which dvd to use

[DL]

Hi All, Could some one post a link that explains the difference and preferences between DVD+RW, DVD+R, DVD-R, and DVD-RW. I am starting to look for a burner and I am not sure from all I have been reading what to look for and which may have the least problems. I think I have read DVD+RW has the greatest compatibility and I followed a link which showed me my standalone played DVD+RW. I am just confused, maybe too much reading. Could someone give me opinions please?

Thanks,
DL

[alexnoe]

That DVD+RW has the greatest compatibility is crap information. It's usually spread by people who use some crap dvd-rw media (Pioneer, Princo, Imation) for tests and conclude a poor compatibility from that, and of course by people who read this and believe in it.

Anyway, there's no necessity to decide for either format.

[padre]

Yes, it's a bit confusing out there. Here's the real bottom line: The two formats each can delivery DVD burning that is playable on most standalones. Each side (DVD+R/W and DVD-R/W) state they have the highest level of standalone compatibility. Don't trust any of them! Go to independent sites, like www.vcdhelp.com, and check out their listing of DVD player compatibility. It's key that you are comfortable with your choice, making sure it plays in your players.

Next, look at the media costs. Right now, DVD-R is much cheaper than DVD+R (similar with RW). But the costs for +R/RW media is dropping (and so is -R/RW). I've seen quality DVD-R media for $1US.

The last option is to wait until all the bugs have been worked out with the Sony 500A and look at one of those types of burners (burns both +R/RW and -R/RW formats and even does 4x burning). I wouldn't recommend buying it right now, as they are having media and software issues. Wait, let someone else have the headaches of determining the problems source. Remember, the drive is 1.0 release , and the .0 standing for Oh My God, why didn't I wait!

If I had to buy a DVD burner today, I'd buy a Pioneer A04. It's cheap, it works and the media is inexpensive. I'm not knocking the other burners, they all have their advantages. I expect to buy one of the Sony's as soon as they've worked out the bugs! I currently own a Pioneer A03 and burn using Ritek/PrimeDisc media.

[DL]

Thanks for the input.

DL