Formatting DVD for Video

Video Transcript

"In this clip, I will explain the different types of DVD formats and how to choose one that works for you. First off, all DVDs look the same. For example, I have two of them, right here, and as you can see they are both discs. They look exactly like CDs, Blue-ray discs or any discs. They are all the same physical size. There are differences between these two, though. This one, in my left hand, is the DVD plus R and the other one is the DVD-R. Although there is no physical difference, there is a slight difference in how they are put together. What that means to you is basically nothing. Today, pretty much every DVD player and computer can play either one of them. When the formats first came out, they said that the DVD-R was more compatible with DVD players, but today, it really isn't a issue. So, just buy whichever one is cheaper, whichever one that you like the brand-name of better or whatever. There is another thing that you have to watch out for though, which is that most DVDs, like these both are, are single layer. This means that in between the top and the bottom, there is just one layer of plastic where data is written on to. Also, you can get dual layer, which are like the ones that you would buy when you get a Hollywood movie. They actually have two layers in there. The laser can read one layer, then go above it and read the top layer. This means that they have double the data capacity. Those DVDs cost quite a bit more, especially for the size-to- cost ratio, but they can store twice the data on them. So, the standard single layer stores 4.7 GB which will fit about two hours of good quality footage. If you get the dual layer, they store 8.5 GB of information. That's about four hours of good video quality. Typically, single layer discs are much cheaper, so it is better to just buy a lot of them. If you have more than two hours of footage, put it on multiple single layer discs. However, if you want the convenience of putting four hours of footage on just one disc, then you'll have to get the dual layer."