DVD + - which way to go?

I've read a mess of stuff lately about the two formats. I've found several
articles that claim that + is superior. Apparently, technically, its not
really supposed to be even close.
I don't remember all the benefits, but the biggest one it that + has a
stronger addressing scheme to let the laser know where it left off writing
if it gets interrupted. It can start back up in exactly the right spot with
minimal effort and the resulting DVD doesn't behave any differently. Its so
good at this that you can use it in packet writing mode without affecting
the medias playability. DVD- on the other hand has to use a 32k segment to
link segments that have been recorded at different times. This can cause
compatability problems, so the best suggestion is to write it disk at a time
and don't interrupt it.

Biggest compatability issue I've heard of with DVD+RW is that DVDs
apparently have a book type field in the leadin. In their infinite wisdom
(or lack thereof), they decided to write DVD+RW instead of DVD-ROM. Some
players specifically check for DVD-ROM and refuse to play a DVD with
something else there. Many DVD+RW burners let you change the recorded book
type, but some don't, including NEC, Sony.

"David Brewster" wrote in message
...
I have a multi format burner and have been experimenting with + and -
formats.

I have a Panasonic portable player which reads anything.

I also have a recent model Toshiba player but this will only play the -R
format (a friend has a different Toshiba model that plays +R)

From my experience go for -R to get the most widespread compatability.

David B


"Skippa" wrote in message
...
I've been wanting to buy a DVD burner for some time now and been
wondering what to buy. I've gathered info about what the differences are
between the + and - format but I've also been told contradicting info by
salesman about what they do and ultimately which way to go.

I want a DVD burner mainly to archive important data. But I also want a
burner that would let me create my own DVDs that would play in a stand
alone DVD player. Certain salesman told me that the format didn't matter
and that both would make it possible to do the two things I wanted. Some
told me to go with a + burner, others with a - burner. One told me that
it wasn't certain yet which way the market was gonna go, + or -, so he
couldn't really recommend anything. He told me to go with the Sony one
that supports both (maybe he just told me that to get me to buy a more
expensive burner). Anyway... For what I want to do which is:

- Archive data
- Create my own DVDs that would play in a normal DVD player

What would you recommend? + - or one that does both?
Also, any specific DVD burner you could recommend?

TIA for any suggestions.

Got the Sony 501 and its great.
"Robert Baer" wrote in message
...
motecrepodibotte wrote:

Get SONY DRU 500

the best DVD+-RW

"Mark Leuck" wrote in message
news:l75Qa.48248$N7.5870@sccrnsc03...
Get a combo drive from Sony, Pioneer or Plextor and have both formats

I have an older Pioneer A03 that supports -R, works great

"Skippa" wrote in message
...
I've been wanting to buy a DVD burner for some time now and been
wondering what to buy. I've gathered info about what the differences
are
between the + and - format but I've also been told contradicting
info by
salesman about what they do and ultimately which way to go.

I want a DVD burner mainly to archive important data. But I also
want a
burner that would let me create my own DVDs that would play in a
stand
alone DVD player. Certain salesman told me that the format didn't
matter
and that both would make it possible to do the two things I wanted.
Some
told me to go with a + burner, others with a - burner. One told me
that
it wasn't certain yet which way the market was gonna go, + or -, so
he
couldn't really recommend anything. He told me to go with the Sony
one
that supports both (maybe he just told me that to get me to buy a
more
expensive burner). Anyway... For what I want to do which is:

- Archive data
- Create my own DVDs that would play in a normal DVD player

What would you recommend? + - or one that does both?
Also, any specific DVD burner you could recommend?

TIA for any suggestions.




That is exactly what others said, so i got the DRU-500AX due to the
discount available at the time.
However, the software is **** - just toss it and use something else.