There are probably more types of DVDs available than you think. Here are the primary
DVD types: DVD-ROM This is a read-only form of DVD that stores interactive media,
data, audio, and video. This type of DVD is not compatible with DVD Video
players (the kind connected to TVs), but they will play back DVD-Video movies.
DVD-ROM drives are the type installed in PCs and notebook computers.
DVD-R (Recordable) A WORM-type disc that can record up to 3.95GB.
DVD-R is recorded using the same dye-layer technology as the CD-R.
DVD-RAM This type of DVD, which looks more like a big diskette than
a CD-ROM, is a rewritable form of DVD that uses essentially the same
technology as a CD-R. A DVD-RAM has a capacity of 4.7GB per side and is
available in both single-sided and double-sided versions. A DVD-RAM drive
will read most DVD-Videos and DVD-ROMs, as well as all types of CD media.
DVD-RW (Read/Write) A version of rewritable DVD that competes with the
DVD-RAM, the DVD-RW also holds 4.7GB per side and is capable of being
rewritten more than 1,000 times. A DVD-RW does not require a unique drive
like the DVD-RAM and can be read in a DVD-ROM drive.Installing a DVD Drive in Your PC
Installing a DVD drive in your PC requires a DVD kit. This kit will usually include an
ATAPI/EIDE DVD drive, an MPEG II decoder card, the various cables required to
connect the drive, and perhaps some software as well. The process of installing the DVD
drive is the same as installing a CD-ROM or CD-R drive, with the possible exception of
loading some DVD software. Some computers have DVD software already loaded, but
using software decompression can really impact the performance of some PCs. It is
recommended you use hardware decoding if it’s available.
When installing the DVD drive, the MPEG decode card is installed in a PCI expansion
bus slot, the DVD drive is connected to an EIDE connector, and an audio cable is used to
connect the decoder card to the sound card. Some DVD kits install a cable to connect the
decoder card to your video card as well. On Windows systems, the decoder card, because
it is in a PCI slot, will be automatically detected and you will be prompted to load the device
drivers, which usually come with the drive on a CD. After the DVD drive is installed in
your PC, you will be able to read regular CDs and view DVD movies using the DVD
controller software usually included in the kit.
To support a DVD drive, your PC should be at least a Pentium with at least a 200MHz
clockspeed,32MBofRAM,afreePCIslotfortheMPEGdecoder,aPCIvideocardwithat
least 2MB of video RAM that supports DirectX and Direct Draw technologies, and a
Sound Blaster–compatible sound card. Windows 98 and 2000 Pro have built-in DVD
support and nearly all DVD software is written for Windows.Chapter 10: CD-ROMs and DVDs^217