Understanding Today’s DVD Media
Most of us are quite familiar with DVDs but few of us know the difference between some of the formats that are now commonly used within the DVD media world. When you see a DVD that is marked ‘DVD R’ for example, this means that this DVD only allows you to record data once on the disk. Once the disc is written, the data is permanent. Many people us DVD Rs to back up important data on their computers in the case of a hard drive crash.
A dual layer DVD allows twice the storage capacity than a conventional DVD R with a 8.5 GB capacity. The dual disc features two layers of data-one being semi-transparent, making it possible for the laser to read the second layer as well. This is why the dual layer disc can store twice as much data as the DVD R variety.
Lightscribe media is a very convenient way to create labels on DVDs using an optical disc writer, eliminating the need to attach stickers to discs. Lightscribe requires special discs as well as a compatible disc writer in order for this type of direct disc labeling to be used. The only drawback to lightscribe labeling is the fact that special precaution must be taken when storing the DVDs so that the labels do not fade-they must be stored in a cool, dark place.