Page 1 of Disc Formats - another newbie question

I`ve been using various formats on my PC at home and have some DVD`s on both -R and +RW that seem to play for the most part OK on my home DVD players. I have never used DVD-RAM...

The majority of cheap DVD Recorders seem to be -R/-RW and the more expensive ones seem to include +R or RAM... is that right to say? or is it really just a manufacturer specific issue.

I have just purchase the Targa DVDR at LIDL and that is multiformat.... is it worth sticking with this?

I`d really appreciate a summary if possible of the pro`s and cons of + versus - assuming you have a DVDR that can write both formats.

Many thanks

There are so many threads about this subject that you will find with a search. The truth is that DVD-RAM is the biggest selling system in the world bar none. It is the most flexible. The DVD-RAM will re write 100,000 times. The R/W system is 1000. IF YOUR LUCKY. That should tell you a lot allready. I`ve used DVD-RAM for nearly 2 years now & have never had a problem. I`ve also used the + system & have thrown away several R/W discs in spite of useing it much less. The - (minus) system is the official one. The + (plus) system is the breakaway philips copy. They are for all intents & purposes much the same. Thus buying a machine with both on has absolutly no gain whatsoever.

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The majority of cheap DVD Recorders seem to be -R/-RW and the more expensive ones seem to include +R or RAM

Most of the cheaper ones tend to be +R(W), a few -R(W) Theres a Liton that does both formats.

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I`d really appreciate a summary if possible of the pro`s and cons of + versus - assuming you have a DVDR that can write both formats.

& let the handbags start flying again.......... ;)



If Mac users are "more intelligent than the average computer user," why do they need an operating system designed for complete idiots?

This item was edited on Friday, 17th December 2004, 12:33

Cheers guys...

Yeah that is part of the problem... there are so many threads that to be honest I`m quite confused... as a typical PC DVD burning user... the format is less of an issue...

My home PC burner does both + and - however the key issue tends to be quality of media and that`s where the big debates start. Personally I find + media to be more widely support and more reliable but no doubt someone else will say the opposite is true.

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I find + media to be more widely support and more reliable but no doubt someone else will say the opposite is true

Then the simple answer to your question is a recorder that uses + would suit you.
Ignore the debate over the rights or wrongs or pro`s and con`s of DVD-Ram / DVD+/- R and stick with the format that has served you well.
There are certainly benefits in having the ability to time slip recordings as the DVD-Ram does but there are other recorders that offer the same facility on DVD + or -/R so, as before, stick with what has served you well and the Targa should probably serve you equally as well.

Choagy FFCUK the SPL :)

This item was edited on Friday, 17th December 2004, 15:21

Just buy the Panny E55, for Christ`s sake.

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Just buy the Panny E55, for Christ`s sake.

Lets see, 100 blank Datawrite 4X DVD-RW £80
100 blank Ridisc DVD-Ram £150

Difficult choice then eh :)

Choagy FFCUK The SPL :D

This item was edited on Friday, 17th December 2004, 15:41

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Lets see, 100 blank Datawrite 4X DVD-RW £80
100 blank Ridisc DVD-Ram £150

If you want quality, you have to pay for it. RAM is the biggest selling format, the most reliable and provides the best quality and flexibility. Worth the extra money, surely ;)

Argh!!! go and have your "my format is better than your format" on someone else`s thread....

Personally I`m going for DVD-RW!! LOL :D

Yes,ignore Paull,he spouts his crap all the time but never backs it up with anything worth mentioning.
Some forget that you can also perform Timeslip on -RW(VR).
Virtually all the cheapo machines are DVD+,with a few dual format machines mixed in.Paull is right there though.Dual formatting is pretty pointless unless for some reason you find yourself with a stack of discs from both formats.Both do much the same,apart from superior editing on -RW(VR).
If you start with one format stick with it.The only thing to remember is that RAM discs will play on your recorder but nowhere else,so bare that in mind if playback on games consoles or other players is of importance.
Personally,with Pioneer 220 or Panny E55 available for around £170 there seems little point in going for these far eastern cheapo imports just to save a few pounds