8. Digital Versatile Disk (DVD)

DVDs are amongst the most common methods of copying and backing up data at home.

DVDA DVD is similar to a CD in that it is an optical device and that a laser is used to store the data and read the data.

A single sided DVD can store about 4.7Gb of data. DVDs which store data on both sides can hold over 9Gb of data.

One problem with the DVD is that the different companies which make them haven't agreed on a standard format.

Because of this, you will see various kinds of DVD disks for sale: DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW.

You have to make sure that you buy the right kind of disk to go with your DVD equipment.

Advantages
  • Very large storage capacity
  • Sound and picture quality is excellent, making them ideal for storing films with video and sound.
  • DVDs are now mass produced so they are relatively cheap
  • DVD players can read CDs
Disadvantages
  • DVDs do not work in CD drives
  • There is no single standard of DVD
  • They can be easily damaged by breaking or scratching

challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: DVD