Digital Works

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is the current standard in optical disc storage technology for most industries. DVDs are able to hold video, audio, and computer data and offer a much higher storage capacity than CDs.  Similar to how the CD revolutionized the music industry, the DVD brought big changes to the home video and video rental market. In only three years from its introduction to the market the DVD became the most successful consumer electronics product of all time. This is due to the fact that DVD delivers stunning video resolution, high end audio performance, high capacity storage, speed, quality, and overall versatility. Much like CDs, DVDs are ideal for mass distribution because of their near-universal compatibility with disc-based electronics.

There are numerous DVD formats offering a range of storage capacities. The three most common types are as follows:

DVD-5: One side, with single layer of recording (4.7GB)

DVD-9: One side, with dual layers of recording (8.5GB)

DVD-10: Both sides, with a single layer of recording (9.4GB)

Digital Works will help you choose which type of disc is most logical for your needs. In some cases multiple discs may be preferred over a higher capacity disc, or vice versa.

The DVD manufacturing process is very similar to that of the CD. There are, however, two main physical differences between the CD disc and the DVD disc. First, the DVD pits or data tracks are smaller than those found on CDs (0.44 microns versus 0.83 microns in diameter). Second, the data tracks of the DVD are closer together than those on a CD (0.74 microns apart for the DVD versus 1.6 microns apart for the CD). Consequently, even though the DVD is virtually the same physical size as the CD, the data spiral of the DVD is over two times as long as the CD allowing more data to be stored. In addition, DVDs that have higher storage capacity, such as the DVD-9, have two clear polycarbonate layers containing data tracks. These clear, plastic layers are coated with a thin reflective layer covering the pits. Aluminum is used behind the inner layers, but a partially reflective and semitransparent coat is used for the outer layers. This enables the DVD player laser to focus through the outer layer and onto the inner layers.

After pressing the DVDs, each layer is then coated with adhesive, bonded together, and then cured under UV light. For single-sided discs, the label is silk-screened onto the non-readable side. Double-sided (DVD10) discs only have art/text printed near the center hole, where no data is stored. Once the artwork has been applied to the disc, the DVD is ready for packaging and ultimately delivery to the client. Digital Works also provides these packaging and shipping services.