DVD+R or DVD-R?

I wanted to backup my dvds, but i didnt know if i should buy DVD-R's or DVD+R's? What is the difference? Can someone please answer these newbie question.

 

Well, it really depends on your burner, will it burn +R and -R's? Also, it may depend on your stand-alone dvd player, can it accept both of those formats? On older STB's +R's were not compatible, however, most new ones now accept that format. Also, with the right burner you can booktype it to DVD-ROM, which every STB will accept.

HTH,

Rich

 

Hi there,

If you want to know exactly what your burner supports, download VSO Inspector v1.1 --> http://www.vso-software.fr/

It will tell you if it supports DVD-R, DVD+R etc...

It will also tell you what "Firmware Version" is on there.
Maybe there's a new version, and I always suggest installing the latest.

 

For more information on the subject I suggest useing the search feature at the top of the page. This topic has been discussed many times over.

 

Hi,

Every time I see this question, I feel like answering:

The "+" is the difference

 

well when I first started a friend explained the difference and that is when the DVD format was being developed, 2 companies tried their hand and got 2 different formats + and -. Now one of the comapnies had the backing of the movie industry for their own use and that was -R, so if u want to burn movies, use -R.

 

See first link in my sig...

 

AxFactor,

I don't know where you came up with that info although there is some truth behind a little bit of it. Dvd+r is the latter of the two to be developed and is probably the most prefereed format of the two anymore. Dvd+r is the better of the two and can also be booktyped to dvd-rom (most compatable format) whereas dvd-r can not. At one time dvd-r was more compatable than dvd+r but new set top dvd players will play both equilly. Dvd-rom is still the most compatable format giving dvd+r the advantage. Here are some good reads.
http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/150
http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113
http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?CategoryID=103&ArticleID=10038

Mort

 

These quotes comes from someone in the video business for a while now. He does seem to be a bit old school and stubborn to accept the + format and it's increased compatability, but he has some valuable knowledge about formats.

There were others who jumped on the + bandwagon to avoid the royalties. But now that popularity of + has increased it seems that either is acceptable now as long as you use quality discs.

 

I've found that both my PCs prefer the "plus" format, I just seem get more reliable burns with them. Out of curiosity I identified who actually manufactured, them turns out Ricoh does nearly all my discs. I use Traxdata 4x +RW discs & Datasafe 4x +RW. I can honestly say I have not had a failure in about 400 burns.

 

Thanks every1, I just went out and bought some TDK DVD+Rs 25 pack from circuit city for the sale price of $7.98. Woo-hoo!!!

 

Uh oh, wish you would have ask about formats with what brands. About a 50/50 chance of getting garbage cmc mags with TDK dvd+r's. TDK dvd-r's are usually ok.

Mort