question about DVD types (dl, +, -, 4.5 vs 8.5)

[calmius]

Hi,
I have a question about the types of DVD disks that I can buy at the store. So I know there is 4.7gb capacity ones that are most widespread. My dvd burner burns those easily.

Then I saw that some dvd's are marked as DL, which stands for Dual Layer. Can you tell me what exactly Dual Layer is and what its used for? Can a regular dvd burner burn dual layer as well?

Also is there a difference between DVD-R and DVD+R?


Thats two questions already I know, but one last thing is do you guys know whats the best place online to buy 8.5gb dvds? they seem to be pretty pricy. I normally look at Newegg, but maybe there is some other place for that?

Thanks very much,
Yuriy

[EzyStvy]

Course you must have a dual layer drive....





Dual layer refers to a DVD recording technology that provides users with 8.5GB of recording space (as opposed to 4.7GB of space) on a standard DVD+R discs). The additional recording space is the direct result of dual layer technology. As the name suggests, dual layer technology provides two individual recordable layers on a single sided DVD disc. To take advantage of dual layer technology when recording DVDs, you must use a dual layer enabled DVD burner and dual layer DVD media. Dual layer technology media can be read (once recorded) by most DVD drives and players currently on the market. Dual layer technology has been used for many years in the production of commercial DVD movies but is now available for home and business recording as well.

Dual Layer is more commonly called Double Layer in the consumer market, and can be seen written as DVD+R DL or DVD-R DL on recordable DVD media and hardware packaging.

http://www.pcwebopedia.com/TERM/d/dual_layer.html


DVD Formats Explained
http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/...sExplained.asp

[glc]

Yes, DL media is quite pricey in comparison to single layer. It's far from cost effective unless you absolutely must have the capacity on a single disk.

DL disks are usually only used at the consumer level for burning full length movies without compression or editing out the menus and stuff.