Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

I use CDeverywhere to produce dual format CDs that run under both Windows and on Macs.

Is anyone aware of whether dual format data DVDs are possible or required? They will be storing data, HTML and Java, and no video.

Regards,
Ian Tresman
Derby, UK

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

The DVDs you buy in shops run on both - I'm pretty sure the format is universal.

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

It should be universal, it'll be the UDF or iso-9660 format iirc.

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

Just out of curiousity, do Macs use + or - RW? I'm willing to bet they don't have the choice like on PCs ;)

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

I would have thought that depends on the drive you buy rather than the os.

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

Well yes, but Macs tend to have drives built-in rather than having the choice. They could use external Firewire (do Macs have USB2?) drives, but I'm not sure how many of these come with Mac drivers.

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

dual format data disks are formatted to enable them being recognised by both pc & mac operating systems, even though the filing systems are different.

I wouldn't be surprised is this would still be required for DVD recording?

You might have more luck if the pc ran a version of unix - the latest mac os does - you wouldn't need dual format disks then - but good luck setting it up & getting the drivers;)

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

I believe they'll read either (you can always mail me samples of discs written on both formats if you want them testing ;) ). The PowerMac G5s use a Sony DVD writer that will write both formats, and I believe the Pioneer drives in the older Macs can use both as well (although IIRC you need to use Roxio Toast for DVD+RW discs)

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

I suppose you could burn the dvd with the standard MS filesystem (fat or ntfs) and have a second mac fs (whatever that is, are they using ext2?). Seems a bit pointless though as windows and macs can both read UDF filesystems.

http://www.burnworld.com/dvd/primer/filesystem.htm

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

Macs use the HFS+ filesystem, although they can read most Windows-formatted discs (NTFS support is a little flaky right now, but that's more of a UNIX-specific problem than a Mac-specific problem)

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

:cool: - udf does look like the way to go :)

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

The Pioneer A04 Drive is used in the Older Macs

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

That's the one! :D I knew the manufacturer but couldn't remember the model number. I believe some of them also use the A05

Re: Dual format DVDs: PC/Mac
 

When the supply of A05s ran out...

I've the OEM Sony DRU10? in my PC, works nicely.