"About DVD Writers | HdBluDVD.Com - More HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, DVD Information"

Looking to produce your own DVD movie masterpieces? How about backing-up all those unprotected files? If the answer"s yes, you"re probably looking for a DVD writer to do the job. But what makes a top notch DVD writer? To help make sense of the multitude of DVD hardware and standards, this DVD Writer Buying Guide will explain the technology behind DVD writers and take a look at the various types of media. We will take a look at the technology of tomorrow, with previews of what"s in the DVD pipeline. We"ll also take you through the technical questions you should ask about before buying a DVD writer, and delve into the additional equipment you might need to connect one to your system. DVD vs. CD DVD stands for Digital Versatile (or Video) Disc -- a high capacity multimedia storage medium that has the same physical dimensions as a Compact Disc (CD). It can store up to seven times more data than a CD though, thanks to finer grooves, smaller markings and different laser technology. Like CDs, DVDs store data in microscopic grooves (tracks) running in a spiral around the disc. DVD drives use laser beams to scan these grooves: minuscule reflective bumps (called lands) and non-reflective holes (called pits) aligned along the grooves represent the zeros and ones of digital data. But that"s where the similarities end. DVDs use smaller tracks (0.74 microns wide, compared to 1.6 microns on CDs) as well as more sophisticated modulation and error correction methods. Thankfully, however, the majority of DVD drives and players today support CD formats as well. The result is that a single-layer DVD can store up to 4.7GB -- up to two hours of video -- on a single-layer disc. A CD can only hold 700MB of data (80 minutes of audio). DVDs also come in double-layer format, which can hold up to 9.4GB. One of the layers on a double-layer disc is semi-transparent so that the laser can focus through it and read the second layer. Capacity confusion While some blank DVD media might boast 4.7GB of space for single-layer discs, the reality is a little different. When trying to burn on DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R or DVD+RW media, you will only be able to burn a maximum of 4.37GB on those disks, PC World tests have shown. This difference exists because in computer language one kilobyte is technically 1024 bytes. Therefore, 1GB is actually 1.07 billion bytes (1024x1024x1024). In the real world, one gigabyte equals one billion bytes (1000x1000x1000), and this is the way the manufacturers of DVD media choose to quote their capacities. So what they claim is the capacity of the disc doesn"t match the exact size given by your computer. Standards for specifying digital capacities do not exist, so the actual capacity of DVD-RAM discs will also not be exactly what is stated on their packaging. In this case, the formatted capacity of a "4.7GB" disc will be around 4.26GB. Questions to ask yourself What do I need the writer for? One of the first decisions you need to make when buying a DVD writer is what you will use it for. There are several benefits associated with purchasing a DVD writer, such as: Capturing and editing digital video -- the killer application for DVD writers is making your own video movie discs. Storage potential -- DVDs are able to store seven times more data than CDs. Multimedia capabilities -- DVD drives allow you to store longer and higher-quality video clips. For example, corporate videos can be authored and distributed using DVD cheaply and easily, rather than employing the services of an outside production company. Do I want an external or internal drive? DVD writers come in either external or internal types. Deciding between the two will depend on your budget, as well as your overall system requirements. External drives for example, are easier for novice or non-technical users to set-up because you don"t have to open your PC to install them. External writers can also benefit users who want to share the writer between multiple machines. They do, however, cost more and take up extra desk space. Those who aren"t fazed by taking off the PC tower case however, or who are happy to have the writer connected to a single system, will save money by choosing an internal DVD writer. Most external DVD writers will require a FireWire connection or the USB 2.0 standard. These requirements could be an added expense if your PC is not already equipped with them. What do the standards mean? Three standards have held starring roles in the DVD format story so far: DVD-RAM, DVD-RW/-R and DVD+RW/+R. Each has been backed by different vendors in a struggle for format supremacy. However, common sense has prevailed and the majority of DVD writers today support both the "+" and "-" RW standards. DVD-RAM, the only of the three without a write-once equivalent, has less manufacturer support. Because most writers support both + and - formats, compatibility is not an issue. If you plan on backing up data frequently however, you might want to consider DVD-RAM support, as well. This standard allows data to be rewritten 100,000 times to a disc, and is very durable (claimed 30-year lifespan). Comparing DVD standards As we"ve seen, the three DVD standards (DVD-RAM, DVD-RW/R, DVD+RW/R) each have their own pros and cons. Below is a breakdown of these standards. DVD-RAM: The name "DVD-RAM" refers to the random method used by this kind of drive to record and retrieve data to and from your discs. True RAM resides in your computer, and parcels out memory to the various programs sitting on your hard drive. Although they are optical storage, DVD-RAM discs are treated by a PC as though they are removable hard disks. This means you can drag files DVD-RAM on and off the disc without a dedicated writing (or "burning") process as with other forms of writeable DVD. Files can be added, changed or deleted from the disc without having to rewrite the entire disc. Unfortunately, DVD-RAM discs will not function in commercial DVD players, or in the majority of DVD-ROM (computer) drives. DVD-RAM writers won"t write to CD-R or CD-RW media either, so you will also need a separate CD burner if you wish to burn CDs. Like all DVD standards, however, DVD-RAM drives can read these CD formats. Note that some DVD-RAM drives can also write to DVD-R discs, which will function in many standard home players. The benefit of DVD-RAM discs is that they come in either single-sided or double-sided capacities, providing consumers with even more room for data storage. DVD-RAM discs come in single-sided 2.6GB and 4.7GB discs, as well as double-sided discs which can take up to 9.4GB. The biggest difference between DVD-RAM and other DVD standards is that the discs are usually housed in protective caddies. Because the caddies are larger than regular discs, they cannot be slotted into other types of DVD drives or commercial DVD players. Users can take a single-sided DVD-RAM disc out of its caddy, but only the latest generation of DVD-ROM drives will read them. Double-sided DVD-RAM discs are in a sealed caddy and can"t be used this way. RAM is supported by the DVD Forum, which claims you can rewrite this type of media up to 100,000 times. DVD-RW/-R RW stands for rewritable. The DVD-RW standard is supported by the DVD Forum. Unlike DVD-RAM, DVD-RW writers require their own dedicated writing software (like CD-RW) to be installed on the computer. DVD-RW discs do not have a caddy. This means that, physically, DVD-RW discs can fit into any drive and should be readable by most drives, as well as commercial DVD players. The standard also supports CD-RW formats, and will write CDs as well as DVDs. This means you don"t have to own a CD burner to burn CDs. DVD-RW discs are single-sided discs only, and can store up to 4.7GB of data. The DVD Forum claims users can write to the same disc up to 1000 times. DVD-RW discs can be read in DVD-ROM drives. DVD-R, or DVD-Recordable, is the write-once standard developed for DVD-RW technology and approved by the DVD Forum. The -R discs are the most versatile of DVD media, and can be used with DVD-RW and some DVD-RAM drives. DVD-Recordable discs can store up to 4.7GB of data. Like CD-R discs, DVD-R discs are single-sided and can only be written to once. DVD-R can contain any type of information normally stored on mass-produced DVD discs -- video, audio, images, data files, multimedia programs, and so on. The bonus to using DVD-R media is that they are recognised by virtually all DVD-ROM drives and domestic players. Plus and minus -- much of a muchness? Talk about rewritable DVD and you"ll sound as if you"re choking on an acronym salad. The two predominant DVD writing standards -- DVD-RW and DVD+RW -- are often mentioned in the same breath. But does that mean they work the same way? Hardly. Writing once, writing twice Each standard formats rewritable discs for packet writing in a different way. The firmware of the +RW standard handles the physical formatting of a disc. When you insert a black disc in the drive, the formatting occurs in the background. During use, it seems as if the drive takes scarcely more than a minute to complete the formatting before it allows you to start copying data to the disc. DVD-RW leaves disc formatting up to the software you use with the drive. A lot of units supporting DVD-RW include software that formats DVD-RW discs in the background. DVD-RAM was created with data applications in mind. The discs are preformatted with sector marks when they"re made, and manufacturers claim this gives DVD-RAM drives faster random-access capability (like that of hard disks), enabling them to find data on the disc more quickly than its competitor"s standards. DVD-RAM media and drives also contain extensive defect-management and error-correction technologies to ensure correct data storage. DVD+RW/+R: DVD+RW is a similar standard to DVD-RW, but is not supported by the DVD Forum. DVD+RW was developed by the DVD Alliance. Like DVD-RW writers, DVD+RW writers will also require dedicated writing software on the computer to write to disc. DVD+RW discs do not have a caddy, so they can physically fit in most drives and players. DVD+RW discs can be read in DVD-ROM drives. DVD+RW supports CD-RW formats and will write CDs as well as DVDs. DVD+RW discs can be formatted for sequential data streams (video) or random access similar to capabilities of DVD-RAM technology (data). Proponents of the DVD+RW standard also say the standard"s built-in defect management makes it equally good for data and video and puts it a step ahead of the Forum"s DVD-RW standard. Defect management is designed for reliability of data being written to the disc. It uses buffer underrun prevention technology to deal with the interruptions while DVD or CDs lasers are in the process of writing to disc. This technology allows consumers to burn CDs at maximum drive speed without failures. When a PC is interrupting this process, the defect management technology stops the writing, and moves to the next segment of the DVD or CDs next segment. This takes up a small amount of disc space to record the change. When the disc is being replayed, the laser will recognise the interruption and move to the next segment without lack of performance from the user perspective. Because the DVD+RW standard does not support -R discs, the DVD+RW Alliance crafted its own write-once media called DVD+R. DVD+R discs store the same amount of information as DVD-R discs (4.7GB) and cost about the same price. DVD+R discs are single-sided discs which can only be written to once. DVD+R discs can only be written to using a DVD+RW compatible writer. Despite this, the alliance claims +R discs can play in most commercial DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. Who supports which standard In case you are in any doubt, each DVD standard maintains its own list of supporters from some of the most influential industry players. DVD-RAM is backed by Hitachi, Toshiba, Panasonic and Samsung, and is also endorsed by the DVD Forum. DVD-RAM was the first standard developed by the DVD forum, and the first format used both in PC drives and in DVD recorders for the living room. DVD-RW is also endorsed by the Forum, and is backed by Pioneer, NEC, Sharp and Thomson. This format also features in systems by Apple and Compaq. The Forum also supports the write-once DVD-R format, which is recognised as the DVD equivalent of CD-R media. This is the most versatile standard, as all DVD writers except the DVD+RW will operate with this format. DVD+RW is not endorsed by the DVD Forum, but does have the support of the DVD+RW Alliance. This Alliance consists of Hewlett-Packard, Philips, Sony, Yamaha, Verbatim, Ricoh and Dell. Microsoft also announced its intention to join the DVD+RW alliance in February 2003. Like the DVD Forum, the DVD+RW Alliance has developed its own write-once format, DVD+R, which claims to offer a level of drive compatibility similar to that of DVD-R. Other Considerations Double the layers, double the capacity As we"ve mentioned, double-layer technology brings big benefits to DVD storage. About 4GB worth. The only writers and media to support this technology so far have come from the +R camp. The write-once discs hold 8.5GB of data, but may only be written to at speeds much slower than their single-side counterparts. Double-layer compatibility is usually indicated by the letters "DL" following the drive or disc type. The price tags for these advanced drives and media may also be a little longer, too. Double-layer technology is not as recent a development as it may seem. Commercial DVD-ROM discs, such as those used to distribute movies, have long used double-layer technology. Therefore, any double-layer disc you record should be able to be read by most DVD-ROM players. DVD writer speeds The speed with which DVD writers write to media varies, and depends on both the standard and the product you select. You will need to check the box of the specific product for this information. Currently 16x is the average speed for writing to any type of write-once media, while 4x is the most average rewrite speed. Either disc type can be read at 12x. According to PC World tests, DVD+RW writers maintain the fastest rewrite times when compared to the other standards, while DVD-RAM writers record the slowest speeds for writing to disc. PC World tests were based on how long it took to copy 1.45GB of data from the hard drive to a DVD disc. Two samples of DVD+RW writers took between nine and 12 minutes to copy this amount of information to DVD+RW discs. DVD-RW writers ran the second best times, taking around 11 minutes to copy the same amount of information onto DVD-R discs. However, when writing to its own DVD-RW media, PC World tests showed one DVD-RW writer to take over 20 minutes to perform the same task. The DVD-RAM writer was the slowest performer, taking twice as long as its counterparts to write 1.45GB of data to both DVD-RAM and DVD-R media. Price DVD writers vary in price depending on the quality of the equipment and whether it is an internal or external drive. Drive prices start around $100 (internal) and $200 (external). While there isn"t a large price difference between the DVD+RW, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM drives, there are differences in the cost of media used by each, which may affect your choice. DVD media DVD-RAM: DVD-RAM discs come in two types of cartridges. Type 1 is a non-removable disc, and Type 2 a slightly more expensive cartridge from which users can remove the internal disc. A total of four sizes are available across these two forms: 2.6GB, 4.7GB, 5.2GB and 9.4GB. DVD-RAM media are easily the most expensive of the standards, with prices starting at just over $10 a disc. DVD-RW: DVD-RW media tend to be significantly cheaper than their RAM competitors. DVD-RW media come in two types: Authoring, for professional use, and General, a less-expensive consumer media. DVD+RW discs, like DVD-RW, are available in 4.7GB format for about the same price. DVD-R and DVD+R: The most popular of the media types are also the cheapest. There are two types of -R disc available: data (for PC use and one-time video recording only) and authoring discs, designed to be used to record video, audio and multimedia imaging for professional content developers and software producers. DVD+R media are sold as one general use type. You shouldn"t pay more than a couple of dollars for one -R or +R general use disc. Once again, these disc types hold 4.7GB and are produced by a range of manufacturers. Mt Rainier support Mt. Rainier, also known as EasyWrite, allows an optical disc to be used just like a floppy disk. That is, being able to read from and write to the disc without special burning software. It differs from traditional packet writing software in that it performs most of the tasks (such as background formatting and handling defect management) in the hardware of the drive itself. Few drives will have Mt Rainier support built-in, until the technology is included as a standard part of the next Windows release, Vista (formerly code-named Longhorn). Mt Rainier is available for DVD+RW only. Authoring & editing software Whether you"re writing to the + or - standard, there"s a good chance you"ll be able to edit your favourite digital camera footage on the PC, burn it to disc, and then view it in your DVD player -- complete with interactive menus. To do this, you need DVD authoring software. This is often sold with DVD writers. Authoring software not only provides the tools to edit your video footage, it also creates the indexing system at the front of the disc, which the player needs in order to read the information stored on it. Without this indexing system, the player will most likely be unable to read the information on the disc. In short, authoring software gets your finished video (or data) onto disc. Authoring software also has the ability to encode your video footage in either lower or higher quality (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) formats. Professional authoring packages take this technology much farther, and offer the ability to create multiple soundtracks and camera angles, add subtitles and surround sound. There are many DVD editing software programs available, from entry-level products to professional editing tools. The options aren"t so bright in copying commercial DVD discs with a DVD writer. You can make copies of commercial DVDs, so long as they don"t have copy protection and you"ve got sufficient space on your disc (most DVD videos use around 8.4GB on a dual-layer disc; more than the amount of space offered on most general purpose DVD media). Remember though, duplicating copy-protected commercial DVDs is usually illegal. Buffer size A buffer is a data area shared by hardware devices or program processes that operate at different speeds or with different sets of priorities. The buffer allows each device or process to operate without being held up by the other. Basically, the rule of thumb with buffer size is the bigger the better. The buffer size in most DVD writers is commonly 2MB. Questions to ask the retailer What interface does the writer use? Do I need a FireWire PCI card, IDE or other type of connection card for the DVD writer I choose? DVD writers use a variety of interfaces, ranging across IDE, SCSI, FireWire and USB. Generally, internal DVD writers will connect via IDE, but some external products will require other interface compatibility. The most common interface used by external models is FireWire, a high-throughput standard developed by Apple. It is also known as IEEE 1394, Lynx and i.Link, depending on the vendor. FireWire is a high-performance serial bus, which connects devices to your computer. It provides a single plug and socket connection, to which up to 63 devices can be attached. Speed is rated at 400MBps (or 800Mbps for FireWire800). FireWire is a peer-to-peer interface (in other words, one camera, DVD, etc can hook up to another without the need of a PC). However, more and more DVD writers use USB 2.0 to hook up to your PC. USB 2.0, which offers theoretical data speeds of up to 480Mbps, is 40 times faster than its predecessor USB 1.1. USB 2.0 should look the same as 1.1 from a user"s point of view, with the only noticeable difference being faster data transfer from peripherals. In order to get the higher speed, users will need to have USB 2.0 connectivity. If you don"t have a FireWire connection and are installing a new interface card, simply open the computer case, put the card into an available PCI slot, close the case and restart your computer. IDE, or Integrated Drive Electronics, is based on IBM standard architecture. Internal DVD drivers will generally use this interface. IDE is the most common interface installed in PCs, with most computers sold today featuring the enhanced version of IDE known as EIDE. What are the minimum system requirements for a DVD writer? DVD writers can vary greatly in the amount of hard disk space, memory and processor speeds required. If you are going to be burning the full 4.7GB of data at once with a standard writer, then you will need that much space on your hard drive. With DVD-RAM writers, you only need as much space as is required for the operating software, due to the way in which your computer reads and writes the information to disc. Another factor might be the speed of your computer. Unless you"re running an ageing dinosaur into the ground though, you should be right with the 500MHz CPU and 128MB RAM minimum requirements. Windows 2000 is commonly the base operating system needed. What sort of warranty do I get with these products? Most writers will come with a one-year warranty. What do I get with the product? It is important to check what software and accessories come in the box to see whether you require any extra pieces to use the writer. Besides the authoring software, other things that may or may not be included in the box are interface cards, which you"ll need if your computer does not support certain interface standards. All writing packages that you receive with the burner will let you back up data and copy unprotected discs without having to purchase extra software. The future of DVD Although DVD has revolutionised home cinema, its days are numbered in its current form. The huge popularity of the medium has created heavy investment in next-generation technologies. Manufacturers have been striving to create the ultimate DVD, acutely aware of how lucrative it might be. So if you"re hoping that in the near future you won"t have to worry about different DVD formats like + and -, don"t hold your breath. Two blue-laser standards have emerged in this "arms race" as the major contenders. One is HD-DVD (HD stands for high definition or high density). Backed by Toshiba, NEC and Sanyo, an HD-DVD disc will have three layers, each holding 15GB of data (a total of 45GB). The format has been approved by the DVD Forum, and has the support of some major US film studios. In the blue corner of the fight for DVD supremacy is Sony and its format, Blu-ray. Blu-ray layers hold 25GB, so the double-layer disc will offer 50GB. Despite not consulting the DVD Forum, Sony has garnered good support for Blu-ray. The Blu-ray Disc Association includes Dell, HP, LG, Panasonic and Philips. Also on board are Twentieth Century Fox and Walt Disney Pictures. Forgoing DVD Forum approval has allowed Sony to deviate from DVD standards more than HD-DVD companies. However, Blu-ray discs will require different manufacturing and replication processes to DVD, which could make them more costly to produce. As a result, HD-DVD is expected to be available commercially before Blu-ray. Although they are different technologies, both standards will use the same compression schemes (MPEG-2, AVC MPEG-4, and VC-1). As such, there should be no discernable difference in picture quality between the two. Also pleasing is that while neither standard"s media will work with existing DVD players, the next generation of writers will be backwards compatible. This means you will be able to play current DVDs and CDs on an HD-DVD or Blu-ray writer. The DVD format battle is a developing story. In recent times, Toshiba has said that it has been in discussions about a unified next-gen DVD format, but Sony has been more tight-lipped. Whatever happens, it"s worth keeping an eye on. The outcome will determine what you buy to replace your DVD writer. Comments Please login to post comments or replies.