Choosing The Right Blank Dvd-r

By Author: Mitchell Gavillion
Total Articles: 17
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DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs or Digital Video Discs) are available in five basic formats. These are DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, and DVD RAM. Blank DVDs are used for storing data and videos. These are preferred to blank CDs, as they have a larger storing capacity.

DVD Formats

DVD-R is one of the first formats released and can be recorded only once. The data once recorded in blank DVD-R remains there forever. It is the cheapest format available. DVD+R is similar to DVD-R and can be recorded only once. This format has a few improvements.

DVD-RW is a re-writable DVD format released first, followed by DVD+RW, which is also a re-writable DVD format. Both these formats can be erased and re-recorded hundreds of times without any warping. DVD+RW, being a later version, is slightly better than the earlier released DVD-RW.

The blank DVDs are available in another format: DVD RAM. Before buying this DVD, ensure that your DVD recorder is compatible with it. It is the most expensive format and can be erased and re-recorded thousands of times without any warping.

For recording only data and audio, ...
... going for blank CD-R option is much better than opting for recordable DVDs. These are much cheaper and are a 'write once' format, as the -R specifies. The CD-RW format will be a better option for those looking to re-record data and audio a number of times.

People need to select the blank media depending on their requirements - whether it is for only data and audio or for data and video.

DVD-R Types

Though blank DVDs are available in many formats, the DVD-R is the cheapest version. This format, too, comes in two different versions - DVD-R (G) and DVD-R (A). The DVD-R (A) is more expensive than DVD-R (G) and is used on professional DVD burners. People generally make use of DVD-R (G) discs on their recordable DVD drives.

Though both these DVD-R formats are readable on almost all the DVD drives and players, the DVD-R (A) cannot write to a DVD-R (G) disc.

DVD-R disc is available as single-sided versions as well as double-sided ones. The single-sided DVD-R has a capacity of 4.37 GB (Giga Bytes), whereas the double-sided version comes with a capacity of around 8.75 GB.

When buying blank DVDs, there is need to check out which format is suitable and compatible with one's DVD equipment.

Another version of the blank DVD-R is the mini DVD-R.

This is very convenient for use during conventions and business presentations, or when one needs to share video or audio data. This disc is 3⅛ inches in size and has a capacity of 1.46 GB. This is big enough to record 30 minutes worth of video or audio data for presentation.

The mini DVD-R is compatible with nearly all brands of DVD recorders, DVD players, DVD ROM drives, and DVD camcorders. It is convenient to carry them and to archive data.

These are very popular. However, when opting for blank DVDs, one needs to look at the usage as well as the compatible DVD equipment one has.

Mitchell Gavillion writes about consumer and professional electronics for the the professional CD, DVD and Blu-ray duplicator industry. Specializing in blank DVD and blank CD. Visit: http://www.gotmedia.com .