A CD DVD drive does not work like hard disk drives. It uses photo diodes to detect reflecting lights on optic discs and uses a laser to read or write data. But it uses the same cables as hard drives to connect to the motherboard.
DVD+-R/RW drive
As you can see, computer DVD drives can become very useful for many reasons.
If you wonder if you can still use your CDs, know that DVD drives are backward compatible with CD media, so no need for a CD drive.
What Are The DVD Media DVD-R And DVD+R?
DVD - and + is an optic disc format or media format if you prefer. DVD-R has a storing capacity of 4.71 GB (4.382 GiB). Dual Layer also exists in this format with a capacity of 8.54 GB. The DL format must be fliped to use the 2 sides of the disc. Being the first one to hit the market, DVD-R format were a bit cheaper than DVD+R at start. Nowdays they are sold for the same price.
DVD media
It was tricky to determine which one was really better. The DVD+R offers better accuracy but the DVD-R was less expensive.
Until now, if you wanted your CDs or DVDs able to work in your CD player or your TV DVD player using different formats, you needed to buy 2 burning devices, 1 for the +R format and 1 for the -R format.
Suggestion:
If you do not have a DVD burner drive yet, then go for the DVD±R. Look around and try to find the format you will need the most. Look at your friend's computer or TV DVD machines you know you will share CD/DVD media with. Then buy more CD/DVD format than the other. This way you have the best of both worlds and you do not spend more money than necessary.
Media Types And Formats
CD DVD media can be read, write and rewrite by your CD DVD drive, meaning they can be erased and burned again. I made a table to illustrate drives compatibility among media and their formats.- R stands for read and write
- RW stands for read, write and rewrite
- DL stands for dual layer
Compare drives read and write compatibility with CD and DVD media. | |||||||
| Media---> | CD-R | CD-RW | DVD-R | DVD+R | DVD-RW | DVD+RW | DVD±R DL |
| DVD ROM | Read | Read | Read | Read | Read | Read | Read |
| DVD-R | Write | Write | Write | Read | Read | Read | Read |
| DVD-RW | Write | Write | Write | Read | Write | Read | Read |
| DVD+R | Write | Write | Read | Write | Read | Read | Read |
| DVD+RW | Write | Write | Read | Write | Read | Write | Read |
| DVD±RW | Wrtie | Write | Write | Write | Write | Write | Read |
| DVD±RW DL | Write | Write | Write | Write | Write | Write | Write |
[I hope you appreciated the CD DVD drive guide
and I invite you to take a look at the other guides.]
and I invite you to take a look at the other guides.]