Difference between DVD-R and DVD-RW

In digital systems, several types of storage devices are used to store data and information in digital form. DVD, stands for Digital Versatile Disk, is a type of optical storage device that uses laser technology to read/write data. Based on the nature, DVDs are classified into the following three main types −

• DVD ROM

• DVD-R

• DVD-RW

Read this article to learn how the DVD-R format is different from DVD-RW. Let's start with some basics of DVD R and DVD RW.

What is DVD-R?

DVD-R stands for Digital Versatile Disk Recordable. DVD-R is a type of DVD which is an optical storage device used to store information on digital systems like computers, etc. Physically, DVD-R is a circular disk whose standard diameter is 120 mm and thickness is 1.2 mm. Most DVD drives/players support DVD-R.

The most important feature of the DVD-R is that we can write it once and read many times. Therefore, DVD-R is a type of WORM disk, i.e. Write Once Read Many Disk. It is generally used to store non-volatile information such as music, videos, photos, etc. However, once data is stored on a DVD-R, it cannot be altered or deleted.

A DVD-R comprises of two polycarbonate substrates each of thickness 0.6 mm. The DVD-R format of DVD was first developed by Pioneer Corporation in the year of 1997. This format of DVD was then approved by the DVD forum. In DVD-R, the data is read and written with the help of laser light.

What is DVD-RW?

DVD-RW is another format of DVD. DVD-RW stands for Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable. The DVD-RW is the similar to the DVD-R, the key difference is that it can be erased and written again and again like a flash memory drive. DVD-RW is also made up of two polycarbonate substrates each of thickness 0.6 mm, hence the thickness of DVD-RW is also 1.2 mm. The standard diameter of DVD-RW is also equal to DVD-R format, i.e. 120 mm. DVD-RW is basically an evolved version of DVD-R.

After getting insights into the basics of DVD-R and DVD-RW individually, now let us discuss the important differences between them.

Difference between DVD-R and DVD-RW

The table highlights all the significant differences between DVD-R and DVD-RW −

Parameter	DVD-R	DVD-RW
Full Form	DVD-R stands for Digital Versatile Disk Recordable.	DVD-RW stands for Digital Versatile Disk Re-Writable.
Nature	DVD-R is a write once read many type of disk. This means, it can be written only once, but can be read many times.	DVD-RW can be erased and written many times.
Erase	In DVD-R, we cannot erase stored data.	In DVD-RW, data can be erased multiple times.
Purpose	DVD-R is mainly suitable for storing data and information for long periods of time.	DVD-RW is mainly suitable for transferring files.
Cost	DVD-R is less costly.	DVD-RW is comparatively costlier.
Data loss	In DVD-R, the loss of data may occur because of reflective characteristics of dye.	In DVD-RW, dye is not utilized, thus no loss of data is possible.
Storage capacity	DVD-R can store large amount of digital data because it can be manufactured in storage capacities ranging from 4.7 GB to 9.4 GB.	DVD-RW can store less amount of data because it can be manufactured in storage capacitor of 4.7 GB only.
Speed	DVD-R is relatively slower.	DVD-RW has faster speed than DVD-R.
Compatibility	DVD-R is an earlier version of DVD, hence its drives can read/write only DVD-R.	DVD-RW drives are compatible to read and write both DVD-R and DVD-RW.

Conclusion

Both DVD-R and DVD-RW are the two formats of DVD. In conclusion, the DVD-R is a type of DVD which can be written only once, hence it is a type of write once read many (WORM) disk. On the other hand, DVD-RW is a type of DVD that can be erased and written multiple times.

Hence, depending upon the nature, the DVD-R is used to store data for long time, whereas DVD-RW is mainly used for transferring data from one computer to another.