A dual layer DVD is a disc that has two or more layers that can be written to, as opposed to traditional DVDs that only have a single layer. Dual layer DVDs are identical to regular DVDs in every way, except that they store much more information. However, dual layer DVDs require equipment that are specifically designed for them in order to be read or written to.

 

How Dual Layer DVDs Work

A single layer DVD consists of a layer of heat sensitive organic dye that permanently changes shape when it comes in contact with the laser from a DVD burner. As the laser sweeps over the disc, it creates a series of indentions in the dye that represent data. When reading the disc, the DVD burner’s monitoring system is used in conjunction with the laser to measure fluctuations in the amount of time the laser takes to reflect off of each indention. In a dual layer disc, there is simply an additional layer behind the surface layer that can be burned or read by narrowing the beam of the laser.

 

Applications

Dual layer DVDs can be used for anything that a single layer DVD can, but are most often used for data related tasks. For example, dual layer DVDs can be used in the gaming industry for games that would otherwise require two separate discs or in the movie industry to include a movie and additional features on the same disc.

 

Advantages

Dual layer DVDs can store significantly more information than single layer DVDs. Regular dual layer DVDs usually store up to 8 GB of data, while dual layer HD DVDs and dual layer Blu-Ray discs can hold up to 30 GB and 50 GB respectively. Consequently, the additional disc space allows files to be larger, allowing for audio and video files to have much higher quality than regular DVDs can provide.

 

How to Burn a Dual Layer DVD

In order to burn a dual layer DVD, the user should ensure that he/she has a dual layer DVD burner. This is a hardware component and is critical to burning a dual layer DVD. Secondly, the user needs a DVD burning software that burns dual layer discs, such as Nero Start Smart. Finally, the user should purchase blank dual layer DVDs, which usually cost $20-$30 for a stack of 50 discs.