D igital V ideo (or V ersatile) D isc combines the best features of CD-ROM size and data storage with capacity for video storage beyond that of videodiscs. DVD is so revolutionary that in the next decade it will probably replace VHS videotapes and CD-ROMs and videodiscs.
A concise review of the current and forthcoming state of the art for home/office recording of DVD discs appears in the NewMedia , December 1998 (pp. 49-52). See http://www.newmedia.com/ Unfortunately, the major vendors are divided between the DVD-RAM Type 1 and 2 standards (Panasonic, Toshiba, Hitachi) versus the DVD+RW standard (Sony, Philips, HP). At present the competition is somewhat hostile, including lawsuits over the use of the DVD logo. DVD-RAM is first on the market, but it is too soon for most of us to abandon our CD-R recorders for DVD-RAM. Although DVD-RAM and DVD+RW discs will read on most DVD players on computers, neither type will play on set-top DVD-Video players for television sets. In any case, you can read about the top three hardware recording machines to date beginning on Page 49. Another article on this confusing battle of standard setting can be found at
http://newmedia.com/Today/96/01/09/DVD_Update.html