DVD-r vs. +r

[howardwhite 6]

I did a quick search and it looks as though this question was last visited here a couple of years ago. So...

Do you use DVD-r or DVD+r, and why?

I do most burning on a Mac and my apps insist on -r. But I've also been labelling and providing blanks for camera people who use other burners, and have mindlessly been giving them -r also. One video person who asked me about blanks this weekend is using +r. I said I thought there were compatibility issues, but a quick Google search leaves the issue cloudy for me.

So who wants to help uncloud me?

HW

[The111 1]

As far as I know, the only reason to use one over the other is compatibility, with a reader or writer.

Most burners can write to either. If yours can't, use the one it works better with.

Most readers can read either. If you know that your disc is going to be read in a reader that can only read one type, use that type.

I use DVD-R, because I buy Taiyo Yuden blanks and the - is cheaper then the +.

Here is a technical article that is way beyond my understanding, explaining why the author believes + is superior.

www.WingsuitPhotos.com

[DeepThought 0]

I have found that the -R discs have less compatibility problems. Especialy with older DVD players.

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You only have one life, make the most of it.

[Chrissay 0]

We have been using - R going on 3 years and have never had anyone contact us to say that they couldn't get it to play. When I researched it a few years ago, it seemed that - R was the most compatible format.

[robap26 0]

DVD-R is going to be a better choice if you want to guarantee compatibility with set-top-box DVD players. Although this is becoming less and less of an issue these days as most moderns DVD players can now play both formats. The downsides to the -R format are significantly longer finalize times and higher cost for the recorders.
DVD+R has some really nice features for computers in terms of data storage but for DVD-VIDEO they are the same as -R. They will take less time to finalize a disc which is nice when you want to give it to a client right away and get on the next load. Also the +R recorders are a little cheaper.
My opinion is that if you are doing tandem video you should use -R to guarantee that it will play in their DVD player, and their mom's and their friends and...
The finalize times can be a pain in the ass but the clients don't seem to mind waiting ten minutes and you usually can find someone to eject the disc for you if you are on a load.
If you are talking about videos made on your Mac I then assume you are not talking about tandem videos. (not too many people will invest the time to do non-linear editing for tandem video)
If you are doing stuff for yourself then it doesn't matter what format you use as long as you can play it on the equipment you have. Finalize times are not as big a factor either since computers have higher speed drives and can finalize either format in less then two minutes.
The discs themselves are about the same price if you buy online. If you buy retail I think the +R disc are a little less expensive but we're only talking about a few pennies.
RP