Attn Camcorder buffs...What's the difference between DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs?

[BC]

I got a new Sony DCR-DVD92 camcorder and want to make sure I understand the difference in these 2 disc types. At Best Buy the -RW Sony Brand is $9.99 each and the +RW is $14.99 each. In my book it shows I can view the +RW without finalizing it, but there has got to be more to it to justify $5 more per disc. Does anyone know anything about this particular model? It seems pretty easy to operate, however, I cannot find anywhere in the manual where to find out how much recording time I have left on a disc. Any one have a Sony camcorder that might be able to tell me? Also, I know the disc are less at other places, but wanted to show a price comparison. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[mtblujeans]

 

[Shutterbug]

Check this out:

http://www.plextor.com/english/support/faqs/G00015.htm

What is the difference between DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW?

The truth is that the two competing technologies use different formats. No single company "owns" DVD and both technologies have their "champions".

DVD-R/RW was developed by Pioneer. Based on CD-RW technology, it uses a similar pitch of the helix, mark length of the 'burn' for data, and rotation control. DVD-R/RW is supported by the DVD Forum, an industry-wide group of hardware and software developers, and computer peripheral manufacturers. The DVD-R format has been standardized in ECMA-279 by the Forum, but this is a private standard, not an 'industry' ISO standard like the CD-R/RW Red Book or Orange Book standard.

DVD+R/RW is also based on CD-RW technology. DVD+R/RW is supported by Sony, Philips, HP, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha, and others, and has recently been endorsed by Microsoft. DVD+R/RW is not supported by the DVD Forum, but the Forum has no power to set industry standards, so it becomes a market-driven issue.

 

[BC]

OK, Now tell me what that all means for me as far as using the disc. Is the +RW ready to view in a DVD player without finalizing it?

 

[Shutterbug]

Seeing as its coming from a Sony camcorder, it might work in a Sony dvd player without finalizing it. Not sure about other DVD players though.

 

[Towncrier]

I can't answer your question, but I suggest that you check out http://www.videohelp.com as that site has been a real help for me answering all sorts of video related questions. They might even already have an answer for your question if you do a search.

 

[laurie31]

This may not be much help, as I have a Hitachi, but my camcorder will only take the - format and not the + ones. It's buried in the manual someplace.

You may want to find out if choosing between the two is even an option.

My DVD-R and DVD-RW discs will play on our DVD player, btw

Laurie

 

[BC]

it will take both -RW and +RW. I have already finalized and played a -RW on my DVD player and it worked great. Now I have the disc that came with the camcorder in it and it is a +RW. It seems to be recording great, but I just wondered what the difference is. Guess I'll never know as the guy at Best Buy said he wasn't sure either! I have not tried playing it back on a DVD player yet, just played it back on the camcorder screen.

 

[Sparx]

I could be totally wrong, but I think a -rw is one that you can only write to once, a +rw is one that you can write to over and over. At least thats what its is with cds. I'm not sure, though.

 

[Shutterbug]

I could be totally wrong, but I think a -rw is one that you can only write to once, a +rw is one that you can write to over and over. At least thats what its is with cds. I'm not sure, though.

rw means rewritable regardless if its + or -
r means write once.

+ and - are different just formats. I dont believe one has an advantage over the other. They are just different formats that different mfg's have decided to use.

 

[jfulcer]

rw means rewritable regardless if its + or -
r means write once.

+ and - are different just formats. I dont believe one has an advantage over the other. They are just different formats that different mfg's have decided to use.

Shutterbug is right here, and explains it very simple, which is good. The reason it makes a difference is some DVD players will play - discs and some will play + discs. Most newer ones will play both.

In doing some searches, Mini DVD+RW discs are very hard to find and most places don't even have them (which might explain the difference in price). So as long as your camcorder uses the DVD-RW and they play fine in your DVD Player (or computer), I think I'd stick with the DVD-RW's.

 

[Papa Deuce]

this site has ALL the answers:

http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html

 

[BC]

When I click on the web address above, it says page cannot be displayed. I tried typing in the address and got the same thing.

 

[laurie31]

The link worked for me. Maybe the site was down when you tried?

Laurie

ps - thanks for the info

 

[disneyfanforever]

Hey, I think I have that camcorder. I haven't tried putting the disks in the dvd player yet so I am not sure about the finalizing thing. I am pretty sure the + or - are just different types of DVDs, whether it is R or RW determines whether or not you can rewrite on them. I really like the touch screen playback on the camera, so it far it has worked great for me. Very easy to operate.

 

[BC]

You're right, the touch screen playback is really neat as it the simplicity of putting the disc right into the DVD player and watching it. Let me know as you learn more about yours if you have any interesting tips. Thanks!