Whats the difference between Negative and Positive DVD R's?

[Grinch]

Hi
When I first looked into burning DVDs I searched the web for info on the subject. Most sites said to use DVD-R discs. They said -R discs would play on about 93% of the DVD players. With most new players useing Progressive scan and multi formats it seems like the percentage is now more.

[setarip]

To Grinch

The vast majority of newer DVD players (one year old or less) will play BOTH DVD-R and DVD+R...

[Grinch]

Quick search came up with this,

there are two main formats: "dash" (DVD-R/RW) and "plus" (DVD+R/RW). There's not much difference between them. They both record data and video, and they both read back data and play back video. Both formats are available as recordable drives for computers and as home video recorders. In spite of claims that one format is more compatible with players and drives, both formats are similarly compatible. There are speed differences, but it's a game of leapfrog. One format will come out with faster write speeds, then the other one will match it or surpass it. In 2003, drives reached 8x speeds. 16x is the theoretical maximum, so both formats will soon hit the limit.

The biggest thing to worry about is that DVD-RW drives only record on -R and -RW discs, and DVD+RW drives only record on +R and +RW discs, so you have to make sure you get the right kind of blank discs. You may worry that one of the formats might "win" and the other format could disappear, leaving you with abandoned hardware. This is not very likely, since both formats are doing well. Luckily there is a simple solution to both concerns: buy a dual-format, or "combo" drive. Many companies make DVD-/+RW drives that write to both kinds of discs. Dual-format drives cost a bit more, but it's cheap insurance.

The DVD+RW format has a few advantages when used in a computer, but if data backup or access speed is important, also consider the DVD-RAM format. DVD-RAM is fast and reliable, and the discs have an optional cartridge to help protect data. Most DVD-RAM drives also write DVD-R/RW discs, and some super combo drives write all three formats.

It seems like everyone is right.

[blutach]

DVD-RAMs are fantastic as backup media for data files. They can be re-written about 100,000 times compared to 1,000 for a RW. So you can backup important stuff like "My Documents" easily on a 4.37Gb DVD-RAM (so long as it fits) as well as stuff like your Outlook/OE data files.

However, DVD-RAM disks won't be able to be read on most (if any) DVD players.

Regards

[sfheath]

I notice a couple of standalone DVD Recorders are now doing RAM .. just to add to the confusion .. the manufacturers, not me!

[Grinch]

I read something today that stated RAM Drives are on the way out.

[sfheath]

Blue lasers, SuperDVD, is it 5 or 7 different flash cards? We're inundated with formats. There's two DVD-RAMs aren't there?

[Pha Q]

So all the new DVD players will play both - and + discs?

[jmet]

"all the new DVD players will play both - and + discs"

No not ALL. Read the specs on the DVD player box or manual before you purchase it.