What's the difference between DVD-R or DVD+R disks?
Just bought a new Toshiba VHS/DVD recorder. Says it will use both, but why the "-" "+".
Thanks
Joe
DVD-R or DVD+R.... difference?
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Joe Delaronde
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John Cipriano
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Unfortunately there isn't a single standard for recordable DVDs. DVD+R is better in certain ways but older DVD players (WP says 2004) can't read them so DVD-R is safer.
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Jack Stoner
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I copied this from the local paper (St Petersburg Times) about two years ago on the different types:
DVD-R and DVD-RW. The first recordable format, allows users to write to a disc only once. The DVD-RW feature allows for re-writes but to play the discs on a standard DVD player or a computer, the disc must be finalized, meaning it can't be recorded to again.
DVD+R and DVD+RW. The most recently developed formats are the +R and +RW. The plus sign indicates the recordings on +R or +RW discs do not have to be finalized before viewing. You can write over what you've recorded or watch an already recorded disc and add more to it later.
DVD-RAM. It's main advantage is being able to keep taping the end of a program while watching the beginning of the same program. DVD-RAM recordings are not viewable on most standard DVD players. But RAM recorders often offer an additional DVD-R feature as a way to share recordings with others.
DVD-ROM. This format covers the discs you buy with movies or shows already recorded on them. They are playable in most every DVD device, but can't be recorded to. DVD-ROM's can also store software and music
DVD-R and DVD-RW. The first recordable format, allows users to write to a disc only once. The DVD-RW feature allows for re-writes but to play the discs on a standard DVD player or a computer, the disc must be finalized, meaning it can't be recorded to again.
DVD+R and DVD+RW. The most recently developed formats are the +R and +RW. The plus sign indicates the recordings on +R or +RW discs do not have to be finalized before viewing. You can write over what you've recorded or watch an already recorded disc and add more to it later.
DVD-RAM. It's main advantage is being able to keep taping the end of a program while watching the beginning of the same program. DVD-RAM recordings are not viewable on most standard DVD players. But RAM recorders often offer an additional DVD-R feature as a way to share recordings with others.
DVD-ROM. This format covers the discs you buy with movies or shows already recorded on them. They are playable in most every DVD device, but can't be recorded to. DVD-ROM's can also store software and music