What is DVD?
DVD is the common name for a plastic disc that typically has a diameter of 4.7’. DVD is the abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disc and it utilizes infinitesimal pits on the disc surface that serves as digital information storage. Originally, DVD stands for the unofficial name Digital Video Disc. A fine laser beam is utilized to read the digital information stored on the aluminum coated pits. DVDs are well liked due to its capacity to store large digital information. One DVD can hold between 4.7 to 17 Gigabytes of data. Typically, a DVD is used as medium to store and circulate movies or videos.

DVD is very much like its predecessor CD or Compact Disc. However, the difference is that a DVD can store more information. DVD can store data up to 26 times a CD can hold. Both discs employ laser to read digital information stored. On the other hand, although both discs use similar laser technology, DVD uses a thinner laser to read its digital content. DVD needs a thinner laser since its microscopic pits are also more diminutive than that of a CD.

The reason why DVDs can hold more digital data is that it can have an initial translucent layer that can store data. This translucent layer allows the thin laser to access the second layer containing another set of digital information. With this technology, DVDs have double capacity. Moreover, DVDs can be made into a double-sided disc, which in turn increases it capacity up to 4 times.

DVDs are manufactured in different kinds but each employs the same fundamental technology.

• DVD-R ‘“ this kind permits one-time writing or burning on the disc
• DVD-ROM ‘“ this disc does not permit writing. Its purpose is for reading only. Video and audio commonly use this kind of DVD for content distribution.
• DVD-RAM/DVD+RW/DVD-RW ‘“ permits users to burn or write data for several times, this DVDs are sometimes called multi-session DVDs

The middle of 1990s paved the way for DVD to gain popularity. In the beginning, various manufacturers were working out variations of the similar technology. There is still no industry-wide standard to follow then. However, key players in the computer industry did not gamble to adopt a technology without a standard.

Computer manufacturers urge DVD manufacturers to agree on a single standard or they will not make use of the technology. DVD manufacturers, pressured by the stand of computer manufacturers finally agreed to a single standard. In 1995, a standard on the manufacture of digital versatile disc was established.

Shortly after the establishment of DVD standard, the technology has started to gain popularity in the global market. What attracted the consumers most is the DVD’s storage capacity. Developers of software programs, movie or film makers, have utilized the advantages of the DVD technology. DVD is considered interactive as it enables user to access several options especially when watching movies. VHS had been left behind since the introduction the DVD in the international market. Moreover, DVDs are not prone to molds unlike the old VHS cassette tapes. In addition, DVD has provided movie watchers better picture and improved sound quality due to its larger storage capacity.