Optical Disk Storage Options

CD-RW

‘CD-RW’ stands for Compact Disc Re Writable and is very similar to a CD-ROM, the major difference being that computers are able to erase and rewrite discs as many times as they like, allowing for more convenient storage of media. CD-RWs use slightly different materials in their construction to allow for a different in reflective when being read by the laser inside of the computer playing it, and requires more sensitive laser configuration to work correctly.

Discs can be completely wiped of data, known as ‘full’ blanking, or cleared of only the unnecessary data, known as ‘fast’ blanking. It can sometimes be possible to recover data from previously wiped from CD-RWs, however this is rare. CD-RWs come in different speed types, which is more affected by the capabilities of the disc drive reading them than the quality or speed of the data storage within them.

DVD-RW

‘DVD-RW’ stands for Digital Versatile Disc Re Writable, and is very similar to a DVD-ROM, the major difference being that computers are able to erase and rewrite discs. Like a standard DVD-ROM, it is able to hold up to 4.7 GB and is suitable for use in both computers and most DVD players.

DVD-RWs need to be formatted by a computer before use. Discs can be either DVD-RW or DVD+RW; these two variations are very similar with only a small difference in data reading speed. Discs can be written, wiped and rewritten up to approximately 1000 times before needing to be replaced.