A few million people have at least a few homemade video DVDs and the majority of the entire U.S. population or world has a few homemade CDs. They may have made them or received them from friends. But what are your choices and which do you need? Very few individuals ever think about the DVD-R format verses the DVD+R format and how each could benefit the end user. They just want it to work. Which should you choose?

The similarities of each are that they are compatible with the majority of all home DVD video players. The older the DVD player means that chances are the media won't be fully compatible, although this has largely become a concern of the past.

Similar to the opposing high definition standards fight, there are two differing formats of blank DVD media. The two consortiums that exist today are the DVD+RW Alliance and the DVD Forum. The DVD+RW Alliance support the DVD +R/RW format while the DVD Forum advocates the DVD -R/RW format. The standards set forth by these two organizations have created many differences, but the most important ones should be examined when deciding which format to use.

The discs themselves are essentially identical to each other. The drives are what create the incompatibility. The biggest difference is that there are a myriad of microscopic wobbles created by the drive of the DVD+R/RW discs. This wobble is detected by the recording/playback drive to greatly increase the timing accuracy of storing and locating the information that is stored on the disc itself. DVD-R/RW drives also create this wobble, but at a much lower frequency. This essentially means that DVD+R/RW discs can store and retrieve data with more precise timing and accuracy.

Another difference that should be considered is the importance of error detection. DVD+R/RW drives utilize error correction at a much higher rate of 100% of all data and storage space on the physical disc. The error correction with regard to DVD-R/RW drives is not as effective and can result in more errors allowing for the creation of a shiny new coaster.

The other key difference between the two formats is regarding multi-sessions. While both formats support multi-session writing, the total amount of storage space on DVD-R/RW discs will be sacrificed and dwindle the more multi-session writing is used. When the user writes any amount of data onto a DVD-R/RW disc and then ends the session, the drive needs to "finalize" that session in order for any other drive or video DVD player to be able to read that data. This finalizing of each session can take up to 18 MB. Without realizing it, you can be cheating yourself out of valuable storage space. DVD+R/RW also needs to "finalize" its multi-sessions, but only requires 2 MB per session. Very quickly one can see that 4.7 GB disc end up being a 3.9 GB disc.

The most common difference, and the one most people use to decide which format to use, is cost. DVD-R/RW media is much cheaper than the competing DVD+R/RW media. This is partially due to differing brand names and the type of metallic surfacing and sealing that is used on each disc. There are differences and these can play a role in quality. Generic blank media may suffice for some; however, the idiom, "You get what you pay for" can accurately be assigned to this type of product.

With these key differences outlined above, one can begin to see why DVD+R/RW media may be a better choice. The end quality of the product you wish to create is what should guide you to your choice. For basic everyday temporary storage, an office may decide on the cheaper alternative, but for the self-authoring video hobbyist, the choice is clear.