Why are dvd-r's only purple ?

[nerys]

Just curious why dvd-r's only come in purple and not the large array of colors that cdr's are available in.

I scoured google. not even a peep (lots of purple rain flak :-) either no one has ever discussed this issue or I am just not using the right search terms.

any ideas ?

Chris Taylor
http://www.nerys.com/

[FulciLives]

The old Maxell 2x DVD-R discs (Made In Japan) had a greenish look to the bottom surface.

But you are right ... most do have that purpleish look. Something to do with the dye that is used but why that color I don't know.

I bet LordSmurf knows

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[lordsmurf]

As I understand it, this is mostly due to the materials required in creating the dye. It has a natural color that is purple or violet in shade. Deeper purples are known to almost look brown or blue, while some of the lighter ones can appear pink.

I don't recall ever seeing green ones. Although Maxell 2x DVD-R MXLRG01 was green on top.

There is an explanation here too:
http://www.dvd-supply.com/whydodvdreme.html

Adding pigments to the dye would likely cause instability of the dye, and changing the lower plastic platter to a color tinted plastic would likely harm the reflectivity and readability. This is a common issue on CD-R that comes in "pretty colors".

[nerys]

thank you very much ! that is what I figured it was just could not find any actual information on it :-)

how DID you find that ? did you search for it or happen upon it ?

Chris Taylor
http://www.zodiacreview.com/

[TooLFooL]

lordsmurf is kinda magical!