DVD+R or -R?

[Andrew110]

Well I finally ordered my DVD writer but I don't know which DVD to use, DVD+R or DVD-R? My writer can handle both at 16x/4x/16x. Which one will work with more DVD players? Also, can you back up a DVD that is longer than 120 mins to a single layer DVD±R or does it go by minutes?

[the great one]

They say that DVD-R is compatible with more drives,but all of my dvd players read both formats,if your dvd player is fairly new it should play both fine.You can copy a dvd that is over two hours(it goes by size actually),just use a program like dvd shrink.
If the dvd you're going to backup is 4.5 gigs or less,it'll fit on a dvdr without having to shrink it,if it's over 4.5 gigs you'll have to shrink it.

[Andrew110]

Sweet, thanks.

[ducttapeBigSexy]

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers <- That list shows what players are compadible with what. My personal advice is to buy a small pack of what you think will work with your player, and try it. If they don't work, try the other type. I personally use -Rs, but I know a few people that have to use +Rs in their players.

[zarquon]

If you can upgrade firmware on the drive to one that lets you change the booktype of the dvd-r/+r to dvd-rom. Better compatability.

[shawners]

You know what is the strangest part about it.. MY dvd writer can be changed to read different regions only 4 times.. Why is that?

[Omyn]

^
Its to stop people from buying DVDs from overseas so they can spend less money.
Its to protect profits.

[CompuGeek]

I recommend using AnyDVD in conjuction with DVD Shrink.

AnyDVD removes the copy protection that DVD Shrink can't handle and it can turn off any speed limits your drive has.

[crestfallen]

AnyDVD also has some reported complications with DVD Shrink, so I would advice against that.

As far as +/-R goes, it doesn't really matter anymore. Unless you have an ancient DVD player, both formats should work just fine. Additionally, if your writer can change the booktype to DVD-ROM, compatability is increased.

[CompuGeek]

AnyDVD also has some reported complications with DVD Shrink, so I would advice against that.

As far as +/-R goes, it doesn't really matter anymore. Unless you have an ancient DVD player, both formats should work just fine. Additionally, if your writer can change the booktype to DVD-ROM, compatability is increased.

Pop Rocks & Coke also have some reported complications.

What are you talking about?

[zarquon]

You know what is the strangest part about it.. MY dvd writer can be changed to read different regions only 4 times.. Why is that?

Try to find a region free firmware for your dvd writer.

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_all.php

[uselesscrap]

Try to find a region free firmware for your dvd writer.

http://forum.rpc1.org/dl_all.php

I have region free if you want it shawners. PM me

[phalkon30]

I wrote a paper about this last year (that I wont bother to post, its 5 pages long) for a class. From what I remember, +R is the newer format by several years, and boasts better file management if you're leaving the disc open for further writes (adding files at a later date). For most applications, it really doesn't have any benefit.

Because DashR has been around for longer, its technicly more compatible. The numbers I'm remember were like 87% compatible for plus R, and 89% compatible for dash R. I've found from personal experience that dash R is more compatible, but that could just be the hardware I use. My LG dvd drive does not support +R for instance. (that data might be outdated now).

ducttapebigsexy gave some good advice. Buy some small packs and try them on various players you're going to use.

[DwarfBaby]

As an added note. Playstation and Xbox only play the -r format which is the deciding factor for me.

[CompuGeek]

As an added note. Playstation and Xbox only play the -r format which is the deciding factor for me.

That depends on what brand of drive your console has.

The first generation PS2/Xbox consoles are famous for having picky optical drives that only liked DVD-R (if they could read burned discs at all).

The newest revisions can read DVD+R just fine.

:icon_pira

[Signa]

i use +Rs and never have had a legit problem (the players that it didnt work on worked with other disks)

[truelyme]

Either format will work ok for whatever use you have in mind provided your dvd accepts them. I have burners/readers that support both without issue. The only problem you may experience is if you want to give your buddy something on dvd and his doesn't support the +R. If that is ever going to be a problem then stick to the -R. If this situtation isn't going to occur and you aren't going to buy another computer that doesn't have the support for both then it is really a non issue for you.

The limit on the changing of areas, originally set at 5, is something you will have to live with and the reason was already given. Find the application AnyDVD that will do the conversion, on the fly, for you without you having to use one of those few times.

[bobhss]

If you can upgrade firmware on the drive to one that lets you change the booktype of the dvd-r/+r to dvd-rom. Better compatability.

Yes, this approach seems to work well for me. I have a BenQ drive.

[crestfallen]

Pop Rocks & Coke also have some reported complications.

What are you talking about?
When ripping some discs with DVD Shrink and AnyDVD, you just can't get past about 98%. It will give you an error everytime. By closing AnyDVD, Shrink can do it's work uninterrupted.

I have a few discs that are like this.

[phalkon30]

A friend of mine started complaining about this a few months ago. I told him to upgrade anydvd to the latest version. Works great with every dvd he can find now. Are you sure you're using the latest version?

[crestfallen]

I don't use AnyDVD. Though some people I know still do and still report those problems. I will tell them to update the software to see if that resolves the problem. Thanks for the tip.