DVD+R / DVD+RW / DVD+R DL

The +(plus) DVD recordable formats are not authorized or supported by the DVD forum, which means that it has no power to govern the standards for these formats. However, many supporters of the +(plus) formats are members of the DVD Forum. Even though these formats do not undergo the same testing as the formats supported by the DVD Forum, they are still well tested by the manufacturers and outside research groups.

The +(plus) formats claim to be a more versatile solution for both video and data, which is intended to bridge the gap between home video devices and computers. With fewer confusing write options, +R/+RW discs do not need to go through a finalization process prior to playback on other DVD players.


DVD+RW
The first of the +(plus) formats was DVD+RW, first available in 2001. The DVD+RW format is a phase-change erasable disc, similar to the CD-RW and DVD-RW formats. There are many technical differences between the DVD+RW and the DVD-RW. The manner in which data is recorded differs. The most notable is that DVD+RW uses a high-frequency wobbled groove that allows it to eliminate linking sectors, which allows discs to be recorded in a manner that is compatible with many different DVD players.

The +RW format also allows for advanced editing features. Unlike the -RW format, partial overwriting of programs is possible. Like other mediums, the +RW disc capacity is 4.7GB.

DVD+R / DVD+R DL
The +R format is the write-once counterpart to the +RW format introduced in mid 2002, which was after the +RW format had become available. DVD+R is based on organic dye technology, similar to the -R format. Given the similar technologies, the compatibility across DVD players is similar.

DVD+R DL was the first consumer recordable dual layer disc available. The dual layer disc has an overall capacity

of 8.5GB on one side of the disc, which is double that of any current format. It is possible for other mediums to have two sides to the disc, which would result in a similar capacity. However, only the DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL have this capacity on one side of the disc.

Picking a Format

With recordable DVDs, it's generally accepted that DVD-RAM is too niche of a format to be useful except in certain situations. As far as the +(plus) or -(dash) formats go, there really is no way to choose between one over the other. There are many cases where one particular format will work in a DVD player, and the other will not. In some cases, both will work. It's hit or miss with DVD players not specifically designed to play recordable discs.

Why choose? Today, the vast majority of recorders available can record both +R/RW and -R/RW discs. These are known as dual format recorders. Having both options available can be very advantageous. Say, for example, you own a DVD player that won't read +(plus) discs, but your mother-in-law has a player that won't read -(dash) discs. Owning a dual format recorder allows you to record +R discs for your machine, and -R discs for your mother-in-law. You're happy because you can view home movies on your player, and she's happy because she doesn't have to go to your house to view them. Everybody wins, especially if you don't get along with the in-laws.

It's doubtful that this is a format war where there will be a winner since both camps have done very well for several years. If, for some reason, you're forced to pick one over the other, let your existing playback hardware dictate which one you buy. Test different discs on them, and go with whichever one is most compatible with what you already own.

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