The next generation of DVD may be considered the dual layer. While there have been advances in blue laser technology quite notably the Blur Ray, DVDs are still the preferred option for most people. Additionally with the cost of DVD players as they are now, the prevalence of DVD technology will likely be maintained for some time. Dual layer DVDs are often referred to as DVD 9. They have been used by the motion picture industry since they first emerged because of the larger availability of space that they provide.

DVD Dual Layer Explained

A regular DVD will only allow the user to store up to 4.7 GB of information or just about 2 hours worth of DVD formatted movies or MPEG2 video. This is a drawback especially for movies that may be much longer or if additional commentary and content is required on the same DVD. Subsequently the dual layer addresses this problem by offering 8.5 GB of space and about 4 hours of DVD formatted movies. The dual layer allows this by providing two layers integrated into one layer. As a result while watching a movie that has been placed on a dual layer DVD, for example the Lord of the Rings which runs for 3 and a half hours, you will see a slight pause in between when the player switches from layer to layer. For some consumers this may be frustrating especially when it is assumed that the disc is not working properly. However, this occurs because of the transparent layering technique used to create the two layers. The DVD player’s laser will switch between the first and second layer by sending the beam through the first layer unto the second layer.

Recording On and Playing DVD Dual Layer

Recording a dual layer DVD will require a special burner many of these are affordable and can also burn regular DVDs and CDs. Once you are in the market for a new DVD burner, ask about those that are DVD dual layer compatible. Playing the DVD will be much easier. Most DVDs were actually manufactured to play the dual layer. This initial specification means it is unlikely that you will need to buy a new DVD if you are switching to this technology.

How to Get More Out of Your Dual Layer

While the technology does allow you to store large formatted DVD files you can actually increase the number of movies you can put on your DVD by burning in MPEG-4 format or AVI. Any of the two formats will reduce your movie size to about a quarter of the size of a standard movie. For example a standard movie will utilize about 3.8 GB of space, that movie converted to AVI will only require 700-800 MB of space. The quality will not be far reduced either; most decoders will produce a relatively clean AVI or MPEG-4 video file. However, to play the DVD will require a MPEG4 player which is relatively inexpensive to purchase and in the long run will save you money on your DVD costs.