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Should I Upgrade My CD-ROM or Buy a DVD-BURNER Drive?
DVD burner for Movies and Backing Up
 
What types of devices record writable DVD discs?
Examples of DVD Discs Writable by DVD Recorders
Are DVD video recorders available that connect to home theater systems
Are writable DVD camcorders available
What do the numbers describing a DVD recorder mean
 

What types of computer DVD recorder configurations are available?

 
Do computer DVD recorders write DC-R and CD-RW discs?
PHYSICAL COMPATIBILITY
What types of devices read DVD-R and DVD+R discs
What types of devices read DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs
What types of devices read DVD-RAM discs
What is DVD Multi

 
DISC SIZE, CONFIGURATION AND CAPACITY
What are the physical sizes of CD-R and CD-RW discs
What configurations of writable DVD discs are available
Are dual-layer writable DVD discs available
What blank writable disc capacities are available
How much information can actually be stored on writable DVD discs
How many minutes of video can be stored on writable DVD discs
 
COPYING DETERRENTS AND CONTENT PROTECTION
Can commercial DVD-Video and DVD-Audio discs be copied onto writable DVDs
What is region management
What is Content Protection for Recordable Media
 
Duplication, Replication and Publishing
What alternatives are available to duplicate DVDs
Computer DVD Recorders
 DVD Duplication Systems
DVD Mass Replication

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Should I Upgrade My CD-ROM or Buy a DVDRW Drive?

DVD for Movies and Backing up your vital data

Conventional CD-ROM drives can read only CD-ROM and CD-Recordable (CDR) discs. You'll need a DVDRW drive to read CDR, CDRW, DVD+RW and DVD-RW discs or play DVD movies on your PC. These drives offer more flexibility than standard CD-ROM or standard DVD drives: Beyond simple reading most types of CD and DVD discs, they can handle Reading and Writing of storage backup data. DVDRW drives that have double layer burning capabilities can record and rewrite movie DVD discs, plus provide data storage capacities up to 8.5 GB. We expect DVDRW to become a standard component for all computer users.

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What types of devices record writable DVD discs?

The business, marketing and technology of writable DVDs have evolved over the years. There is now a wide variety of computer and consumer electronics (CE) devices available that record various versions and combinations of writable DVD disc formats (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM). Product capabilities as well as marketing language and terminology vary widely so be careful to check with the manufacturer for specific details.

Examples of DVD Discs Writable by DVD Recorders

* Some “Dual RW” recorders are not compatible with DVD+R discs.
** 2.6/5.2 GB DVD-RAM recorders are not compatible with 4.7/9.4 GB DVD-RAM discs.
*** Consumer electronics (CE) DVD-RAM, DVD-RAM/-R and DVD Multi recorders are not compatible with 2.6/5.2 GB DVD-RAM discs.

Are DVD video recorders available that connect to home theater systems?
A number of manufacturers offer consumer electronics (CE) and professional DVD video recorders that connect, like VCRs, to conventional video systems. Typically, they will only record to DVD from un-copy protected digital and analog sources (VCR, camcorder, internal hard disk drive, cable, satellite, laserdisc etc.)

Are writable DVD camcorders available?

Several manufacturers offer consumer digital camcorders that record video and still pictures directly to writable DVD discs. These units employ the smaller 8 cm disc size and can often be connected to a computer (typically using an IEEE 1394 or USB interface) to transfer material for editing as well as to be used as an external DVD recorder.

What do the numbers describing a DVD recorder mean?
Manufacturers typically use a sequence of numbers to express the maximum DVD and CD-R/RW writing and reading speeds of a recorder. Given the wide variety of possible format combinations and marketing approaches there are no established conventions as to the order of their presentation.

What types of computer DVD recorder configurations are available?

Whether for PC, Mac or UNIX systems in desktop, laptop or notebook form, computer DVD recorders are available in a wide variety of configurations to suit most needs. Several industry standard interfaces are available or forthcoming including SCSI, EIDE/ATAPI, USB, IEEE 1394 and Serial ATA for either internal or external recorder connection.

EIDE/ATAPI
The Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics/ATA Packet Interface (EIDE/ATAPI) is the most popular method for connecting internal CD and DVD-ROM drives, hard disks as well as CD-R/RW and DVD recorders to a computer. Since most computers already have EIDE/ATAPI built-into their motherboards no additional interface card is necessary. These devices are normally installed internally but many external recorders are actually EIDE/ATAPI models employing bridge technology to convert them to SCSI, USB or IEEE 1394 interfaces.

SCSI
The Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) or “scuzzy” interface is a high performance and flexible method of connecting to a computer many peripherals including scanners, CD and DVD-ROM, hard drives as well as CD-R/RW and DVD recorders. In addition to long cable lengths, SCSI allows for both internal and external attachments. Some computers already have SCSI built into their motherboards, but, more often than not, a SCSI interface card is required. Some early DVD recorders made use of SCSI but most current units employ EIDE, USB or IEEE 1394 connections.

USB
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is used to connect many types of peripherals to a computer including joysticks, mice, keyboards, printers, scanners, flash memory and external CD-R/RW and DVD recorders. Since USB is a plug and play interface computers do not have to be rebooted when a recorder is attached as these devices are automatically recognized by the system. USB has been updated several times to accommodate the demands of increasingly faster peripherals. While adequate for low speed CD-R/RW units the earlier USB 1.1 interface is not fast enough to keep up with DVD recording so that USB 2.0 is typically recommended. USB 2.0 interfaces are now built into the motherboards of most current systems but older computers may require an additional interface card.

IEEE 1394
Popularly known by trade names such as FireWire and i.LINK, IEEE 1394 is a high performance plug and play interface commonly used to connect computers to external hard disk drives, CD-R/RW and DVD recorders as well as consumer electronics (CE) devices like digital camcorders, game consoles and digital televisions. IEEE 1394 interfaces come standard on many Macintosh systems and on some brands of PCs but, more often than not, an interface card is required.

Serial ATA
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) is a new interface for connecting computers to internal storage devices such as hard disks, DVD-ROM drives and CD/DVD recorders. It is intended to eventually replace the current parallel ATA (EIDE/ATAPI) interface and will offer several advantages including longer and thinner cables with fewer pins, hot-plug capability, point-to-point connection (i.e. no master/slave relationship between devices) and a technology roadmap for future performance increases. Serial ATA interfaces are now built into the motherboards of many up to date systems but older computers may require an additional interface card.

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Do computer DVD recorders write CD-R and CD-RW discs?

With near universal playback compatibility and low cost, CD-R and CD-RW discs are still excellent choices for a wide variety of data, audio and video applications. Consequently, in addition to writable DVDs, most current computer DVD recorders conveniently write CD-R and CD-RW discs (some older recorders may not be compatible with high, ultra and ultra speed plus CD-RW discs). However, this has not always been the case so, if in doubt, check with the hardware manufacturer.

PHYSICAL COMPATIBILITY

What types of devices read DVD-R and DVD+R discs?
Once written, single-layer (SL) DVD-R and DVD+R discs closely mimic the optical characteristics of single-layer (SL) prerecorded (pressed) DVDs. Thus, they can be read on the majority of computer DVD-ROM drives and DVD recorders. In addition, DVD-R and DVD+R discs are compatible with most consumer electronics (CE) DVD devices including portable, car and DVD players and recorders. Compatibility continues to evolve so newer devices are generally more able to play written discs. For example, some early DVD video players were released before the DVD-R specifications were completed so they do not recognize DVD-R discs. Some manufacturers suggest that under certain circumstances DVD+R can work around this issue by having the recorder write the disc using the prerecorded disc identification code thereby allowing the player to treat it as a pressed disc (see “DVD disc category” below). If in doubt, consult with the hardware manufacturer.

What types of devices read DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs?
Written DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs can be read on the majority of computer DVD-ROM drives and DVD recorders as well as consumer electronics (CE) DVD devices including portable, car and DVD players and recorders. However, DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs have optical signal characteristics (lower reflectivity) closer to those of dual-layer (DL) prerecorded (pressed) DVDs which sometimes contributes to incompatibilities (see “DVD disc category” below). As with DVD-R and DVD+R, compatibility continues to evolve so some devices (typically older) may not be able to play written discs. If in doubt, consult with the hardware manufacturer.

What types of devices read DVD-RAM discs?
DVD-RAM discs are significantly different from prerecorded DVDs (data in land and groove areas, embossed sector headers, lower reflectivity and signal modulation, hardware-based defect management, optional cartridge, etc.). As a result, only devices specifically designed to be DVD-RAM compatible can read DVD-RAM discs. These include DVD Multi-compliant computer and consumer electronics (CE) drives, players and recorders as well as other DVD-RAM recorders and DVD-ROM drives expressly supporting DVD-RAM. Keep in mind that not all devices accommodate cartridged discs. As well, there have been several generations of DVD-RAM technology so previous and current versions of discs and devices may not be compatible with one other. Specifically, early DVD-RAM recorders and DVD-RAM compatible DVD-ROM drives read only 2.6 GB single-sided (SS) and 5.2 GB double-sided (DS) discs. In addition, DVD Multi-compliant and DVD-RAM consumer electronics (CE) recorders and players cannot read 2.6 GB (SS) and 5.2 GB (DS) discs. If in doubt, consult with the hardware manufacturer.

What is DVD Multi?
The DVD Forum created the DVD Multi specification in 2001 to provide hardware manufacturers with the requirements necessary to make computer and consumer electronics (CE) DVD devices read or read and write most DVD disc formats sanctioned by the DVD Forum. Specifically, the DVD Multi specification requires that DVD Multi Players read DVD-ROM (prerecorded), DVD-R (General), DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs and DVD Multi Recorders read and write those same formats. Be aware that DVD Multi does not prescribe that devices should accommodate DVD-RAM cartridges or 8 cm discs. If in doubt, consult with the hardware manufacturer.

Examples of Discs Readable and Writable by
DVD Multi Compliant Drives, Players and Recorders

* DVD Multi consumer electronics (CE) devices are not compatible with 2.6/5.2GB DVD-RAM discs.

What isthe "DVD disc category" and how can it affect playback compatibility?
Contained within the Lead-In Area of a DVD disc is information about its physical format including its “disc category” (also known as “book type”). This refers to the kind of disc it is as defined by one of the many DVD Forum specifications or “books”. Currently, there are four categories — prerecorded (pressed) DVD, DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD-RW. DVD Forum specifications do not govern DVD+R and DVD+RW therefore these discs use other categories.

Playback problems can arise (typically in some older devices) if the playing unit is programmed to ignore the category information or to accept only prerecorded discs or the four DVD Forum defined types. To potentially improve the playback compatibility of DVD+R and DVD+RW discs in such devices some DVD recorders are designed to write, or optionally write, these discs with the prerecorded (pressed) category code. Since DVD+RW discs are rewritable various routines (for consumer electronics recorders) or software (for computer recorders) are sometimes made available that can rewrite the disc category code in both its native DVD+RW and the prerecorded setting. Not all DVD+R/+RW compatible recorders support making these changes and, in general, manufacturers advise against changing a disc’s category setting unless this specific playback problem is encountered and others recommend against this practice entirely.

DVD Disc Categories

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DISC SIZE, CONFIGURATION AND CAPACITY
What are the physical sizes of CD-R and CD-RW discs?
Generally, writable DVD discs come in 12 cm (120 mm) and 8 cm (80 mm) diameter sizes. The most commonly used is the larger 12 cm type which has the same physical dimension as most commercial video, audio, computer software and game console DVDs. 8 cm discs are less common and are typically used in portable consumer electronic devices such as digital video camcorders.

What configurations of writable DVD discs are available?
Currently, writable DVD discs are single-layer (SL) products which can either be single (SS) or double-sided (DS). Single-sided discs are used in everyday data and video applications while double-sided discs are more specialized (largely due to the lack of a convenient labeling surface) and are typically employed in automated storage jukeboxes and in writable DVD camcorders. In addition, DVD-RAM discs come as bare or can be enclosed in protective “cartridges”. Some types of these cartridges may be opened to allow the discs to be removed while others come permanently sealed. Be aware that not all DVD-RAM compatible drives, players and recorders accommodate cartridged discs.

DVD-RAM Disc Cartridge Configurations

Are dual-layer writable DVD discs available?
Manufacturers are developing 8.5 GB single-sided (SS) dual-layer (DL) DVD+R and DVD-R discs for release sometime in 2004 or 2005. Although they approximate dual-layer prerecorded DVD-9 discs be aware that, due to various technical issues, such writable discs may not be read compatible with some older computer DVD-ROM drives and DVD players and they will not be write-compatible with older recorders. If in doubt, check with the hardware manufacturer.

What blank writable disc capacities are available?
Manufacturers express disc capacity in terms of how much computer data a disc can contain. DVD-R (General), DVD-R (Authoring), DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM discs come in 4.7 GB single and 9.4 GB double-sided (12 cm) and 1.46 GB single and 2.92 GB double-sided (8 cm) sizes.

This has not always been the case for DVD-RAM and DVD-R. DVD-RAM discs designed for use in early recorders (version 1.0) come in 2.6 GB single-sided and 5.2 GB double-sided (12 cm) sizes. DVD-R discs compatible with first generation recorders (version 1.0) come in 3.95 GB single-sided and 7.9 GB double-sided (12 cm) and 1.23 GB single-sided and 2.46 GB double-sided (8 cm) sizes.

Keep in mind that manufacturers quote the capacity of a writable DVD disc in decimal (base 10) rather than binary (base 2) notation so a 4.7 GB disc stores 4.7 billion bytes [4:700,000,000 bytes ÷ 1000 = 4,700,000 KB ÷ 1000 = 4,700 MB ÷ 1000 = 4.7 GB] . Expressed in binary notation (as is typical with CD-R, CD-RW and most operating systems) the same disc has a capacity of roughly 4.38 GB [4:700,000,000 bytes ÷ 1024 = 4,589,844 KB ÷ 1024 = 4,482.27 MB ÷ 1024 = 4.38 GB] .

How much information can actually be stored on writable DVD discs?
The amount of information that can be written is determined by the disc’s recording capacity as well as the physical and logical formats used.

All writable DVD formats devote the same amount of usable space to data (2,048 bytes per sector). DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM specify the number of sectors available for user information (1.46 GB DVD+R/+RW 714,544 sectors, 4.7 GB DVD+R/+RW 2,295,104 sectors, 1.46 GB DVD-RAM 714,480 sectors, 2.6 GB DVD-RAM 1,218,960 sectors, 4.7 GB DVD-RAM 2,295,072 sectors) so disc capacity can be calculated by multiplying the user data area size by the number of disc sectors. For example, a 4.7 GB DVD+R disc: 2,048 bytes/sector x 2,295,104 sectors = 4,700,372,992 bytes. This rounds to roughly 4.7 GB (decimal notation).

DVD-R and DVD-RW, on the other hand, do not stipulate the number of sectors that are dedicated to user information but simply that a minimum capacity must be available on the disc. In the case of DVD-R (version 1.0) this is 3.95 (12 cm) and 1.23 (8 cm) billion bytes and for DVD-R (Authoring), DVD-R (General) and DVD-RW 4.7 (12 cm) and 1.46 (8 cm) billion bytes. Consequently, real world capacity can vary slightly among discs from different media manufacturers although many have informally settled on 2,298,496 sectors (4,707,319,808 bytes) for a DVD-R (General) 4.7 GB disc.

Writable DVD Disc Capacities
(Unformatted Single-Sided, Single-Layer Discs)

Be aware, however, that the logical format (UDF, FAT, HFS etc.) as well as any defect management system employed consume space otherwise available for user information. For example, DVD-RAM can dedicate as much as 184 MB (192,937,984 bytes) on a 1.46 GB disc, 126.86 MB (133,022,816 bytes) on a 2.6 GB disc and 216 MB (226,492,416 bytes) on a 4.7 GB disc for defect management while Mount Rainier formatted DVD+RW (DVD+MRW) can allocate up to 128.75 MB (135,000,000 bytes) on a 1.46 GB disc and 515.94 MB (541,000,000 bytes) on a 4.7 GB disc.

How many minutes of video can be stored on writable DVD discs?
In contrast to CD technology where Red Book audio or Video CD specifications rigidly prescribe the amount, type and quality of material a disc contains, the DVD-Video format is flexible, permitting content to be housed in different forms and levels of quality. Consequently, the number of minutes of audio and video that can be stored on a writable DVD disc varies considerably.

In terms of its basic capabilities, the DVD-Video format supports one main stream of video (MPEG-1, MPEG-2) with up to nine separate camera angles, as many as eight streams of audio (Dolby Digital, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, LPCM, DTS, SDDS), a maximum of 32 subpicture streams (graphic overlay) as well as navigation menus and other extras. Each of these occupy space so the amount of material that can be recorded depends upon the number of features incorporated, the type and degree of audio and video compression used and the capacity of the disc. For example, a single-sided 4.7 GB disc holds roughly one hour of straightforward audio and video at maximum DVD quality and a 1.46 GB disc approximately 18 minutes. At the other end of the spectrum, the same discs might accommodate as much as nine hours and three hours respectively of VHS quality material.

Not all computer video and audio encoding systems, authoring software and consumer electronics (CE) recorders offer access to all DVD-Video features or support all degrees of compression. Thus, in practice, different products offer a range of possible recording times. For example, an entry-level DVD-Video authoring software package might support only limited features and permit only one hour of recording (using as little compression as possible) to keep the quality of the final result as high as possible. Mid-range and professional hardware and software tools provide the greatest degree of freedom while consumer products generally offer the least.

Generally speaking, consumer electronics (CE) recorders have a variety of automatic or manual recording modes typically ranging from one to four hours (occasionally six to eight hours) per 4.7 GB disc while writable DVD camcorders usually offer between 20 minutes to one hour per 1.46 GB disc. Although manufacturers sometimes use language such as High Quality (HQ), Standard Play (SP), Long Play (LP) and others to describe the recording time of their products, be aware that there are no broadly accepted industry standards for the use of such terminology.

COPYING DETERRENTS AND CONTENT PROTECTION


Can commercial DVD-Video and DVD-Audio discs be copied onto writable DVDs?
To deter users from making disc-to-disc and other direct digital copies of commercial movies and audio albums, most prerecorded DVD-Video and DVD-Audio format discs are protected at the factory using (respectively) the Content Scrambling System (CSS) and Content Protection for Prerecorded Media (CPPM).

CSS and CPPM selectively encrypt disc sectors that can only be decrypted during playback by licensed products (DVD players, computer DVD playback software and others). Critical information (decryption keys, album identifiers) required to unlock content is located in protected regions of these discs (Control Data Zone of Lead-in Area and sector headers) accessible to the player or drive and under only carefully regulated circumstances. Without these keys the encrypted video or audio is unusable. Performing bit-for-bit duplication or simply copying files from the disc to a writable DVD, hard drive or other storage medium will not yield a useful reproduction.

As a further defense, writable DVD products employ several safeguards to prevent valid CSS decryption keys and CPPM album identifiers from ever being written to these discs. For example, blank writable DVD discs come from the factory with the Control Data Zone of their Lead-in Areas already “prewritten” (DVD-R General) or embossed (DVD-RW, DVD-RAM) with dummy information. And, in the case of DVD-R (version 1.0), DVD-R (Authoring), DVD+R and DVD+RW, recorders are designed to write only dummy information in the same disc area (and sector headers). This also inhibits CSS or CPPM protection being conferred on content recorded on writable DVD discs for professional or other applications.

Nevertheless, over the years various computer software tools have emerged to allow the making of copies of CSS protected DVD-Video discs.

COPYRIGHT LAW must always be respected whenever dealing with content of any type. Products that bypass protection systems are not permitted in most jurisdictions. And even if a disc lacks content protection it does not mean that copying is permitted. OSTA does not support the use of writable DVD products for any unlawful purpose.

What is region management?
In addition to employing technology to discourage copying, CSS-encrypted DVD-Video discs may optionally contain region management information to allow commercial movie publishers to control the distribution of their products throughout the world. Discs (so enabled) and players contain information that specifies the geographic areas where they are to be marketed. To prevent discs intended for sale in one part of the world being distributed and used elsewhere all devices automatically check discs for region codes and only play titles for which they are authorized.

For computer DVD-ROM drives and recorders this task is accomplished through Regional Playback Control (RPC) of which there have been two phases. Phase I implementations were used prior to the end of 1999 and function through the computer’s video playing software, decoding system or operating system to manage region control. In this case, the region code could be set only once and, for some decoders, the region was sometimes even preset at the factory. Phase II implementations have been in use since 2000 and hand-off responsibility for region management exclusively to the drives and recorders implementing the necessary functions in their firmware. Generally speaking, the user can change the region code up to five times with the manufacturer having the additional ability to then service the unit and reset this counter (up to four times).

Assorted workarounds to region management exist in the marketplace (typically outside North America) including “multi-region” DVD players that read discs regardless of region codes. As well, altered computer DVD-ROM drive and DVD recorder firmware is sometimes circulated to achieve the same effect. Be aware, however, that such modifications can invalidate product warranties.

DVD-Video Region Codes
(Simplified)

What is Content Protection for Recordable Media?
Sometimes analog or digital broadcasts (typically in Japan) are identified to allow only one copy to be made by a viewer and by using the Content Protection for Recordable Media (CPRM) system, such material can be encrypted and recorded once to a writable DVD disc. As it is currently marketed, CPRM is an option found only in some consumer electronics (CE) DVD recorders that write DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs using the DVD Video Recording format (DVD-VR). This allows material specifically flagged “copy once” to be written to a single disc but prevents that disc from then being further duplicated. This is accomplished by binding the content to the particular disc through encryption employing, among other things, a code (media identifier) unique to each writable disc compliant with the CPRM system. This one-off code is inserted at the factory into the special Narrow Burst Cutting Area (NBCA) of a DVD-RW or Burst Cutting Area (BCA) of a DVD-RAM disc and, as such, cannot be duplicated by a DVD recorder.

Be aware that not all DVD players, drives and recorders that play or write DVD Video Recording formatted (DVD-VR) discs are compatible with CPRM and that not all blank DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs are equipped with the NBCA or BCA necessary to handle CPRM content. If in doubt, consult with the hardware or disc manufacturer.

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Duplication, Replication and Publishing

What alternatives are available to duplicate DVDs?
There are several different methods available to make one or multiple copies of existing DVDs ranging from single DVD recorders to specialized devices that automatically duplicate and label discs and, for large runs, commercial mass replication. Options are distinguished by cost, speed, convenience and capability. Some of the many applications include reproducing previously created DVD home movies, circulating in-house corporate software, updates and training videos, making backup copies for off-site storage and even commercially distributing software, audio and DVD-Video titles.

As previously stated in this white paper, it is essential to always investigate and obey COPYRIGHT LAWS whenever dealing with content of any type and be aware that products that bypass content protection systems are not permitted in most jurisdictions. Also keep in mind that one is not necessarily authorized to copy a disc even if it lacks content protection measures. OSTA does not support the use of writable DVD for any unlawful purpose and that all DVD products should be used only for legal purposes.

Computer DVD Recorders
By far the quickest and least expensive way to duplicate a disc is to copy it using a computer outfitted with a DVD recorder combined with off the shelf writing software. In addition to creating discs from scratch, many basic writing software packages will duplicate most standard DVD formats. Specialized copying software is also available with more sophisticated capabilities such as the ability to simultaneous duplicate to multiple recorders. But remember that the ability of a system to copy specific disc formats depends upon the individual capabilities of the software, reader and recorder used. It is therefore advisable to check with the respective manufacturers for specific information.

Typically, discs are duplicated DVD to DVD by using the computer’s DVD-ROM drive as the master source feeding the copying recorder. In cases where a separate reading drive is not available the master is first downloaded to the computer hard drive using the reading ability of the recorder and later written back to a blank disc using the same recorder. Employing the computer’s hard disk as an intermediate copying step is also a common tactic used when dealing with poor quality source discs or other situations where computer systems are not fast enough to keep up to the speed set on the recorder.

DVD Duplication Systems
For copying larger numbers of discs various dedicated DVD duplication solutions are available including machines that function by themselves or with the assistance of operators. These configurations can either sit as standalone units or may be attached as computer peripherals. The most common devices are hand-fed tower systems that employ a number of DVD recorders linked together for simultaneous duplication from either a master DVD or from a hard drive. Also widely used are automated products incorporating robotic disc handling systems that mechanically load and unload one or more recorders. Sometimes disc label printers are included to produce a handful or even dozens of finished discs per hour. In addition to large commercial solutions many DVD duplication systems are compact and affordable and within reach for personal and office use. A number of companies also offer commercial DVD duplication services to perform short run work in quick turnaround times.

DVD Mass Replication
In contrast to DVD duplication which is usually performed on a small scale at the desktop level, DVD mass replication is typically used to make huge quantities of discs such as commercial DVD movies and software DVD-ROMs. These prerecorded (pressed) discs are manufactured from a mold in a factory setting and are created using a complete series of industrial processes including premastering, mastering, electroplating, injection molding, metallization, bonding, spin coating, printing and advanced quality control. In addition to manufacturing discs, many replication companies offer companion services including packaging, printing, distribution and fulfillment.

What is DVD publishing?
Somewhat like DVD duplication equipment, DVD publishing systems employ DVD recorders but are used to create quantities of unique discs from different computer files rather than just to make multiple copies of a single master disc. Employing robotic disc handling systems and integrated label printers, many of these devices can be accessed over computer networks and shared much like office laser printers. Examples of DVD publishing applications include creating writable DVDs containing medical images or monthly banking records, archiving computer-generated billing records to disc in place of microfilm and accepting conventional analog video tapes resulting in DVD video on writable DVD discs.

Is it possible to transfer the contents of a DVD-9 video disc onto a writable DVD?
Writable DVD discs are currently single-layer (SL) products that accommodate a maximum of 4.7 GB of information per side. Prerecorded (pressed) DVD discs, on the other hand, can contain up to 8.5 GB of data on one side by using dual layers (known as DVD-9). Several techniques can be used to place the larger contents of a DVD-9 DVD-Video format disc onto writable DVDs. These include splitting the material onto two discs or re-authoring it to fit onto one. For example, by using various software programs disc content can be broken into pieces or supplementary material deleted so only the main video segment remains to fit onto a single writable DVD disc. Such software can sometimes recompress the video content to a lower bit rate to fit onto one disc. In this case excluding extraneous material lessens the required amount of recompression to maintain higher video quality. As stated earlier in this white paper, COPYRIGHT LAW must always be respected.

Is it possible to copy one writable DVD disc type onto another?
Depending upon the capabilities of the hardware and software used it is possible to copy one writable DVD disc type onto another (for example, copying the contents of a DVD+RW disc to a DVD-R disc). Be aware, however, that there are slight capacity differences among the various types that might make the contents of one disc too large to fit onto a disc of another type. As well, some application formats may be untested or inappropriate for use with certain types of discs.

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