WioP: A Guide To CD And DVD Writers And Burners

An Introduction To CD & DVD Burners
CD and DVD writeable drives can be called a variety of different names but are usually known as either "writers", "rewriters" or "burners". These drives are defined as electronic devices that etch information onto a media disc using a laser. CD and DVD burners have the capability to record anything from simple data, to music and video on to specially formatted discs.

As technology pushes the boundaries of computing forward, CD writers are quickly becoming obsolete being replaced by faster, more reliable DVD writers. All but very basic new computers are now coming with DVD writers built in as standard now, and most are "backwards compatable" meaning you can still read and write data from CDs but you are no longer limited to the 700Mb CD. Dual layer technology enables this new breed of writer to save up to a massive 8.4Gb of information onto a single DVD.

Blank DVDs come in a variety of different formats, including DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW. Earlier DVD drives were limited to using only one or sometimes two of the different formats which sometimes caused compatibility issues between computers but most devices manufactured today are "multi-format" drives enabling you to use any type of disc.

Being able to store vast amounts of data on a single disk makes these DVD burners an excellent choice for backing up entire computers onto a single disk. They also enable you to make backup copies of all your favourite DVD videos. This is completely legal, as long as you own the original DVD and only make copies of it for your personal use.

Most DVD writers made today come with free software enabling you to get the most out of your product. Software can include a "burning suite" making disc creation a simple point and click affair and some devices come with video editing and creation software allowing you to edit your home movies and create professional looking DVDs quickly and easily.