Now DVD writers are comming sub 100 pounds there comming into my price range. Although I'm a little confused!
Whats the difference between -RW and +RW?
Do both play (or either) in normal DVD players?
Where does DVD-RAM fit in?
Are either more expensive (drive or media wise)?
What are the capacitys of disks?
I know the most common speed is 4xR (a few 8xs around now), how long would that mean for a full DVD (how ever big that is, lol)!
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Which doesnt help when i dont know what ive written here! DOH!

When choosing a DVD Writer you should check it can ideally be multi-regioned, what speed it can (re)write CDs and do a quick check for what media is listed as compatible. Just like in CD Writer's early days not all discs work with all writers, esp at optimal speeds. You should find all writers offer Burn-Proof type technology so that should virtually eliminate 'coasters'. Most (or all?) current writers and blank DVDs are single sided and single layered meaning 4.7GB per DVD (FYI a std CD is 700MB / 0.7GB). Obviously double sided means you can write to both sides to double capacity while double layered means you get 8.5GB per DVD (per side). I think Philips are introducing double layered DVD Writers but I'd expect them to be pricey (inc media) and slower. I think it is 15mins to write a full DVD at 4x, 8x is expensive and discs are rare (AFAIK). I think that answers all the Q's in your original post.
When it comes to backing up std DVDs it's not quite as straight forward. As said some DVDs you buy are dual layered (some aren't) and they often incorporate some kind of protection (but I think it can be relatively easily overcome). FYI DVD-5 is the term for Single Layered DVDs while DVD-9 is the term for Double Layered DVDs. First you need to decide on the sw to use and whether or not you want to pay for particular stuff.
Sorry that's a little sketchy but it's almost directly copied from my notes (I looked into it but couldn't afford the hw).
