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DVD Burning Software
Just about every computer sold these days comes with a DVD (digital versatile disk) burner incorporated in it. In case there is anyone who hasn't seen a DVD, they are shaped like CD's and are the same size and color as a CD, but are much more adaptable and versatile.
DVD vs. CD
A standard DVD (DVD5) can hold up to 7 times the amount of information that a CD can (a CD holds 700 MB, a DVD holds 4.7 GB). This increased storage means that DVDs, besides being able to hold a lot more information, can also be used, to record high quality sound and video. Since DVD technology utilizes a much higher sampling rate than a CD, a DVD can provide much better sound quality than a CD as well.
DVD Terminology
If you want to take advantage of that DVD burner in your computer you will need a quick primer on DVD terminology.
While CD's have only one format, DVD's have 3. DVD-R (AKA DVD minus) and DVD R (AKA DVD plus) are the important ones to you. (The third, DVD-RAM is really for professional use and has a physical structure that is incompatible with home players).
This is important, DVD- and DVD are not compatible with each other. Because they are incompatible, you cannot burn a DVD RW disk on a DVD-RW burner and vice versa. If you are old enough to remember the VHS vs. Betamax wars, you have seen this play before.
Both DVD – and DVD , come in two versions. DVDs that can only be written on once (R), and those that can be written and many times (RW = rewritable).
There is some good news in all this confusion, the final recorded disk (DVD-RW or DVD RW) is read-compatible with DVD-ROM drives, home players and even DVD-RW or DVD RW burners, so once it is burned you should be able to view it or listen to it.
DVD Burner Software Features
It is beyond the scope of this article to provide a definitive comparison of DVD burning software. That information is available at a number of locations on the web, but here is a partial list of some of the most important features that you should look at in comparing software packages.
- Support for CSS decryption – CSS encryption is a form of copy protection on a commercial DVD.
- DVD5 to DVD5 capability - the ability to copy a standard format (DVD5) to another standard disk.
- Dual layer DVD9 to DVD5 capability – Many commercial discs are dual layer disks (DVD9). A dual layer disc holds 8.5Gb of data while a DVD5 holds 4.7Gb. To fit the all data onto a DVD5 the data will have to be compressed - does the software support this compression
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Steps to copy – how many individual steps does the user have to take to copy a DVD. Different programs have different procedures that must be followed. Obviously the fewer steps the easier to operate, but the user may be giving up the ability to customize their burned disk.
In addition to the above-mentioned features, DVD Burning programs may contain a number of other features. For example, some packages can repair damaged disks, have the ability to copy video games, or allow you to include or eliminate extra features recorded on a movie disk. You would have to determine which features are of value to you based on how you personally plan to use the software.
Important Note
The material on commercial DVDs is copyrighted. In some countries you can legally make a backup copy of a DVD or CD that you own for your own use, in other jurisdictions copying a DVD or CD is illegal.
By Murray Anderson
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