What is the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R???

Question

Are these different formats for regional recordings or different recording applications???

Answer 1

Hi Bruce,

The DVD+R and DVD-R are competing formats much like the old VHS and Beta formats in video tapes. Today most drives are Hybrid and handle both formats. They are usually labeled DVD+/-R

The market for recordable DVD technology shows little sign of settling down in favor of either the plus or dash formats, which is mostly the result of the increasing numbers of dual-format devices that can record to both formats; it has become very difficult to find new devices that can only record to one of the formats. However, because the DVD-R format has been in use since 1997, it has had a five-year lead on DVD+R. As such, older or cheaper DVD players (up to 2004 vintage) are more likely to favor the DVD-R standard exclusively, and when creating DVD’s for distribution (where the playing unit is unknown or older) the DVD-R format would normally be preferable.

My personal experience has led me towards using the +R. It is slightly better at error handling so more tolerant of dirty or damaged media and also more tolerant to the subtle differences between players.

Norm

Answer 2

It used to be that you had to use either one or the other when recording depending on which DVD recorder you had. Now they all seem to use the +/- format. It isn't different formats for regional recordings because your recorder/player is set for the USA if bought here.

Answer 3

it seems that DVD-R is more compatible. IE, more players play DVD-R than play both.
There are some sites that say that DVD+R is less error prone, but that is questionable.