From Video to Disc: A DVD Software Buyer's Guide (page 2)

Other Considerations: Layers and Formats

Some final things to consider when thinking about DVD authoring hardware are single-layer and dual-layer recorders, as well as authoring format (SD, HD-DVD, and Blu-Ray). Single-sided, single-layer DVDs enable you to record up to 4.7GB of information per disc (DVD-5), where single-sided, double-layer holds up to 8.5GB. Dual-layer recorders are slightly more expensive, but well worth the money if you're recording longer format videos.

Although HD-DVD (15GB single, 30GB dual-layer capacity) and Blu-Ray (roughly 25GB single, 50GB dual-layer capacity) formats offer considerable video image quality, it may not be wise to invest in either of these formats just yet. Why? Two reasons: 1) neither format is the victor of the next format standard war; 2) the original SD-DVD format remains the most commonly used format.

As far as economics is concerned, SD-DVD is cheaper and covers the largest market share. Hi-Def digital video, in general, remains to be too expensive for most people, but the good news is that it will continue to drop in price. The move to Hi-Def digital video is analogous to the transition from dial-up to broadband Internet service and, as such, it's wiser to aim your video projects at the widest target audience.

Pat Bailey is a digital video Technical Support Analyst and freelance writer.

Side Bar:Sticky Situation

It gets a bit tricky when it comes to labeling DVDs as a paper sticker such as the type used on CDs will often throw these faster spinning optical discs off balance while being read. This can damage the disc or even the reader. Handwriting with permanent markers are a favorite method but not very professional looking. Some HP burners use LightScribe technology that uses a laser to etch a good looking monotone image onto specially coated blank media. Another option is a special ink jet printer with an optical tray for printing multi-color designs onto DVDs. Professional dupe and replication houses silk screen images onto optical media and we even know of a guy who hand silk screens onto his DVDs with glow in the dark ink.

Side Bar: Standalone or PC?

Stand-alone or turnkey DVD recorders provide the convenience of one-stop DVD production, but don't offer the creative flexibility found in PC-based authoring software and hardware. Also, if something breaks on a stand-alone recorder, you'll have to return the entire unit for repair, unlike repairing individual PC parts.