DVD -R for Video DVD +R for data

Check to see which formats your DVD drive supports. A DVD-RW drive, for example, can't burn DVD+R/RW. Most newer optical drives are compatible with both, and can burn and read all formats. See if it can take DVD-R/W, DVD+R/W, and/or DVD-RAM.

Figure out how much data you need to store on your DVD. If it is less than 4.7GB, you will be fine with any format. If you need more, dual-layer DVD+R/W or DVD-R/Ws, as well as double-sided DVD-RAM discs, hold as much as 9.4GB.
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3

Decide if you need "plus," "minus/dash," or DVD-RAM formats. DVD-R/RW (dash or minus) are generally cheaper and more often compatible with DVD players, so they are better for video. DVD+R/RW (plus) are newer and are slightly more expensive; they burn and read faster, and are often better for data back-up. DVD-RAMs are often less compatible and are more expensive, but are best for backing up large amounts of data since they can be rewritten the most (see Step 4).
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4

Decide if, or how often, you would want to rewrite the contents of the DVD. R is a write-once format; once you burn it, the data is on there permanently. RW can be rewritten approximately 1,000 times. DVD-RAM can be rewritten around 100,000 times.

Read more: How to Select the Correct DVD Type (DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, etc.) | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4917444_type-dvdr-dvdrw-dvdram-etc.html#ixzz0yHr2e6bB