DVD Recorders! Anyone know which is better: +R/+RW, or, -R/-RW?

[joeybee12]

I know that you have to get the discs that are specific to each, but can't one break your recorded disc into chapters, etc.? Which one is it? I'm sort of in the market--I have too many tapes taping up way too much space!

Thanks!

[reprehensor]

1. -R/-RW

I find that older DVD players (especially in older Macs) won't play +R discs.

That sucks.

[reprehensor]

2. Plus you can get generic -R recordables...

for dirt cheap.

[NYC Liberal]

3. I don't think there's much of a difference,

other than they are made by different companies. I have a DVD-R.

From http://www.videohelp.com/dvd">this site:

DVD-R and DVD-RW
DVD-R/W was the first DVD recording format released that was compatible with standalone DVD Players.
DVD-R is a non-rewriteable format and it is compatible with about 93% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD-RW is a rewriteable format and it is compatible with about 80% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD-R/W supports single side 4.37 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-5) and double sided 8.75 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
These formats are supported by DVDForum.

DVD+R and DVD+RW
DVD+R/W has some "better" features than DVD-R/W such as lossless linking and both CAV and CLV writing.
DVD+R is a non-rewritable format and it is compatible with about 89% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD+RW is a rewritable format and is compatible with about 79% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD+R/W supports single side 4.37 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-5) and double side 8.75 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
These formats are supported by the DVD+RW Alliance.

DVD+R DL
DVD+R DL or called DVD+R9 is a Dual Layer writeable DVD+R. The dual layered discs can hold 7.95 computer GB* (called DVD-9) and dual layered double sides 15.9* computer GB (called dvd-18).

DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM has the best recording features but it is not compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD-Video players. Think more of it as a removable hard disk. DVD-RAM is usually used in some DVD Recorders.
This format is supported by DVDForum.

[ET Awful]

4. Most decent burners out now can do both -R and +R

I use whatever I find on sale as far as blank media goes. Most newer players can handle either as well.

The only time you'll run into an issue is if you're using an older DVD player to play them after burning.

[Endangered Specie]

5. -R/+RW Id say

+ takes much less time to reformat.Otherwise, - tend to be more compatible... SO I would go with -R/+RW if your worried about comatibility, anything with a W is a no, if your Reburning + is faster.

[Deja Q]

6. I prefer +R/+RW; so do these people:

http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113

(Edited title to include +R to go with +RW)

[krkaufman]

7. Get a combo burner... that can handle all the media formats

Save yourself the hassle, and get a combo-burner that can handle all the single-layer formats (DVD-+R/RW, CD-R/RW). Stay away from dual-layer burners, for now, due to high media prices and low availability & compatibility of the media.

Once you have the combo-burner, I find the dash (-) formats more compatible, and the read-only disc (DVD-R) most playback compatible.

As for using R vs RW, it's up to you. I use 'R' for long-term video and data archival, and 'RW' for short-term storage and data transfer (like shipping Daily Show episodes to my cable-less parents).

Here's a great site for doing more research: VideoHelp.com

[joeybee12]

8. Thanks for all the info and advice everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!