DVD-R or DVD+R for photo archiving?

[grandphage]

which format is more suitable for photo file backups? DVD-R or DVD+R?

[PacAce]

Although I use DVD-R only because that's what I started with way back when, either format should do fine for backups. Some people just get whichever format happens to be on sale and use that.

[FlatFourVW]

Funny you should bring this up, as I asked the same question today. While this doesn't answer your question, check out this quick explanation of the difference:
http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/2279

[Lazmeister]

I use DVD-R primarily because it has the greatest compatibility.
Perhaps a more important question is: Which Brand?
Check-out the following link:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm
I suggest you buy Verbatim DVD-R.

[Mark_Cohran]

I use both. I don't think it really matters.

Mark

[Anh Nguyen]

Neither.. burned media are not 100 percent reliable over the test of time. I recommand an external HD especially for those important photos.. actually.. For very very imporant files I say burn to DVD, backup on an external harddrive and upload to an online site. .Flickr..

As for me? I am using DVD-R because I got DYNEX 100pack for 5 bucks... oh and yes I also agree with Lazmeister.. It does also depend on the brand.. and make sure you research the brand behind the brand.

[DimensionZero]

Like Anh Nguyenn says, optical media isn't the best for archiving your data.. However, if you plan on doing so anyways, this was an article I found a while back and posted to my blog about choosing the right media.

http://adterrasperaspera.com/blog/2006/10/30/how-to-choose-cddvd-archival-media/

If you want to skip all the reading, essentially he comes to the conclusion that +R is the better choice because of it's error correction. He also suggests finding media manufactured by Taiyo Yuden. There are a few brands that use their media so it's not too hard to find.

[SuzieQ]

Neither.. burned media are not 100 percent reliable over the test of time. I recommand an external HD especially for those important photos..

Not only is optical media unreliable, but MUCH too slow to deal with the volume of files many of us now have. Two external hard drives (regular sata drives in $30 enclosures) make a fast and reliable backup. Always remove one drive offsite immediately after your backup. Also, backup frequently enough so that you can always afford to lose the files that aren't yet backed up. Make it easy on yourself, and you will do it!

[Rellik]

I don't think it matter whether it is + or -. But what matters is the brand of the media (I use TY), and storage method. Storing in a dark dry closet will extend the life of the media. Having it exposed to sunlight will greatly shorten its lifespan.

DVDs are easier for offsite backup imo. Using a harddrive for that will require you to bring ALL your backup on that drive back and forth, thus increasing the chance of losing the data. With DVD, burn an extra copy and mail to whoever keeps it for you.

[CyberDyneSystems]

The arguments against Optical media though do not rule it out as a valid back up option.

Using only hard drives is pretty sketchy as well,. I've been burning optical media for decades and in that time I've had about 4 or 5 "go bad" where as I have seen dozens of hard drives die there eventual an inevitable deaths in that same time frame.

Using BOTH is the best option. If relying on harddrives alone, be sure to use multiple hard drives, for there ease of use, speed and now unbelievable affordablilty the HD option is a very good one,. But also use optical for that next level.. as no other option is even remotely as accessible as HD and DVD.

[Anh Nguyen]

Do what I do.. Have 1200 gigs on your computer and never back up.. Gambling makes life interesting.. haha

[CyberDyneSystems]

I have an in law Named Anh Nguyen...
I realize Nguyen is like the most common name in Viet Nam,. but hey.. you aren't in Rhode Island are you :lol:

Seriously, I'm a little paranoid about data,. all Data lives on RAID 1 mirrors, it gets backed up to at least a third hard drive, sometimes to yet another RAID 1, then I do the DVD burn every month or so.