DVD burner advice needed... also looking for clarification

[dvd-dude]

Okay... if it isn't obvious by my questions I'm definitely a newbie (well, maybe a newbie 1st class, but that is debatable). Anyway, I know that your drive can only write that kind of medium (i.e. a DVD-R/W drive will only write the -R/W medium, and the DVD+R/W drive will only write +R/W medium). The clarification I need is compatibility afterwards. Let's say you burn a DVD+R (using a DVD+R drive obviously). If I try to open that data DVD+R in a DVD-R drive to view it on another machine will it be recognized? In other words, after your disc is burned and finalized does it matter what type (+/-) drive you use to read the information on it or is it universal at that point?

I need advice on a DVD drive purchase. I'm looking for an inexpensive but reliable and widely compatible DVD burner (hopefully a +/- dual one... but at least a - one). Any advice? I saw a Pioneer dual format (+/-) burner for $149 on Tigerdirect. Should I consider this one or go for a less expensive one that will work just as well? Besides, what is the availability of 8x media these days?

Thanks everyone!

-DVDdude

[Kamran]

www.ebuyer.com, no place is cheaper

[Vanderlow]

If you want the most widely compatible then + or - will do 90% or better in compatibility. Most people would argue the most compatible is "plus bitset to DVD-ROM" (DVD-ROM is the flag that store bought movies have).

Two burners that have 8x and bitsetting capability is the BenQ DW822A (also will be DVD9 upgradeable for unofficially free) and they are working on a hacked firmware for the NEC2500A, so that its bitsetting capable and it looks like it will be successful.

[dwight55]

Dude, . . . a + will play in a machine made for it, a - will play in a machine made for it. Neither one will play in a machine that is made solely for the other.
You can get several good brands of recorders for your price, and they will be able to do all four (+R, -R, +RW, -RW). Go to www.pricegrabber.com and enter any name/model no and there are bunches of ratings / opinions / etc to go along with the ones found here.
May God bless,
Dwight

[Vanderlow]

Actually a + wilth bitsetting to DVD-ROM will play in any player regards of whether its meant to play + or - or noone of the above ....... it thinks its a store bought DVD.

[jimmalenko]

My Pioneer has been excellent. It is true what others have said - + will only play in a + and - only in a -. There are ones that play both though.