Learn the difference between DVD-R for Authoring and DVD-R for General media.
There are two types of DVD-R media: DVD-R for Authoring, and DVD-R for General. While both types of DVD-R media can be played back equally well on DVD players or DVD-ROM drives that are compatible with DVD-R playback, each type of media must be matched to the proper DVD-R recorder when recording.
Apple's SuperDrive writes only to DVD-R for General media. As of 2001-02 a drive that can record to both types of media is not available.
Why two formats?
The principle reason for DVD-R for General media is that it contains content protection measures that make it physically impossible to make bit-for-bit copies of CSS-encrypted entertainment titles.
Professional Authoring
Either type of DVD-R media can be used for DVD-Video authoring, which is the process of preparing video content for use in DVD players. Apple's SuperDrive and DVD-R for General media can be used for this purpose.
However, to use CSS encryption, or to prepare a DVD-Video for mass replication you should use a third-party DLT tape drive, or a DVD recorder that can write to DVD-R for Authoring media as outlined below.
CSS encryption
Note: DVD-R media cannot be used with CSS-encrypted video.
Mass replication