About DVD Writers

DVD writers, also known as "DVD burners," are the preferred device for backing up large data files and videos and come as standard equipment in most new desktop computers and laptops. Becoming familiar with how DVD writers work, their development, and their varying characteristics, such as writing speed and media capacity, will help electronic consumers effectively choose the right DVD writer and purchase the proper types of blank media.

History

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) technology was first introduced to consumers in the United States in 1997, offering better quality video and audio than VHS tapes could offer. By 2005, DVD technology effectively rendered VHS obsolete. Electronics manufacturers soon began selling external DVD writers and internal DVD writers to be installed into desktop computers in replacement of the CD-R/RW drive.

Function

DVD writers, like CD writers, use laser technology to store data into the "pits and lands" of tracks on the disc. DVD writers, however, store a larger amount of data than CD writers. This is because DVDs have smaller tracks than CDs, and contain more of them.

Features

Because DVD writers can store a larger amount of data onto DVDs than CD writers can store onto CDs, DVD writers allow consumers to back up large data files, audio, and video. DVDs can store 4.7GB of data (two hours of video) or 9.4 GB, depending on whether the DVD is "dual-layer," while CDs are limited to storing roughly 700MB of data/audio. DVD writers also feature a more sophisticated error-correction system than do CD writers.

Types

DVD writers can be external or internal and read and write up to three standard formats: DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, and DVD-RAM. The "R" stands for "recordable," meaning that the device supports discs that can be written only once. The "RW" indicates that the writer supports rewriteable discs, which can be re-written up to 1000 times. The "+" and "-" formats are essentially the same, except they use different methods to format rewriteable discs, with the "+" format using the fastest method. Unless the DVD writer indicates that it supports the "+" format, the writer will not be able to write to "+" discs. The DVD-RAM format, however, allows real-time drag-and-drop capability, eliminating the need for a "burn" process to store data.

Considerations

DVD writers come in several speeds, with most writers being 16x. When purchasing blank DVDs, it is important to be sure that the format is supported by the DVD writer and that the maximum speed of the DVDs match the maximum speed of the DVD writer. When purchasing an external DVD writer, a Firewire cable or a USB 2.0 cable is necessary to properly connect the device. All DVD writers will require software to write data, although most come with complimentary software.

Resources

• The DVD Forum