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We directly cannot copy a file from hard drive to DVD, we need a DVD writer to burn it on the DVD disk. Hard drive is a removeable device and we can read and write data as we need but DVD is a non-removeable disk and we can only write it for once, the process of writing or copying file to the DVD through a DVD-writer is called burning.
There are many different kinds of DVD’s, and knowing what kind you would like to copy is important before making the decision to burn. The process used to burn DVD’s usually depends on the kind of DVD but three common types are used the most when burning. They are: Burning Data DVD’s, Storing Multimedia Files on a DVD, and burning Commercial DVD’s. We’ll take a look at these three methods below.
Burning Data to DVD’s
The easiest way to burn DVD’s is by copying everyday normal data. This includes ordinary files like documents, spreadsheets, and database files and is the easiest method because no special decryption software or regionally specific encoding is needed. Any computer with a DVD drive will easily play these burned DVD’s.
It is a good idea to download some of the multiple free DVD burning programs available to test them out. You may also want to check out commercial DVD burning software available for purchase. Most newly purchased computers already come with a DVD burner and burning software installed and ready to use. All you have to do is start the DVD burning software, make sure to select DATA DVD as the type of DVD to be burned, then follow the prompts. A full length DVD contains around 4.7GB of data and can be burned in around 20 minutes with an average DVD burner. Higher speed DVD burners will be able to burn your data much more quickly.
Burning Multimedia Files to DVD’s
While the process of burning audio and video (multimedia) files to a DVD is basically the same as burning data DVD’s, multimedia DVD’s require additional thought before copying. This is because you will most likely want to add some extra features when burning a precious wedding video or converting old VHS tapes to a friendlier and longer lasting format.
The DVD authoring tools available today make burning multimedia DVD’s with a professional touch a breeze. Convenient features like Chapters (to skip to a specific section of longer videos), Menu pages (perfect for a wedding video), and Titles (to index multiple TV shows or videos already stored on your computer) gives everyone the ability to burn polished DVD’s easily. Subtitles that you create yourself can even be added by some DVD burning software and Digital Rights Management (DRM) may also be available. DRM allows you to create commercial grade videos that are tough for others to easily copy to another DVD.
Burning Commercial DVD’s
Burning copies of commercial DVD’s is one of the primary uses of DVD burners and is enjoyed by many people who own them. While it may not be illegal to burn copyrighted material for your own use, in most areas of the world it is illegal to make copies of commercial DVD’s to sell or give away to others. You can still burn copyrighted material, including commercial DVD’s, if the burned copy is for personal use. Some uses may include creating a DVD archive or backup, or having an extra copy available for use in the computer or car’s DVD player.
A commercial DVD can be copied by many tools, but decoding software specifically designed to remove (”crack”) digital rights management will be needed in addition to a regular DVD burner and DVD burning software. Besides copying the commercial DVD’s data and decoding any digital rights management, it is also important to note that most of the time you will need to shrink the file first.
The majority of commercial DVD’s hold between 7 and 8.4GB worth of data and are known as dual layer DVD’s. A normal blank DVD will hold 4.7GB of data, which means the larger amount of data on a commercial DVD needs to be compressed before it will fit on a blank DVD. After a commercial DVD has been cracked and the files compressed, ordinary DVD burning software can be used to burn the new DVD. Simply start your favorite DVD burning program then follow the prompts.
Since the process of copying commercial DVD’s can seem daunting to someone doing it for the first time, several companies have developed suites of DVD copying programs that simplify the process. These software tools will usually crack and decode the DVD, compress the files small enough to fit on a blank DVD, and can even add extra features before burning everything onto a normal DVD.
Now that you know how to burn DVD’s, you’re well on your way to burning your first one. Start by checking out free DVD burning programs as mentioned earlier, or just download one and jump right in. Remember to bookmark this article as reference should you run into any problems.
Have fun and happy DVD burning!
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