What Is DVD Burner Vs. DVD Drive?

The terms "DVD Drive" and "DVD Burner" have become somewhat interchangeable, but not all DVD drives are DVD burners. To avoid a costly mistake, it is important to check the type of drive a computer has before purchasing it.

A DVD Burner

A DVD burner has the ability to write data to a blank DVD, such as a DVD-R, DVD+R or DVD-RW. Using a laser that burn information onto the blank disk, a DVD burner can be used to create a variety of DVD media, including DVD media such as movies and audio that will play on stand-alone home DVD players.

A DVD Drive

The term "DVD Drive" is a generalized term for any DVD device that is part of a home computer. This can include a DVD burner, a DVD reader and "combo" drives that can read, write and re-write CD and DVD media.

Is a DVD Drive a DVD Burner?

While it is common for home PCs made after 2005 to have a DVD burner installed, do not assume that a DVD drive is always a burner. If the PC is an older model it may have a simple DVD reader installed or even a simple CD reader. A good way to check is to look at the front of the drive at the symbols. DVD-R means the drive can burn DVD media.

References

• DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation: DVD Format Book
• The DVD Forum: DVD Primer

Resources

• The DVD Forum: DVD Primer