2x DVD-R Compatibility

We used several types of DVD-R media to see which media could handle 2x DVD-R writing speeds according to the current DVR-A04 firmware revision. All branded media from Panasonic, Maxell, Pioneer and TDK can be written at 2x without any problems.

We also tried some DVD-R media from

- CDRecordable.com 4.7GB (no-name)
- Imation 4.7GB (branded)

but Pioneer currently doesn't support 2x writing speed with them. There are many complaints from users about cheap DVD-R media that cannot be written at 2x. Pioneer's answer is that they plan to support more media with future firmware upgrades, dependant upon the media passing through Pioneer's and the DVD Forum's verification process.

Pioneer suggests the use of the following DVD-R media for 2X recording:

Pioneer says that not all the media produced by the above manufacturers is 2X compatible. To confirm whether or not the media intended for use is 2X DVD-R compatible, ask at the point of purchase.

Pioneer has posted the following information explain the current situation with "un-branded" DVD-R media

With the launch of the DVR-103 and DVR-A03 DVD-R/RW drives, Pioneer included a feature to allow recording of DVD-R at 2X. This feature has been brought about by Pioneer's own engineering initiatives. Within each drive there are media specific optimizations called 'write strategies'. These write strategies are tailor made for specific media, making 2X DVD-R recording possible.

Currently the specification set by the DVD Forum for DVD-R is 1X recording. Pioneer was able to base its 2X DVD-R recording feature on this specification, making it possible to include this benefit for its customers.

To make 2X DVD-R recording compatible for "General" media, the following steps must be completed. First, the media must pass the DVD forum's verification for 1X DVD-R. Secondly, with the cooperation of the media manufacturer, Pioneer fine tunes the media for 2X recording. Only after passing through these stages is the media considered 2X DVD-R compatible.

On some media 2X DVD-R recording may not be possible depending on the media's release date, and due to the need to implement this development process. Unlike high speed CD-R recording, 2X DVD-R recording requires optimization. Without any optimization the possibility exists that the recorded media will lack the desired playback quality. This process has been implemented in order to avoid customer confusion over DVD-R media that is deemed not compatible with 2X recording. The 2X DVD-R record feature is media specific. The record speed may default to 1X depending on the media used.

Pioneer will endeavor to communicate this to the end user by making this information available in instruction manuals, product packaging, and other methods of communication. Along with the cooperation of media manufacturers Pioneer will make every effort to increase the number of 2X record compatible DVD-R media.