Video Asylum: Re: DVD -R and DVD +R compatibility - I answer my own question by wilbert

I talked recently with someone who knows this area pretty well -- hey, none of you guys responded! -- and learned the following: (1) DVD-R is the format of choice if you want to record DVD's that will play in most DVD players; (2) DVD+R is a Sony format which will play in just a few machines, mostly Sony's (the DVD equivalent of the Betamax); (3) DVD-RW and DVD+RW, when recorded, will likely play only on the machine that recorded it, maybe another DVD recorder of the same brand and vintage. Bottom line: if you want to record DVD's to play on other machines, your best best is to use DVD-R.

There is a also a mastering format, DVD-video, which is the format on those movies from video rental stores. However, a machine that records in that format will set you back a lot more money.

The proliferation of formats in audio and video is getting old fast.

Gary