In 1995, a new optical disc format has been introduced called DVD, a name derived from “Digital Versatile Disc”. Discs to be used in movie players are referred to as DVD, where as discs for computer use are called DVD-ROM, for audio applications DVD-Audio.

The DVD shares the same physical dimensions as the CD, manufactured as two separate discs glued together.

The DVD can store from 4.7 gigabytes to 17 gigabytes of data in the following configurations:

DVD 5: single sided, single layer, 4.7 GB capacity
DVD 9: single sided, duel layer, 8.5 GB capacity

DVD 10: doubled sided, single layer, 9.4 GB capacity

DVD 18: doubled sided, dual layer, 17.0 GB capacity

Each layer of data allows for about 133 minutes of full motion MPEG-2 video. In addiction DVD supports variable bit data rates which increase digital video playback capabilities.

As a source to manufacture DVD, replicators use the Digital Linear Tape (DLT) to handle the large amount of data. Optical discs use microscopically engraved pits along tracks to hold the digital information. DVD use smaller pits and tighter tracks than CD.

DVDr

For short run DVDr it is more economical to produce these DVDr. Ideal quanities for DVDr are from 1 unit to 1,000 units produced in-house.