difference between DVD-R and DVD+R

[charlieboys1]

can any tell me the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R and what you would use them for or can not use them for
I know that DVD+RW are just rewritable disk what -/+R I have no idea

[vehelpfulguy]

They are two slighlty different DVD formats created by two different groups of companies.

They are so similar that MOST modern DVD devices can record and play both.

But not all devices can so check support for the devices you plan to record on AND play on.

If, for example, you are going to record a DVD and send it to a friend or relative make sure it can play the format you use (minus or plus).

I think minus generally has the best support in the industry, so if there is nothing in it either way got for minus.

[fo3nix]

the -R (or indeed, -RW) format is the official one, agreed by the DVD consortium.

+R is just another standard, as vehelpfulguy points out.

Generally, -R works better in the dvd players you use under your TV. However, for storing important data for backups, etc., +R is better (for technical reasons I won't go into here).

Generally though, as long as your drive can support both, you'll be fine with either.

[charlieboys1]

thanks for that I will in the future buy -R as they seem to be cheaper then the +R that I've got before just bought some +R from www.choicestationery.co.uk they was good priced and free delivery wish I new before about the + &- R because -R was a lot cheaper never mind

[ACtheTROLL]

sorry vhg & fo3 ... not quite right

+Ris optimised for media files
video + music

- is the "standard" ... but only for data
and especially for comercially produced material (which stamps rather than burning data)
.... many dvd recorders will read - but not write to -R

for home burning
Price is an indicator of quality in this case ... for a few pennies more ... you get optimised media
(better error correction)

-R is fine for data and backups ...
but if it's for music/vid you should use +R