DVD Burner
Storing data on DVDs
A DVD burner or DVD recorder uses a laser to read and record video data. Many modern computers come equipped with DVD burners, but if not, recorders can now be purchased for as low as $23. Not only can burners create playable DVDs of extremely high quality, but they can also write data DVDs used as removable storage for backup data or for transferring information between various devices or people.
Most recent DVD recorders support a variety of DVD formats, both recordable and rewritable. DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW are common formats, and often DVD writers and readers are compatible with both. DCD-R discs can typically hold up to 4.7 GB, significantly more than CD-R discs, but are not rewritable.
DVD-RW discs can be re-recorded up to 1,000 times and are commonly used for data backup or file storage, but because they can be played in the majority of conventional DVD players, they are also used for video recordings. The discs use a metal alloy layer that can change from a crystalline, definite atom formation to an amorphous, indefinite form, allowing for writing, erasing and rewriting.
Non-rewritable DVD+R discs are only subtly different than DVD-R discs; they use a different method of tracking and speed control that makes them less prone to error or interference resulting in damaged discs. DVD+RW discs are similar to DVD-RW, but can be written and rewritten randomly; thus, certain pieces of data can be removed or replaced, while others will remain written on the disc.
Must-Have Features
- Ensure the writer is compatible with the media you want to use.
- A hybrid burner that can read and write both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW, as well as DVD-ROM and DVD-Video discs, will give you the most flexibility.
- Many DVD readers and writers don’t support DVD-RAM format, so if you use DVD-RAM media, be sure to buy a burner that supports it.
- The right software is necessary for your DVD drive to be able to translate the information it reads from DVD into audio, images or video.
Major Considerations
- Is an external or an internal DVD drive best suited to my needs?
- What kind of media do I require my DVD drive to read and write?
- Are writable or rewritable discs more suitable to my DVD usage?
- Do I have the software needed for the drive to translate DVD data into media?
- What interface is compatible with my computer?
Top Manufacturers
- ASUS
- Sony
- Pioneer
- LG
- Lite-On
Common Accessories or Add-Ons
- Movie-playing software
- Software for reading, creating and writing DVD-Audio material
- Video-editing applications
- Writable and/or rewritable DVDs
Price Range
DVD writers are significantly more expensive than CD burners, and can reach up to $500, but some can go as low as around the $100 mark. Blank DVDs can cost as little as 50 cents apiece or less.
Summary
DVD media has quickly replaced VHS as the standard format for video recordings. DVD writers enable users to convert irreplaceable home videos to DVD format, as well as become part of the movie-making process. Besides their video capabilities, writable DVDs can also be used for data storage and backup. A DVD writer allows for versatile and efficient storage for a wide range of media.