+ or - Oringinal DVD compared to a backup

[antonhs]

How come there is an issue with backup DVD discs being either + or - and thus only working on a DVD that can play DVD discs, when original DVD discs will play on any?

Are original DVD discs not + or - type discs??

For example DVD player 'A' can only play + discs, wheres as DVD player 'B' can only play - discs... yet they can both play an original DVD disc??

any one explain this to me.

thanks

[disturbed1]

When a DVD players reads a disc, it's laser emits a beam of light which is refelcted off the disc and the pits and grooves are read back.

A Hollywood DVD is manufactured from a Glass master, which is then pressed to blanks, creating perminent pits.

A blank consumer media (DVD-R, DVD+R, CDR, and the RWs) contains an organic dye which is heated by a laser in the burner to create the pits and grooves.

This consumer media has a slightly less reflective nature than manufactured DVDs which can cause problems with some players. Add to that the many cheap grade b (read crap) blank media available, different authoring and burning apps (some of which don't adhere to DVD specifacations), and user error.

All of this leads to the confusing compatibility reports that are made. Which is why Fred says player A works with DVD-R, but John says it only plays DVD+R, and Sam says it doesn't play anything.

If you have a high quality blank doesn't matter if it's +R, or -R, and your DVD player is a newer model (2001 +) you'll have a great chance of success.

Good DVD-R Mitsui, Pioneer, and Riteks (98%).
Most DVD+R are good quality which why that media costs the same as certified 2x DVD-R media.

[jbbrown211]

So whixh would be the better burner to buy, a + burner or a - burner?

[antonhs]

thanks for the reply. but what im getting at is why isnt there two versions of a manufactured film disc. a + version for players that only play + discs and a - version for players that only play - discs.

how come a manuafactured disc plays on anything... as they arnt specifically a + disc or a - disc.

becasue say it was a manufactured + disc then how come it works on a player that will only read - disc's ???

[Cornucopia]

antonhs:

disturbed1 was right on the money with the difference between PRESSED, store-bought original discs, and BURNED Recordable DVD-backups (except that burned discs don't make pits-they just make sections more- or less- reflective). Sounds like you need it spelled out a little more simply...

Original DVD's ONLY come ONE WAY-PRESSED.
Burned DVD backups can be either -R/W or +R/W (or, for that matter, even DVD-RAM).

DVD players were made to play DVD's primarily, not backup DVD recordables. The recordables work at all because their disc "should" look enough like real DVD's pits and lands to be readable. I say should because that is where the compatiblity/versatility of the player to recordables comes into play. Newer models are much more versatile and forgiving.

HTH,
Scott

[jbbrown211]

I understand what you are saying, which leads into my question: Which of the two formats should you get for a DVD burner? Are there percentages as to how many standalone players are compatable with + as opposed to - formats. Secondly, if you have a burner that supports both formats, do you choose which one you want to burn for, + or - based on what your player will read.

[spiderman2k1]

I I was to get only one format I would get DVD-R the burner are less money office max and Stable's sell's Cendyne made by Pioneer with rebate it as low as $180.00 and burner's 4X media as with + you have to spend around $300.00 for a 4X burner. The 4X blank's are only online order but store will soon have them as more people get them. I have the Pioneer AO4 and have a DRU500AX it pay's for it self over time if you buy your blank DVD on sale with rebate's this is a great site to find out what's on sale ever week http://www.salescircular.com/ both format are good some people say DVD-R is better some say DVD+R is better is all come's down do they work in your DVD player's DVD+R burn 2.4X you can get around 200 buck's good deal but for that money I think it would be better to get a 4X DVD-R. I think both format will be around for a long time

[disturbed1]

There are technological reasons for using one verson over the other. I won't list them, nor start another - or + debate. You should do some research on many places, namely the manufactures, and patent owners.

Ignore the "we are better" propaganda from both +R and -R. Although +R has been known to Boast quite alot without anthing to back it up.

Opinions from consumers can be compared to a Nike vs. Reebok, it's a matter of what fits your needs best.

Both sides have users plauged with problems, and users that have nothing but joy.

If your undecided get a multi drive that burns both +R and -R like the Sony drives.

[disturbed1]

I I was to get only one format I ............................ I think both format will be around for a long time

Same thoughts, at the same time