what is the difference between a +R DVD and a -R DVD? I know one is compatible with older players.?

Answer 1

I asked the same question myself couple of months ago. Copying from another answer I liked: (Courtesy of webaustralia)

Commercial Answer

The truth is that the two competing technologies use different formats. No single company "owns" DVD and both technologies have their "champions".

DVD-R/RW was developed by Pioneer. Based on CD-RW technology, it uses a similar pitch of the helix, mark length of the 'burn' for data, and rotation control. DVD-R/RW is supported by the DVD Forum, an industry-wide group of hardware and software developers, and computer peripheral manufacturers. The DVD-R format has been standardized in ECMA-279 by the Forum, but this is a private standard, not an 'industry' ISO standard like the CD-R/RW Red Book or Orange Book standard.

DVD+R/RW is also based on CD-RW technology. DVD+R/RW is supported by Sony, Philips, HP, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha, and others, and has recently been endorsed by Microsoft. DVD+R/RW is not supported by the DVD Forum, but the Forum has no power to set industry standards, so it becomes a market-driven issue.

Technical Answer

DVD+R is a dvd disc that allows multiple layers for one disc where as dvd-r only allows one layer. They will not compete to become the de Facto standard, because they are both here to stay. Multi layer DVD+R can allow extra capacity per disc than DVD-R hence its high cost!

Answer 2

A +R DVD it is the older Format and they don't use it any more I believe, The -R DVD Format it is widly used and by all
commercial videos.
So the differance is that all players today can play -Read DVD
whille Fewer DVD players can play +R DVD.
It is all depents on the players and recorders on what they are
made-up for to play.

Answer 3

The -R is more compatable than the +R. I don't know why exactly, but hopefully this helps.