DISC FORMAT
CD
DVD (single layer)
DVD (double layer)
Blu-ray Disc (single layer)
Blu-ray Disc (dual layer)
0
10
20 30 40
GB (GIGAB YTES) OF S TORAGE
50
60
widely compatible with drives and set-top players—the type you have connected to your TV—and also last longer compared to RW discs. If you plan to
save your backups or record events on video to share, R discs are your best
choice because more people will be able to play them in their own equipment.
Discs are available in different colors, which can help you organize your
recordings. Printable discs are great for customizing your data or movies,
when used with a compatible inkjet printer for professional-looking results.
Speeds and recording times
Recordable DVDs have a speed, such as 16x, noted on the package. This
means that if your computer’s drive can record at 16x, a video will record 16
times faster than it takes to watch it; e.g., it would take one minute to record a
16-minute video. However, if the DVD drive speed is lower—4x for example—
even a disc marked 16x will record only four times faster; e.g., it would take
four minutes to record a 16-minute video. Regardless of the speed of the disc,
the recording speed can be no faster than the speed of the computer’s drive.
What is the difference between DVD+R and DVD-R?
The truth is, not much. Over the years the differences between the plus
and dash formats have narrowed. The most important factor when making a
disc purchase is to match the drive recorder format in a particular computer
to the disc.
If the drive recorder is a combination unit, either format will work. When
time is the main concern, the DVD+R is a good choice because +R discs have
a faster finalization time (the time needed to write system information to the
disc at the end of the recording process). If playback compatibility is your
main concern, DVD-R is more often compatible because it has been around
longer than the DVD+R format. A
CREATE A COMPELLING
SLIDE SHOW
WHY DISPLAY YOUR photos statically on your
computer screen or TV when you can instead
present them in an interesting slide show
with music? Here’s how, using common slide-show-creating software on your computer.
1. Shoot an entire event, such as a school
musical or a whole season following your
child’s sports team, and then select highlights for your disc. Capture backstage or
sideline action as well as the actual games
or performances. The stage managers, set
designers, coaches and water carriers are
important too!
2. Identify the people in the pictures using
the program’s titling capabilities, or simply
label photos with the names of the people
in them.
3. Ask other photographers, such as parents,
for their photos and video to supplement
your own, and choose the best material for
your production. You don’t need to do all
the shooting.
4. Most programs have tools to add special
creative effects and transitions between
slides. You can even combine them with
video tracks.
5. Add a title, music and credits, and you’ve
created a masterpiece. Then share it on a
DVD or online. A
