I'd recommend either buying a DVD+RW drive or a DVD+/-RW (does both) drive. From what I read, DVD+RW gives more features such as varying compression from 120 minutes to 240 minutes per DVD+R and screen menu support. Minimum capacity of a 12cm DVD+R/W is 4.7GB.

http://www.dvdplusrw.org/faq/dvdplusrwfaq01.html compares DVD+R/W to DVD-R/W

http://www.cdfreaks.com/news2.php3?ID=5066 - Liteon to release a 4x DVD+/-RW drive for $200

The disc format doesn't have _ANYTHING_ to do with the compression ratio, DVD-Video features, etc. Both formats are identical in that sense. And both, "minus" and "plus" discs have exactly same _maximum_ amount of data they can store: 4.38 gigabytes.

The _ONLY_ difference between DVD-R and DVD+R is the fact that DVD+R drives can only burn DVD+R discs and DVD-R drives can only burn DVD-R discs. Both drives read both discs and DVD-ROM drives read both discs as well.

---

As far as I know, DVD-R is more compatible with existing (old?) drives. For instance, some Sony standalone DVD players like DVP-C660 and DVP-S535D can't read any of the "plus" technology discs but stand both DVD-R and DVD-RW media. Even more, according to the compatibility list at vcdhelp.com (afterdawn holds a link pointing at it, in its articles section), Playstation 2 can't read DVD+RW, but reads DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+R quite fine.

PS1: I recommend DVD-R/RW. Pioneer DVD-A04 is a cool device (firmware updated, of course).

PS2: I own a Sony DVD-Player myself. I don't remember the exact model, but I think it's the DVP-S550D. It's one of that silly devices which can read any CD-RW but only Princo CD-R media (odd but true!). Well, according to what is reported at vcdhelp.com, it won't read DVD-RW discs but using DVD+RW it will. I'm confused, but I'll try someday. Technology sucks.

---

That's not correct, i have a Playstation 2 and DVD+RW works fine ( SCPH 3004 R Pal )

The older models of PS2 don't work with plus discs.

---

OK, I take note. It was not first-hand info, anyway. I just forwarded what I had read out there. Btw, nice choice. I'd also buy a PS2 if I had enough time to play. I used to be an absolute paddy-lamer some years ago, but I had to quit. It's been such a looooong time since the last time I played a PC game...

---

I going by what is said on the dvdplusrw.org site, I didn't make the compression thing up between DVD-Rw & DVD+Rw!:
http://www.dvdplusrw.org/faq/dvdplusrwfaq02.html#2.11

http://www.dvdplusrw.org/faq/dvdplusrwfaq01.html#1.1

The site's URL itself shows the slightly biased opinion, just like asking Microsoft to provide an independent review between Windows and Linux, don't you think?-)

I started with a +Rw (hp200), tried it, it worked, but the media was way more expensive and not as compatible.

When the prices of the +R media are the same as -R, then I'll look at which is most dominant and maybe switch to +R (again).
Till then, -r wins.

Many people must be thinking the same, and that's why Philips is acting like this. They were losing until now }:-)

---

i got a philips dvd+rw/r it the best around att the min,burn good with dvdx copy,i have not lost a disk with this burner not like the sony dvd burners.i give it 9 out of 10