Difference between double layer and dual layer

[Melekal]

Hey guys,

I know this is probably a pretty basic question but couldn't find anything that addresses it. What exactly is the difference between dual layer and double layer DVDs? I've heard of both but only see double layer DVD burners out there.

[yoda313]

Hello,
I hate the difference in names.

Double layer discs ARE dual layer discs. Apparently the +R group doesn't have the right to call them dual layer (don't know for sure but that was brought up in another post). It's the same difference though.

They are 8.5 gig discs (approximately, maybe nine, not sure).

Kevin

[adam]

I believe they are identical and dvd+r manufacturers are just forced to use the name double layer instead of dual layer for legal reasons.

Since its not a pressed disk, its technically not the same product as a commercially released dual layer DVD. Its still got the same capacity and functions the same ie: two layers on one side.

[lenti_75]

I hate the difference in names.

me tooooo. hate this. anyway, I don't even know what is the difference.....

dual = + and - ....right ?
double = 2 layer disc......

[-jsl-]

Apparently the +R group doesn't have the right to call them dual layer (don't know for sure but that was brought up in another post).

dvd+r manufacturers are just forced to use the name double layer instead of dual layer for legal reasons.

No you can't trademark a general term like "dual layer" so it's not true. If you want to check then a search for dual layer at uspto.gov gives:

Mark
Word Mark DUAL LAYER
Goods and Services (ABANDONED) IC 009. US 021 023 026 036 038. G & S: digital video disks containing computer programs for use as an operating system, computer programs for use in database management, computer programs for use as a spread sheet, computer programs for word processing and computer game programs; digital video disks containing catalogues of information, namely, descriptions of goods, services and buildings, profiles of natural persons and legal entities, and information in the fields of movies, music, arts, science, encyclopedias, education, training and sports; and blank digital video disks
Mark Drawing Code (3) DESIGN PLUS WORDS, LETTERS, AND/OR NUMBERS
Design Search Code 260302 260321 260902
Serial Number 75324893
Filing Date July 15, 1997
Current Filing Basis 1B
Original Filing Basis 1B
Published for Opposition January 26, 1999
Owner (APPLICANT) Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. CORPORATION JAPAN 1006, Oaza Kadoma Kadoma-shi, Osaka-fu JAPAN
Attorney of Record CURTIS B HAMRE
Disclaimer NO CLAIM IS MADE TO THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE "DUAL LAYER" APART FROM THE MARK AS SHOWN
Description of Mark The stippling shown in the drawing constitutes shading and is not intended to indicate color.
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator DEAD
Abandonment Date June 26, 2002


The real reason for using double instead of dual was most likely to avoid confusion with "dual rw", "dual DVD writer" etc. as already is used for writers that can burn both DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW.

[Melekal]

Ok, great then. I just wanted to make sure I didn't get a double layer burner to only find I should have gotten a dual layer or something stupid like that. As long as they are synonomous and have the same burning potential then that's all I care about.