DVD-R / RW vs. DVD+R / RW
I know Apple uses the DVD-R format but I have been hearing/reading a lot of things touting DVD+R as the superior format (one because of speed). I don't have any prior experience with either format so I am neutral.
I understand the DVD-R format is supposed to be more compatible with most DVD players and that is why Apple chose it, but recently I read DVD+R has the same compatibility.
So what's the real story?
(Any comments, opinions, praise, rants, raves about one or the other?
)
I understand the DVD-R format is supposed to be more compatible with most DVD players and that is why Apple chose it, but recently I read DVD+R has the same compatibility.
So what's the real story?
(Any comments, opinions, praise, rants, raves about one or the other?
)
Comments
DVD+R and DVD+RW media is harder to find and more expensive for the most part.
DVD-R and DVD-RW are backed by the DVD Forum, which includes major players in the consumer electronics industry.
DVD+R and DVD+RW are backed by the DVD Alliance, which is primarily HP, Sony, Ricoh and Phillips.
There's not going to be a winner...both formats will survive. The only advantage of DVD+RW is random access (floppy disk-like functionality.) I think future DVD-RW drives will support DVD-RAM, which also functions like a floppy disk.
DVD-RW hardware is cheaper and more popular right now because they had a headstart...
<strong>
DVD+R and DVD+RW are backed by the DVD Alliance, which is primarily HP, Sony, Ricoh and Phillips.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
Not to mention Dell and Microsoft. So between HP, Sony, and Dell you have about 50% of the OEM PC market that they can sell into. Add to that the company that provides 90% of desktop operating systems. That is going to provide a huge amount of momentum for the + group.
[ 07-22-2002: Message edited by: Eskimo ]</p>
Is random access even supported yet?
<strong>The only advantage of DVD+RW is random access (floppy disk-like functionality.)</strong><hr></blockquote>
What does that mean?
[edit]
oh, OK.
[ 07-23-2002: Message edited by: BRussell ]</p>
Why would that make a difference if DVD-R is already supported by almost all dvd players? DVD+R might be getting momentum but DVD-R has is already ahead in the race and I don't see dvd player manufacturers axing support for DVD-R even if M$ pays them off. DVD-R is the best bet for compatibility until DVD+R catches, up and then most things will support both anyways.
<strong>As far as data transfer goes, it shouldn't matter. Discs from either will read in the other type of drive, and in most consumer players obviously.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Matsu, DVD+R and DVD-R, yes...but it's certainly possible that DVD-RW drives and DVD+RW drives might not like reading from each other's RW media.
Steve said during the keynote that 50% of all Macs bought (I guess since Jan) have had a superdrive. I reckon this still licks the number of PCs sold with DVD-R/+R?
I think it is good that Apple decided a format early. Even if it doesn't 'win' I think it also won't get sidelined. Don't forget that DVD-R is still the 'official' standard as set by the DVD forum even though DVD+R may be more versatile. I also think there are other issues to do with DVD licensing and production (is it still the case that a fee has to be yielded for every DVD pressed under the forum standard)?
(Strange, though because I thought Sony WAS on the DVD forum, along with Toshiba, Pioneer, etc?)
<strong>Does anyone have any information about volume of recorders sold?
Steve said during the keynote that 50% of all Macs bought (I guess since Jan) have had a superdrive. I reckon this still licks the number of PCs sold with DVD-R/+R?</strong><hr></blockquote>
I think he was talking about iMacs (15" models only) not macs in general...
<strong>Reviving this thread. Sony just released a dual DVD+R/DVD-R (and corresponding DVD+RW/DVD-RW) for $300 street price. Does Apple plan to integrate such dual drives in future products?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Not unless DVD+R/W really begins to stomp on DVD-R/W, which it isn't doing. Apple might go with DVD-Multi though, which is bascially DVD-R/W + DVD-RAM.
The article "Recordable DVD disks to top 320 million next year" is at the site <a href="http://www.dvd-recordable.org"; target="_blank">www.dvd-recordable.org</a>
Personnaly I find that compatibility is a combination of the format, media and player. Some media (White Lable Generation 4 2X) do not play on my Samsung DVD-S324, others (Bulkpaq Generation 4 2x) will play movies but not photo collections. In addition the Bulkpaq plays better on my Samsung in PAL than NTSC. My parents Hitachi would not play my DVDs at all, so she bought an Apex that works fine.
The Apple media is top notch but expensive; to minimize hassles it is best to stick with it.
Because of the dock lockout, most of them are still on a boat in LA harbor. But a load has been flown in and reached retail shelves last weekend. So the first batch is a bit overpriced. Fry's was selling the A05U for $299 last weekend and now is selling them for $319. Pricewatch has them listed for sale for about $269. But most sources are already out due to pent up demand. This drive was first announced three months ago.
This thread is about DVD-R and DVD-RW versus DVD+R and DVD+RW.
I understand your interest in having a fast burner such as at 4X, but for anyone experienced in burning DVDs they would know that the most important criteria is compatibility. Here again I understand you interest in bandwagoning on DVD-R and DVD-RW; whether or not manufacturers follow a buyers momentum will be seen in time. Nevertheless, pushing an individual into a possibly incompatible situation with DVD players (own, friends, etc.), be it - or +, is obviously not in their best interest ... nor in ours.
My previous post concerns the DVD media. Coasters are not worth much no matter how fast they are.
<strong>... Coasters are not worth much no matter how fast they are.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Gee... Now I understand.
The computers cup holder should have a coaster under it before I set my cup down. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" /> <img src="graemlins/hmmm.gif" border="0" alt="[Hmmm]" /> <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" />
<strong>Multimedia,
This thread is about DVD-R and DVD-RW versus DVD+R and DVD+RW.
I understand your interest in having a fast burner such as at 4X, but for anyone experienced in burning DVDs they would know that the most important criteria is compatibility. Here again I understand you interest in bandwagoning on DVD-R and DVD-RW; whether or not manufacturers follow a buyers momentum will be seen in time. Nevertheless, pushing an individual into a possibly incompatible situation with DVD players (own, friends, etc.), be it - or +, is obviously not in their best interest ... nor in ours.
My previous post concerns the DVD media. Coasters are not worth much no matter how fast they are.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Apple uses DVD-RW because it is the most compatible format for the most players out there. I'm on Apple's bandwagon not mine. I trust Apple to lead us to the right format. That format is DVD-RW. Pioneer DVR-105 is the newest version of the fastest recording drive availble in that format and fully supported by 10.2.2.