+R or -R for files?

[butler1]

Hi. I have started using DVDs for backing up files, and I use -Rs because they are the same ones I use for video, but I have a writer that does both, so I was wondering if one was better than the other for files and other uses where it doesnt matter if it will work in a standalone DVD player.

[Treebeard]

Doesnt really matter as long as the pc's your using them on can read the format.

[butler1]

Do some PC drives only read +R or -R?

[Treebeard]

you may find a small amount of really old dvd drives that may not read both. but for the most part the majority of drives will read them w/ no problems

[Yellowman]

For general users, either media should be adequate for any form of usage. Granted, I have had more success in backing up movies on DVD -R, that is NOT to say that it is better. Just my personal observation. For just general files, it really doesn't matter. If you are going to use it for other sources, xbox, ps2, movies, some are more finicky than others. From what I understand, businesses usually use dvd +r b/c it has better error correction.
Here is a short blurb on the media format differences from videohelp:
DVD-R and DVD-RW
DVD-R/W was the first DVD recording format released that was compatible with standalone DVD Players.
DVD-R is a non-rewriteable format and it is compatible with about 93% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD-RW is a rewriteable format and it is compatible with about 79% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD-R/W supports single side 4.37 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-5) and double sided 8.75 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
These formats are supported by DVDForum.

DVD+R and DVD+RW
DVD+R/W has some "better" features than DVD-R/W such as lossless linking and both CAV and CLV writing.
DVD+R is a non-rewritable format and it is compatible with about 88% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD+RW is a rewritable format and is compatible with about 79% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD+R/W supports single side 4.37 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-5) and double side 8.75 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
These formats are supported by the DVD+RW Alliance.

[butler1]

Thanks.