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DVD Sizes, DVD-5, DVD-9
DVD Write and read speeds
Download DVD Samples
DVD-Video Technical Info
DVD File/Folder structure
Video file comparison
More info
DVD stands for Digital Versatile/Video Disc, DVDR
stands for DVD Recordable and DVDRW for
DVD ReWriteable. If you're familiar with regular audio/music
CDs or regular DVD-Video discs, then you will know what a
recordable DVD looks like. A recordable DVD stores up
to 2 hours of very good quality DVD-Video, including several
audio tracks in formats like stereo, Dolby Digital or DTS
and also advanced menu systems, subtitles and still pictures
that can be played by many standalone DVD Players and most
computer DVD-ROMs. If you choose to lower the video quality
it is possible to store several hours video on a recordable
DVD using low bitrates and low resolution with video quality
more like VHS, SVHS, SVCD,
CVD or VCD. It is also possible to have
up to 4.37* GB ordinary data or mix DVD-Video
and data on a recordable DVD that can be played by most computer
DVD-ROMs.
There are three competing DVD Recording standards, DVD-R/DVD-RW
and DVD+R/DVD+RW have pretty similiar features
and are compatible with many standalone DVD Players and most
DVD-ROMs while DVD-RAM has less DVD Player
and DVD-ROM compatibility but better recording features.
DVD-R and DVD-RW
DVD-R was the first DVD recording format released that was
compatible with standalone DVD Players.
DVD-R is a non-rewriteable format and it is compatible with
about 93%
of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD-RW is a rewriteable format and it is compatible with about
80%
of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD-R and DVD-RW supports single side 4.37 computer GB* DVDs(called
DVD-5) and double sided 8.75
computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
These formats are supported by DVDForum.
DVD+R and DVD+RW
DVD+R is a non-rewritable format and it is compatible with
about 89%
of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD+RW is a rewritable format and is compatible with about
79%
of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
DVD+R and DVD+RW supports single side 4.37 computer GB* DVDs(called
DVD-5) and double side 8.75 computer
GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
These formats are supported by the DVD+RW
Alliance.
DVD+R DL
DVD+R DL or called DVD+R9 is a Dual Layer writeable DVD+R. The dual layered discs can hold 7.95 computer GB* (called DVD-9) and dual layered double sides 15.9* computer GB (called dvd-18).
DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM has the best recording features but it is not
compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD-Video players.
Think more of it as a removable hard disk. DVD-RAM is usually
used in some DVD
Recorders.
This format is supported by DVDForum.
Read our DVD Writers and Recorders list and read also our DVD Players Compatibility list to see what types your standalone DVD Player supports. You find more detailed comparisons between the formats in the more info section here.
The DVD sizes can be a bit confusing. There are basicly 4 different DVD Sizes,
DVD-5, holds around 4 700 000 000 bytes and that is 4.37 computer GB where 1 kbyte is 1024 bytes* . DVD+R/DVD+RW and DVD-R/DVD-RW supports this format. Also called Single Sided Single Layered. This is the most common DVD Media, often called 4.7 GB Media.
DVD-10, holds around 9 400 000 000 bytes and that is 8.75 computer GB. DVD+R/DVD+RW and DVD-R/DVD-RW supports this format. Also called Double Sided Single Layered.
DVD-9, holds around 8 540 000 000 bytes and that is 7.95 computer GB. DVD+R supports this format. Also called Single Sided Dual Layered. This media is called DVD+R9, DVD+R DL or 8.5 GB Media.
DVD-18, holds around 17 080 000 000 bytes and that is 15.9 computer GB. DVD+R supports this format. Also called Double Sided Dual Layered.
* In the computer world is 1 KB data = 1024 bytes so 4 700 000 000 bytes / 1024 = 4 589 843KB / 1024 = 4482MB / 1024 = 4.37GB. See section 3.3 in the DVDDemystified FAQ here.
DVD+R/DVD+RW/DVD+R DL and DVD-R/DVD-RW exact sizes
DVD-R/DVD-RW = 4 706 074 624 bytes ( 4488 MB )
DVD+R/DVD+RW = 4 700 372 992 bytes ( 4482 MB )
DVD+R DL = 8 547 993 600 bytes ( 8152 MB )
| DVD Write and read speeds |
Single Layer(4.7GB) write speeds
1x (CLV) = about 58 minutes
2x (CLV) = about 29 minutes
2.4x (CLV) = about 24 minutes
4x (CLV) = about 14.5 minutes
6x (CLV/ZCLV) = about 10-12 minutes
8x (PCAV/ZCLV) = about 8-10 minutes
12x (PCAV/ZCLV) = about 6.5-7.5 minutes
16x (CAV/ZCLV) = about 6-7 minutes
Dual/Double Layer(8.5GB) write speeds
1x CLV = about 105 minutes
2.4x CLV = about 44 minutes
4x CLV = about 27 minutes
Single Layer (4.7GB) read speeds
1x read speed is 1.321MB/s = ~56 minutes
6x CAV (avg. ~4x) read speed is max 7.93MB/s = ~14 minutes
8x CAV (avg. ~6x) read speed is max 10.57MB/s = ~10 minutes
12x CAV (avg. ~8x) read speed is max 15.85MB/s = ~7 minutes
16x CAV (avg. ~12x) read speed is max 21.13MB/s = ~5 minutes
* write speed time and read speed time is not the same because writing requires some extra steps and also does the faster writing above 6x usually use lower write speeds for some parts of the dvd. 4x DVD speed = 36x CD speed. See section 4.2 in the DVDDemystified FAQ here.
| Other non-standard special DVD formats: |
DVD-VCD
is basicly a VCD authored on a DVD. DVD supports the VCD resolution but the audio has to be resampled to 48 khz. If the audio is resampled to 48 khz it is standard DVD-Video. Read more here how to make a such.
DVD-SVCD
is basicly a SVCD authored on a DVD. DVD do not supports the SVCD resolution but it may anyway work and the audio has to be resampled to 48 khz like the DVD-VCD. Read more here how to make a such and download a DVD Sample including a DVD-SVCD here.
DVD-MP3
is MP3s burned on a DVD but very few MP3 capable standalone DVD Players supports it because most Players verify DVD as DVD-Video only. Check our DVD Players list for compatibility.
DVD-ISO
is MPEG ,MPG, VOB files burned on a DVD without any DVD Authoring(making the vob,ifo files) but very few standalone DVD Players supports it because most Players verify DVD as DVD-Video only. Check our DVD Players list for compatibility.
What is miniDVD / cDVD then?
Read here on the miniDVD/cDVD page.
|
DVD Samples, DVD-SVCD Samples |
|
Technical Info for DVD-Video |
PAL
Video:
Up to 9.8 Mbps* (9800 kbps*) MPEG2 video
Up to 1.856 Mbps (1856 kbps) MPEG1
video
720 x 576 pixels MPEG2 (Called Full-D1)
704 x 576 pixels MPEG2
352 x 576 pixels MPEG2 (Called Half-D1, same as the CVD
Standard)
352 x 288 pixels MPEG2
352 x 288 pixels MPEG1 (Same as the VCD Standard)
25 fps*
16:9 Anamorphic (only supported by 720x576)
Audio:
48000 Hz
32 - 1536 kbps
Up to 8 audio tracks containing Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM(uncompressed
audio), MPEG-1 Layer2. One audio track must have MPEG-1,
DD or PCM Audio.
Extras:
Motion menus, still pictures, up to 32 selectable subtitles, seamless branching for multiple storylines, 9 camera angles. And also additional DVD-ROM / data files that only can be read by computer DVD drives.
Total:
Total bitrate including video, audio and subs can be max 10.08 Mbps (10080 kbps)
* Mbps = million bits per second
* kbps = thousand bits per second
* fps = frames per second
For more technical DVD-Video details read the
DVDDemystified DVD FAQ section 3.4 or the mpeg.org
DVD Technical Notes.
|
NTSC
(NTSC Film)
Video:
Up to 9.8 Mbps* (9800 kbps*) MPEG2 video
Up to 1.856 Mbps (1856 kbps) MPEG1
video
720 x 480 pixels MPEG2 (Called Full-D1)
704 x 480 pixels MPEG2
352 x 480 pixels MPEG2 (Called Half-D1, same as the CVD
Standard)
352 x 240 pixels MPEG2
352 x 240 pixels MPEG1 (Same as the VCD Standard)
29,97 fps*
23,976 fps with 3:2
pulldown = 29,97 playback fps (NTSC Film, this is
only supported by MPEG2 video)
16:9 Anamorphic (only supported by 720x480)
Audio:
48000 Hz
32 - 1536 kbps
Up to 8 audio tracks containing DD (Dolby Digital/AC3),
DTS, PCM(uncompressed audio), MPEG-1 Layer2. One audio
track must have DD or PCM Audio.
Extras:
Motion menus, still pictures, up to 32 selectable subtitles, seamless branching for multiple storylines, 9 camera angles. And also additional DVD-ROM / data files that only can be read by computer DVD drives.
Total:
Total bitrate including video, audio and subs can be max 10.08 Mbps (10080 kbps)
* Mbps = million bits per second
* kbps = thousand bits per second
* fps = frames per second
For more technical DVD-Video details read the
DVDDemystified DVD FAQ section 3.4 or the mpeg.org
DVD Technical Notes.
|
| DVD
File/Folder Structure |
Explanation:
. BUP = Backup files of the IFO files.
. IFO = The IFO files includes information such as chapters,
subtitle tracks and audio tracks.
. VOB = The VOB files contains the actual video,audio,subtitles
and menus.
| Folder |
Files |
Explanation |
| AUDIO_TS |
(undefined) |
DVD
Audio |
| VIDEO_TS |
VIDEO_TS.BUP |
|
| |
VIDEO_TS.IFO
|
The first video play item, IFO,
usally a copyright notice or a menu |
| |
VIDEO_TS.VOB |
The first video play item, VOB |
| |
VTS_01_0.BUP |
|
| |
VTS_01_0.IFO |
Title 01, IFO,
usually the main movie |
| |
VTS_01_0.VOB |
Title 01, VOB 0, the menu for this
title |
| |
VTS_01_1.VOB |
Title 01, VOB 1, the
video for this title |
| |
VTS_01_2.VOB |
Title 01, VOB 2, if larger
than 1 GB it will be splitted into several vobs |
| |
VTS_01_3.VOB |
Title 01, VOB 3 |
| |
VTS_01_4.VOB |
Title 01, VOB 4, up to
10(0-9) VOB files if necassary |
| |
VTS_02_0.BUP |
|
| |
VTS_02_0.IFO |
Title 02, IFO,
usually movie extras |
| |
VTS_02_0.VOB |
Title 02, VOB 0, the menu for this
title |
| |
VTS_02_1.VOB |
Title 02, VOB 1, the video for
this title |
| |
VTS_xx_x.BUP |
|
| |
VTS_xx_x.IFO |
And so on |
| |
VTS_xx_x.VOB |
|
| |
VTS_xx_x.VOB |
|
| |
VTS_99_9.VOB |
Up to 99(1-99) titles with max 10(0-9)
VOB files each |
| Format |
VCD |
SVCD
|
DVD |
HDDVD
HDTV
(WMVHD) |
AVI
DivX
XviD
WMV |
MOV
Quick-
Time
|
RM
Real-
Media
|
AVI
DV |
| Resolution
NTSC/PAL |
352x240
352x288 |
480x480
480x576
|
720x480²
720x576² |
1440x1080²
1280x720² |
640x480² |
640x480² |
320x240² |
720x480
720x576 |
| Video
Compression |
MPEG1 |
MPEG2 |
MPEG2,
MPEG1 |
MPEG2
(WMV-
MPEG4) |
MPEG4 |
Sorenson,
Cinepak, MPEG4 ... |
RM |
DV |
| Video bitrate |
1150kbps |
~2000kbps |
~5000kbps |
~20Mbps
(~8Mbps) |
~1000kbps |
~1000kbps |
~350kbps |
25Mbps |
| Audio
Compression |
MP1 |
MP1 |
MP1, MP2, AC3, DTS, PCM |
MP1, MP2, AC3, DTS, PCM |
MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, AC3 |
QDesign Music, MP3 ... |
RM |
DV |
| Audio bitrate |
224kbps |
~224kbps |
~448kbps |
~448kbps |
~128kbps |
~128kbps |
~64kbps |
~1500kbps |
| Size/min |
10
MB/min |
10-20
MB/min |
30-70
MB/min
|
~150MB/min
(~60MB/min)
|
4-10
MB/min |
4-20
MB/min |
2-5
MB/min
|
216MB/min |
| Min/74min
CD |
74min |
35-60min |
10-20min |
~4min
(~10min) |
60-180min |
30-180
min |
120-300
min |
3min |
| Hours/DVD |
N/A |
N/A |
1-2hrs
(2-5hrsª) |
~30min
(~1hrs) |
7-18hrs |
3-18hrs |
14-35hrs |
20min |
Hours/
DualLayerDVD |
N/A |
N/A |
2-4hrs
(5-9hrsª) |
~55min
(~2hrs) |
13-30hrs |
6-30hrs |
25-65hrs |
37min |
| DVD Player
Compatibility |
Great |
Good |
Excellent |
None |
Few |
None |
None |
None |
| Computer
CPU Usage |
Low |
High |
Very High |
Super high |
Very High |
High |
Low |
High |
| Quality |
Good |
Great* |
Excellent* |
Superb* |
Great* |
Great* |
Decent* |
Excellent |
kbps = thousand bits per second
Mbps = million bits per second
² approximately resolution, it can be higher or lower
~ approximately bitrate, it can be higher or lower
ª DVD with lower video quality, similiar to VCD/SVCD video quality
* the video quality depends on the bitrate and the video resolution, higher bitrate
and higher resolution generally means better video quality but bigger file size
General DVD Info
The DVDDemystified DVD FAQ
mpeg.org
DVD Technical Notes
Comparisons between
the difference formats, DVD-R vs DVD+R, DVD+RW vs DVD-RW vs
DVD-RAM
What's the difference between the various DVD recordable formats,
and what should I buy?
DVDDemystified
DVD FAQ comparison
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