DVD-R and DVD+R

[radar]

I didn't know this and I hope this lesson saves time (of going back to the store) for those of you who don't: Apple's superdrive works only with DVD-R discs.

After creating a slideshow to burn on a DVD disc, I went and bought some discs. I did not see the section on DVD-Rs and got instead a package of DVD+Rs. The discs could not be recognized by my superdrive. In consulting the store's catalog, I found an informational box about the brands of computers that work with DVD+R and the brands of computers that work with DVD-R. (Sorry, I don't have the catalog in front of me at this time. Thus, I can't give you those lists.)

[Henjie]

Originally posted by radar
I didn't know this and I hope this lesson saves time (of going back to the store) for those of you who don't: Apple's superdrive works only with DVD-R discs.

Actually, it depends on which "SuperDrive" is installed in a particular Mac.

Apple doesn't manufacture its own optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD writer, combo, DVD writer), relying instead on third-party manufacturers for supply. You can see the exact model no. (and therefore the actual manufacturer) by using System Profiler and checking out the drive info.

Apple mostly relies on Pioneer for its "SuperDrives". As far as Mac desktops are concerned, the old 2x SuperDrives (Pioneer DVR-103 or DVR-104) and the 1st gen. 4x SuperDrive (Pioneer DVR-105) are only capable of burning to DVD-R/RW blanks.

The latter 4x SuperDrives (Pioneer DVR-106D and Sony DW-U10A) and the new 8x SuperDrive (Pioneer DVR-107D) used in the current 1.25GHz eMac are all dual-format drives, capable of burning to both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW discs. :-)

UPDATE: did some research on PowerBook drives and found out that the 1x (Matshita UJ-815) and 2x (Matshita UJ-816) SuperDrives used in older TiBooks and AlBooks are only capable of burning to DVD-R/RW discs.

However, the 4x SuperDrive (Matshita UJ-825) installed in the new AlBooks and 14" iBook G4 is a dual-format drive. :-)


~Henjie

[Edited on 5-16-2004 by Henjie]

[Eric]

Henjie's right, it all depends on the type of Superdrive installed in your system. I've recently installed a third-party Pioneer A07D on my MDD G4 and the very first media I used to burn data was a DVD+R, & I had no problems whatsoever.

[Charlie]

wow thanks for the info Henjie

by the way which is better? DVD-R or DVD+R?
Thanks =)

[Henjie]

Originally posted by Charlie
by the way which is better? DVD-R or DVD+R?

Well, both formats have their own proponents and detractors (as usual). :-)

DVD-R is supposed to be more compatible with older set-top DVD players. But most players nowadays can play both DVD-Rs and DVD+Rs. Another thing is that only Panther has DVD+R compatibility. OS X 10.0.x to 10.2.x can't recognize DVD+Rs.

If your players and burner support both formats, and you're already on Panther, just buy whichever is available. Always buy good-quality media though. Ultimately, the quality of the blanks you're using is much more important than the format. ;-)


~Henjie