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DVD-R, DVD+R, or DVD-RW: What Do They Really Mean?

Two of the most popular online search engines, Google and Yahoo, have listed the most common question asked concerning DVD burners as: What is DVD +R and DVD -R? This article will assist the user in comprehending the technological terminology in reference to DVDs, burners, and disc qualities, stereo, Dolby Digital and DTS.

The DVD R/RW also manages subtitles, advanced menu systems, and still pictures played by most DVD players as well as DVD ROMs on computers.

A key factor is the compatibility of these discs with read-only DVD discs, the DVD R is 93% compatible with all DVD burners while the DVD +R is only 87% compatible. The DVD +R is formatted while being recorded, and the other one is traditionally recorded (similar to CD -R).

There are three primary formats when recording DVDs, DVD +R/RW, DVD -R/RW, and DVD RAM. The first two are most preferred for home DVD backups. Although the resemblance is strong name-wise with the only difference seeming to be the "+" or "-", the resemblance ends when recording commences. The RW signifies the ability to accept multiple writes, similar to a VHS video tape being recorded over, numerous times. The following is some of the "tech talk" simplified, including some general information concerning writing to the various discs:

DVD -R/W - initially, it was the only recording format for DVDs supporting compatibility with standard DVD players. It also supports single sided, 4.7 GB* DVDs (DVD-5) as well as double sided, 9.4 GB* DVDs (DVD-10).

  • DVD -RW - has a compatibility rate of 77% with all DVD players and most DVD ROMs. This disc boasts a rewriteable format.

  • DVD +R/W - offers more benefits compared to DVD -R/W, such as CAV writing, CLV writing, and lossless linking. Other DVDs supported by DVD5 (single sided 4.7 GB* DVDs) and the DVD10 (double sided 9.4 GB* DVDs)

  • DVD +R - even though it is in non-rewritable format, it has a compatibility level of approximately 87% of all DVD players and a large number of DVD ROMs.

  • DVD +RW - in rewritable format, has a compatibility level of 77% with DVD players and a number of DVD ROMs.

  • DVD RAM - To better understand this format, consider it as a form of removable media, or removable hard disc. Although it offers excellent recording features, it is not compatible with most DVD ROMs or DVD video players. The DVD RAM is generally used in DVD recorders.

  • DVD RAM - To better understand this format, consider it as a form of removable media, or removable hard disc. Although it offers excellent recording features, it is not compatible with most DVD ROMs or DVD video players. The DVD RAM is generally used in DVD recorders.

    • The following are a few less frequently used DVD formats:

    DVD VCD - A VCD is written to a DVD R/W. The VCD resolution is supported by the DVD, however, the audio must be resampled to 48 khz which makes the audio standard DVD video.

    DVD SVCD - Similar to the DVD VCD, the SVCD is also written to a DVD R/W, but the resolution for the SVCD is not supported by the DVD. THe audio must still be resampled to 48 khz, much like the DVD VCD, and it is possible it will work.

    DVD MP3 - These are simply MP3s burned to a DVD R/W. Only a very limited number of standard DVD players will accept these because the players identify the DVD R/W as DVD video. For MP3 audio, a conversion to WAV files is recommended.



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