which media is better to use?

bnm81002 · 02-07-2006, 01:23 AM

my DVD recorder can use either the DVD-R or the DVD+R but what are the differences between the 2 types and also, which one would be the better type to use? thanks

cdeckert219 · 02-07-2006, 06:34 AM

Here's a link that explains the differences:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvd
All the players in my house/car can read DVD-R, but not all can read DVD+R.
BTW, the manual for the Pioneer DVR810H says that it only supports DVD-R, so wouldn't you want to go that route?

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Humax DRT400
TCD540040

KingCrutch · 02-07-2006, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnm81002

my DVD recorder can use either the DVD-R or the DVD+R but what are the differences between the 2 types and also, which one would be the better type to use? thanks

DVD-R. As has been pointed out, DVD+R is not truly standards-compliant and isn't recognized in nearly as many DVD drives.

bnm81002 · 02-07-2006, 02:10 PM

sorry guys, I am using the blank DVD's in a computer DVD drive as well(Plextor PX-716ALSW which records and reads DVD -/+R and -/+RW), I read an article that said the +R is better for newer players but -R is better for older players, so I'll get both -R and +R, since eventually I'll be getting a newer DVD player in the future

TydalForce · 02-08-2006, 08:39 PM

Hey I'm new here, and my TiVo is on its way (any day now!)

But, I've worked in the IT world for a bit, so I can weigh in on this one.

DVD-R tends to be more standards compliant. Independent tests shows it to be more compatible with the average set-top DVD player than DVD+R. Granted, anything brand new should be able to read both, but as you go back-in-time, its more likely the DVD player will work with the - instead of the +

On top of that, DVD-R/RW has more relevant industry weight behind it. Apple and Sony, the two biggest names in PC video-editing world, have put their weight behind the -R.

I'd post the URL to the test thingie I found, but I'm new and it won't let me. Google "DVD Media Format Compatibility Tests" and it should come up as the first listing.

petew · 02-09-2006, 10:32 AM

The key functional difference between + media and - media is the ability to selectively erase, allowing DVD+RW disks to be edited without rewriting the whole recording. Since DVD+R can never be erased, there's no functional difference between +R and -R only between +RW and -RW, so as everyone else has already stated for the best chance of compatibility with older DVD players chose -R

dfreybur · 02-09-2006, 04:10 PM

Are there any particular brand requirements among DVD-R blanks?

I've got a Humax 40 hr DVD Tivo and I've been using the first stack of Office Max
DVD-R blanks that I found on sale for around $15 for 50.

I've got a few boxes of VHS tapes that I'll be gradually ripping into the Tivo and
then back out to DVD, plus recording Stargate SG1 and whatever. Should take
plenty of blanks and I'd like to know if there's a target brand to get rather than
what's on sale.

I've also been reading the thread on failing with an internal error. I get that
about 1 time in 3 and wonder if it's the brand I'm using.

TydalForce · 02-09-2006, 04:57 PM

Again, I speak from more computer-land experience... oh gosh I hope my TiVo is waiting for me when I get home today (c:

The most reliable brands I've encountered are, in order of preference: Verbatim, TDK, and Memorex. Some of the El Cheapo discs may not burn as reliably or successfully.

However, your mileage may vary. I've seen one computer perfectly happy to use Brand X whereas another won't. Seems almost like "my drive hates these!".

Catch a good sale and you'll find the name-brand DVDs at a decent price. Last month I think Micro Center had a 50-pack spindle of Verbatim DVD-R's for $15 or so. Not too shabby.

bnm81002 · 02-09-2006, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petew

The key functional difference between + media and - media is the ability to selectively erase, allowing DVD+RW disks to be edited without rewriting the whole recording. Since DVD+R can never be erased, there's no functional difference between +R and -R only between +RW and -RW, so as everyone else has already stated for the best chance of compatibility with older DVD players chose -R

I agree that there's no difference between DVD - and + RW media but since my computer DVD recorder burns DVD+RW at a faster rate than the DVD-RW, I'll be purchasing the DVD+RW, sometimes the recorder itself will determine which one to purchase,
as for the DVD-/+R media, I'll be getting both since I have an older DVD player and most likely I'll be buying a new player in the future

Mr. Happypants · 02-15-2006, 08:27 PM

I've got the Humax Series 2 and tried to throw a DVD+R into it this weekend to clear some space, but the recorder refused to take it. Think they're Fuji 8x type, if that means anything. I had bought them originally for burning on the PC so they're not wasted, I'll just be sure to get some -R for the Humax.

Ahhhh, aren't unified standards just great! :P

TydalForce · 02-15-2006, 09:07 PM

I picked up a 50-pack spindle of Verbatim 16x "printable" DVD-R discs a week or two ago. Just burned my very first TiVo DVD. Went perfectly fine, no errors, plays on my PowerBook and my DVD-player just fine

So, Verbatim DVD-R seems to work so far if you're looking for "evidence" (c: