dvd-r and dvd+r media help me please!

[sup3rcarrx7]

Which media time, DVD-R and DVD+R, is better for burning just data such as documents pictures, etc for storing? Thanks.

[Kruzin]

Either should work fine for simple data storage.
It's really only when you get into burning videos for use on a stand-alone DVD player that you need to worry about the format...

[sup3rcarrx7]

Alright thanks. But since you bring that up, which format is more "universal" with dvd players nowadays? Thanks.

[Dazbo666]

I'm waiting for my DVDWriter to be delivered, so would appreciate some advice on which format is best for which type of storage.

I'll be using it to backup my hard disks and downloads etc, as well as hopefully converting a number of .avi films to DVD

[sup3rcarrx7]

Nice, how many dollars is that converted from pounds though?

[desmocat]

89.893 pounds='bout 161 dollars.
DVD-R is the one that I see listed as being about the "most" compatable with set top or stand alone DVD players.

It has been around about the longest I think as well.

Most cheapy players won't, or have a hard time playing burned discs, but if you look at the specs on a lot of the new players, they say they are compatable with DVD-R discs under "certain conditions".
I think this means some players might not like brand "X" media, but will play fine with brand "Z".
What's the PITA though, is they never say which brand seems to work best. I guess it's left to the end user to figure out what brand of media their particular player likes.
hope this helps..

[jmichna]

Couple links that might shed some light....

Some decent general info:
http://www.dvdforum.org/tech-dvdprimer.htm

Format specs, plus lists manufacturers' compliance:
http://www.optodisc.com/d_word_s_table.htm

Generally, Philips, Ricoh and Sony will support +R stuff, and just about everybody else supports -R.

[FalcomPSX]

-R has 8MB larger capacity....if that matters to anyone...

[sup3rcarrx7]

Wow those links helped alot. (Yes FalcomX, that extra 8mb does count if you're storing data like i am) Thanks!

[Dazbo666]

Thanks for the advice desmocat and jmichna....

I just got my delivery and got a stack of 25x DVD+R disks bundled with my burner - but I don't own a Philips, Ricoh or Sony DVD player, so I guess an extra order of DVD-R disks will be next...?