To recall, blank computer media, which usually connotes optical storage devices, have evolved quite considerably since advancements in laser technology made it possible to write and read massive amounts of data on a single portable storage medium. First, there were the big-sized laser discs which came out as a huge favorite due to their capability to store data in high-quality fashion. Then the much smaller sized compact discs (CDs) came in next which instantly made the laser discs obsolete. Then, the more advanced DVDs outshined the CDs due to their capability to store much larger amounts of data on a similarly sized optical disc. But currently, Blu-ray discs have emerged as the latest hotshot in optical media. However, Blu-ray discs have not yet fully taken off to their huge price tags which somewhat came as their primary drawback. This drawback has made many businesses still stick to the less costly CDs and DVDs which have proven to be useful and reliable in backing up their vital data.

CDs have standard capacities of 700MB which can hold various data file types such as videos, audios, photos and document files. They are mostly available in read only types (CD-R) and read-write types (CD-RW). DVDs which have much higher data capacities can hold around 4GB of data making them a huge boon for many businesses and home users as well. There are also discs which are capable for Lightscribe labeling making it more easier to label each disc for efficient indexing and identification.

These computer media are widely available in every computer shops and in every computer supply stores. In addition, even many bookstores carry them in their inventory. The greatest value for money can be had when purchases are done in bulk because most vendors will offer discounts and some added perks. Since many vendors are now making their presence online, purchasing them has been made much simpler and easier. However, with so many manufacturers vying for a good piece of the market pie, many brands have cropped up making it somewhat cumbersome which one to choose. Popular brand names such as Imation, Maxell, Sony, Verbatim, Prodisk and Memorex, just to name a few, have been making a killing out of their sales figures. Several online reviews on brand names can also be found making it immensely helpful in coming up with a well-informed decision when buying a blank cd or blank dvd of your choice.

Anyways, in a visual sense, both DVD media types appear just the same and may have identical storage capacities. The difference primary lies on how data (i.e., files, photos, videos, etc.) are written or burned on those medium. You might ask: “Why in the world are there two types of formats?” or “Won’t they make it just easy for us consumers to just manufacture them in a standard format?” That was what I was thinking and pondering before. Unfortunately, the manufacturers of these blank media could not agree with other. I’m not exactly sure why, but I guess that it is a matter of marketing strategies or trade secrets. In the blank computer media world, there are two groups who are advocates of each DVD format. Each group claims that their supported format is better than the other. But as far as my experience with blank recordable media goes, both formats have been satisfactory to me.

One group is called the DVD Forum which supports the DVD-R/DVD-RW format (composed of major manufacturers Sony, Hitachi, Mitsubishi, etc.). On the other hand, the other group is called the DVD+RW Alliance which supports the DVD+R/DVD+RW format (composed of Sony, Phillips, Dell, Yamaha, etc.). Note that Sony belongs to both groups (What a wily guy, eh?). In the early days of the DVD, problems arose when players or drives (not burners / writers) are not made compatible enough to read both formats. Fortunately, most DVD players or drives that are being sold these days are already compatible with both formats. But just to make sure, please check with the vendor or manufacturer if the DVD player or drive can support reading from both formats. When it comes to prices, there is not much difference among the two. However, please take note that the RW types (DVD-RW and DVD+RW) cost much more than the R types (DVD-R and DVD+R) simply because they are rewritable media.

In a nutshell and keep this in mind, when it comes to burning discs, DVD-R/DVD-RW recordable media discs will not work on a DVD+R/DVD+RW burner/writer and the other way around. So better make sure what type of DVD burner you have before buying a blank DVD. However though, when it comes to playback or file reading, both formats are compatible with most new models of DVD drives and DVD players that are available these days.