DVD+R and DVD-R?

Question

I have a DVD+RW drive on my laptop. Which format would be best, DVD-R or DVD+R?

I basically use it for software backups and occasionally for home videos that I have made.

I don't need to know the physical difference between the two formats, just want to know what would be best.

Answer 1

listen to norm he is correct in what he says

(saves me typing)

Answer 2

i always use dvd-r they always work for me

Answer 3

If its a DVD+ drive you need to use DVD+ discs.

Answer 4

I use both and have no problem...

Answer 5

Hi Greenfan,

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 never settled 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