DVD-R Facts for Kids

A DVD-R is a special type of DVD that you can record information onto, but only once! Think of it like a blank notebook where you can write down your stories, pictures, or movies. Once you've written on a page, you can't erase it and write something new in that exact spot.

This kind of DVD uses a thin layer of special dye. When a powerful laser shines on this dye, it changes the dye's color in tiny spots. These changed spots then reflect light differently, allowing a weaker laser to read the information back later. You can put all sorts of things on a DVD-R, like DVD-Video (movies), DVD-Audio (music), or even computer files (like a DVD-ROM).

What is a DVD-R?
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What is a DVD-R?

A DVD-R is a type of DVD disc that allows you to record data onto it. The "R" stands for "Recordable," meaning you can write information to it. Unlike a regular DVD that comes with movies or software already on it, a DVD-R is blank when you buy it. You need a special device called a DVD writer to put your own content onto it.

How Does a DVD-R Work?

A DVD-R has a special layer made of organic dye. When you record something, a strong laser inside your DVD writer shines on this dye. This laser "burns" tiny spots into the dye layer, changing its color and how it reflects light. These changed spots create a pattern that represents your data, like a movie or photos. When you want to play back what you recorded, a weaker laser reads these patterns. The way the light reflects off the burned and unburned spots tells the DVD player what information is stored there.

How Much Can a DVD-R Hold?

Most DVD-R discs can hold about 4.7 gigabytes (GB) of data. To give you an idea, 4.7 GB is usually enough space for a full-length movie or thousands of pictures. In 2005, a company called Pioneer also made a special version called DVD-R DL. The "DL" stands for "Dual Layer," meaning it has two recording layers instead of one. This allows it to hold much more data, typically around 8.5 GB!

One Time Use: DVD-R vs. Rewritable DVDs

The main thing to remember about a DVD-R is that it's a "write once" disc. This means once you record something onto it, you cannot erase that information and record something new in its place. It's like writing with a permanent marker.

However, there are other types of recordable DVDs called "rewritable" discs, such as DVD-RW or DVD+RW. These discs are different because you can record, erase, and re-record information on them many times, sometimes over a thousand times! Think of them like a pencil and paper – you can erase mistakes and write something new.

Other Types of Recordable DVDs

Besides DVD-R, there are a couple of other main types of recordable DVDs that were developed by different companies. These include DVD+R(W) and DVD-RAM. Each type has its own way of working, but they all aim to let you store your own data on a DVD disc. For a while, these different formats competed with each other, but many modern DVD players and writers can handle most of them.