Just what is the difference between +R and -R DVD's now. Im looking for more the physical differnce in how they are encoded on the disk? Anyone have any insight for me?

Thanks,
Codey

I don't think there's any significant difference in terms of encoding--after all, both formats have to be readable by standard DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. The difference is in the process of writing the disc.

Thus, a DVD+ only burner can still read a DVD- disc that has already been burned, and vice versa.

I've heard and experienced that +R don't completely comply with the DVD standard.

I've had a few problems with +R discs not being readable on certain DVD players (ie. older DVD-ROM drives, PS2, and a DVD player). Unless you need some feature from the DVD+R standard, I would stick with -R if possible.

Weird, I've burned both and played both on a variety of players (including one of the first PS2 off the boat) and never had an issues. DVD-ROM drives on the other hand, that's a 50/50 thing with either format.

Me too. According to the +R specs, it's designed to be indistinguishable from a factory-made DVD.

I keep a supply of both formats around, as I've found some set-top DVD players prefer one over the other (though it appears to be more related to disc brand than format). But with all the decks (and DVD-ROM drives) I have direct access to, I've never run into any compatibility issues with either format.

I was told by a tech guy in CompuSmart that -R are more compatible with various DVD players out there. However, the +R was said to provide better quality (by how much difference, I'm not sure).

I personally have supplies of -R's as I'd prefer compatibility than anything else.

I believe that +R includes as few extra recordering features when used in a set top DVD recorder (at the expense of some compatibility with old equipment). But the final quality of both standards is the same, as the video encoding is identical.

Difficult answer that I solved as the following:

When the +R discs are on sale, they are superior to the -R not on sale.
When the -R discs are on sale, they are superior to the +R not on sale.

According to Fuji Canada:

DVD-R - Write Once Format
• 4.7 GB or 120 minutes of recordable space
• Highly compatible with most current DVD players and DVD-ROM drives

Current DVD-R Drive and Recorder Manufacturers
• Apple • Compaq • JVC • Panasonic • Pioneer • Sharp • Sanyo •


DVD+R - Write Once Format
• 4.7 GB or 120 minutes of recordable space
• Highly compatible with most current DVD players and DVD-ROM drives

Current DVD+R Drive and Recorder Manufacturers
• Dell • Hewlett Packard • Mitsubishi • Philips • Ricoh • Sony • Thompson • Yamaha •


Please Note:
Hardware Manufacturers are current at time of printing, additional manufacturers may have introduced hardware.

When you have a week or so available, read this thread:

Digital Dolphin tells all

More than you ever wanted to know about CD/DVD media and the latest info to boot.

Here is another great resources:

videohelp.com

Enjoy.