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DVD-RAM Discs
What is DVD?
DVD stands for digital versatile disc: It is attracting the attention of computer and
video game industry companies, since it can store high-quality data in bulk. At the
same time, recording formats that were formerly different for each of image, sound
and data are now unified, and it is expected that highly compatible, open multimedia
will become feasible. Under these circumstances, the DVD Forum was started: no
less than 200 companies worldwide participate in this Forum, accepting many re-
quests from various fields; and they are proceeding with DVD standardization as the
universal media of the next generation. Products conforming to this standard include
various discs: DVD-Video that is spreading remarkably, DVD-ROM (read only) for com-
puters, DVD-R (write once/read many), DVD-RAM (rewritable), etc. The diameter of
all these discs is 12 cm, the same as for a CD.
DVD-RAM Standard
Most 12 cm DVD-RAM discs marketed as of third-quarter, 2000 conform to DVD-
RAM Book 1.0; and storage per side is 2.6 GB. The DVD Forum settled on a plan for
new Book 2.1 standard in 1999, stipulating a 12 cm disc with 4.7 GB storage per
side, or an 8 cm disc with the same density and 1.4 GB storage per side. An 8 cm
DVD-RAM disc conforming to this Book 2.1 standard is expected as the medium for
digital recording because of its compactness and mass storage. It has been adopted
to this DVD camcorder, a world first, as a home use DVD camcorder. (as of third-
quarter, 2000)
DVD-RAM Standard Book
Diameter
Storage capacity
Transfer rate
Laser used
Book 2.1
12cm
4.7 GB/side
1.4 GB/side
9.4 GB on both sides
2.8 GB on both sides
22.16 Mbps
650 nm red laser
Book 1.0
8cm
12cm
2.6 GB/side
5.2 GB on both sides
11.08 Mbps
DVD-RAM Discs
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