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CD FAQs DVD FAQs Mini CD FAQs Floppy Disk FAQs Flash Drive FAQs
DVD FAQs
 
1. What is DVD?
 
2. How much data, audio or video can be stored on a DVD?
 
3. What are the benefits of using DVD for video?
 
4. Are there different recordable DVD discs for data and video?
 
5. How do the DVD transfer rates compare with CD?
 
6. How long does it take to write a DVD disc?
 

7. How long will data recorded on DVD discs remain readable?

 

8. How many times can a re-writeable DVD disc be rewritten?

 
9. What is 'lossless linking?
 
10. What is the difference between -R and +R?
 
11. How should a disc be handled?
 
12. What’s the best way to clean a disc?
 
13. Is it okay to stick a label on a DVD-R/RW?
 
 
1. What is DVD?
 
DVD is an optical disc storage technology. It can store high-quality video, audio and computer data. DVD is the short form for Digital Versatile Disc. Many people refer to it as Digital Video Disc. However, since the discs can be used to store data, audio as well as video, the more acceptable term is Digital Versatile Disc.

 
2. How much data, audio or video can be stored on a DVD?
 

A DVD has a storage capacity of 4.7 GB which is equal to almost 7 CDs or 3340 floppy discs :

1 DVD = 7 CDs = 3340 Floppy Diskettes

After formatting, a 4.7GB DVD provides 4.3GB of storage capacity. A single disc allows you to store as many as:

4,700 full-colored digital pictures (640x480, 24 bit/pixel)

120 minutes of MPEG2-compressed theater-quality video

More than 14 hours of MP3-compressed audio files

 
3. What are the benefits of using DVD for video?
 

DVD offers high-quality digital audio-video storage, different aspect ratios on one disc, 8 audio tracks, 9 video angles, 32 subtitles, multi-story seamless branching, menus, interactivity, durability, programmability, parental control, and special effects playback.

 
4. Are there different recordable DVD discs for data and video?
 

No. The same DVD disc can be used for both data and video.

 
5. How do the DVD transfer rates compare with CD?
 

DVD 1X is equivalent to 11.08 megabits per second (Mbps) or approximately nine times the transfer rate of a CD's 1X speed recording, i.e., 4x DVD recording is equivalent to 36x CD rate.

 
6. How long does it take to write a DVD disc?
 

The amount of time taken to write a disc depends upon the speed of the recorder, the media, the writing method used by the recorder and the amount of information required to be written. In general, to write a full 4.7GB disc, it would take :

60 min. at 1x speed
30 min. at 2x speed
25 min. at 2.4x speed
15 min. at 4x speed

The higher-speed drives (such as 4X) won't work at their top speed without the right media. In other words, a 4X DVD-R drive won't be able to write at 4X if you use a 1X or 2X DVD-R disc.

 
7. How long will data recorded on DVD discs remain readable?
 

Amkette DVD-Rs/RWs come with a protective Durashield coating which enhances the life span of the disc. Based on extensive testing, it can be extrapolated that:

- Amkette DVD-R and DVD+R lasts about 100 years (written)
- Amkette DVD-RW lasts about 30 years (written)

 
8. How many times can a re-writeable DVD disc be rewritten?
 

Amkette DVD-RW can be rewritten approximately 1,000 times.

 
9. What is 'lossless linking?
 

If writing process were to be stopped and resumed at any point, it would create empty space that would make the disc incompatible with many DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. ‘Lossless linking’ technology allows the writing process to be stopped and resumed at any point without compromising compatibility. Lossless linking also allows you to add, edit or replace data on your disc without having to erase it first.
All of the rewriteable DVD formats have lossless linking.

 
10. What is the difference between -R and +R?
 

The major difference is that –R and +R are not interchangeable when it comes to recording. Because each format writes information to it's corresponding disc differently, DVD+R discs must be recorded by a +R drive, and DVD-R discs must be recorded by a -R drive. Once recorded, they share similar playback compatibility.

They are both write-once formats, they both have single-sided capacities of 4.7GB, they both need finalization after recording for broad playback, and both can be used for either data storage or video applications.

 
11. How should a disc be handled?
 

Disc should always be handled by the edges or the center hole. You can also handle the disc by grasping it inside of the center hub-stacking ring. Store the discs in jewel cases when not in use to prevent scratches. DVDs and CDs should be stored so that they are not exposed to direct sunlight or heat.

 
12. What’s the best way to clean a disc?
 

Rest the disc on a firm surface with another soft lint free cloth underneath. Use a soft, lint-free cloth, moving outward from the hub to the rim.

Never clean it in a circular motion, as any scratches caused by the cleaning material are more likely to be damaging to the disc. Do not use strong household cleaners or any abrasives, as they will damage the disc. It is okay to use commercially available CD repair kits that include a mild abrasive and polish. All repair kits labeled "For CDs" will work just as well on DVDs.

 
13. Is it okay to stick a label on a DVD-R/RW?
 
Only if you're careful. Some adhesives can dissolve the protective lacquer coating if the adhesive is based on a solvent that the lacquer is susceptible to. Asymmetric labels can throw the disc out of balance, causing read problems, and labels not designed for CDs/DVDs might bubble or peel off when subjected to long periods of heat inside the drive. It is safe to use Amkette CD Labels which have been specially manufactured for CD/DVD labeling purpose.

When writing titles and other information on the label, these should be written in the printed area using an oil-based felt-tipped pen. Most important part is to use a felt tip pen and not a ball-point, because the top layer is somewhat delicate.


 
 
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