What is the difference between DVD+RW and DVD-RW?

Both DVD-RW (pronounced DVD "dash" or "minus" RW) and DVD+RW (pronounced DVD "plus") are rewriteable formats, supported by the DVD+RW Alliance. And they are both compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD-Video players.

 

From a user point of view, using DVD-RW or DVD+RW is simple an issue of which hardware you have. Different DVD players will support either one of the other. Some more recent DVD players may support both.

 

From a technical perspective, the DVD-RW format requires shorter time to burn the lead in/out, and therefore has slightly more compatibility with DVD players. On the other hand, the DVD+RW format has some special features, such as lossless linking, and both CAV and CLV writing.

 

The two formats exist because they were produced by different companies to gain market share.