Buzz
While a standard compact disc (CD) offers 650 megabytes of storage, a DVD provides significantly more space. You can store 4.7 gigabytes on a single-layer DVD, up to 8.4 gigabytes on a double-layer (DL) DVD (which allows for two layers of data on one side), or 9.4 gigabytes on a double-sided disc (with 4.7 gigabytes available on each side). Double-sided DVDs are less expensive, though they require flipping the disc to access the second layer of data [source: PCC].
There are two common formats:
- DVD-R (read-only) or DVD-RW (rewritable, meaning you can erase and write new data onto these discs). These are referred to as "dash" formats.
- DVD+R or DVD+RW, known as the "plus" formats [sources: PCC, Microsoft Windows].
Here’s how to choose the right DVD for your needs:
- Before choosing a format to burn your DVDs, check whether your DVD player supports NTSC or PAL. Not all DVD players can read every type of DVD [source: Microsoft Windows].
- Make sure to check the speed rating. The speed rating on a disc indicates how long it will take to burn. Choose DVDs that are rated at or above the speed of your burner, but avoid lower speeds [source: PCC].
Here's how to burn your DVD.
- Launch your DVD burning software.
- When prompted, choose the DVD burner you want to use.
- Select the type of files you want to burn.
- Choose the specific files you wish to burn.
- Name your disc when prompted.
- Click burn.
- If you haven't already, insert a blank disc into the burner.
- Click OK once the DVD is finished burning [source: MHL].
