Optical drive type Read CD

Write to

Write to

Write label to

Read BD

Write to BD R/RE

and DVD-

CD-RW

DVD*

LightScribe CD or

 

 

ROM

 

 

DVD

 

 

media

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‡Double-layer discs can store more data than single-layer discs. However, double-layer discs burned with this drive may not be compatible with many single-layer DVD drivers and players.

CAUTION: To prevent possible audio and video degradation, loss of information, or loss of audio or video playback functionality, do not initiate Sleep or Hibernation while reading a CD, DVD, or BD, or writing to a CD or DVD.

Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs)

An optical drive supports optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs). CDs, used to store digital data, are also used for commercial audio recordings and are convenient for your personal storage needs. DVDs and BDs are used primarily for movies, software, and data backup purposes. DVDs and BDs are the same form factor as CDs but have a much higher storage capacity.

NOTE: The optical drive on your computer may not support all the types of optical discs discussed in this section.

CD-R discs

Use CD-R (write-once) discs to create permanent archives and to share files with virtually anyone. Typical uses include the following:

●Distributing large presentations

●Sharing scanned and digital photos, video clips, and written data

●Making your own music CDs

●Keeping permanent archives of computer files and scanned home records

●Offloading files from your hard drive to free up disk space

After data is recorded, it cannot be erased or written over.

CD-RW discs

Use a CD-RW disc (a rewritable version of a CD) to store large projects that must be updated frequently. Typical uses include the following:

●Developing and maintaining large documents and project files

●Transporting work files

●Making weekly backups of hard drive files

●Updating photos, video, audio, and data continuously

DVD±R discs

Use blank DVD±R discs to permanently store large amounts of information. After data is recorded, it cannot be erased or written over.

Optical drive (select models only) 47