1)DL discs are also called Dual layer or Double Layer. The size of these are 8.5 gbs. They are also called DVD-9,both originals and blank DL media.
Most original dvds-with a lot of bonus features,alternate endings, or widescreen/full screen versions are DVD-9.
Single Layer media,will say 4.7 gbs of data and are DVD-5 in size.
Low budget or older flicks will sometimes be DVD-5 in size,so you won't need DL media.
Benefits:Holds more Data. If backing up original dvds that are DVD-9 in size,if using DL media,you'll get a 1:1 copy ratio,so no compression is needed. It's usually faster to back these up when using DL media.
Drawbacks: Price. A $1.50 each is the cheapest I've seen them on sale. Lower compatability rate on stand alone players. Dvd +R DL would have a higher compatability rate if booktyped to dvd-rom,vs the -RDL media.
Now if you're ripping a DVD-5 original,then you'd only need blank single layer media. No compression.More compression,longer process time,and playback may be fuzzier.
Now if you're like me and don't like all the bonus crap,menu,and other unnecessary stuff,then you can re-author a DVD-9 with DVD Shrink or Nero recode 2 onto blank DVD-5 media. By re-authoring,you're reducing the compression.
2A)Most of the latest internal and external DVD-RW drives are dual format and DL capable. Older models may not have that capability.
2B) Play on any player? Dvd +/- R DL is a totally different format. That's why it's best to get a booktyping capable drive like Plextor/Benq/Lite-on/LG/and NEC and get Verbatim +R DL media.
There's a lot of dvd formats out there:
+R
+RW
+RDL
-R
-RW
-RDL
By booktyping,you're taking the plus format media and changing it to dvd-rom,therefore the stand alone players will think they are playing the original dvd,which is dvd-rom format-the most universal of all dvd format. RW media is tricky,and DL can also be tricky. You can't booktype the dash format. Only certain drives can booktype.
Why Verbatim +R media?
Media quality is critical. Verbatim makes the finest DL media out there.DL burning is a totally different ballgame. You have to watch what media you get and what programs you use. DL backups will have a layer break and some programs won't get through that layerbreak - like nero6.
