- Introduction
- Comparing Write Performance of Double Layer and Single-Layer DVD+R Media
- Compatibility Issues with Existing DVD Drives
- Software Compatibility
- Getting Your Hands on Double Layer Drives and Media
- Conclusion
Getting Your Hands on Double Layer Drives and Media
Several leading DVD±R/RW drive vendors have begun to sell double layer DVD+R drives. Table 2 provides a list of most vendors as of late 2004.
Table 2 Double Layer Rewritable DVD Drives by Vendor
Vendor |
Website |
Asus |
|
BenQ |
|
I/Omagic |
|
LaCie |
|
LG Electronics |
|
LiteON |
|
Memorex |
|
NEC |
|
Optorite |
|
Philips |
|
Pioneer |
|
Sony |
|
TDK |
|
Toshiba |
Expect to see most other vendors add double layer drives to their product offerings by 2005. Note that most of the newer double layer drives support writing at up to 16X to single-layer DVD+R media, and 4X to DVD+R DL (double layer) media, meaning that you don't need to choose between very high capacity and very high speed. Keep in mind however that 16X single-layer media, and 4X double layer media are not yet available. In fact, despite the growing number of double layer DVD rewriteable drives, even the basic 2.4X double layer media is not widely available. This will all change of course, as double layer drives become more and more prevalent so will the media.