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I'm looking around for a CD\DVD RW drive and i've got a question

What's the difference between 8X DVD+R and 4X DVD-R? Also between 4X DVD+RW and 2X DVD-RW?

All drives seem to list both a DVD+R speed and a DVD-R speed. The same with DVD+RW and DVD-RW. Could someone explain this

Also, is it better to get a drive with the DVD+R and DVD-R speeds the same?

The numbers refer to the speed.
If you want to write DVDs (a much more space economical way of coping with your FS downloads ) then you'll want an RW.
Now the plus/minus thing is the type of DVD you can use. My drive can handle plus and minus, but I tend to use -R for my own stuff, it seems to be more reliable and is emerging as the more popular type. If possible get one that is +/-RW.
Oh and 4 speed is more than enough at the moment for watching movies and the like

Mark

There are some fast new drives out that do all the formats, don't get caught with old stock.

The main difference is between DVD+ and DVD- is the method in which data is recorded onto the disc. It's a good idea to get a writer that supports both formats and will record them both at the same speeds. DVD+ is generally the preferred media because it's more versatile. Both cost the same.

Ok, so the DVD+ or DVD- is referring to the actual DVD recordable disks that you buy?

Aye.  That would be correct.

thanks guys!

This might explain the different media types a bit better.
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/guide19.html

If your planning on using the drive for backups, get one that's DVD-RAM compatable. That's the best format for data backup because it can be re-written hundreds of thousands of times. It uses an off shoot of UDF format. If you have Nero, that's what InCD does.

What does '2.4X DL DVD R9' mean?

What does '2.4X DL DVD R9' mean?

Just a guess but DL probably stands for Double Layer. Some single sided DVDs can hold two layers of data on the recording surface. That's how long movies like Lawrence of Arabia or the Godfather for example can fit on a single sided disc.
It works a bit like a two sidded casette tape. One layer is recorded above the other. The laser can actually penetrate the first layer to read the second. This might explain things better.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/dvd3.htm

As for 2.4x, that's the recording speed, obviously. Your guess is as good as mine on the R9 bit.

If CD-R disks are rated at 48X,52X, ect, does that mean it will only burn at those speeds or everything up to those speeds?

I was given a pack of 48X CD-R disks, but I can't seem to get them to work on my old 8X CD-R drive. It's been acting up really bad lately, but is it a coincidence?

We have an LG CDRW 40*12*40 drive and it seems to chew just about any R/RW disc with Nero.
Dan

If CD-R disks are rated at 48X,52X, ect, does that mean it will only burn at those speeds or everything up to those speeds?

I was given a pack of 48X CD-R disks, but I can't seem to get them to work on my old 8X CD-R drive. It's been acting up really bad lately, but is it a coincidence?

I've got an LG 16x10x40 CDRW and I use 48x CD-Rs in it. Records just fine. You'll only be able to record at the drives maximum speed or lower. CD's can be recorded at any speed at or below the one indicated on the package.

Actually I have a q. When i'm using my drive, for example installing summat will it be running at its highest read speed, i.e. 40*?
Dan

As long as you have the correct media & burner to boot you will get up to 52x on CD burning. My PC will burn 1 hours of music @ 52x in less than 2 mins.