DVD types?

[Bob Hughes]

I just bought a DVD burner and am wondering what DVD type is best to use -R or +R. I want to create movies & slide shows to be viewed on as wide a variety of DVD players as possible. My minimum research is suggesting DVD –R is the more popular. Does anyone have a view on this subject?
I apologize if this is the wrong forum for this discussion.

[jwarner]

Both are close in their support by set-top DVD players (around 90% of players will take either). I've had slightly better success with DVD -R from both a compatibility and burn-success rate.

Here's an article describing the differences:

http://www.videohelp.com/dvd

[dab1968]

I personally think DVD-r's are more widely used and compatible. But whichever you chose, let me give you some advice based on what I have learned the hard way. When you buy blanks, look for ones made in Japan. Most you will find will probably be made in Taiwan, or China. Some Manufacturers have both. Even the same model, but sold in different quantities. For example, I use FujiFilm brand, and the 30pk spindle is made in Taiwan, but the 50pk spindle is made in Japan, at least the ones I have come across. It makes a difference. Every time I bought ones from Taiwan I had repeated problems. Imagine having 5 to 10 defects in a 30pk and so on. I rarely have any issues (don't think I have yet) with the ones from Japan. That goes for CD-r's as well. I have tried them all, except for the obvious off-brands.

Here are a few brands to look for, just make sure it says Japan on the back:

FujiFilm
TDK
Panasonic


Hope this helps you and others to avoid the problems I have already dealt with.

[THoff]

Unfortunately brand names are often irrelevant, since even well-known magnetic and optical media vendors usually buy their blanks from a handful of actual media manufacturers. There are utilities such as the excellent DVDInfoPro that can show you the manufacturer code on the disk.

Another complication is that the manufacturer codes have been hijacked many times before, i.e. a dishonest company with questionable quality control will use the manufacturer code of a top-notch company like Taiyo Yuden or Ritek.