Nashua Media Products - FAQ DVD Support

1. What is DVD-R?
2. What is DVD-RW?
3. What is DVD+R?
4. What is DVD+RW?
5. What is DVD-RAM?
6. What are the differences between DVDs and CDs?
7. How long will DVDs last?
8. What recorders can I use for DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW?
9. What speeds are there for DVD recorders?
10. Why can't I fit a 4.5GB file onto a 4.7GB DVD+RW?
11. How many minutes of recording should you get on a 4.7GB DVD-R Disc?
12. Why can't I use Nashua Media Products DVD+R media in my DVD+RW drive?
13. What is two-way compatibility?
14. What are Type I, Type II DVD-RAM cartridges?
15. Which drives can play DVD-RAM disks?
16. Why can DVD-RAM be written over 100,000 times?
17. How long will the data on a DVD-RAM disk last?
18. Can a CD be copied onto a DVD blank disc?
19. How should I care for my DVDs?
20. What is the best way to handle, store, and clean DVDs?
21. What is your recommendation for labeling DVD media?

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1. What is DVD-R?
A DVD-R is a recordable DVD similar in design to a CD-R. It is not erasable. DVD-R is very similar to the CD-R in its design and function. The original design objective was to provide a recordable disc that could hold enough video information to compete with VHS video cassettes in terms of capacity. Like CD-Rs, information is recorded in a groove filled with an organic dye, and once the laser alters the dye, the information cannot be changed. The disc rotates at different speeds so that the data pass under the laser at a constant rate. This rate is called CLV, or "constant linear velocity", meaning that the groove travels as a steady line no matter whether it is located toward the inside of the disc or toward the outer edge. CD-Rs also use the CLV design.
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2. What is DVD-RW?
A DVD-RW is the erasable companion to the DVD-R. Use of a metal alloy instead of a permanently altered dye makes the DVD-RW erasable. The erasable and rewritable DVD is similar to the CD-RW design. This design is known as a "phase change" of the light, and all of the rewritable DVD systems use this method. Like CD-RW alloys, the alloy used in DVD-RW may have trouble reacting predictably to the laser power after 1,000 cycles, so that figure is used as the upper limit of record/erase times. The lower reflectivity of the DVD-RW can cause confusion in some DVD players and DVD-ROM drives that mistake the disc for a dual-layer DVD and struggle to read it. Other drives may not recognize the disc format code of the DVD-RW and refuse to play it. Drives that may accept the DVD-R may not accept the DVD-RW unless their firmware can be brought up to date.
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3. What is DVD+RW?
A DVD+RW is a rewritable DVD designed to work well with both video and data recording. The third version of recordable DVD is called DVD+RW to distinguish it from the DVD-RW that Pioneer introduced. This medium tries to provide all the features and benefits of both DVD-RW and DVD-RAM in a single disc format. It operates at both CLV and CAV speeds, depending on whether or not the information is audio/video or data. It can apply defect management systems when recording data or can leave them off when recording video so that DVD players can recognize the discs. Recorded discs can be played in about 70 to 80% of existing DVD-ROM drives and DVD players, if the video is recorded in the DVD-Video format. The more recent the player, the more likely it will successfully recognize and play the disc.
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4. What is DVD+R?
A DVD+R is a DVD similar to DVD-R in that is a record once disc. You can't erase it. The difference is DVD+R media can only be written in DVD+R drives. Another difference is that is borrows elements from DVD+RW media; it operates at both CLV and CAV speeds. Recorded discs can be played in about 70 to 80% of existing DVD-ROM drives and DVD players, if the video is recorded in the DVD-Video format. The more recent the player, the more likely it will successfully recognize and play the disc.
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5. What is DVD-RAM?
A DVD-RAM is a DVD designed for random access memory, for the quick and easy storage and retrieval of data. The design offers a great deal of memory storage capacity for data files, and its original intended use got around the problems associated with video copy protection although the discs can also be used to record video. In addition to a groove molded into a slice of polycarbonate that is bonded to a second slice, there are also pits used for address information so that a drive can locate files very quickly. Recording is done in both the groove and the land between the grooves so that the grooves can be a bit wider without reducing total recording capacity. The disc turns at the same rate of speed all the time, a rate referred to as CAV for "constant angular velocity." The most unusual aspect of the DVD-RAM is that it is enclosed in a protective cartridge. The double-sided version (Type I) cannot be removed from the cartridge, but the single-sided version (Type II) can be removed (for playback only) if the user is very careful. It does offer the advantage of being able to withstand 100,000 record/erase cycles.
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6. What are the differences between DVDs and CDs?
A DVD can hold much more data than a CD. Some DVDs are recorded on both sides, to store both widescreen and standard versions of a movie. Whereas a CD, is only recorded on one side.
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7. How long will DVDs last?
Pre-recorded DVD movies can last anywhere from 50 to 300 years. Blank write once discs, DVD-R, will last anywhere from 40-250 years after being recorded. The blank rewritable formats, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD+R, can last anywhere from 25-100 years after recording.
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8. What recorders can I use for DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW?
DVD+R and DVD+RW media can ONLY be recorded in:
Sony, Philips, Hewlett-Packard, and Ricoh DVD recorders. Currently, this media is playback compatible with approximately 70% of today's DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players.

DVD-R and DVD-RW media can ONLY be recorded in:
Pioneer, Toshiba, and Panasonic DVD recorders. Currently, this media is approximately 90% playback compatible with today's DVD-ROM and DVD video players. Keep in mind that the above formats are currently not compatible with each other.

We suggest checking with your hardware manufacturer for updates in firmware.
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9. What speeds are there for DVD recorders?
DVD 1X speed is equal to a CD at 9X speed. Currently DVD-R records at a maximum of 8X, DVD-RW records at 2.4X, DVD+R/W records at a maximum of 4.8X, and DVD-RAM records at 2X.
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10. Why can't I fit a 4.5GB file onto a 4.7GB DVD+RW?
The problem is that computers and DVD drives and media count the numbers differently. The computer counts according the base ten in its binary system. The DVD camp decided to count bytes in a decimal system. A 4.7GB DVD+RW actually only holds 4.49GB in computer terms minus any capacity taken up by formatting.
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11. How many minutes of recording should you get on a 4.7GB DVD-R Disc?
The recording time may vary. The recording time depends on the MPEG2 compression (bit) rate that is used when the video is encoded. This compression rate depends on the hardware/software that you are using. The compression rate is similar to "SP" vs "EP" on VHS tape recording. If you use a lot of compression (meaning the bit rate is low), then you can get a lot of time on one DVD, however, the picture quality will suffer. This is similar to the EP VHS mode. If you use a low compression rate, (meaning the bit rate is high), then the quality is much better, but you cannot get as much on the DVD. In general, by using an average bit rate, a 4.7GB DVD-R will generally hold about 2 hours of video.
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12. Why can't I use Nashua Media Products DVD+R media in my DVD+RW drive?
DVD+R is a write-once variation of DVD+RW, which appeared in mid 2002. Some original DVD+RW drives did not fulfill the promise of a simple upgrade to add DVD+R writing support. Therefore, the customer with a DVD+RW drive may or may not be able to read a DVD+R disk without either purchasing a newer drive or installing a firmware upgrade. Most of the new DVD+RW drives being introduced and sold now are compatible with DVD+R media.
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13. What is two-way compatibility?
Two-way compatibility refers to the compatibility of DVD-Video discs and players with DVD+RW discs and recorders. For example, if you have a DVD+RW recorder and record on your Nashua DVD+RW media, that disc is compatible in a DVD-Video player or a DVD-ROM drive. Likewise, a DVD-Video disc can be played on a DVD+RW recorder.
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14. What are Type I, Type II DVD-RAM cartridges?
Type I cartridges are non-removable for both single and double sided DVD-RAM media. Type II cartridges are removable for single sided media.
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15. Which drives can play DVD-RAM disks?
All current model DVD-RAM drives can play both Type I and Type II DVD-RAM discs regardless of capacity. Some late model DVD-ROM drives can play the removable 2.6GB and 4.7GB disc. Contact your drive manufacture for more details.
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16. Why can DVD-RAM be written over 100,000 times?
DVD Ram has 9 internal recording surfaces as compared to 3 internal recording surfaces for DVD-RW and DVD+RW. DVD-RAM's metal alloy was created for computer use and therefor affords DVD-RAM a far greater number of rewrites.
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17. How long will the data on a DVD-RAM disk last?
The data life is more than 30 years on a DVD-RAM disk. Quality of the disk will not deteriorate over time.
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18. Can a CD be copied onto a DVD blank disc?
Yes, this is possible but the recording will sound the same as the CD source material (CD quality only).
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19. How should I care for my DVDs?
DVDs should be treated basically the same way a CD is treated. Keep your discs and the inside of your player free from dust and debris. Be careful not to scratch the top or bottom surfaces of the disc. Write only with a soft, water based, felt tip marker such as Nashua Media Products CD-Writer Pen.
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20. What is the best way to handle, store, and clean DVDs?
Nashua Media Products DVD media is labeled and packaged to provide maximum product protection. To maintain the integrity of the disc and the data stored on the disc, please use the following care and handling guidelines.
Handling and Care
1. Handle the disc only by the outer edge to keep fingerprints from the surface.
2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth for cleaning the disc to remove dust, or fingerprints.
3. Wipe from the center to the outer edges and never wipe in a circular motion.
4. Don't touch the unlabeled shiny side of a disc — that's the recording surface.
5. Don't set a disc down on hard surfaces that can scratch the recording surface.
6. Don't use abrasive or solvent cleaners, audio CD disc cleaners, or conventional vinyl record cleaning solutions on the disc. Chemical-based cleaners and cleaners that are safe for audio CDs might not be safe for DVDs.
Storage
1. Store discs in their storage cases to avoid scratches.
2. Store discs in a cool, dry place, away from direct light. The ideal storage temperature is between 23° F - 86° F.
3. Don't leave the disc in direct sunlight or in a hot, humid environment.
4. Don't spill liquids or allow moisture to condense on the disc.
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21. What is your recommendation for labeling DVD media?
You can write on the inner diameter or designated label area of the DVD (the entire inner non-recorded side). Use only soft-felt-tipped, permanent ink pens (such as Nashua Media Products CD Writer Pens), and write only on the designated areas. Water-soluble pens work best—their ink dries quickly and minimizes smearing. Ball-point pens or other hard-point writing utensils may damage the disc. Be careful when using adhesive labels. Use only labels with high-quality adhesive designed not to corrode the reflective layer of the disc. Be sure to apply it properly. Labels applied off-center or with ripples can harm your DVD player. If you misalign the label or don't smooth the label down and there are air bubbles under the surface, then you run the risk of your DVD spinning out of balance, which could cause reading and tracking problems. If you try to reposition the label after it is partially stuck, then you run the risk of damaging the DVD as you remove the partially stuck label.
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