You may think you are familiar with DVDs. But DVDs have different types. Do you know the differences between DVD+R and DVD-R formats? When you want to purchase a DVD, it's better if you can figure out whether it is DVD-R or DVD+R, or another format. Otherwise, the DVD you bought may not have specific features you need. You can read through this article and have a better understanding of DVD+R vs DVD-R formats in terms of their history, features, compatibility, etc.
Part 1. What Are DVD+R and DVD-R?
Both DVD-R and DVD+R are DVD formats. R means "can be written once and read many times". As DVD formats, DVD+R and DVD-R both have a storage capacity of 4488 MB for single layer and 8.5 GB for dual layer discs. Also, they are both 120 mm in diameter and 1.2 mm in thickness.
What Is DVD-R?
The DVD-R format, also called DVD Dash R, was rolled out in 1997 and is approved by the DVD forum founded by Mitsubishi, Sony, Hitachi, and Time Warner. Due to its earlier release, DVD-R has a wider playback compatibility than DVD+R format, especially with some outdated DVD players.
Advantages of DVD-R:
1. Wide compatibility: DVD-R is much more compatible. Almost all DVD players and optical drives support it. You can aslo use it to burn data disc or author a video disc.
2. Budget: DVD-R is cheaper than DVD+R.
3. Duration: It can keep data for a long time.
Disadvantages of DVD-R:
1. Low error management: DVD-R is sensitive to dirt, scratches, or fingerprint. You need to keep it without too much exposure.
2. Once recordable: As mentioned above, DVD-R can only be written once.
What Is DVD+R?
The DVD+R format, DVD and R or DVD Plus R, born in 2002, is approved by DVD+RW Alliance supported by Sony, Yamaha, Philips, Dell, and JP. Many discs were printed DVD-RW or DVD+RW now. Generally speaking, RW means rewritable. For example, DVD-RW discs can be written to approximately 1 thousand times. But sometimes, customers are confused by DVD+RW, because it is also the logo of DVD+RW Alliance. So, you'd better ask the seller whether the DVD+RW discs can be written multiple times.
Advantages of DVD+R:
1. Superior error management: Much more resistant fingerpints, dirt, and other types of interference.
2. Better for data: If you want to burn a data disc or Windows boot disc, DVD+R is a better choice.
3. Loss link: This feature lets a DVD burner to pause and resume DVD burning or authoring.
Disadvantages of DVD+R:
1. Slightly higher price: DVD+R discs have higher prices than DVD+R discs.
2. Once recordable: As mentioned above, DVD+R and DVD-R discs are all once recordable.
Part 2. Differences Between DVD+R and DVD-R
Let's view a DVD-R versus DVD+R comparison table. You will quickly figure the DVD+R and DVD-R meanings and their differences.
| Features | DVD-R | DVD+R |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1997 (by Pioneer) | 2002 (by DVD+RW Alliance) |
| Compatibility | More compatible with older DVD players | Best for modern DVD players |
| Writing Technology | Uses Land Pre-Pit (LPP) for tracking | Uses Address In Pregroove (ADIP) for more accurate tracking |
| Finalization | Requires finalization before playback | No finalization required |
| Rewriting Support | Only supports single write (DVD-RW for rewritable) | Only supports single write (DVD+RW for rewritable) |
| Data Burning Accuracy | Less precise laser positioning | More precise laser positioning |
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Compared to identical similarity and history, there are more differences between DVD-R and DVD+R.
DVD+R discs are usually more expensive than DVD-R discs. But as technology develops, the cost gap is closing. For example, the price of Sony 50DMR47SP 16x DVD-R is the same as Sony 50DPR47SP 16x DVD+R. Now the obvious differences between DVD-R and DVD+R lie in their recording methods and features.
Recording Methods and Features of DVD-R and DVD+R
DVD-R discs adopt Land Pre-Pits that are little marks in the grooves, which determine how the DVD reader processes the data on the discs. DVD-R takes the same dye-layer recording technique as CR-R. So, you cannot amend and add new data once the data is written in.
DVD+R does not have such marks, but measures the wobble frequency instead. DVD+R takes more advanced ADIP technique that allows you to add new data. Moreover, when you burn a DVD on a DVD+R disc, the disc supports multiple burns.
DVD-R and DVD+R have different industry supports and each one may be only readable on certain devices. Currently, more and more DVD drives support DVD R discs. The best way is to read the description of your DVD drive carefully before you purchase discs.
Difference Between DVD+RW and DVD-RW
When we talk about DVD-R and DVD+R, it's also worth mentioning DVD+RW and DVD-RW. Compared with DVD R, DVD RW discs are recodable for multiple times. But there is also difference between DVD-RW and DVD+RW. Let's quickly browse it.
| Features | DVD-RW | DVD+RW |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1999 (by Pioneer) | 2001 (by Sony, Philips, HP) |
| Compatibility | Higher compatibility with older standalone DVD players (pre-2004) | Excellent with modern PCs and newer DVD players |
| Writing Technology | Land Pre-Pits (LPP) for laser positioning | ADIP (Address In Pre-groove) using wobble frequency |
| Finalization | Requires manual finalization to play on other devices | Often supports background finalization or none at all |
| Rewriting Support | Rewritable; requires a full disc erase before writing new data | Rewritable; supports immediate overwriting without a manual erase |
| Data Burning Accuracy | Standard; more prone to errors if the buffer is interrupted | Higher; supports Lossless Linking to prevent failed burns |
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Bonus: How to Create Playable DVDs Easily
No matter your DVD drive only supports DVD+R or DVD-R or both, you will need powerful DVD burning software to help you write videos and audios on discs. Tipard DVD Creator is a versatile DVD burner and able to bypass the differences between DVD-R and DVD+R. With DVD Creator, you can enjoy the features include:
- Write digital files on DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL, DVD-5 and DVD-9.
- Burn ISO to DVD, create DVDs DVD folders, various digital video formats, such as MP4, MOV, MPEG, FLV, WMV, MKV, AVI and more.
- Create personalized DVD menu with plentiful menu templates.
- Edit video files with crop, trim, watermark, video effects and filters tools.
- Add audio tracks, subtitles and chapters to DVDs.
How to Create Playable DVD with Tipard DVD Creator
Step 1 Download and install Tipard DVD Creator on your computer and launch it. Insert a blank DVD-R or DVD+R disc into your DVD drive. Then, choose DVD Disc on the main interface, and then click the Add Media File(s) button to start creating your DVD.
Step 2 After you load your media files on the program, you can click the Disc Type dropdown button to choose a DVD size, such as DVD-5 or DVD-9. Then, click the Next button to go on.
Step 3 In this window, you can choose a DVD menu template for your DVD. You can also click the Custom Template button in the top right corner to create your fascinating menu. Then, click the Burn button in the bottom right corner.
Step 4 Select your DVD disc in the Burn to disc tab. Then, click the Start button to burn your playable DVD.
Part 4. FAQs about DVD+R vs DVD-R
Will DVD-R play in any DVD player?
Yes, DVD-R discs can be played on most standard DVD players. They have high compatibility with standalone DVD players.
Why won't my DVD-R play on my DVD player?
There can be multiple reasons: 1. The disc wasn't finalized. 2. The format is not compatible (NTSC vs. PAL) 3. The DVD player only supports DVD+R.
Is DVD-R or DVD-R better?
Both DVD+R and DVD-R are playable DVD disc formats and having the same storage capacity. For average customers, they just need to confirm what formats their DVD drives support. The differences are not big enough to make customers to consider choosing which one.
Conclusion
In this post, we introduced two DVD formats easy to confuse: DVD-R and DVD+R. Before you upgrade DVD drive or discs, you'd better learn the difference between DVD-R vs. DVD+R. You should figure out the differences of DVD-R and DVD+R when you want to buy a blank disc for burning.
Now, as more and more devices are hybrid ones, the war between DVD-R and DVD+R gradually subsided. On the other hand, no matter you want to create a DVD-R or a DVD+R, you will need an appropriate program, such as Tipard DVD Creator. It can create DVD disc, ISO, or folder easily and offer excellent DVD menu templates.
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