Probably because DVD-RAM is not supported as well as DVD-R/RW (or even +R/RW) for both data and video applications. Until recently I didn't see much benefit to any of the DVD formats (-RAM, -R/RW, +R/RW). However, I was at Best Buy last week and saw a Panasonic E30 DVR. This is a consumer VCR-like device that uses both DVD-RAM and DVD-R discs instead of VHS tape. I realize this isn't directly computer related. But after reading all the features on this thing I'm wondering why the F the computer industry ever got away from -RAM.
While the Panasonic E30 can use DVD-R discs too, all the best features are only available with DVD-RAM discs. Even worse, competing products from Pioneer and Toshiba (-R/RW) and Philips (+R/RW) are simply not able to match the impressive features of the Panasonic when using -RAM. The Panasonic can do TiVO-like time shifting (ie pause live TV, playback while recording on the same disc), and hard drive-like video editing when using -RAM. The +/-R/RW formats can't do any of that. Even on a computer you still need to edit everything on your hard drive before burning -/+R/RW discs, not so with -RAM discs! Of course, the -R (and more recently +R) discs can be played back in most standalone DVD players while -RAM, -RW, and +RW can't. So you really need -R capability (or +R) if you want to make a DVD that will play in most standalone players. Still, it's a shame the electronics industry and the computer industry couldn't get together and support -RAM on everything. Maybe I'm missing something here, but DVD-RAM sure seems more powerful to me as both a computer user (for data) and VCR replacement (for video). Just MHO of course......joe
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