Which of these two formats is better, DVD-RW or DVD+RW? I'm looking into getting a DVD burner for work and need to know which I should get (as far as which media will be cheaper, supported for the longest, etc).
Which is better: DVD-RW or DVD+RW?
- Thread starter MGMorden
- Start date
Maybe this is what you mean...
I've seen DVD/CD-RW which will read DVD but only write/rewrite to standard CD-R
and the DVD+RW will also write to the newer blank DVD media.
I don't own a DVD writer, so I may not be 100% correct here.
Anyone else have input?
Avdis.
I've seen DVD/CD-RW which will read DVD but only write/rewrite to standard CD-R
and the DVD+RW will also write to the newer blank DVD media.
I don't own a DVD writer, so I may not be 100% correct here.
Anyone else have input?
Avdis.
it looks to me like DVD+RW is going to win the standards race. I honestly don't know technically which of the two is better, but DVD+RW has alot of the computer companies behind it (like Ricoh for example), and I think they burn at 2.4x (which means it takes about 20 minutes to burn a 4 gig DVD). I think both can burn to DVD-R though, as well as CD-RW and CD-R.
If you can hold out I'd wait. Just to make sure you don't choose the "non-standard" burner and feel like you just wasted a few hundred bux.
DV
DV
DVD+RW discs can be read by most standard DVD players and DVD-ROM drives, so whether or not the standard becomes the standard doesn't really matter as the discs work in basically everything. The only problem would be finding a wide variety of blank media choices for it.
Just to add, DVD+RW has the backing of both Sony and HP which bodes very well for it. Having large OEM's that will bundle the drives in their systems makes it much easier for a standard to grab large market share among people who normally would not know what to get or wouldn't buy one seperately.
Just to add, DVD+RW has the backing of both Sony and HP which bodes very well for it. Having large OEM's that will bundle the drives in their systems makes it much easier for a standard to grab large market share among people who normally would not know what to get or wouldn't buy one seperately.
Quote from EE Times Issue 1200 1/7/02 -----
......... The DVD-RW (Pioneer) and DVD-RAM (Panasonic) camps have embraced the same logical formats, including the DVD-Video (DVD-V) and DVD-Video Recording (DVD-VR). Use of a DVD-Video (DVD-V) logical format on a DVD write-once disk for archival purposes will allow playback of the disk on any of the millions of DVD players in use today. By Contrast, the Philips-led DVD+RW camp, whose claim to fame is backward compatibility, uses a proprietary logical format. ..........
End quote ---------------
Full article:
EE Times Article
EDIT: Added online full article.
......... The DVD-RW (Pioneer) and DVD-RAM (Panasonic) camps have embraced the same logical formats, including the DVD-Video (DVD-V) and DVD-Video Recording (DVD-VR). Use of a DVD-Video (DVD-V) logical format on a DVD write-once disk for archival purposes will allow playback of the disk on any of the millions of DVD players in use today. By Contrast, the Philips-led DVD+RW camp, whose claim to fame is backward compatibility, uses a proprietary logical format. ..........
End quote ---------------
Full article:
EE Times Article
EDIT: Added online full article.
DVD-RW (Minus RW) is better (supposedly) for video playback on retail DVD players.
DVD+RW (Plus RW) is better for data storage
(supports Multisession and Packet Writing)
sites like cdrlabs and cdrinfo have reviews up on various drives
Here is a review of the Phillips DVD+RW drive
A fan site for DVD+RW that helps explain some of the differences.
DVD+RW (Plus RW) is better for data storage
(supports Multisession and Packet Writing)
sites like cdrlabs and cdrinfo have reviews up on various drives
Here is a review of the Phillips DVD+RW drive
A fan site for DVD+RW that helps explain some of the differences.
I like DVD-RW better right now. That's because the most compatible format for DVD playback on a set-top DVD player is DVD-R and DVD-RW drives can write to these disks in addition to DVD-RW disks.
However, DVD+RW can only write to DVD+RW disks. They cannot write to DVD-R disks.
A dark horse candidate is the DVD-RAM/R drives because they can also write to DVD-R disks. However, the one's I've seen do not write to CDR and CDRW. Finally, the DVD-RAM cartridge is not readable by most DVD drives and set-top players.
DVD-RW drives can read/write to the following: DVD-RW, DVD-R, CDR and CDRW.
DVD+RW drives can read/write to the following: DVD+RW, CDR and CDRW.
DVD-RAM/R drives can read/write to the following: DVD-RAM, DVD-R.
However, DVD+RW can only write to DVD+RW disks. They cannot write to DVD-R disks.
A dark horse candidate is the DVD-RAM/R drives because they can also write to DVD-R disks. However, the one's I've seen do not write to CDR and CDRW. Finally, the DVD-RAM cartridge is not readable by most DVD drives and set-top players.
DVD-RW drives can read/write to the following: DVD-RW, DVD-R, CDR and CDRW.
DVD+RW drives can read/write to the following: DVD+RW, CDR and CDRW.
DVD-RAM/R drives can read/write to the following: DVD-RAM, DVD-R.
"I like DVD-RW better right now. That's because the most compatible format for DVD playback on a set-top DVD player is DVD-R and DVD-RW drives can write to these disks in addition to DVD-RW disks."
From the CDRLabs HP DVD+RW review:
"You would think the DVD-RW format would sound like the perfect solution. Unfortunately, there are some limitations. Probably the biggest issue right now is that not all DVD video players or DVD-ROM drives can play these discs. The other problem is recording video. This format does not support efficient encoding of video using variable bit rates. This limits the recording speed to only 1x and it can take a good 1 or 2 hours to write a DVD movie."
"The goal of the DVD+RW format was to deliver the best performance available with the best possible compatibility. To do this they made the physical aspects of the DVD+RW format very similar to dual layered DVD discs. Since most DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives support dual layered discs, they should be able to read DVD+RW discs without any problems.
The DVD+RW format also features much better performance. The initial version of the DVD+RW format allows for recording speeds at up to 2.4x and can use either CLV or CAV writing. To overcome the problems that the DVD-RW format had with variable bit rates, the DVD+RW Alliance has also introduced loss less linking technology. Desiring to increase the flexibility of the format, they also included many of the features of the Mt. Rainier CD-RW format like defect management and background formatting."
There appear to be conflicting viewpoints on the compatability issue, but the DVD+RW definitely is a more robust format that DVD-RW. The DVD+RW was created after DVD-RW in attempt to fix the problems that were in DVD-RW, which should make it better by default. Lastly, DVD+RW was created by among other companies, Philips and Sony, the same two companies that played major roles in the creation of the original CD format, and CDR/RW formats, so you know they have a pretty good idea about what they are doing.
Here's a DVD player compatiblity list from HP.
DVD Players and DVD-ROM Drives Compatible
From the CDRLabs HP DVD+RW review:
"You would think the DVD-RW format would sound like the perfect solution. Unfortunately, there are some limitations. Probably the biggest issue right now is that not all DVD video players or DVD-ROM drives can play these discs. The other problem is recording video. This format does not support efficient encoding of video using variable bit rates. This limits the recording speed to only 1x and it can take a good 1 or 2 hours to write a DVD movie."
"The goal of the DVD+RW format was to deliver the best performance available with the best possible compatibility. To do this they made the physical aspects of the DVD+RW format very similar to dual layered DVD discs. Since most DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives support dual layered discs, they should be able to read DVD+RW discs without any problems.
The DVD+RW format also features much better performance. The initial version of the DVD+RW format allows for recording speeds at up to 2.4x and can use either CLV or CAV writing. To overcome the problems that the DVD-RW format had with variable bit rates, the DVD+RW Alliance has also introduced loss less linking technology. Desiring to increase the flexibility of the format, they also included many of the features of the Mt. Rainier CD-RW format like defect management and background formatting."
There appear to be conflicting viewpoints on the compatability issue, but the DVD+RW definitely is a more robust format that DVD-RW. The DVD+RW was created after DVD-RW in attempt to fix the problems that were in DVD-RW, which should make it better by default. Lastly, DVD+RW was created by among other companies, Philips and Sony, the same two companies that played major roles in the creation of the original CD format, and CDR/RW formats, so you know they have a pretty good idea about what they are doing.
Here's a DVD player compatiblity list from HP.
DVD Players and DVD-ROM Drives Compatible
I dunno, personally, having seen both DVD+RW and DVD-RW at work (at least for my uses) I prefer DVD-RW, and went ahead and purchased the retail Pioneer A03 from NewEgg for $435 shipped (yikes)...anyway, I figure if I sell a lot of my "toys" and all my extra CD-RW drives, I can almost afford this... 
On paper DVD+RW looks like it should be more compatible than DVD-RW. However tests done by PC World with numerous set top DVD players show that their compatibility are about equal. They are both not as compatible as DVD-R disks however. Since DVD-RW drives can also write to DVD-R disks but DVD+RW drives cannot, it seems to me that DVD-RW is the better format for now.
A dark horse is the new DVD-RAM/R drives. They are the cheapest (the Panasonic model sells for around $350) and they can write to DVD-R disks. They can also write to DVD-RAM cartridges which, while not compatible with most DVD players, are much better suited for archiving of data because their read/write cycle is about 100,000 compared to 1000 to the DVD-RW and DVD+RW disks (they will keep your important data safer for a longer period of time).
A dark horse is the new DVD-RAM/R drives. They are the cheapest (the Panasonic model sells for around $350) and they can write to DVD-R disks. They can also write to DVD-RAM cartridges which, while not compatible with most DVD players, are much better suited for archiving of data because their read/write cycle is about 100,000 compared to 1000 to the DVD-RW and DVD+RW disks (they will keep your important data safer for a longer period of time).
Jen
Elite Member
- Dec 8, 1999
- 24,206
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<< A dark horse is the new DVD-RAM/R drives. They are the cheapest (the Panasonic model sells for around $350) and they can write to DVD-R disks. They can also write to DVD-RAM cartridges which, while not compatible with most DVD players, are much better suited for archiving of data because their read/write cycle is about 100,000 compared to 1000 to the DVD-RW and DVD+RW disks (they will keep your important data safer for a longer period of time). >>
i just got a dvdram drive for just for saveing my Old Time Radio shows..........i feel it best suits my needs
Jen
I read that the current DVD+RW drives will soon record to DVD+R disks. I'm still confused on which one to get for making DVD movies from family videos and using for backup. I am ready to buy though and it seems that DVD+RW is more future proof.
help!
help!
I read that too Relayer. I have the HP DVD100i and am very happy with it so far. You can't coaster since you can just rerecord the disks and i do believe DVD +RW will be the standard of the future. Just wish I could find media in the $8-10 range.
<< Just wish I could find media in the $8-10 range. >>
See, that's the downside...would you want to send a disk for family members to see you vacation video? I'd be like..."hey are you done with that DVD+RW disk I sent you"
I wouldn't buy either one right now. I'll wait until the prices come down for all of the various formats. I would never pay more than $200 for one of those drives. I think the prices are going to start dropping pretty fast. This is especially true because they can write to CD-R and CD-RWs.
Jen
Elite Member
- Dec 8, 1999
- 24,206
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<< Just wish I could find media in the $8-10 range. >>
i agree the dvdram media disks are also very expensive. but i look at it this way i have lost two hard drives already and the stuff stored on them is more important to me than the cost of the disks. i did find some good deals e*ay so have bought up quite a few there. i need to find out if my creative pc dvdram drive will support the 9.4 GB disks as i would like to get some of those as well
Jen
supposidly you can't coaster a pioneer dvr-a03, ive read numerous reports that say it has a burnproof like feature built in.
plus alot of readers will only read dvd-r media, not RW its a no brainer ... if I need more pc storage I would just buy a bigger HD, the price catagory is almost the same.
oh ya .. cdrecordables.com has dvd-r 4.7gb media for 2.95/piece with free shipping over 100 bucks.
I got 35 pieces for just over 100 with free DHL shipping.
this place is just fantastic, ive dealt with them a few times, and they always upgrade shipping, and throw in some free samples.
plus alot of readers will only read dvd-r media, not RW its a no brainer ... if I need more pc storage I would just buy a bigger HD, the price catagory is almost the same.
oh ya .. cdrecordables.com has dvd-r 4.7gb media for 2.95/piece with free shipping over 100 bucks.
I got 35 pieces for just over 100 with free DHL shipping.
this place is just fantastic, ive dealt with them a few times, and they always upgrade shipping, and throw in some free samples.
While it seems like a good idea that the media be re-writeable always, I don't think it is. I hate CDRW's. They always lose my data, and I hate erasing them, and it's just easier to multi-session a CDR. I'd prefer something that could make a coaster, but once it's burned, it's burned. And I buy a lot of CDR's but even the most die-hard CDRW fan only has a few lying around. Only being able to use DVD+RW discs means that the price will never come down as much because the demand won't be there when you can just keep reusing a disc. Maybe I have my facts mixed up, since I find it hard to believe that the DVD+RW standard doesn't include an unrewriteable format in its specifications
My only 2 problem with the Pioneer A03 is that it doesn't have any anti-buffer-underrun technology to protect from making coasters, and the current speed that it burns at. If they increase the speed of DVD-R writing (I don't see why they can't) and add in the anti-buffer-underrun technology(also can't see why they can't), then I don't see what the problem is. The discs are already at $5 a piece retail, and they're only going to get cheaper. The video looks great, and I think all current DVD players being sold are compatible with this format. If not, I'm sure they will be if the format is victorious. Some people will have to upgrade their DVD players, but DVD players are cheap now and god nows we need to help the economy. Plus, it seems like DVD+RW isn't even more compatible anyways.
Of course, I'm sure whichever format the pirates use to "back-up" their DVD's is going to have a huge advantage.
My only 2 problem with the Pioneer A03 is that it doesn't have any anti-buffer-underrun technology to protect from making coasters, and the current speed that it burns at. If they increase the speed of DVD-R writing (I don't see why they can't) and add in the anti-buffer-underrun technology(also can't see why they can't), then I don't see what the problem is. The discs are already at $5 a piece retail, and they're only going to get cheaper. The video looks great, and I think all current DVD players being sold are compatible with this format. If not, I'm sure they will be if the format is victorious. Some people will have to upgrade their DVD players, but DVD players are cheap now and god nows we need to help the economy. Plus, it seems like DVD+RW isn't even more compatible anyways.
Of course, I'm sure whichever format the pirates use to "back-up" their DVD's is going to have a huge advantage.
I'd choose +RW, but be careful - at least in the case of HP, they're not going to upgrade the drive to write +R discs. I don't know if the other companies with +RW drives will, though I suppose someone has to now that the media is starting to show up. DVD+R should have near perfect compatibility once it comes out - it fixes the largest problem with +RW, which is low reflectivity.
<< Just wish I could find media in the $8-10 range. >>
Keep an eye out here.
Memorex 1 Pack DVD+RW media
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