http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html everything you ever wanted to know about DVD except anything meaningful in layman's terms about the actual technical differences between -R and +R.
I found this on another forum after a bit of searching around:
"dvd-r uses a wobble groove to calibrate disk speed and position data without gaps. it also has lossless linking which can append data blocks with new data, with out linking blocks used in the packet writing strategy, it uses clv (constant linear velocity (same write speed all around the disk even in the inner portion) it also corrects for improper laser position because dvd-players are really picky about imperfections. DVD+R is the same basically except its wobbles are at a higher frequincy and it uses CAV (constant angluar velocity (slower in the inner faster out in the edges)also DVD+R has the capability to copy right from stamped disks because it can hold data in the inner, inner ring where stamped disks usually do, but it is locked out in filmware. "
Clear as mud right?
I typically use +R although I've used both and I can't tell the difference in terms of compatibility or quality. The -R discs were the first to market and supposedly "more" compatible with older gen players but honestly, I'm not an expert in that area. Maybe someone else can shed more intelligent light on this.
Bottom line - I think you can use either format these days with confidence.
post edited by krizrox - 2006/01/23 12:34:21