I've been hearing through the grapevine that more and more productions are using DVDs for audio. Is it possible to use a consumer dvd recorder and get better audio than a DAT recorder? Theorectically it is capable of recording at 24 bit. Any info will be greatly appreciated

are you referring to DVDAudio format??

or using teh DVDr as a HDD??

persoanlyl if your doing pro recording, i woud suggest a laptop runnign pro tools or vegas (Vegas is an incredible multitracker)

IMO i would worry about DVDAudio foramts after youve processed your audio from raw material...

Even though DVD is running a higher bitrate, its still in a lossey format...

I would invest in a laptop runnign a hiigher end outboard Sound card, and record straight to HDD in this bitrate as RAW

Thanks. I do own a Pro Tools 001 system but don't own a lap top. Will I get a better recording than going straight to my Panasonic DVX100? I know Pro Tools will enable me to edit and add effects, etc. but isn't it still a 16 bit recording on hard disk as opposed to DV tape?

Nothing says that you have to record in 16 bit. Get a better audio cart and record in 24 bit.

There are improved audio cards since the 001 system. But I'm sure the 001 has much better preamps and circuitry than your camera, even the dvx100. I know the Mbox even has Focusrite Preamps, not sure if this was the same on the 001.

Higher bit depth can give you greater signal to noise ratio, by lowering the inherrent noise floor of software recording. This is only going to matter in quiet locations and with otherwise good, quiet gear. 16bit recording has a lower noise floor than just about any camera preamp can come close to.