If you have a 16x DVDRW it must have the capability to write to both +/- formats. Only very old models had compatibility problems with the two formats. Can your DVD drive recognize any disk at all? Try any movie or software application. If the drive recognizes the disk then it's either a software setting (is smartstart looking for the correct drive, it could be set to 'virtual' drive, which you don't want) or the problem is with the media. Is the disk already used? What brand is it? Have you ever successfully copied files onto a dvd with this drive? If so, was it using this brand of blank media? What format are the files from your camcorder in? Do they need to be converted? How big are they? I suggest you get the full Nero Burning Rom over the free Smartstart. You might want to include the full specs of your computer with your reply. It may make diagnosing the problem easier if we know what your are working with. Klaa2

Which does the GoVideo manual say it uses. If you have a choice, use the DVD-R. The - format is more compatable with more players. I use the + format since I don't have the choice. And I have never had a problem. Still, I would use the - format if I could. Pooh Bear

First off let me say that I prefer Mini DV camcorders to the direct to DVD type. If you plan on editing you video then a Mini-dv will end up giving you a better quality result because it will stay uncompressed until you are done and ready to author the DVD. In the DVD camcorders you get MPEG compressed video on the disc so any editing will uncompress and then recompress resulting in lower quality. To answer your questions: 1. The mini dvd's are either DVD-R or DVD+R discs these differ not in the content on the disc from normal DVD's but in the actual disc itself. The recordable disc's both mini and full size use a color changing dye to record the bits of data while a normal dvd is a pressed layer. Most newer DVD players and DVD-ROM drives in PC's will read either format with no problems. However you can go to Video Help.com and look up your DVD Players, others have put in feedback about what type's of disc your player works with. 2. The CCD is the electronic device that actually converts the incoming light signal to the electronic format, the number value attached is typically a resolution number, the higher the resolution (pixel count) of the CCD the higher quality the captured visual information can look. There are higher end models that employ three CCD's to give an even higher resolution image. 3. Both digital camcorders (a sony and a panasonic) I have owned had this feature, its name varies by manufacuterer. 4. Nope no adapter is typically required. If you look closely at the tray there is normally an indention to hold the smaller disc's, this has been a standard back to the mini CD. 5. Sound sync issue you experienced is likely due to the way you captured the video/audio. You dont say much about it so I can only speculate. In any case the MiniDV and the DVD camcorders should not have this issue is setup properly. You can also go the videohelp website for tips on how to capture analog video and convert if you are still interested in that for you old tapes. 6. Dont know check the manufacturers specs for their camera. Are you certain that the Panasonic was mini VHC (VHS-C)?? If its miniDV then I think you need to reconsider a new camera and look at how you edited and converted the video to DVD, it should not have the problems you described. Here is an excellent camcorder buying guide at Cnet.com

Umm.is there a on/off switch on the back of the unit?If so try turning it off from there, for a good 30 seconds then turn it back on, and try it out.If you do not have the switch in the back try unplugging instead(this will sort of reset the unit).Then you can try again,also you may want to try another type of dvd-r disc (different brand),all of these dvd recorders no matter what brand seem to be picky the are returned a lot because people are just not informed, or in most cases have no patience.I have an electrohome dvd recorder and it seems to work well with the KODAK brand as of late dvd-r+,but 3 months ago the memorex brand and sony would work fine .lol.Good luck hope your unit is not defective.