Finding information on DVD duplication media isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are a number of articles on recordable media discussing the difference between +R and -R — a subject that is either very simple or very complex depending on your market. Modern computer DVD drives and many standalone players can take either, but some devices can take only one or the other and there is often no way of knowing which format a customer’s player needs. When shopping for there are a couple of other things to consider as well.

The Difference between Writeable and Rewriteable

Writeable DVD duplication media designated as -R or +R can be written to, but once information has been written it cannot be changed. Existing information cannot be deleted or modified once written to the disc, although additional data can be added until the disc is full as long as it hasn’t been closed. Once the disc is closed, however, nothing can be added — and it will not be readable on many systems unless closed.

Rewriteable media is designated DVD-RW or +RW. Another format, DVD-RAM, is rarely used on computers, more commonly found in camcorders. Data on rewriteable media can be erased and rewritten, typically up to a thousand times before the media stops taking data.

Writeable versions are less expensive than rewriteable and are suited for most applications. Typically businesses use DVD duplication media to hold information for distribution to customers, other businesses or employees. The data is designed to be examined by the recipient but not changed so there is no reason to use rewriteable media.

Dual-Layer and Speed

Some DVD duplication media is marked DL which means Dual Layer or Double Layer - both terms are used in the industry. As might be expected, these discs contain two recordable layers and can hold just under twice as much data as the standard or single layer discs. A single layer version can hold 4.7 GB of information and a dual layer 8.5 GB. (Of course this varies depending on the manufacturer.) Obviously an organization choosing between them needs to determine if their data needs require DL discs and if their duplicators can record to them.

Discs are also rated for speed using designations such as 4X or 8X. The higher the value, the faster data can be recorded on the disc so an 8X disc can be recorded in about half the time as a 4X disc. Make sure your duplicator can handle the faster discs before buying them so you don’t waste money on unused capabilities.

Quality Counts

For some products the bargain brands are just as good as the name brands, but DVD duplication media is not one of them. There are significant quality problems with cheaper brands which lead to large numbers of failed burns. Any savings is lost in corrupted discs, repeated burns and angry customers.

There are a number of good brands such as Verbatim and Taiyo Yuden, however you must be cautious even when buying the brand names since there are many forged discs around. The best bet is to buy from a DVD & CD duplication service. Their business depends on high quality media so they stock only the best brands.

Christine OKelly is an author for CD Solutions one of the leading suppliers of DVD duplication media, equipment and services around. Their long experience with DVD & CD duplication and DVD duplication media means they stock only the best brands of duplicators and media.