dvd+ or dvd- for distribution

[VJ]

Hello,

We intend to distribute a self made movie to a limited audience (20-30 DVDs). Which format is most compatible with standalone players: DVD+R or DVD-R ?


Jörg

[Jerry Jones]

DVD-R seems to have an edge because it's the oldest of the two formats.

DV MAGAZINE did a study a few years ago and that was their conclusion, but that study only looked at DVD+RW vs. DVD-R and that was an easy victory for DVD-R.

But newer studies also suggest DVD-R is more compatible than DVD+R.

Example:

http://tinyurl.com/ejyuw

Today it isn't as important because most drives should be able to read either format.

Jerry Jones

http://www.jonesgroup.net

[Jerry Jones]

Here's the DV MAGAZINE article:

http://tinyurl.com/eu4e

Jerry Jones

http://www.jonesgroup.net

[schmosef]

I was looking into this about a year ago and from what I found DVD-R was more compatible.

[VJ]

ok thanks!

Euhm, is DVD-R more supported than DVD-R DL, or won't it make a difference?
(movie is over 2 hours)


Jörg

[wkulecz]

My experiences suggests it'll be a PITA whichever you choose.

--wally.

[schmosef]

ok thanks!

Euhm, is DVD-R more supported than DVD-R DL, or won't it make a difference?
(movie is over 2 hours)


Jörg

I've not experimented with dual layer at all.

The media is still hard to find.

[Nappe1]

as general rule, don't bother with DL discs if you are trying to make as compatible as possible DVD. DVD+R DL works officially in very few players and DVD-R DL is even more rare.

as what comes to selecting + or - disc, I'd say prepare to make the release for both discs. I did made a limited distribution (around 10-15 copies) of own DVD incorporating DVD-Video (my photographs and background music about an hour length.) and I did few tests with few target players. in that test 3 of four played both and one only played +R, so the main batch I did to +R. I was prepared with stack of -R discs, so that if any of the first batch discs refused to play on target player, I would have been able to make -R copy and sent it to fix the problem.

Also, +R is only able to change booktype. I haven't tested it, but you can basically make DVD+R that reports itself as Legimate DVD-Video (or ROM) to player. with DVD-R you are limited to DVD-R booktype.

EDIT: oh... I can make that Photograph DVD available as download or torrent, if you are interested. Still, recalling how ppl liked the 200MB net version of one of the clips, I doubt 3.5GB ISO image being a big hit here. Still, let me know if you are interested.

[nunchalnaomi]

I have had the most success with slow burned dvd-r. I use the plain white tops, so I can print on them. I make a dvd folder. Then use nero to burn the folder. All important projects,I burn at 1x speed and verify each burn. Works in almost all players, except some very very old ones. If not, I just make a dvd+r replacement. I have not used dual layer.

[VJ]

ok, thanks guys!

I'll first have to author the dvd again (currently, it only plays on 1 persons' laptop: the one who made it). I'm guessing he used the wrong compression.

Hopefully, I can fit the 2.5 hour movie on a single layer DVD...


Jörg

[cuddles]

2.5 hr should be peice of cake.