Is there a way to "unfinalize" a DVD/RW so it can be used again in a Digital Video Camera Recorder?

[turbocharged]

I was told it was possible at Best Buy today, but I haven't a clue if this is true or how to go about doing it assuming it is true. Any help would be appreciated.

[dan007]

well you configure on how you would when you record it and it will ask you if you want to overwright and you say yes.

[Snappers]

well you configure on how you would when you record it and it will ask you if you want to overwright and you say yes.

I thought that once a disc was finalized it could not be undone. If it is just a read write disc that has info on and you want to delete then yes you can just overright it but I think once you click on finalise the disc can not be used again.

[admin]

I was told it was possible at Best Buy today, but I haven't a clue if this is true or how to go about doing it assuming it is true. Any help would be appreciated.

Rewritable media like DVD-RW can be used over and over. That's why they're called re-writable. Not sure how your camcorder handles RW disks. Perhaps you should see if it's mentioned in the manual or contact the customer support.

[Snappers]

I've done a little research on the net and it is possible like Admin says.

Here is an extract from the Canon DC210 Manual


Be sure to un-finalize the disc in normal room temperatures. If the procedure was not completed correctly due to high temperature, let the camcorder cool off before resuming operation.
Place the camcorder on a table or other stable surface before starting the procedure. Subjecting the camcorder even to slight impacts (for example to place it on a table or to disconnect the AV cable) after the un-finalization process started may result in permanent data loss.
Always power the camcorder using the compact power adapter. The operation can not be started if the camcorder is powered only with the battery pack.
Avoid the following actions while the operation is in progress. Failing to do so can interrupt the process and result in permanent data loss.
Do not move the camcorder
Do not disconnect the compact power adapter.
Only discs that were finalized using this camcorder can be un-finalized with it.
Discs that can be un-finalized are DVD-RW in video mode.
Dvd-RW in VR mode, you can record additional scenes even without un-finalizing the disc.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v489/sleepy184/canonDVD.jpg
As you can see from the image above, it should be in your menu settings on your Video recorder. It will depend on what video camera you have though as to how the menu settings are laid out. It may not be the same as the pic above.

Hope this helps.