Using DVDs for iTunes backup

[BoyBach]

Hi,

I want to use DVDs to backup my Itunes library, but there are so many different formats of recordable DVDs available and I don't know which would be compatible and/or best for this purpose?

DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R & DVD+RW? Help! ( 😉 )

(My iMac is a G5 with a Superdrive).

Thanks, Andrew.

 

[Markleshark]

Well, it depends.

Myself, I use used DVD-R because I was getting them 50 at a time quite cheap, so I just updated my backup every 6 months and threw the old one away. However, if you were to get DVD-RW you'll be able to erase the disc and write on it again. These are more expensive, but worth it depending on how often you want to backup.

As for + vs - for your purpose it shouldn't make a lot of difference, I myself have never know of a difference, especially these days because most stuff should read all of them.

 

[BoyBach]

Thanks Markleshark.

DVD-R it is!

 

[Markleshark]

Thanks Markleshark.

DVD-R it is!

Anytime. 🙂

 

[Piepz]

DVD-R holds in about 4.3 GB of files.
DVD+R holds in about 4.7 GB of files.

But very old DVD readers can't read DVD+R..

 

[twoodcc]

DVD-R holds in about 4.3 GB of files.
DVD+R holds in about 4.7 GB of files.

But very old DVD readers can't read DVD+R..

i'm not so sure that this information is correct. especially the last comment.
i could be wrong, but i thought it was DVD+R that was compatible with more dvd players....

anyways, to the OP, i say get whatever is cheapest. i wouldn't go the DVDRW route either

 

[dllavaneras]

Is there a specific way of backing up an iTunes library? or should I just throw everything in my music folder in Toast?

 

[BoyBach]

Is there a specific way of backing up an iTunes library? or should I just throw everything in my music folder in Toast?

In iTunes there's an option under the 'File menu' to backup your music library.

 

[Markleshark]

Personally, I like to do it the old fashioned way, I just copy the iTunes Music folder (To a HDD now, but before to a DVD)

 

[dllavaneras]

In iTunes there's an option under the 'File menu' to backup your music library.

If my library is bigger than a DVD, is there a way to back up to multiple dvds?
(I'm not on my mac right now, and this PC doens't have iTunes)

 

[Markleshark]

If my library is bigger than a DVD, is there a way to back up to multiple dvds?
(I'm not on my mac right now, and this PC doens't have iTunes)

I would say there will be, yeah.

 

[Piepz]

i'm not so sure that this information is correct. especially the last comment.
i could be wrong, but i thought it was DVD+R that was compatible with more dvd players....

anyways, to the OP, i say get whatever is cheapest. i wouldn't go the DVDRW route either

Nah, it's vice versa. DVD+R is newer format, so some old DVD readers may not read it.
Check wiki about DVD+R

 

[balamw]

I would say there will be, yeah.

iTunes will prompt you for additional discs should they be required.

B

 

[dukebound85]

i'm not so sure that this information is correct. especially the last comment.
i could be wrong, but i thought it was DVD+R that was compatible with more dvd players....

anyways, to the OP, i say get whatever is cheapest. i wouldn't go the DVDRW route either

why not? for backup purposes the computer burning the disc will be able to read that disc. i would do dvdrw personally

 

[balamw]

why not? for backup purposes the computer burning the disc will be able to read that disc. i would do dvdrw personally

You can only write to RW discs at 4X, while +/-R discs can be burned twice as fast. For a big library this will make a huge difference on whether you back up or not.

B