The popularity of DVDs grew a lot over the years. What started as an optical disc format has now become a standard in storing digital media in compact discs. As of today, there are lots of DVD formats in the market, out of which the two most common formats are DVD-R and DVD+R.
When you plan to burn or transfer your files on a disc, it is important to know the details and features of the disc you are going to use. You must know the differences between DVD+R and DVD-R so that you can identify which disc suits you best.
DVD-R and DVD+R are nearly identical formats:
- These discs are both supported by most DVD-ROM drives and DVD burners.
- DVD+R DVD-R discs look almost the same on the surface and they are both 120mm in diameter and 1.2mm in thickness (0.6mm x 2)
- Both DVD-R and DVD+R share the same 4.7GB capacity on one side.
Although both are nearly identical, there are still some key differences you should know, especially when trying to purchase a DVD.
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The differences between DVD+R and DVD-R
Pronunciation
- DVD-R is pronounced as DVD dash R.
- DVD+R is pronounced as DVD plus R.
Producer & Date
- In the second half of 1997, Pioneer made and introduced DVD-R.
- Sony and Philips made DVD+R in 2002.
Technical Standard
- DVD-R discs use “land pre-pits” which are little marks on the disc grooves, to determine the laser position.
- DVD+R discs don’t have land pre-pits; instead, it measures the wobble frequency as they laser the process disc.
Land pre-pits are pre-recorded pits written on the land area between the continuous (wobbled) pre-groove of DVD-R and DVD-RW. But pre-pits become a limiting problem as the speed of the disc increases because, at high speed, pre-pits are more difficult to detect than phase inversions. The technology used by DVD+R is much better because it helps the disc to process speedily.
Burning Speed and Quality
- DVD-R was made earlier than DVD+R, therefore in terms of quality and error management, DVD-R is less advanced.
- DVD+R has better quality and speed. The system used by DVD+R format for tracking and speed control is less susceptible to interference.
With these differences, both discs still have the same storage capacity.
Prices
- DVD-R discs are cheaper. You can purchase this on Amazon at 14 USD.
- DVD+R is a little more expensive. This is available on Amazon at 15 USD.
DVD+R is a little more expensive because it has more advanced qualities than DVD-R.
Functional Standard
- With DVD-R discs, you can only write once.
- With DVD+R discs, you can write as many times as you want, the DVD+R format makes it convenient to burn DVDs in batches.
If you plan to store your files as a backup and you don’t want them to be altered, I would recommend using a DVD-R disc. But when you occasionally edit and alter your files on the disc, pick DVD+R.
Tip: How to burn files to a DVD-R / DVD+R
After choosing a disc of your preference, it’s now time to burn your files into a DVD.
You can burn your videos using echoshare DVD Creator -A multi-functional DVD creator that is full of amazing and useful features. DVD Creator supports most video and audio formats and gives a wide variety of menu templates to choose from.
With echoshare DVD Creator experience high-speed burning guaranteed to have no quality loss on your videos. DVD Creator is perfect for professional and home-based use. It will help you create the perfect DVD in the comfort of your home.
Start burning videos to DVD now. Click here to download echoshare DVD Creator.
Steps on how to burn files to a DVD-R/DVD+R
Step 1: Insert blank DVD-R/DVD+R disc. Install and launch DVD Creator.
Step 2: Import files by clicking Add Media Files or Add Media Folder. Or just simply drag your files into the DVD Creator interface.
Step 3: Select Aspect Ratio and Video Quality. Always remember to set the Video Quality on High to burn videos without quality loss.
- Set Disc Type depending on your file size and disc. DVD-5 and DVD-9 produce a video with a resolution of 720p. When you’re done, click Next.
Step 4: Create your Disc Menu by choosing from a variety of menu templates with different themes. Or customize your own by adding Background Images, Music, Opening Films. But if you prefer not to have a menu, you can select No Menu on the lower right corner.
Step 5: Click Burn to Disc and choose TV Standard. (NTSC is the video standard commonly used in North America and most of South America. PAL is the video standard that is popular in most of the European and Asian countries.)
Step 6: Click Start and wait for the burning process to finish.
Final Thoughts
It is important to know the differences between different formats of DVDs, especially that our technology is developing. We should know what disc to use, and that is compatible with our needs. And although both are developed by different groups, the difference between the two discs gets smaller and smaller as the technology develops.