I'd say it probably depends on what you're trying to do and who you're doing it for.

If you're burning DVD for your own use, it doesn't matter all that much whether you go for - or +. There are technical differences but frankly, my experience so far has shown bigger compatibility differences exist between brands of media than between formats. DVD+R is, I believe, capable of multi-session whereas DVD-R tends to be slightly cheaper on media.

So if you can test a DVD-R on your DVD player and it works - go with that. Or if you can test a DVD+R on your DVD player and it works - go with that. If both work, toss a coin.

However, if compatibility with many DVD players is important, maybe you want to sell or give them away, having the flexibility to burn both formats (and a good supply of media from various reputable manufacturers) will help ward off problems.

Andy

-R is the original and most compatible with old and new machines, although even in the -R domain the 'pressed' or 'glass mastered' mass produced DVDs are more compatible than the 'burned' -R discs. (there are also -R General and Authoring, silver and gold. Blanks can range from under $1 to about $50)
The +R (and +RW), versions are not recognized by the DVD forum, which as far as I can tell, doesn't make any difference in the real world, (so far), except that the +R discs can't legally carry the DVD Video logo. (neither can burned DVD-Rs).
I use +RW for burning test discs because the + format has better error correction and supports multi-session burning without writing a link packet, that can cause compatibility issues. (multi-session required for buffer underruns etc.). When my project is complete I use -R for compatibility (hey some people still have 8-track players).
DiscMakers, a duplication company, will only accept -R general and -R Authoring DVD formats for duplication, plus a high-end tape format.
I jumped the gun and bought the Sony DRU-500AX a few weeks ago, because the only ETA there was for the 510, was December. The 510 is faster on the + format than the 500 was. I'm still very satisfied because it does DVD-R/RW, DVD +R/RW and CD-R/RW. It just doesn't do DVD-RAM which is a longer lasting format.
I know it's kinda verbose, but I hope this helps with your decision.
Good Luck,
Robert

Hi sgblz,

I have HP DVD200i which is +R/+RW. All disks burnt with Nero. No problems whatsoever with any brand of +R or +RW disks.
My Sony DVD player DVP-S560D and Koss DVD changer play any brand of +R or +RW disks with no problems. (BTW, I bought this Sony player in August 2000 when DVD+ format wasn't out yet at all)

Two weeks ago my boss at work bought me Sony 500ULX, which is external -+R/-+RW drive. Then, couple days later he broght the stack of 100 "NO NAME" brand name 1x DVD-R disks that were bought for a $100. (I ran DVDInfo on them and the code showed that they were made by Princo).

So, I decided to give MINUS format a try. I took the drive home, burnt 5 DVD-Rs of my own videos. Then I took these disks to play on my DVD players....

And it SUCKED!!!

Both my player had all kinds of problems with playback. So, I said: "Good by DVD-MINUS".

Here is the interesting article about formats:

http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/113

Regards.

Media quality WILL affect results. As a rule of thumb, I buy media that is 2-3x the cheapest I can find. (Imation, Verbatim, and even Americal Pro) The only problems I have had was with earlier versions of DVD Architect and the MainConcept MPEG encoder. Since the last updates I havn't had a single problem with burning.
The problem I'm working on now is labels. I'm in the process of setting up the Epson Stylus Photo 900 at this moment. (only $200) I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Dear All,
Thanks for your experiences and for sharing your knowledge.

>The 510 is faster on the + format than the 500 was.

There is an update available from Sony that brings the 500 to 510 specs (meaning 4x +R burns). It works too.....

Andy

Mysteryno -

I'd be very interested in your report on your new Epson. I can't believe how the price of CD/DVD printing is dropping. I'll probably pounce on one soon if folks are having success.

G

Here's a thread on the Epson 960 if you're interested.

http://www.creativecow.net/index.php?forumid=55

Jim

I have the Epson 960 and it prints discs beautifully!!

Mike