There are two formats for recordable DVDs, DVD+ and DVD-.  Both come either as write once, or re-writable, hence DVD+R/RW, or DVD-R/RW.  I'm not sure what the technical differences are, but it's a little bit like when VCRs first came out (not sure if you're old enough to remember), when there was three different formats - VHS, Betamax, and Video 2000 (V2000).  V2000 quickly bit the dust, but there quite a long rivalry battle between VHS and Beta, with VHS, obviously, winning in the end.

Personally, I believe that DVD- (minus) will win the DVD Format war, as it is more compatible with more machines, but who knows?  The best idea at the moment, is to get a DVD Writer which is compatible with both formats, and there are quite a few available now, with prices falling all the time.

Best drive at the moment is probably one of the LG ones as they support all 3 current formats. No matter which one wins you'll be laughing. Not really a format war though as machines that can read -R can also read +R - The Video wars were different as the tapes had differnet physical attributes (so beta tapes did not fit into VHS/V2000 players unless children and/or mindless violence were involved).

DVD-R and DVD-RAM are sanctioned by the DVD consortium. DVD+R was a Phillips version that once more went their own way. Usual trick with DVD+R discs is to 'cheat' and set the booktype to DVD-ROM anyways (if your writer supports it).

DVD-RAM is excellent for PC usage as it allows you to treat the disc as a very big floppy drive and add/remove files by drag and drop. Creating video discs then + and - are both very similar in compatability - currently + discs tend to be a bit more expensive than - though.

Sample prices for writers:

8 Speed:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?product_uid=60872

or 12 speed and Dual layer support:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?product_uid=62937

Good place to look for info is over on www.rpc1.org

The "OEM" model is just the DVD drive its self and the "Retail" model comes with software and sometimes cables...

On the first review of the "Retail" one it says...


included software:
- CyberLink's PowerDVD
- CyberLink's PowerProducer Gold
- B's Clip
- B's Recorder Gold (Basic)
- DVD Ram Drivers + 1 DVD RAM disc without cartridge. (Drive does not support cartridges)


So if you don't have the software the "Retail" version works out the better deal  

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=62680&_LOC=UK

Retail version of the 12 speed, dual layer - £58.99