Choosing DVD+R Media Versus DVD-R Media

Choice of DVD Blank Format Depends on DVD Player Compatibility

Nov 5, 2009 John Wu

DVD player compatibility is the main criteria in choosing which blank DVD format to pick. DVD-R is the safe choice although all modern DVD players play both formats.

In the vast majority of cases, it does not matter which format is picked for blank DVDs. Both formats work fine for most people. However, it is a concern for those who are working on a DVD replication project, because there are a few who don't have DVD players capable of supporting DVD+R.

History of the DVD-R Format

After the introduction of standalone DVD players and PC DVD-ROM players, demand grew for the introduction DVD writers so consumers can make their own DVDs, just like with compact discs and its writable CD-R format. In 1997, Phillips came out with a DVD-R format which is still used today. After the introduction of DVD-R, support for this writable DVD format became ubiquitous.

Rise of the DVD+R Format

In 2002, Sony and a few other companies developed a competing format to the DVD-R called DVD+R which has a few small technical improvements over the older format. Despite these improvements, DVD+R is very similar to DVD-R. Nevertheless, DVD+R is not compatible with DVD-R so older players that do not recognize the DVD+R format will not play them.

Although there was a DVD format battle similar to Blu-Ray versus HD-DVD, it became a non-issue because both formats are very similar. The similarity allowed hardware manufacturers to program support for both formats into the firmware. All modern DVD recorders and players support both format.

Compatibility With Standalone DVD Players

The choice between DVD+R and DVD-R depends on whether the users of the DVD are using DVD players made before 2004. Before 2004, most DVD players only supported the older DVD-R format.

The chances of a consumer using a DVD player built before 2004 is rapidly decreasing. Modern DVD players, other than those with Blu-Ray capability, can be bought for less than $50 and they contain modern upgrades such as an HDMI port and upconversion. As the adoption of HDTV increases, there is more reason for consumers to replace their older DVD player.

Compatibility with DVD Burning and Ripping Programs

All modern DVD burning and ripping programs, including DVD movie copying programs, work with both DVD+R and DVD-R formats. Those who need newer DVD formats such as BD-R (Blu-Ray Recordable) should check the software's specifications to see if an upgrade is needed.

If DVD recording is for one's personal use, choose DVD+R if the DVD player is newer than 2004. If the recorded DVD is for somebody with a pre-2004 DVD player, choose DVD-R. If DVD recording is for a mass audience, it's best to go with DVD-R to maximize compatibility.

Reference:

Optical Storage Technology Association. "Understanding Recordable & Rewritable DVD."

The copyright of the article Choosing DVD+R Media Versus DVD-R Media in Computer Hardware/Accessories is owned by John Wu. Permission to republish Choosing DVD+R Media Versus DVD-R Media in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

DVD-R Blanks