i realize that there are compatability issues with the different types and formats of discs. my question: is there a setting (or anything) that can be changed to read these discs? i have a +/- r burner. i have made data discs with both types. however, when i take my -r disc to another computer, the computer does not recognize that there is a disc. i have no problems with a +r in the other computer, nor do i have problems with this -r in any other computer. i realize what i can do in the future to prevent this, but for the data discs that have already been burned, is there any "salvation" ?? thanks for your time.
Okay for about the 50th time on these forums... DVD-R was the first type of blank DVD media on the market. As such, it uses older technologies which newer DVD drives (especially standalone DVD Players) may not compatible with or may not recognize. In general DVD+R are far more compatible with most drives across all platforms as they use newer technologies which make for more reliable burns and playback. Some drives just don't like DVD-R's, end of story, not a lot you can do. Try updating the firmware for your other DVD drive. In the future, try booktyping your DVD+R's and DVD-R's to DVD-ROM if you want to play them on your other PC; this will usually make them far more compatible.
Not only is there a format difference between your plus and dash backups,but also the media quality can vary between batches. Low quality dvd media can deteriorate quickly and low compatability. Some drives can also have trouble with certain mid coded media. Example: I used +4x verbatim MID code of MCC-002 and played anywhere.Switched to identical +4x verbatim,then the MID coded as Ricohs and a couple drives wouldn't even recognize them. Same exact verbatim 30 pk spindles of +4x,and 2 different manufacturers. Even dvd burners can favor a certain format.Not all burners are alike and there's some crappy ones out there-making it harder for other dvd drives to read those backups. For that compatability issue,here's some things that can affect it: Media quality Certain MID coded media Too fast burn Trying to put too much data on it-Don't burn the very outer edge Burn program Sticker labels- Major nono! Dirty laser lens-the drive that has issues. I don't believe you can booktype regular data dvds. Now if it's dvd movie backups-booktyping is the way to go,depending on what burner you have. What is the brand name,model#,and current firmware version of your dvd-rw drive? What's the brand name,and speed rate of those backups? Here's a free program that'll answer all those questions: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd-r_tools/dvd_identifier.cfm It'll even tell you if your plus format backups are booktyped.
