DVD Duplication -> DVR+/-R ??

[max2k]

Folks:

Disclaimer: I am a total noobie when it comes to DVD burning and please direct me to FAQ/sticky if my questions are FAQ !

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I need to duplicate a DVD -- it is not encrypted - its just a DVD of one of my friends vacation trips.

I don't have a DVD burner yet !

Couple of quick questions:
(1) DVD+R and DVD-R --> which is more popular and more compatible with DVD players ? Any recommended DVD burners - I can spend upto 300 bucks on this thing.

(2) Easiest proggy to do a "perfect" 1:1 copy of DVD

(3) Any tutorials available? - URLs please.

(4) And where to buy blanks -- I can't wait for online stores right now - maybe retail stores that you know.
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Thanks - I hope to get going on DVD burning !!!
-Max.

[john@sympatico.ca]

300$ is a lot to pay just to copy your friends home movie DVD. Do you plan to backup any other DVDs once you get set up? Use it for DVD data? Make your own digital cam corder to DVD transfers?

Not that it matters much, I'd suggest you get the Pioneer DVR A05 it uses DVD-r media and is top of the line (4x to burn). The media is cheap enough, you should be able to get something at circuit city.

All the guides you need are here:
http://www.doom9.org/

[markrb]

The Pioneer is also available as the Cendyne 105, I believe, it's the same burner but rebagged and might be cheaper. Staples sells the Cendyne for $300 online and so does Circuit City in-store only for $250 here in New Hampshire.

Have a look at the main Doom9 Website for some DVD tutorials.

As for DVD player compatability have a look at www.vcdhelp.com for their DVD player list. This will give you an idea of what your player can play. Most today will play either format.

I recently bought the Sony DRU500A burner, but it is a bit over $300 and very hard to find now, but it burns both the + and - formats.

Stay away from Memorex media in the stores. Just buy a few and then get the rest online. You will save a bunch that way. Keep in mind that 4X media is expensive right now. For cost reasons stick to 2X, especially when starting out. Why waste money on coasters?

Mark