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Dual Layer DVD-R

During the past decade, DVD's have become an easy, comfortable and affordable way of storing data. Computer hard drives should not be used as the only means of storage since, no matter how reliable and well protected they are, they can crash. Your system administrator will advise you that, even though you may have a $2,000 UPS device, a huge power spike can pretty much fry your mainboard, hard drives and RAM.

The dual layer DVD-R is the new improvement in the DVD technology. Originally developed by Phillips Research and Mitsubishi Kagacu Media (MKM), this new type of disc has a capacity of around 8.5 Gigabytes, whereas its predecessor could only store up to 4.7 Gigabytes. The dual layer DVD-R is steadily turning into the ideal means for the backup of your hard disk drive.

dual layer dvd r As the name suggests, a dual layer DVD-R is comprised of two overlapping layers, one of them being semitransparent. The recording device starts off with the first layer it can find, usually the opaque one at the bottom, from the center of the disk outwards. When it finishes, the burning lens will automatically move on to the next layer. This is done even by old DVD recorders, so you won't need to purchase additional hardware to use a dual layer DVD-R.

The boost in storage space makes these discs an ideal mean of storing your favorite MP3's and images, or even for use in your dvd player w/ hard drive. Considering an average of 4 megabytes for an MP3 running at 128 kilobytes per second, you can store more than 2,000 songs on one single disc. Or, if your camera produces JPEG files of around 2 megabytes each, imagine storing more than 4,000 images on a double layer DVD-R!

The prices for such discs have gone rock bottom. Let us remember that in the early 2000's a single layered disc would cost more than $20. Nowadays, a 50-er spindle of double layer DVD-R discs is priced around $50 (give or take $5, depending on the manufacturer), which boils down to around $1 per disc. Verbatim is one of the most popular brand names of these discs.

Double Layer DVD R – Buying Considerations

dual layer dvdr

When shopping for dual layer DVDs, there are a few tips you should keep in mind. First, you get the best value for the dollar spent if you buy them in bulk, i.e. get spindles of 25, 50 or more items, instead of single packed ones.

Second, don't buy discs in jewel cases, unless you really need them, as they tend to cost more. The best deal would be to buy a CD/DVD bag, which is in the range of $20 and can hold up to 100 discs. Last, but not least, remember that you can find the best deals on double layer DVD-R's with the major online retailers. Since they sell literally millions of discs every day, brand distributors offer them huge discounts, which translates into lower prices for the end user.

Also, online shops have lower overhead with rent, utilities and sales personnel, compared to traditional, brick and mortar shops, so they can offer even lower DVD R prices while keeping the same profit margin.

Panasonic Philips DVD Storage Binders Dual Layer DVD-R DVDs and DVD Recorders Privacy