DVD-R vs. DVD+R

[Psychic Warrior]

What on earth is the difference between these two formats? I just got a DVD burner and have noticed that there are two types of DVD R's to purchase. Is one better than the other? Can anyone help?

 

[reveal]

What on earth is the difference between these two formats? I just got a DVD burner and have noticed that there are two types of DVD R's to purchase. Is one better than the other? Can anyone help?

DVD-R's are cheaper. BUT DVD+R's are supported by more DVD players. If you're burning to DVD for backup, then you can get away with DVD-R's. But if you're going to burn stuff to be played on DVD players, I would go with DVD+R's. Chances are greater that your DVD player, and others, supports DVD+R's.

 

[mojo1701]

This might go better under the 'Computers, Software and D&D Utilities' forum.

Then again, I'm not a mod.

 

[Rel]

DVD-R's are cheaper. BUT DVD+R's are supported by more DVD players. If you're burning to DVD for backup, then you can get away with DVD-R's. But if you're going to burn stuff to be played on DVD players, I would go with DVD+R's. Chances are greater that your DVD player, and others, supports DVD+R's.

Interesting that you say that. I have a high end DVD burner (granted that its a couple of years old) and it will ONLY take DVD-R's. When I first got it I had a hell of a time because I was trying to use DVD+R's and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't recognized the disc.

 

[reveal]

Interesting that you say that. I have a high end DVD burner (granted that its a couple of years old) and it will ONLY take DVD-R's. When I first got it I had a hell of a time because I was trying to use DVD+R's and couldn't figure out why it wouldn't recognized the disc.

I was referring to standalone DVD players. Yes, some burners will only take one format over the other, but most standalone DVD players will read DVD+R's but not all of them will read DVD-R's.

 

[Psychic Warrior]

Thanks reveal! Best Buy is having a sale here 25 DVD+R's for $13 CAN. Guess I'll pick up a few as the main reason we have the burner is to play stuff on our DVD player/stero system.

 

[reveal]

Thanks reveal! Best Buy is having a sale here 25 DVD+R's for $13 CAN. Guess I'll pick up a few as the main reason we have the burner is to play stuff on our DVD player/stero system.

I would buy small packs of both DVD-R and DVD+R. If you only can get one each, do it. Then burn the same thing to both discs and see which one works in your player.

Then, if the DVD-R works, you can get deals like this: $20 for 50 DVD-R's. Also, buy in bulk online if you can. The more you buy, the cheaper they are per disc.

 

[Dimwhit]

DVD-R's are cheaper. BUT DVD+R's are supported by more DVD players. If you're burning to DVD for backup, then you can get away with DVD-R's. But if you're going to burn stuff to be played on DVD players, I would go with DVD+R's. Chances are greater that your DVD player, and others, supports DVD+R's.

Actually, I believe you have that backward. DVD-R are a little more expensive but are more compatible. I'm fairly confident on that. I know my player won't play DVD+Rs, and my DVD-R media tends to cost a little more.

 

[reveal]

Actually, I believe you have that backward. DVD-R are a little more expensive but are more compatible. I'm fairly confident on that. I know my player won't play DVD+Rs, and my DVD-R media tends to cost a little more.

Huh. Looking into it a little more, I think you may be right. I've always gotten DVD+Rs and I could have sworn the reasons I listed above were why.

Psychic Warrior, my advice still stands though. Buy 1 disc of each and see which one works. Buy the cheaper one in bulk.

 

[Rel]

Psychic Warrior, my advice still stands though. Buy 1 disc of each and see which one works. Buy the cheaper one in bulk.

Unless of course it is important that you be able to play these DVD's on OTHER people's DVD players in which case you might want to get the ones that are more universal.

Rel *who is feeling a lot less scared that one of his customers is going to have problems using one of his discs now*