dvd+r, dvd+rw, cd-r, cd-rw?

Question

we all know that R, we can only burn once, RW, we can erase the thing we burned on a CD, and burn other thing again on the same CD. But, what is the difference between the "+" sign, and "-" sign? I went to staples.com before and tried to buy some DVD RW disk, then i saw for DVD RW, there are two parts, DVD+RW and DVD-RW, if these are same, why have to seperate, so i think there are something different. Oh, the same thing goes to CD ( CD-R, CD+R), so same thing as DVD? Thanks!

by the way
cd is 700mb, dvd is 4.7GB, what other difference is between CD and DVD.
and i still don't understand much about the "+" and "-" after reading first 3 answers.

ok, i checked my PC, it supports both "+" and"-" format, so i can use both, then FOR ME, do they still make different?

Answer 1

DVD+R and DVD+RW formats are supported by Philips, Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha and others.

DVD+R is a recordable DVD format similar to CD-R. A DVD+R can record data only once and then the data becomes permanent on the disc. The disc can not be recorded onto a second time.

DVD+RW is a re-recordable format similar to CD-RW. The data on a DVD+RW disc can be erased and recorded over numerous times without damaging the medium.

DVDs created by a +R/+RW device can be read by most commercial DVD-ROM players.

DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM
These formats are supported by Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp. These formats are also supported by the DVD Forum.

DVD-R is a recordable DVD format similar to CD-R and DVD+R. A DVD-R can record data only once and then the data becomes permanent on the disc. The disc cannot be recorded onto a second time. There also are two additional standards for DVD-R disks: DVD-RG for general use, and DVD-RA for authoring, which is used for mastering DVD video or data and is not typically available to the general public.

DVD-RW is a re-recordable format similar to CD-RW or DVD+RW. The data on a DVD-RW disc can be erased and recorded over numerous times without damaging the medium.

DVDs created by a -R/-RW device can be read by most commercial DVD-ROM players.

The crucial difference among the standards is based on which standards each manufacturer adheres to. Similar to the old VHS/Beta tape wars when VCRs first hit the markets, different manufacturers support different standards.

Answer 2

Ok this is the answers: DVD= Digital Video D? (lol sorry can't remember the last word). It's a disc, like other DVD in TV.The Disc is for Video. DVD R=Digital Video D? Read. That's mean when you insert this DVD, you can only read as many time as you want but write only one time. DVD RW= DVD read write. You can rewrite, read and burn anytime you want. DVD-ROM = That is the actual thing that when you put in your DVD. Your drive, like your normal DVD player. Except it smaller and specific at computer only (I think). CD=Compact Disc. Only for Audio. Very short memory. CD-R = Is the same concept like DVD-R. It only can be read but cannot be rewrite and write. CD-RW = CD read write. Can be rewrite, burn and read as many time. CD-ROM = Is the drive itself. You can't tell any different between CD-ROM and DVD-ROM. They probably are the same. Some modern CD or DVD are compatible with DVDROM/CDROM. Hope this explain much!

Answer 3

DVD-Rs are standard better quality picture. The difference is some players won't accept the + or - I use both but like - better. I only use CD-Rs and make sure they say music as there are CD-Rs for just data.

Answer 4

There are some differences that I don't know with - and + , but I know that some programs or devices burn onto cd's differntly..... I don't know if ths part is true but I think that - works better on old dvd players.Otherise, it may not make any difference

Answer 5

i believe sony came out with +R more company's came out and wanted to make dvd's and they didn't want to pay Sony Royalties so they came out with -R. +R are mostly older model dvd Burners. The Newer Ones Are Mostly -R. Now They Make Dual Layer DVD's Which Take Both -/+.
On Cd's it doesn't matter.

Answer 6

DVD+ is for old DVD players wich could be played on new players
DVD- old players will not play DVD-

Answer 7

some players only acept -r while the other's only take +r