DVD discs: +R or -R? Which technology is better?

Hello,

Other than being able to continue recording in another session, is there any advantage in using DVD+R against DVD-R?

What about errors, data corruption, other problems that may be eliminated or minimized when using one technology or the other?

 

There is a lot of debate about this good question. I have posted longer answers on other threads.

DVD-R is more compatible with more DVD players. The divide between +R and -R is shrinking, to where modern players don't really distinguish (assuming the disc is closed and finished)

 

Mainly DVD+R is using for storing data, and DVD-R mainly use for creating DVD movies and play them on a regular DVD player.

JC

 

I use what ever is closer when I burn a disc, example my recovery disc is on a -R and my video and music files are on +RW

I don't think it matters, really. NetBrakr is right with the compatablity, but as long as you do not have the oldest dvd player and the oldest dvd drive it makes no diffrence

 

+r is meant to be a better technology

 

Can't (some) burners change the Booktype of a +R to a -R (or DVD-ROM) to increase compatibility?

 

That is one of the few advantages of +R over -R... You can change the book-type to DVD-ROM which improves compatiblity with (ancient) DVD players.

Assuming most of your gear is relatively new, there's very little to differentiate the two formats. Just keep in mind that whether you go for +R or -R, you get what you pay for. Buying el cheapo media is a false economy... especially when your backup is unusable after 6 months.

 

I currently use +R because there are 2 old first generation dvd players in my house. By changing the booktype to dvd-rom they can both play "home made movies".

 

As someone who does alot of DVD rips and burns I can assure you that is exactly the case.

Another thing, some ultra high end DVD players will not accomodate DVD-R, but unless you are spending several thousand dollars on a player, it is highly unlikely you will run into this.

 

According to the claims of the DVD Alliance, using a DVD+R/+RW recorder will let you do the following:

1. Instantly eject without having to wait for finalized formatting.

2. Ability to record one DVD disc partially on PC and partially on television.

3. Background formatting: while the disc is being formatted, you can simultaneously record on already-formatted portions of the same disc.

4. Enhanced ability to edit filenames, movie and song titles, and playlists.

5. 100% compatibility with all other DVD players, while still enjoying these extra recording features.

For more info:
http://www.dvdrw.com/why/customer-benefits.htm

 

I use -R media, personally. I've heard that they last longer after burning than +R media. Specifically I've heard +R discs are often unreadable in as little as 18 months after burning.

 

can someone explain to me why my DVD/VCR/DVD recorder/DVD-RAM only allows the use of DVD-RWs.

 

aheem..........anybody?

 

Who manufactured it? Most of the major manufacturers fall into either the +R or -R camp, and won't support the competing format... even now.

 

it's a samsung and its maybe 2 1/2 years old.
it also does DVD-RAM. in the instruction manual it has instructions for DVD-RAM and DVD-RW or it might be DVD+RW, I'm not sure. it won't accept DVD-R or DVD+R.

 

I guess no one knows, Oh well, I'll just have to get DVD-RWs when I want to use that particular burner.

 

It should accept DVD+R if it takes DVD-RAM. DVD+R can have it's booktype changed to work in RAM Players. Maybe try a better media.

 

That's not necessarily true. The ink will deteriorate at the same speed in both formats. Now, a cheap Taiwan made Sony DVD+R will deteriorate more quickly then a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden DVD-R, but it will not deteriorate any more quickly then a similar quality media.

Now, if a booktype change is made on a DVD+R it may deteriorate the booktype and cause it not to read in an older player a bit more quickly, but the duration would likely be nominal. This is only under the assumption that the media is stored improperly, allowing unnecessary light to touch the edges.

However, I personally believe that you should buy good media so you don't need to worry. Brands like Taiyo Yuden and Verbatim offer 99 year warranties for a reason. I have read (and personally experienced) cheap media failure in less then a year. That is the main reason I elected to change to a quality media. I have several hundred DVD movies, and they don't get watched frequently enough (obviously) to justify burning them on media that may last only 2 years.

My preferred media is Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD+R white inkjet printables. I also keep a spindle of Taiyo Yuden 8X DVD-R silver inkjet printables for the times I don't want to make a label and just want to use simple text... It looks better on silver then it does on white that way.

 

Thanks for the advise. I'll try that next time.

 

sandt38, if you were to hand-write your DVDs (no printing) in order to ID them, what would be your Taiyo Yuden choices in -R and +R? ...
...and Verbatim.....would you say they are equivalent qualitywise to Taiyo J.? Choices?

Finally, when looking at maintaining your data for as long as possible, which one: +R or -R. (I have family pictures and movies I want to keep "forever")

 

Before I bought my printer, I simply used Sharpies. I used the TY Silver Laquer Thermal DVD+Rs (however, to save some money you can use the TY Silver DVD-Rs with just as much success). I bought the DVD+Rs just so I could change the booktype, so it would play in DVD RAM players, or just about any player that might come about in the future. Now, the way things are going, I think one would be safe with DVD-Rs. Very, very few DVD players are not compatible with DVD-R, and I don't see them going back to RAM formats.

I do like the Silver Inkjet printables a bit better, just because they are a more dull finish (the shiny is a bit much IMO), and I am rather particular when it comes to my movies. But they are considerably more expensive. I think the white inkjet printables are just dirt magnets and the large white field is very annoying if you don't print the whole face, but they are amazing when you do a nice label for them. All inkjet printables will work with a Sharpie.

With regards to their life... TY ink is TY ink. DVD- or DVD+ will be the same. Just use proper storage (black cases, as light breaks down ink) and they will last longer then you will . Supermediastore also sells cases in thinpack or amray width.

I use Supermediastore and RIMA for my media and storage.

Verbs are very quality media. TY is the best IMO, but Verbs would be a VERY close second. Just be sure you are buying Japanese Verbatim, as Taiwan Verb media is sub-par.

I would be glad to share some TY media if you want to see it. I have silver laquer, silver inkjet, and white inkjet media here at the house as we speak. In fact, i need to order up a case of silver and white soon, so I will have plenty to share. I use my shiny silver for practice slideshow and home video discs, just throw away DVDs, to look for errors before printing and burning final copies. Just let me know if you want some samples.

 

sandt38, thank you for your thorough answer.

Appreciate your kind offer to send me some samples -I would like to try them- but I am in Venezuela, South America, and getting them would take much time (very slow post here), and I am about to buy some in the US via internet....if I finally find a seller that will take my credit card - you can see this story here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=1918326#post1918326

 

Try Supermediastore. As per their FAQs...

Do you ship internationally?

Supermediastore.com does not ship internationally. At this time we only ship within the United States and Puerto Rico.
Although Supermediastore.com does not ship internationally, we offer an alternative option for international orders. Overseas customers will now be able to place orders from SuperMediaStore if they sign up with a third party mail forwarding service.

 

Thanks again sandt38. I will contact them.

Meanwhile I will find out about mail forwarding service.