DVD Player compatibility: DVD (+)R vs. DVD (-)R

Once in a while, a DVD disc won't play in a particular player. This is due to a somewhat complex issue of various DVD formats. Unlike VHS tape which would play in any VCR, it's a whole new compatibility mess with DVDs.

The first DVD players would only play prerecorded DVD ROMS, as this was the only format available then. Eventually, recordable DVDs appeared, and today, there are 3 main recordable DVD formats: DVD (+)R, DVD (-)R and DVD RAM. Perhaps you've noticed this in the store if you've ever wanted to purchase blank DVDs.

DVD RAM is the least compatible of the recordable formats, and doesn't play on nearly as many players as DVD (+)R or DVD (-)R. The difference between these two formats is as follows:

DVD (-)R's are generally are more compatible with more DVD players than DVD (+)R's. However, the most compatible disc is a prerecorded DVD ROM as these were what most DVD players would only play pre-2004. Even players made since are more compatible with this format than (-) R or (+)R.

On a DVD disc, there is encoded information which tells the player the format of the disc. This is called the Book Type or the Bitsetting. It is possible to create the Book Type (Bitsetting) on a DVD (+)R disc to be DVD ROM, however it is not on a DVD (-)R disc. Therefore, if a DVD (+)R's Book Type or Bitsetting is set to DVD ROM, this would be the most compatible disc available as DVD players will read it as a DVD ROM. A DVD (-)R is not able to change or create it's Book Type to be anything but a DVD (-)R. So, while a DVD (-)R is more compatible than a DVD (+)R, a DVD ROM is the most compatible and it can be created on a DVD (+)R disc.

Media Art Solutions now exclusively uses DVD (+)R discs with the DVD ROM Book Type so you'll get the most compatible discs available for the most DVD players. Of course, there's always a rare chance where a disc simply won't play on a particular player.

If you have any DVD disc that won't play in your player, there's a couple things you can try. First and foremost, be sure your disc is absolutely clean. Just one fingerprint can make a DVD disc unplayable. To clean a disc, simply wipe it gently with a soft cloth such as a glasses cleaning cloth. If your disc won't play in one player, try another. You also might try playing the disc in your computer as computer DVD disc drives are generally more compatible than DVD players. Remember, if your DVD player was made before 2004, it's possible the newer discs won't play on it. Most players manufactured after 2004 should play almost any DVD disc.