Solved DVD-R vs. DVD+R

[bigmck]

I always forget how this goes and finding an answer on the net is impossible. == Isn't the difference that DVD-R can be recorded on a PC and played in a DVD player, while a DVD+R can only be played in the PC that burned it? Thanks,

 

[Britton30]

Hi Jim, while I don't know the difference, I've played both type in a DVD player after burning on a PC. They virtually have no difference.
Here's a short missive on the subject.
http://www.askdavetaylor.com/whats_the_difference_between_dvdr_dvdr_dvdrw_dvdrw_and_dvdram.html

 

[badger906]

if you have a + and - drive you can create and use discs from any drive. but if its either + or - your obviously limited to specific discs.

as far as differences in performance, i dont think they are noticeable. i buy either or type of disc and dont find any differences. + is supposed to write faster, but you never get max write speeds so again its not noticeable.

 

[pparks1]

I use these disc types interchangeably...it really comes down to which ones are on sale when I need more media.

 

[Corazon]

It used to be that DVD players couldn't read DVD+R discs but that's not really true anymore since about 2004.
Basically '-' and '+' are two competing standards that never came down to one winner and one loser, but ended up coexisting instead.
The '+' format is technically slightly more advanced and robust (good for data writing), but in practice it won't really make a difference for most people.

 

[Britton30]

I use these disc types interchangeably...it really comes down to which ones are on sale when I need more media.

Me too, for several years PC burners have had the ability to burn nearly any writable disk on the market, DVD-RAM the exception although some burners handle them too.

 

[bigmck]

Thanks to all of you for clearing this up for me. I don't burn a disk very often, but everytime I do for the DVD player I have to think if I should use the plus or the minus since I have both. From now on I will just grab one. One more thing I can forget about. Now that I have that space in my head, I guess I could try to learn something to fill it.

 

[Britton30]

True, Homer Simpson...."Marge when you learn something new your forget something cause you brain runs out of space. Remember when I took that course on beer-making, I forgot how to drive?"

 

[bigmck]

True, Homer Simpson...."Marge when you learn something new your forget something cause you brain runs out of space. Remember when I took that course on beer-making, I forgot how to drive?"

:roflmao:

 

[stormy13]

Also make sure to use good quality disks. Good guide here,

Blank DVD Media Quality Review – The Digital FAQ – Media Guides & Services

 

[Britton30]

True Richard, some are more useful for coasters.

 

[stormy13]

Forgot to poost this as well,

DVD Identifier - Your DVD, HD DVD & Blu-ray Companion

Nice little utility to see who the disks are actually made by.

 

[mjf]

I always forget how this goes and finding an answer on the net is impossible. == Isn't the difference that DVD-R can be recorded on a PC and played in a DVD player, while a DVD+R can only be played in the PC that burned it? Thanks,

There are some older DVD players like my old National Panasonic that will only play DVR-R.
However, If you have DVD+R single or DL then with imgburn this is what you do:

Tools>Drive>Change Book Type
Select your Player model (eg. LG)
then
Change for DVD +R OR DVD +R DL media

Select DVD-ROM

Your DVD +R disks will then be burnt so that they will play on your DVD Player