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What’s better than two DVDs? Two DVDs that can fit on one disc! New dual-layer
or double-layer DVD drives are now on the market (DVD+R DL). The technology isn’t
new. Hollywood has been churning out these discs, also known as DVD-9, for years.
Until now, you had to either shrink your DVDs or split them up using a special
program.
Although these drives are new, many can be had for under $100, $70 being the lowest
I found. SureThing.com is now carrying DVD
media, including the new DVD+R DL.
Besides the blank media, you can also pick up DVD inserts and the cases themselves.
What’s great about these new drives and discs is you don’t have to
hassle with splitting, shrinking and re-encoding your DVD movies, and the discs
are compatible with home DVD players. Besides DVD video, these disks can also
be used to back up more data. Single layer discs, or DVD-5, could only hold up
to 4.7 GB whereas the new discs can hold 8.5 GB!
But I just bought
my DVD writer, is it already obsolete?
Well, consider that the number of CD writers still outnumbers DVD writers in most
stores. CD burners and the media they use become cheaper and faster all the time.
The same thing is happening with DVD burners. Sure, the DVD+R DL media is more
expensive and they take longer to burn, but the drives are very inexpensive. Here
is a list of drives that support dual-layer burning:
- BenQ DW-1600A
- LG GSA-4120B
- Lite-On SOHW-832S
- Sony DRU-700A
- NEC ND-2510A
- Pioneer DVR-A08XL (not out yet, but will offer 4x at dual-layer)
Is it illegal to copy my own DVD?
No, it is not illegal to copy your DVD or CD under the DMCA (Digital Millennium
Copyright Act of 1998). The issue is that DVDs, unlike CDs, have copyright protection
and it is illegal to circumvent this.
However, there are many DVDs out there that don’t have copyright protection.
If you own the cult classic Spinal Tap, for instance, you can legally make
a backup copy of it. Put the disc in the drive and burn it using Nero 5 or 6 in
under thirty minutes.
Links to various DVD essentials:
Here are links to the DVD burning software you'll need.
Useful information pertaining to backing up your DVDs, how it relates to copy
protection, etc:
And of course, the best place to get all your media, labels and supplies:
Looking for the orginal artwork for your CDs and DVDs? Here's a useful site where
you can download cover images for your jewel cases, inserts, etc:
NOTE: We at Microvision Development do not condone or endorse any illegal decryption
of DVDs.
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