DVD drives come in a variety of speeds and options. The original drive (1x) transferred data at 1.35MB per second. By doubling the spindle speed (RPMs) for 2x drives, the transfer rate increased to 2.7MB/sec and has been increasing ever since. Each DVD x speed is equivalent to nine CD x's because DVD 1x is 1.35MB and CD-ROM 1x is only 150KB.
Most DVD drives can play DVD movies (DVD Video) and music CDs as well as read DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs. Other drives may also support all, or some combination of, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R or CD-RW media.
Drives and media that use the dash or minus sign (DVD-R, DVD-RW) are endorsed by the DVD Forum. A competing technology uses a plus sign (DVD+R, DVD+RW). Many DVD drives support both formats. See CD-ROM drives, DVD+R/RW drive, DVD-RAM and DVD.
A Lotta X's
This is the label from a Memorex combo DVD and CD drive in 2005. Each "X" number means the speed for that format is X times 1.35MB for DVDs and 150KB for CDs.
Most DVD drives can play DVD movies (DVD Video) and music CDs as well as read DVD-ROMs and CD-ROMs. Other drives may also support all, or some combination of, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R or CD-RW media.
Drives and media that use the dash or minus sign (DVD-R, DVD-RW) are endorsed by the DVD Forum. A competing technology uses a plus sign (DVD+R, DVD+RW). Many DVD drives support both formats. See CD-ROM drives, DVD+R/RW drive, DVD-RAM and DVD.
X Data Transfer
Rating Rate
1x 1.35 MBytes/sec
2x 2.70 MBytes/sec
2.4x 3.17 MBytes/sec
3x 4.05 MBytes/sec
4x 5.40 MBytes/sec
5x 6.75 MBytes/sec
8x 10.80 MBytes/sec
10x 13.50 MBytes/sec
12x 16.20 MBytes/sec
16x 21.60 MBytes/sec
24x 32.40 MBytes/sec
A Lotta X's
This is the label from a Memorex combo DVD and CD drive in 2005. Each "X" number means the speed for that format is X times 1.35MB for DVDs and 150KB for CDs.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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