DVD n00b questions

OldBuzzard · Feb 21, 2005, 07:32 AM

I have a Plextor PX-708A burner, and I'm getting ready to backup a lot of data to DVD. I have no experience with R/RW DVD's and have a few questions.

Which is better for this. DVD +R or -R?

What are the pros and cons of each format?

I've always been partial to Memorex and Sony media for my CD R/RW's. Are these OK, or are there better brands on the market?

Thanks for all iput.

**dj_stick** · Feb 21, 2005, 10:15 AM

if you're doing backups, any sort of media should be fine
the +/- part becomes an issue with support on DVD video players, or specific writers that only write on a certain type of media
i remember seeing a compatibility table a while ago - wish i could remember where i saw it

md5 · Feb 21, 2005, 01:21 PM

-R's and +R's have been developed by two different groups. I prefer +R's to be honest - I can usually find better and faster +R media. Today's players can play both -R's and +R's.

Have a look at this article concerning the two formats:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/othervideo/dvdformats.htm
really good read
This one looks interesting as well:
http://www.signvideo.com/btst-d.htm (this favors DVD-R)
and this one:
http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113 (this favors DVD+R)
This one has more information about both formats:
http://www.videohelp.com/dvd

You might want to have a look at the booktype setting here:
http://www.booktypefaq.com/

As for brands, have a look at what brands Plextor recommends for your drive. For the 708A, you can find the list of recommended media here:

http://www.plextor.com/english/support/media_708.html
and the list of the compatible media here:
http://www.plextor.com/english/suppo...Compatible.htm

Feb 21, 2005, 07:32 AM	#1
OldBuzzard DH's oldest Geek Join Date: May 2003 Location: Oberlin, OH Posts: 2,781 Rep Power: 142 System Specs	DVD n00b questions I have a Plextor PX-708A burner, and I'm getting ready to backup a lot of data to DVD. I have no experience with R/RW DVD's and have a few questions. Which is better for this. DVD +R or -R? What are the pros and cons of each format? I've always been partial to Memorex and Sony media for my CD R/RW's. Are these OK, or are there better brands on the market? Thanks for all iput. __________________ When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY

Feb 21, 2005, 01:21 PM	#3
md5 DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Inside DriverHeaven Posts: 856 Rep Power: 0	-R's and +R's have been developed by two different groups. I prefer +R's to be honest - I can usually find better and faster +R media. Today's players can play both -R's and +R's. Have a look at this article concerning the two formats: http://www.digitalfaq.com/othervideo/dvdformats.htm really good read This one looks interesting as well: http://www.signvideo.com/btst-d.htm (this favors DVD-R) and this one: http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113 (this favors DVD+R) This one has more information about both formats: http://www.videohelp.com/dvd You might want to have a look at the booktype setting here: http://www.booktypefaq.com/ As for brands, have a look at what brands Plextor recommends for your drive. For the 708A, you can find the list of recommended media here: http://www.plextor.com/english/support/media_708.html and the list of the compatible media here: http://www.plextor.com/english/suppo...Compatible.htm __________________