What's the Difference between DVD R, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD RW, and DVD-RAM?

Question

I mean...

What's the Difference between DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM?

Answer 1

DVD+R and DVD-R are simply 'write to' disks. A single layer disk of either of these will hold 4.7gb of data or obviously a movie if properly formatted. The data on these disks cannot be erased once recorded on to it. The + and the - simply signify different types of it. Certain drives can only record to or read one or the other. Most drives nowadays have the capability to do both.

DVD+RW and DVD-RW are essentially the same as above, but these discs are rewritable. The data on the disk can be erased, and more/different data can be written to it countless times. The + and - are the same explanation as above.

DVD-RAM stands for DVD random access memory. These types of disks are generally used for data storage because they are much easier to access. These disks work more like floppy disks and hard disk drives, and can be read without special softwore. In comparison, you can imagine how much easier it is to read and copy from the hard disk compared to a dvd-r.  

Answer 2

The difference between + and - is really the color of the laser being used.  Many devices have more than one laser and can use both.  The industry seems to be pushing DVD+R, but I've had nothing but issues with them.  I stick to DVD-R myself.  Your equipment, and thus your experiences, may vary.

R can only be written to once.  RW can be written to, and then later on, you can erase it, and write it again.  Note: you can't delete individual files or anything like that.  You have to wipe out and rewrite the whole thing.  It is not a hard drive.  DVD-RAM is similar to DVD-RW.  Again, different colored laser, slightly different format I think.  Frankly, DVD-RAM was a "flash in the pan" that never really took off.  It deserves a place on your shelf right next to the Betamax tapes.

Answer 3

Different chemistries of the disks.  RW indicates a rewritable disk, RAM is also rewritable.  The others are write once.

Answer 4

+R and -R are just different standards.

W means writeable.

DVD RAM is a new standard for writeable DVDs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD-RAM