Originally posted by: digitalfreaknyc
Just an FYI...

There are problems currently with dual-layer burners.

Apparently it takes a longer amount of time for the laser to realign for the DVD+R DL's than it would for a regular dual-layer disc.

It may be better to let it wait for a bit before jumping.

I agree. Someone posted a link to a review for the Sony DRU-700 which is a DL model and the DVD burned fine. However, the compatibility with set top DVD Players was not encouraging. They tested the disc on 21 different players and many would not even read the disc. Even a lot of DVD-Rom's wouldn't read it. The reviewer said he figured the compatibility percentage was around 43% instead of the over 90% that the + camp touts. Also, the media is expensive and hard to find. The link is here:
Link.

There are tons of questions and battles about which is better between + and -. My personal choice is -, for now because that is what my burner is. So far, I haven't had any problems with it on my DVD-Player. A friend sent me a +R and I was also able to play it in the same DVD-Player. As far as the review goes, it is not encouraging, but that also doesn't mean that it should be taken at 100%. The reviewer even says so. They also say that if the book type could be switched to DVD-Rom, the results would have probably been more encouraging. Also, this is the first player to come along in this format. Another writer brand may work better or even something small like a firmware upgrade or different brand of media may improve results. It is really too early to tell.

I'm waiting on a dual layer writer that can do dual layer + and -. That way, all bases are covered. Dash is behind Plus right now, but they do have a dual layer format in the works. I hope they are behind because they want to make sure they get everything worked out. I may not even buy the first generation dual layer dual format drive. I want to make sure all of the bugs are worked out.

The other thing to keep in mind is that dual layer is a whole new ballgame. Just because my player can play both + and -R's doesn't mean it will play either DL + or - R's.

The other things I want to point out about + and - R's and RW's is that there are a lot of factors that affect compatibility. The first is the media itself. If you buy dirt cheap media of any type, that could be a factor. Someone asked what cheap media could affect. As far as I know, it should only factor in the burning process where you only end up making coasters. However, it could have some playability problems if the media is so cheap that there are a lot of errors in it. Alot of people use a program called DVD Info Pro which checks media for errors. What you put on the media could also have an affect. For some reason, my DVD Player cannot handle AC-3 files made with BeSweet while others can. BeSweet is a good program, but it does produce non standard AC-3 files. I tested one of the Torrents and didn't have a problem with it's AC-3 file. Having a bitrate that goes over spec. could also cause problems. The software used could also be at fault. So, there are a lot of things to consider. That is one reason I always been to an RW first and watch it all the way through before committing to a write once DVD.

As far as DVD Players go. All of the ones made in the last few years are supposed to play both + and -. My Pioneer from '99 plays both. My Toshiba from '98 won't play anything but Hollywood DVD's. Some older players can play +, but many are supposed to play -.

My personal preference right now is -, but I have no dislike for + either. Each has their own advantages like + single layer R's and RW's not having to be finalized. That is why I want a burner that does dual layer in both formats. Again, I can't say enough that I recommend using an RW to test with before committing to a write once disc unless you have been doing this a long time, have a project you've already been successful with and just copying it to another disc, or you have plenty of write once discs laying around.

As far as which is better. I cannot answer that as everyone has their own preference based on results. One person may have only had good luck with + and another only with -. I only have the means to make -R's and -RW's right now. When I have the means to make both, I will.

Thanks.

Patrick

I had to make a correction. The article I linked to said overall success rate with standalone players was 43% instead of 70%. Also, +R is supposed to be 90% compatible. I don't know what the +R camp says about +R DL.