Question about DVDs

[SilentRipper]

This may not be the proper section in which to post this question, but here goes:

What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD-RW; and DVD+R and DVD+R?

Thanks

[majerle]

put in simplicity
dvd-r -> write only one time, read many
dvd-rw -> write many time (could be erased), read many (rw mean rewritable, as cd-rw)

the same for dvd+r(w)

bye

Adres

[SilentRipper]

I know, but is there any difference between the "-" and the "+"?

[padre]

Yes, there are technical differences in the media/format. DVD-R/RW recorders can only write to -R/RW media, and DVD+R/RW recorders can only write to +R/RW media. That's why they came out with the recent dual format recorders, which allow you to use either format.

DVD+R/RW has a few advantages over -R/RW, in that it doesn't need the same lead-in/lead-out recording that -R/RW does. So burns can be a little quicker. It also helps when you do direct burns, like standalone DVD recorders.

As far as compatiblity goes, it's all up for debate. There are sites where you can check to see if your standalone DVD player will play -R/RW or +R/RW media.

Lastly, for a while there, +R/RW media was twice as expensive as -R/RW media. But that's changed recently, as the price of +R/RW media has dropped (-R/RW media is still cheaper, just not as much difference).