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DVD-R - Difference with Authoring and General Media
There are two types of DVD-R mmedia:
1. DVD-R Authoring (635mm wavelength recording sensitivity)
2. DVD-R General (650mm wavelength recording sensitivity)
Both types of DVD-R disk can be played equally well on any DVD Player or DVD-ROM that supports DVD-R playback.
Background to DVD-R:
DVD-R is an official member of the DVD Forum's family of formats. Its write-once characteristic allows users to make their own DVD discs, very similar to how CD-R's are created. as with CD-R, playback compatibility is one of the most important aspects of the DVD-R, with nearly all existing DVD Players capable of playing one or both types of the DVD-R formats (3.95GB Authoring / 4.7GB General).
Until early 2001, DVD-R was used primarily in professional applications such as video authoring and storage of finished titles prior to mass production on DVD-Media (dual layer, etc..). Now we see this market spreading with the product being used by the consumer!
Two Formats for Two Markets: Professional and Consumer
To support consumer applications for DVD-R, the DVD Forum determined that another type of DVD-R media was necessary. The newest member of the DVD Family uses a recording wavelength of 650nm, and discs are recorded on different drives than the existing 635nm Format. There is no compatibility between the Original 635nmk format and the 650nm, so people unsure what to buy, generally go for the General Media DVD-R as you will probably know this information already if you have bought a DVD Authoring Writer.
The Reason for Two Formats?
Why are there two formats? The key reason is to stop AfterDawn users (and others of course) being able to make a straight copy of a DVD without ripping its contents. The CSS Encryption used means it is physically impossible to make a bit-for-bit copy of an encrypted DVD, thus helping the cause against Piracy. Meanwhile, the 4.7GB Authoring media specification has introduced a new and unique feature that is potentially valuable to preofessional users. The Cutting Master Format (CMF) allows 4.7GB Authoring Media to be used as a direct replacement for DLT master Tapes when submitting a title for replication, thus saving valuable authoring time in the labs. This is accomplished by using Disc Description Protocol in the disc's lead-in. Anyway, we are getting a bit complicated here.
At the end of the day, both formats of DVD-R can be used for DVD-Authoring (process of preparing video content for use in DVD Players; should have probably explained that earlier), however, the CSS encryption cannot be used with either format. You are geting into DVD-Media teritory and Dual layer disks.
Playback Compatibility:
For playback, there is no compatibility consideration. Both Authoring and General DVD-R media can be played back equally as well in nearly every DVD Player that supports DVD-R. Compatibility issues do arise when DVD+R is introduced. I'll ecplain that in another post, if its not already posted in the forum.
Conclusion:
Buy DVD-R General Media as it will be the one most likely to suit your needs. Also DVD Authoring wont work in your normal DVD-R writer. Hope i have been a help people.
Chris ;-)
dRD: I looked to see if this was already discussed and couldnt find it. if it was, accept my apologies. If you feel it would be better suited to a more global post, change it!
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