dvd+r better than dvd-r because of booktype?

[spiritgumm]

Are dvd+r better (more universally acceptable) because the booktype can be changed to dvd-rom? If so, is this true for Dual layer dvd+r too?
On a tangent, I've noticed dvd+rw can be played right out of a stand-alone dvd recorder, whereas dvd-rw need to be finalized. Also my Philips/Benq burner wouldn't recognize dvd-rw made in a dvd recorder, but no problems with dvd+rw. Seems like +r has other advantages.

[lordsmurf]

Absolutely not.

Prior to booktype setting abilities, DVD+R media only had a compatibility in the low 80% range. By adding the ability to booktype DVD+R, the media is now very close to DVD-R at just under 90% overall (DVD-R is just above 90% overall).

Now, with DVD+R DL, this does help some, because it lets the player know a 2nd layer is allowed. This does nothing for raw hardware/reflectivity compatibility, but is does help with layers when the disc can be read.

DVD+RW uses the DVD+VR recording method, which precludes the need for a finalize on that type of disc. Unfortunately, DVD+VR technology suffers from several drawbacks, including CVBR and the tendency for IFO files to corrupts (on DVD+R or edited DVD+RW). And then DVD+RW really does not last as long as DVD-RW media, lots of issues out there where discs develope craters in just a few months. Watch for that if you use DVD+RW media.

[yoda313]

Really????

I bought a 25 pack of Memorex +RW's for my liteon dvd recorder.

Should I preserve what I want to save and buy a pack of -rw's instead? My liteon can record to both - and + rw's.

[spiritgumm]

Thanks! I only use dvd+rw for temporary data storage (like in a dvd recorder or test-burns), but I can forsee their degradation being a problem.
So ultimately, which is the "better" Duallayer media to use? Dvd-r or Dvd+r? It sounds like they have their pros and cons.

[Marvingj]

I personally like DVD-RW Better than DVD+RW.

[lenti_75]

I've been using same +RW's for the last 3 yrs....still working. why is -RW better?

it's just a matter of preference, some like + some like -.....

[lordsmurf]

I've been using same +RW's for the last 3 yrs....still working. why is -RW better?
it's just a matter of preference, some like + some like -.....

I have preference to neither disc type. I've come to understand which discs suit which purposes. For example, in a picky DVD player, it's often required that a MCC DVD-R be used. Or that my XBOX can only read DVD-RW and not DVD+RW.

But the problem is not whether DVD-RW is "better" than DVD+RW, but rather that quite a few people are having issues, and it's been this way for a few years now, with DVD+RW discs not lasting as long as they should, even in ideal storage/usage conditions. There is a longevity concern, so carefully scrutinize the bottom of the discs and look for craters in the phase change material before using it.

From personal experience, for example, I have DVD+RW discs from mid/late 2003, but it's only about half or less of the amount I once had (Sony, MCC, Infodisc, you name it). Comparatively, I still have every single DVD-RW stretching back to early 2002. The only reason I've had to toss a DVD-RW is because it was scratched too much (I was careless and did not store it properly at all times), and then the odd Ritek RW disc from time to time.

[spiritgumm]

Getting back to my original question (which wasn't about the merits of +-rw), which is the "better" Dual Layer media to use? Dvd-r or Dvd+r? It sounds like they have their pros and cons.

[lenti_75]

for DL media + is all the way, just because of the booktype. the players weren't designed to play - or + DL, but when you change the booktype to dvd-rom, you fool the player to think it;s a pressed disc.

[MOVIEGEEK]

No offense Lordsmurf but you have always been pro "-R",longevity has nothing to do with format.I am not advocating either format but you should use what works on your players.
That being said:using "+R" on standalone recorders has better PC compatibilty because DVD+VR is closer to DVD-VIDEO than DVD-VR.DVD+R also has the advantage of multi-session when writing data.I haven't tried -R DL but have had 75% success with +R DL.

[lordsmurf]

MOVIEGEEK, disc type and recording type are not combined.

DVD recorders that adhere to RW Alliance specs must use DVD+VR recording types. For example, LiteOn equipment is stringent to DVD+VR standard ... even on DVD-R or DVD-RW media. DVD+VR is a DVD-Video standard, but with limited options (such as requiring CVBR and MPEG Layer II audio, with AC3 as optional).

DVD-VR is an optional recording method in machines that are using the DVD Forum's DVD-Video standard. They can do either "VIDEO MODE" (DVD-Video) or "VR MODE" (DVD-VR). I never suggest DVD-VR, avoid it at all costs. It sacrifices compatibility for some better editing abilities. Edit on a computer or don't edit, assuming you want a DVD-Video disc.

Longevity is indeed affected by format, but only because the materials used in the discs vary. This is why a DVD+R and DVD-R are not identical, a myth long ago buried.

With more companies like TY and MCC and MAXELL now making DVD+R media, there is finally something decent to choose from. No longer is DVD+R stuck with RICOH and CMC only.

There are still compatilibity concerns with DVD+R being less than DVD-R, but even then you cannot just grab any DVD-R and solve the problem. As suggested earlier, in that sort of situation, you must not only get a DVD-R, but an MCC-made DVD-R.

There's no reason to be "pro" for either format. Use what the situation requires, considering a list of circumstances.