DVD Media and Data

[Ensign]

And No, I do not mean the robot from Star Trek TNG

Since DVD disk hold so much data I have questions about storing (plain) data on a DVD disk.

1: Does it matter if it is a -R or +R type? Or if it a 4.7G or 8.5G size disk?

2: Can I (using NERO as an example) just drag and drop files, and burn them as a ISO like I would with a CD.

Or do I have to do it in a difference way?

3: What about DVD-RAM? Are thay more suted for data?

Thank You for any insight.

[Skith]

Yes you can use Nero Burning ROM to drag and drop files to burn. It should not matter much which type of media you use, although DL media has it's own problems (stick with verbatim if you use DL media).

To make a DVD data disc using Nero Burning ROM select DVD-ROM (ISO) in the new compilation window and then you can drag and drop files to burn from the file explorer window.

edit:Just like a data CD, keep in mind that DVDs only store about 4.38 GB, and I forget what the exact amount is for DL.

One note: I can not remember if - media has multisession support, I know + does. Multisession allows you to go back and continue to burn to free space on write once media.

DVD-RAM is similar to DVD +/- RW in that it is a rewritable media. With special software, DVD-RAM media can be treated much like a floppy disc or HD, and supports drag-and-drop like funtionality (windows does not natively support these features). DVD-RAM also includes extra error-correction and verification features to ensure data integrity. This can significantly increase the recording time, so DVD-RAM is not for those who need speed.

[methos8]

He was an android. Apparently there was a difference.

Anyway -R and +R are just competing standards and mostly its dependant on your preference. However be sure that you're DVD writer supports the one you are trying to use (although most newer writers support both).

4.7GB is the standard (in actual fact is ~4.3GB) and is a single layer disc.

8.5GB is dual layer (as most DVD movies are) and are much more expensive.

For basic data burning I recommend single layer (4.7GB) since its more cost efficient.

As for Nero you can use it just like you did with CDs providing you have the latest version that supports DVDs. Also make sure you specify that your media is a DVD an not a CD in Nero

[Ensign]

Thank You for the answers

I knew that there should be no difference between -R and +R when it comes to data. However, since I had nothing but trouble ever since upgrading, I thought it would not hurt to ask.

He was an android. Apparently there was a difference

But, Only Tasha Yar really knows for sure

[garryheather]

DVD-RAM is similar to DVD +/- RW in that it is a rewritable media. With special software, DVD-RAM media can be treated much like a floppy disc or HD, and supports drag-and-drop like funtionality (windows does not natively support these features). DVD-RAM also includes extra error-correction and verification features to ensure data integrity. This can significantly increase the recording time, so DVD-RAM is not for those who need speed.

Quite often you won't need any special software to use DVD-RAM, just a compatible drive. XP works with DVD-RAM native - well, SP2 does, I can't remember if say the bog standard release of XP Home does for example.

Anyway, my point is you don't need any hybrid drivers / apps like InCD or anything. It looks like a hard disk to the OS but just be aware that probably about half the DVD-ROM drives and a third or so of the writers currently on the market do NOT support DVD-RAM.