DVD-R and DVD+R

Posted by: david needham on 11 April 2006

I'm sorry if this is a really naff question - but what is the difference between these formats?

I've just got a digital camcorder, and have been messing about with it at the weekend. I've managed to load stuff onto my PC, but I'm not sure which discs to buy to store video. Any brand recommendations would be helpful too.

Please aim the technical content of any reply at the lowest possible level!!

Thanks

David

Posted on: 11 April 2006 by BigH47

The main difference seems to be the way files are stored and handled. -R seems to be compatible with the majority of players.
SVP sell laods of well priced DVD blanks and have a good Q & A or even e-mail support.

SVP

Howard

Posted on: 11 April 2006 by Roy T

A slightly technical look at what the + and - mean when thinking about DVDs.

Posted on: 11 April 2006 by david needham

That's great guys - I guess DVD-R is my best bet for being compatable with an ordinary DVD player?

Thanks

David

Posted on: 11 April 2006 by Paul Hutchings

There are some differences, but for the most part it's VHS vs Beta all over again with no overwhelming reason for either to win other than the size of the companies backing them.

By and large I've found minus to play on more mainstream consumer players, but these days most £30 ADSA players will play pretty much any disc that will fit in them.

My advice would be to use minus, and to use good quality branded media for anything of any value.

Plextor, Taiyo Yuden and Maxell are good quality brands to go for.

Personally I've had no problem with cheap media, but I only use it for stuff that I won't miss if the disc fails to be recognised in a years time.

Paul