DVD-/DVD+ Whats the difference?

Keyzer

Can anyone tell me the difference between these two?
Just got a DVD recorder and I haven't a billy ocean what this means.
Also, what are the best disks to get?

snappieT

In general, + discs are the most compatable

# The DVD-R/RW standard was developed by Pioneer, and is used primarily by Apple and Pioneer. These “minus“ discs can only be written to in one layer on the discs surface. In addition, this format is supported by the DVD forum, but is in no way an industry standard. DVD-R/RW discs are cheaper than the “plus” format.

# The DVD+R/RW format is supported by Philips, Dell, Sony, HP, and Microsoft. These discs can be written to in multiple layers, giving them slightly better and more disc storage than the “minus“ format. Because of this additional capacity, they are slightly more expensive than “minus“ discs.

Keyzer

Many thanks...
So + disks it is... Also, anyone got any cheap sites for good dual layer + disks?

A O Malley

First dual layer disks only work with a dual layer writers mostly on pc’s, Sony mainly support the –R/RW format but their recorders will record on both formats. What brand is your DVD recorder because some brands only support one format.

Keyzer

Ok, its a Sony DRU-710A and the stuff on the box says -

DVD+R DL 2.4X(8.5GB) - Does this mean I can only use writable disks for dual layer function?
DVD+R 16X
DVD+RW 4X

DVD-R 8X
DVD-RW 4X

A O Malley

Dual Layer disks are only available in +R at the moment so you can only use special writable disks for dual layer function not just standard +R disks.

Keyzer

A O Malley wrote:

Dual Layer disks are only available in +R at the moment so you can only use special writable disks for dual layer function not just standard +R disks.

Why so?
It says on the box its DVD+R DL (which I assume means dual layer)...
Not being stroppy, just curious...

A O Malley

Yes it will record onto DVD+R DL, but that is a different disk that a standard DVD+R. The DVD+R DL disks are a lot more expensive than a standard DVD+R.

From Komplett.ie
Verbatim 2,4x DVD+R Dual Layer 8,5GB (Metal AZO) 5-pack Jewel Case
Your price: €68.99

Verbatim 4x DVD+R 4,7GB (Metal AZO) 5-pack Jewel Case
Your price: €5.90

Keyzer

Yeah, I knew that, had a looksee on vcdhelp.com....
Anyhoo, thanks for the help dudes... Anymore info? Keep it coming...

kinkstr

http://www.mediawrite.ie/

rubadub

http://www.blankdiscshop.co.uk/acatalog/Double_Layer_DVDR.html

€5 each but post is €15.50. If you are buying more than 3 it is cheaper than mediawrite.

You do know you can compress dual layers? the difference is barely noticeable. The price of dual layers will come down a lot in the next year. I plan on using my single layers until then, then I might backup on duals and give away all the singles.

check out www.doom9.net for dvd decrypter and dvd shrink

I had always heard -r was more compatibale in dvd players. I think +r may be suited to consoles?

stevenmu

Is there any point backing up the singles to dual layers ?

edit: Oh wait, I presume you mean backing up the originals again but to DL this time.

jor el

-R are more backwards compatable to DVD players, as the -R format is similar to a pressed DVD (the track is a spiral, like a record) where as DVD+R tracks are concentric circles. So the read a +R, the DVD player has to be designed to read it, -R should mostly just work. However, in any new DVD player from the last couple of years there should be no problem with either, if your player is more than 3 or 4 years old though it may well have problems.

The -R discs are a bit cheaper, but the quality is just as good. I've only ever used -R discs, had a couple of +Rs but don't see the point in paying more for what's essentially the same thing. I wouldn't waste money buying dual-layer +Rs either as you can buy 25 single layer -R discs for the price of one DL +R disc.

Dual layer -R discs are supposed to be on the way soon too, I believe the Pioneer DVR-109 will support them, as does the NEC ND3520.