DVD Backup: Rw Versus R
A Backup Article Contributed by Ashley Lister
DVD Backup: Rw Versus R
Regardless of the format that has been chosen for DVD backup, whether it is DVD+RW/+R or DVD-RW/-R, users should make a careful distinction between using the re-writable media or the plain Write Once, Read Many (WORM) media.
DVD Backup to Rw Media.
The RW media is a technology based on a phase-change erasable format. The -RW format was built on technology created for DVD-R and uses similar track pitch, mark length, and rotation control. The +RW format was based on CD-RW advances. This format also uses phase-change media, but with a high-frequency wobbled groove that eliminates the need for linking sectors. With options for no defect management it allows DVD+RW discs to be compatible with many existing DVD readers.
Because these are rewritable media, DVD +RW and DVD -RW discs can be written to again and again. Conservative estimates say that each disc can we rewritten to at least one thousand times before the disc is unable to tolerate any further changes to the information being held. Although they are more expensive than R media, this means that, as a storage medium for daily or weekly data backups, they are an ideal way of holding information.
DVD Backup to r Media.
DVD +R and DVD -R use organic dye technology for the writing process and they are compatible with most DVD drives and players. This is a similar process to that used for the creation of recordable CDs. When DVD +/- R discs were first created their capacity was a mere 3.95 billion bytes but it has since been extended to 4.7 billion bytes.
Because these discs can only be written to once they are not ideal for a daily backup. However, because there is no chance of them being written over, they do make a useful storage device for templates, photographs, sound files and other information that is not going to alter from one week to another. Additionally, for those who have a backup system that keeps a copy of each month end, supported by a weekly or daily backup, the +/- R media of DVD is an ideal resource that shouldn't be overlooked.
Choosing DVD Backup.
If you have decided to use dvd backup to store your information you have clearly made a wise decision. Each disc holds an average of 4.7 gigabytes which, with compression, could possibly be taken as high ten gigabytes. This is a lot of storage space for a comparatively small disc. Both the RW media and the R media have proved more than capable at retaining the data that is stored on them.
Backup speeds are usually quick, the cost of blank DVDs in either RW or R media are low and dropping and the outlook for DVD backup shows a prospect of healthy longevity. Add to this the fact that encryption and password protection are options on the majority of DVD softwares and it is easy to understand why many critics are touting DVD backup as the choice for tomorrow.
