DVD- and + Rs and RWs
Recordable DVDs can be used for multiple purposes. The most common is for storing files, music, or video.
Its 4.7 GB storage capacity and size makes it an excellent medium for backing up important files. Of course there are other devices available that provide the same service, in particular external hard drives. But external drives, despite their larger storage capacity, are still somewhat costly, especially when compared to a recordable DVD. Also, external drives, at the present time, can only be accessed through a computer. A DVD+/-R, when recording video or JPEG (pictures) files, can be viewed not only on your PC or laptop, but also on your television monitor through a DVD player.
Almost all computers today have DVD writer hardware. They also supply the software necessary to record your files. Some PCs and laptops also have the capability of recording double layer and lightscribe discs.
A double layer DVD+/-R (or DVD+/-R DL) can record up to 8.5 GB on a disc, or almost double the capacity of a standard DVD. Unfortunately, because it is a newer format, the price is a bit higher for the software (around $1.50 to $2.50 per disc) and the hardware to play it. I personally would wait a while, until the prices come down a bit, before I made the investment.
One format I have and like is the lightscribe disc. The lightscribe technology was conceived by Hewlett-Packard a couple of years ago. Basically it is a method of etching pictures and/or text directly onto the disc surface. It accomplishes this by infrared laser light.
Initially, lightscribe only etched black and grey on a gold surface. Recently however, various colored lightscribe discs have hit the market.
Much like the double layer discs, you need a lightscribe DVD recorder (which will also write lightscribe CDs), and the software program to run it. Sure Thing CD Labeler is a one such program. It is sometimes bundled with the recorder. Nero is another program that offers lightscribe printing.
A couple of tips: When you're ready to print your lightscribe label, make sure the DVD is print side down in the recorder. On most programs you will be given the option of several different print colors. I recommend you use black ink. It shows up better on the disc surface than the lighter colors.
One other thing about lightscribe etching is that it takes a while to print. On my computer, text etchings take about 30 minutes. But, if done properly, the end product is well worth it.
As i mentioned before, recordable DVDs are an excellent format for storing files, music, and photos.
I would not hesitate to back up anything of importance on my computer's hard drive to a DVD. One important thing to remember is that hard drives do crash. Don't risk losing valuable files or equally valuable personal memories. Back them up! If properly taken care of, your DVDs will last much longer than your computer's hard drive.
A recordable DVD will hold thousands of photos, or thousands of pages of text. Almost all software DVD recording programs, such as Nero or Roxio, will transfer your files.
If you are moving photos to the DVD, try storing them as a slideshow. There are many software programs available that offer slideshow presentations, many are downloadable off the internet (some even offer free trials).
Once on a DVD, these slideshows can be used in your stand alone DVD player, and viewed on your televison set. On most programs music and voice overs can be added.
A tip: One can pause any slideshow photo on the T.V. by simply touching the pause button on the remote.
As I discussed in How to Preserve and Save Memories, DVDs will last much longer than tape. As tapes wear from age and usage, they shed oxide particles with each play. That's what causes the black or white lines you'll see on older VHS tapes. Transfer your home movies to DVD and the picture quality will stay the same indefinitely (I will be addressing this subject more in a future column).
Finally, if you are planning at some point to discard to perhaps update your DVD files, you might want to consider the DVD+ or - RW format. The RW discs are eraseable, and can be used as many times as needed.
NEXT TIME: RECORDABLE CDS