| A few million people have at least a few homemade | | | | utilize error correction at a much higher rate of 100% |
| video DVDs and the majority of the entire U.S. | | | | of all data and storage space on the physical disc. The |
| population or world has a few homemade CDs. They | | | | error correction with regard to DVD-R/RW drives is |
| may have made them or received them from friends. | | | | not as effective and can result in more errors allowing |
| But what are your choices and which do you need? | | | | for the creation of a shiny new coaster. |
| Very few individuals ever think about the DVD-R | | | | The other key difference between the two formats is |
| format verses the DVD+R format and how each | | | | regarding multi-sessions. While both formats support |
| could benefit the end user. They just want it to work. | | | | multi-session writing, the total amount of storage space |
| Which should you choose? | | | | on DVD-R/RW discs will be sacrificed and dwindle the |
| The similarities of each are that they are compatible | | | | more multi-session writing is used. When the user |
| with the majority of all home DVD video players. The | | | | writes any amount of data onto a DVD-R/RW disc |
| older the DVD player means that chances are the | | | | and then ends the session, the drive needs to "finalize" |
| media won't be fully compatible, although this has | | | | that session in order for any other drive or video DVD |
| largely become a concern of the past. | | | | player to be able to read that data. This finalizing of |
| Similar to the opposing high definition standards fight, | | | | each session can take up to 18 MB. Without realizing it, |
| there are two differing formats of blank DVD media. | | | | you can be cheating yourself out of valuable storage |
| The two consortiums that exist today are the | | | | space. DVD+R/RW also needs to "finalize" its |
| DVD+RW Alliance and the DVD Forum. The | | | | multi-sessions, but only requires 2 MB per session. |
| DVD+RW Alliance support the DVD +R/RW format | | | | Very quickly one can see that 4.7 GB disc end up |
| while the DVD Forum advocates the DVD -R/RW | | | | being a 3.9 GB disc. |
| format. The standards set forth by these two | | | | The most common difference, and the one most |
| organizations have created many differences, but the | | | | people use to decide which format to use, is cost. |
| most important ones should be examined when | | | | DVD-R/RW media is much cheaper than the |
| deciding which format to use. | | | | competing DVD+R/RW media. This is partially due to |
| The discs themselves are essentially identical to each | | | | differing brand names and the type of metallic |
| other. The drives are what create the incompatibility. | | | | surfacing and sealing that is used on each disc. There |
| The biggest difference is that there are a myriad of | | | | are differences and these can play a role in quality. |
| microscopic wobbles created by the drive of the | | | | Generic blank media may suffice for some; however, |
| DVD+R/RW discs. This wobble is detected by the | | | | the idiom, "You get what you pay for" can accurately |
| recording/playback drive to greatly increase the timing | | | | be assigned to this type of product. |
| accuracy of storing and locating the information that is | | | | With these key differences outlined above, one can |
| stored on the disc itself. DVD-R/RW drives also | | | | begin to see why DVD+R/RW media may be a |
| create this wobble, but at a much lower frequency. | | | | better choice. The end quality of the product you wish |
| This essentially means that DVD+R/RW discs can | | | | to create is what should guide you to your choice. For |
| store and retrieve data with more precise timing and | | | | basic everyday temporary storage, an office may |
| accuracy. | | | | decide on the cheaper alternative, but for the |
| Another difference that should be considered is the | | | | self-authoring video hobbyist, the choice is clear. |
| importance of error detection. DVD+R/RW drives | | | | |