Newbie needs tips on correct media

[deerayrose]

I will be purchasing a dvd burner and media within the next few days. (win xp system) My most important needs will be backing up PS2 games, and DVD movies. I have some idea of what I need, however I'd like to ask a few things straightforward to assure I don't totally screw things up. :)
(yes, the ps2 mod chip is already on the way(v 10 ps2))
My questions are:
1. For my needs, is DVD-R (rw) better than DVD+R (rw)

2. Are Dual format (- +) drives ok for burning the correct type media for my needs?

3. Are General Use dvd'r's any good for my needs?

4. If there are any tips and suggestions anyone can give me to get started please do, such as the best software to use, best media to use, ect.

Thank you!

[mpro]

Well, there is not one single answer to your question. You need to try different medias for your different needs. You can find MANY info at http://www.dvdrhelp.com and http://cdfreaks.com and right in this forum by searching.

The only single major advise I would give though is ...

UPGRADE YOUR FIRMWARE immediatly after install. It will save you tons of problems.

That is my 2 cents...

[bighap]

1. Most use -r, as it is a little cheaper and generally prefered by the ps2, but +r will work fine too.

2. Yes

3. you can usually get by with lower quality dvds for movies, but it is best to use good media such as Ritek for your ps2.

4. Get a Pioneer.

[deerayrose]

Thank you very much.
From reading through these forums, I've seen the name "Ritek" mentioned alot. I shop mostly at tigerdirect.com but havn't noticed that brand there. (it is a brand, isn't it?) I'll definetly look for them.
Get a Pioneer? I take it that is a good brand of burner? I have a Pioneer dvd player (for tv) and it works great for playing all the junk I burn on cdr. :) I know it's ready for dvd-r as well. Any specific brand of burner I should definetly avoid? I don't mean to switch to a hardware question in a 'media' forum, however my main questions have been answered. Figured I'd squeeze this one in on ya. :)

Thanks for the replies!

[bighap]

Yes, Ritek is the brand of media. You can get them at www.meritline.com www.rima.com and www.supermediastore.com

Pioneer is probably the most widely used brand burner used here and highly recommended by all.

I would stick to name brand burners such as Pioneer, Sony, TDK, NEC, and Plextor.

[deerayrose]

Ok, great, thanks for the help!

[Quejibo]

I"m sorry to write this again. I remember seeing this in one of the theads. does anyone know what the difference is between GO3 and GO4. I saw these grades(i
m guessing they are grades) at meritline.

[bighap]

G03 is 2x and G04 is 4x.

[Quejibo]

Thank you