DVD 9.4 GB: When You Need the More Space

Have you burned a home movie onto a DVD, only to realize that the disc skips at the end? So why did that happen? The answer is that even though you might have compressed your files, it still might run too close to the end of the DVD. What's the answer? Buy blank DVD-R discs that have more space! Yes, indeed, 4.7 GB is NOT the only blank DVD-R available to you.

There are five types of DVD types available to the marketplace, DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, DVD-14 and DVD-18. Typically, DVD-5's are the ones you find on most store shelves, being single sided and layered and hold 4.7 GB of information. If you need more space, the "standard issue" blank DVD is not what you are looking for. DVD-9's are single sided, dual layered, and hold 9.4 GB. DVD-10's are dual sided and hold 9.4 GB. I don't recommend the 10's, as you will have to flip the disc halfway through your movie. The next two types of blank DVD's would probably be very difficult to allocate, but just so you know: DVD-14's are dual sided, single layered and one dual layer, holding 13.2 GB of information. And finally, DVD-18's are dual sided, dual layered and hold a whopping 17.1 GB of data.

Most of us really will never have need anything higher than a DVD-9, which can be bought online per disc or as a spindle. Prices range from about $25-$35 dollars for a spindle. However, that's not the final word. You can find plenty of great bargains online that could set your price at $14 dollars for a spindle.

That's not even the end of your decision making process. You still have to decide on silver inkjet, silver thermal, white inkjet or white thermal printables. The white DVD's look like you already put a blank label on it. If you have access to a DVD printer, you'll be printing against the white. If you choose silver, the image will be more transparent and look more like a DVD you've purchased. Some people say that putting a label onto a blank DVD has ill effects on the playing of the DVD, so I'd be inclined to suggest going minimal in this area.

Now that you've been informed, pick a brand you trust that has worked out for you in the past. Some people have had issues with big name DVD makers, such as Memorex, and others have no trouble at all. This could be an issue of compatibility with your DVD player, burner, or burning software. Go with what you know works for you.