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A DVD recorder (or a DVD writer) is a consumer electronics device that records analog or digital audio/visual (A/V) signals in a digital format onto a digital versatile disc (DVD). DVD recorders are distinct from digital video recorders (DVRs) in that they record onto a removable disc (the DVD) instead of a hard disk. Like a video cassette recorder (VCR), the DVD recorder has standard A/V inputs and playback functions. Like a DVD player, the DVD recorder can also be used to play many audio and video CDs.

DVD recorders first appeared on the consumer market in 1999 in Japan, and then in 2000 in the rest of the world. Early units were priced between 2,500 and 4,000 USD. As of mid-2004, substantial increases in the quantities available and in the number of retail outlets selling DVD recorders have resulted in price reductions of approximately 90% compared to prices in 2000.

DVDs come in three major formats: the "minus" (also referred to as "dash") format (DVD-R and DVD-RW), the "plus" format (DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD+R DL), and the DVD-RAM format. Nearly all DVD recorders use either the minus or plus format, but at least one available model (in 2004) uses both minus and plus formats. The minus format is promoted by a group of manufacturers known as the DVD Forum. The plus format is promoted by a group of manufacturers known as the DVD+RW Alliance. Some manufacturers belong to both associations.

As of 2004, both formats seem equally popular with consumers. While the plus vs. minus "battle" may evoke memories of the Beta-max vs. VHS video format war of the 1980s, consumers are faced with a less stark choice here in that both plus and minus formats are compatible with the vast majority of DVD players now available.