD players, different brands and have used the different formatted discs.  I finalize all the discs I have made.  What finalizing does, exactly, I do not know but it has been my experience that an unfinalized disc could only be played on the DVD player/recorder it was created on.  I have a disc of home videos, that I was in the process of adding more  recordings to, the DVD player that I was using got broken and the disc was never finalized ...I cannot watch  or finalize that disc on any other player.  All other discs I have made and finalized, have been given to family and friends and they have no problems with playback.  For me, it is better to be safe than be sorry.

Finalizing is easy, just follow the manual's instructions.

[Zhills]

You are correct.  I made a DVD for a friend and he could not play it.  Brought it back, I finalized it, played fine on his DVD player.  I always finalize....learned the hard way!

[qualityshopper]

Thanks everyone for answering. I've never had to finalize before, but that's because I've always recorded on +RW discs. According to my manual, most +RWs will play on other devices without any problem if not finalized. Apparently that does not hold true for +R discs. Since that's what I have available right now, looks like I will have to finalize. Of course, I could go out and buy some +RW discs, but why spend the extra money when all I have to do is take this extra little step. Again, thanks for sharing.