Whats the difference between + and - on blank dvd discs?

Question

Whats the difference between + and - on blank dvd discs?

Answer 1

its a brand. i think - is older and + is for newer dvd players.

Answer 2

Hi Bri,

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

Answer 3

They are different formats. Check the manual for your recorders and players to see which are compatible. Most newer recorders and players will do both.

Answer 4

Oooh its all very boring, but - is the official format sanctioned by the official DVD body and + was designed by sony and philips.  + has some extra features that - doesnt. But my brain forgot the difference because the inormation was so useless and pointless and it wanted to use that memory bit to memorise pi to an additional 2 places.