cd dvd formats

• CD-R (compact disc recordable)

CD-RW (compact disc re-writable)
DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
DVD-RW    Digital Versatile Disc - Rewriteable

• The DVD-R DVD+R difference can easily be summarized by the following:

* The DVD-R/RW standard was developed by Pioneer, and is used primarily
by Apple and Pioneer. These “minus” discs can only be written to in one
layer on the discs surface. In addition, this format is supported by the DVD
forum, but is in no way an industry standard. DVD-R/RW discs are cheaper
than the “plus” format.
* The DVD+R/RW format is supported by Philips, Dell, Sony, HP, and Mcft.
These discs can be written to in multiple layers, giving them s1
Slightly better and more disc storage than the “minus” format. Because of this additional capacity, they are slightly more expensive than “minus” discs.
http://faalacademy.wordpress.com/2013/05/10/the-difference-between-dvd-r-dvdr-dvdrw-and-dvd-rw/

• Overview of DVD Recordable: +R Versus -R

1) The DVD-R (pronounced "DVD dash R") and -RW media formats are officially approved by the standards group DVD Forum. The DVD Forum was founded by Mitsubishi, Sony, Hitachi, and Time Warner, so it has tremendous industry support for its technical standards.
2) DVD+R ("DVD plus” R) and +RW formats are not approved by the DVD Forum standards group, but are instead supported by the DVD+RW Alliance. The DVD+RW Alliance is supported by Sony, Yamaha, Philips, Dell, and JP, so it also has tremendous industry support for its technical standards. Note that Sony supports both organizations.

The main functional differences between DVD-R and DVD+R are:
1) the DVD recorder's built-in defects management,
2) the way the recorders format and rewrite DVDs,
3) the price.

According to the claims of the DVD Alliance, using a DVD+R/+RW recorder will let you do the following:

1. Instantly eject without having to wait for finalized formatting.

2. Ability to record one DVD disc partially on PC and partially on television.

3. Background formatting: while the disc is being formatted, you can simultaneously record on already-formatted portions of the same disc.

4. Enhanced ability to edit filenames, movie and song titles, and playlists.

5. 100% compatibility with all other DVD players, while still enjoying these extra recording features.
http://netforbeginners.about.com/cs/multimedia/a/DVD_explained_2.htm