Plato DVD Copy

Standing for "DVD Recordable," the DVD-R format is ubiquitous among media storage due to its increased capacity compared to that of CDs. However, some formats of DVD have more storage than others, as well as various other capabilities. Not all players can read all DVDs, although the standard DVD-R can be read by most players.

DVD-R
Developed in 1997 by Pioneer, the "vanilla" DVD-R format can hold 4.71 gigabytes of dat stored on an optical laser disc, which means that the data is stored via microscopic pits on an acrylic disc. As with CD-Rs, a writer can write to the disc only once. After the initial write process is completed, the data on the disc can no longer be altered.

DVD-R DS and DL
DVD-R DS and DL -- "double side" and "dual layer," respectively -- are derivatives of the DVD-R format and as such can be read by most DVD-R players. They have multiple plates which allow for more data to fit on a single disc. However, they can store more than the original format and can be written to only with special writers. DVD-R DLs can hold 8.54 gigabytes of data, while DVD-R DS can hold 8.75 or 15.9 gigabytes.

DVD-RW
Unlike DVD-Rs, rewritable DVD-RWs can be altered after their creation, as the recording medium in a DVD-RW is a metallic alloy, compared to an organic dye used for DVD-Rs. This makes it easy to correct a mistake made during the recording process -- otherwise, a new disc would be needed. They have the same capacity as DVD-Rs and are commonly used for backing up data. A DVD-RW can be written to approximately 1,000 times before needing replacement.

Other DVD Types
Two new types, the "DVD-RAM" and "DVD+R." DVD-RAM, were developed in 1996, and DVD-R was created in 2002. These formats are not compatible with each other. Any player labeled "DVD+/-R" can read "DVD-R" and "DVD+R" formats, and any player labeled "Super Multi" can play "DVD-R," "DVD+R" and "DVD-RAM" discs. Plus format discs can also be dual-layered.

Amazon released the first-generation Kindle in 2007 with great success. Although the Kindle was primitive -- just a basic e-reader -- it set the standard for other e-readers on the market at the time. Today's Kindle comes packed with extra features that go beyond reading your favorite novel. Kindle devices now have limited Internet browsing, 3G capabilities and even more space to store your favorite books, periodicals and audiobooks.

E-Reader
The Kindle 3G can hold up to 3,500 books that you can download anywhere you can find a 3G or Wi-Fi signal. The Kindle 3G can download an entire book in about 60 seconds. The e-reader is lighter than a paperback book and has easy-to-read fonts. The Kindle also performs like real paper -- you can use your device even in full sunlight.

Internet Connectivity
A Kindle operates on either a 3G or Wi-Fi connection. A Kindle 3G can connect to the Kindle Store wherever a 3G smartphone can get reception or at a wireless hotspot. The Kindle 3G can access the Internet through a web browser wherever you have a Wi-Fi connection. Internet browsing on the Kindle uses the "WebKit" browser, and as of 2011, it is still in experimental stages.

Lend Books
You can "lend" a book purchased through your Kindle Store to a friend for up to 14 days. The later part of 2011 will bring a new Kindle feature that lets a library patron "check out" a book from the library and download it to his Kindle.

Read-to-Me
Your Kindle can read books, periodicals and even blogs out loud. As of 2011, this feature is still in an experimental state. You can switch between reading and listening, and the Kindle automatically turns pages so you can keep up. This feature is especially useful if you want to finish your book hands-free while driving.

Multiple Platforms
If you Kindle isn't handy, your place is "bookmarked" through the Kindle Store. You can download a free application to "read" your Kindle purchases through your desktop computer or smartphone.

The free, open source VLC media player can play nearly any type of digital video or audio file. VideoLAN -- the software's developer -- offers versions of the program for several operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, Apple iOS, Android and many Linux builds. VLC can also play DVDs using the computer's optical drive, and can open streaming video and audio from the Internet.

Video Formats
VLC is primarily designed as a video player; as such, it supports nearly all commonly used video file formats. VLC can play nearly any MPEG-encoded video, including video files encoded with DivX, XviD and the high-quality H.264. It can open any videos that use the AVI, Microsoft WMV, ASF, MP4, Quicktime MOV and Flash FLV extensions. The VLC media player also supports raw digital video in the DV format, as well as the open source Matroska video container, which uses the ".mkv" extension.

Audio Formats
Although the VLC media player focuses on video, it can also play most audio file formats. VLC can open all common types of audio files, including MP3s, AACs, M4As, WAVs and WMAs. It supports files created with the lossy open source OGG Vorbis encoder, as well as those encoded with the lossless open source FLAC standard. VLC can play Apple Lossless ALAC files, as well as lossless Sony ATRAC audio.

Disc Formats
VLC can also play video and audio optical discs. The program fully supports video DVDs, as well as the less common VCD and SVCD video disc formats. If the DVD has a menu, VLC allows you to navigate the menu by click on the buttons in the program's window. VLC also supports normal audio CDs, and, of course, can open archived video and audio files that you've burned to a CD or DVD.

Streaming Formats
In addition to playing video and audio files from the hard drive or an optical disc, VLC can open and play video and audio streams from the Internet. VLC supports any stream that uses the HTTP, FTP, UDP or TCP protocols for broadcast. The Windows version of the VLC media player can also play digital and satellite TV broadcasts that use the DVB format.

Unlike traditional photographs, digital images are the visual representation of a complex set of numbers or geometric equations. Because they consist solely of computer data, they may be edited and formated into a variety of image file types through the use of digital image editing software. While many image file formats exist, four of them represent the most commonly used image types in the world today.

Graphics Interchange Format (GIF)
A GIF image is one of the most basic image formats. GIF files have a color variation range of only 256 colors. This is known as an 8-bit palette of colors. With such a limited palette, the file size of a GIF image is smaller than that of other formats. Images best suited for a GIF format are those with areas that have little color variation and simple lines. Common uses for GIFs are simple charts, graphs and animated media.

Portable Network Graphics (PNG)
PNG files preceded the GIF format and have a great capacity to convey color detail. While a GIF image could store only 256 color variations, a PNG could store more than 16 million. Because of the high level of detail, this file format's size is much larger than that of a GIF. This file format is the one graphic designers typically use when editing an image in a digital image editing program due to its high resolution.

Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG)
JPEG images are the most common image file format in use today. Like a PNG, a JPEG also has the capacity to present more than 16 million color variations. This is known as a truecolor palette, which represents the number of color variations thought to be discernible by the human eye. Images taken by digital cameras and those found on the Web are typically in JPEG format because of the higher compression level possibilities and smaller file size.

Bitmap (BMP)
BMP files are an uncompressed image format. Rather than using compression algorithms, the coding in a BMP image maps the individual color of every pixel in the entire image, row by row. This results in the image file size being quite large. A BMP file is one of the most universal types of image formats available. This makes it compatible with a large variety of computer operating systems and digital image editing programs.

Computers these days do a lot for us. One typical use is handling photos or graphics. But whether you are drawing or taking photos, you have to decide what format to save it in. The reason there are so many different formats is because of the need to have various file sizes. The main difference between graphic formats is the amount of compression. The higher the compression, the smaller the file and the lesser the quality.

TIFF
TIFF, or tagged image file format, is a useful graphic format for those who need very accurate, high-quality images. This is because TIFF is usually "lossless," meaning it can compress somewhat without compromising quality of image and colors. However, this can sometimes make TIFF files very large compared to other formats. TIFF also cannot be used in Internet browsers due to the size.

PNG
PNG, or portable network graphics, can be used on Web browsers and is also a lossless compression format. PNG looks for patterns in the image to save space and not lose any of the quality. It is a newer format and allows the compression to be reversible.

JPG
The JPG (JPEG), short for joint photographic experts group, image format is a very flexible format. Unlike TIFF and PNG formats, JPG is not lossless but still can keep much of the quality without you noticing. JPG analyzes the images and discards information the eye is least likely to notice. Files in JPG format can be much smaller and still keep vivid colors and details. JPG is a great format for Internet browsers.

GIF
GIF, or graphics interchange format, uses a maximum of 256 colors. If the image has 256 colors or fewer, it will render perfectly. However, if there are more than 256 colors, the software that uses GIF will replace some of the colors with similar ones from the preset colors available. GIF format is a lossless compression format, but only for images with less than 256 colors. This graphic format makes image files very small but can greatly reduce the quality of the image.

A DVD, or digital video disc, is similar in technology and function to a CD-ROM. It is used to record and play back digital audio/video media like movies, television shows and other graphic presentations. The minimum amount of data a standard DVD can hold is enough for a full-length film. There are several different types of DVD, including DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD-RAMs and DVD-ROMs.

DVD-R
A DVD-R or DVD+R, short for DVD-Recordable, is a blank DVD onto which data can be recorded. The difference between DVD-Rs and other similar formats is that they can only be used to record one time. This is because the data is finalized to the disc as it is recorded, making it impossible to delete it or record over it. Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Sony all support the DVD-R format, along with several other popular brands.

DVD-RAM
A DVD-RAM disc is a DVD that has been formatted to allow for multiple recordings. Unlike a DVD-R, a DVD-RAM can be erased to make room for new data after its initial recording. This can be done repeatedly, making it useful when data needs to be transferred from one file location to another but not saved on the transfer medium. The downside is that the DVD-RAM format is only supported by certain companies and therefore is only compatible with certain devices.

DVD-RW
A DVD-RW is very similar in technology and fuction to a DVD-RAM. It is short for DVD-Rewritable. Like the DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW allows data to be recorded over or deleted without doing any damage to the disc itself or to the quality of the various recordings. The main difference between a DVD-RW disc and a DVD-RAM disc is that DVD-RAM discs are generally housed in cartridges for use in camcorders and similar video recording devices, while DVD-RW discs are not.

DVD-ROM
A DVD-ROM, or a DVD-Read-Only Memory, is a type of DVD that can be read by DVD players and computers equipped with a DVD-ROM drive. They are read-only discs, which means they cannot be erased or rewritten. Like most DVDs, they have enough memory to hold a full-length movie at minimum. The main advantage to DVD-ROM drives and players is that they are backward-compatible. This means that they can play audio CDs and CD-ROMS as well as DVDs.

The HP iPAQ is a series of smart phones and personal digital assistants, or PDAs, released by Hewlett-Packard. The iPAQ smart phone features a QWERTY keyboard and 3G connectivity. The iPAQ PDA comes with Bluetooth connectivity, and it manages your contacts, calendar and email. If you want more out of your iPAQ device, download iPAQ tools from third-party vendors.

KingConvert
The KingConvert for HP iPAQ 211 converts your CDs, videos and DVDs into formats supported by your iPAQ device. Convert your MPEG, MOV, FLV and AVI videos into MP4 format. Configure your video parameters and select the output configurations. It supports batch conversion of videos saving you on conversion time. Edit your videos before converting them, including cutting out unwanted sections or cropping videos so that it fits your screen. Also, adjust the bit rate, resolution and size of the video. The program recognizes your device as soon as you plug it in. This program is compatible with Windows XP, and it costs $29 in 2010. You can, however, try it for 30 days for free by downloading the shareware version.

Flash Format
This program is compatible with Secure Digital and Advanced Technology Attachment, or ATA, devices, and it works with MicroDrives, Multimedia Cards, SD cards, MemorySticks and SmartMedia. It manages these cards, providing you with information on the data stored on these devices and statistics about the card. Flash Format scans your card to determine whether you have a problem with the card. You can reformat your card and restore it to the factory default settings. It also features an AutoRun feature, and this configures items on your card to run as soon as you put the card in your card reader. It comes with a File Allocation Table, or FAT, feature to make your memory card more reliable. As of 2010, this program costs $12.95.

MobileController
The MobileController Professional Edition 1.6 shows you all the tasks that are currently running on your mobile device, and it displays information on different systems on your device. It comes with ActiveSync, which syncs the data on your phone with the data on your computer. You can create short message service, or SMS, texts on your desktop as opposed to using the small keyboard on your phone. Search for contacts simply by inputting the first letter of their name. This program also features a virtual webcam, which works like a real webcam. You can use the program for both hard and soft resets. As of 2010, this program costs $29.95.

The digital versatile disc, or DVD, format was created to cheaply store data in disc form. The DVD was developed in 1995 and is capable of storing seven times as much as CDs. This lead to DVDs replacing VHS tapes as an entertainment medium.

Physical
Data stored on DVDs is written in a spiral groove that begins at the center of the disc and expands outward. When the disc is manufactured, a media identification code is encoded into the disc, giving you information about the disc such as model, capacity and writing speed.

Technology
When DVDs were first introduced, they had a storage capacity of around 4GBs. Information was etched onto the disc using a laser with a wavelength of 635nm. This information could later be accessed by inserting the disc into a drive that would use a laser to read the grooves on the disc and interpret the data.

Video
The DVD-Video, or DVD-V, format is the standard format introduced by the film industry for DVD media. Information can be written to video-formatted DVDs from digital or analog sources, such as camcorders and VHS tapes, respectively. Video format generally allows for many user options, such as menu screens and several audio tracks, but it usually requires the disc to be created and finalized on the same recorder.

Recordable
DVD-R (recordable) is a blank DVD that can have data written to it. A DVD-R has a dye recording layer underneath a thin layer of plastic. A laser penetrates this plastic coating on the DVD and makes permanent pits in the dye recording layer. These pits are later read like a normal DVD.

Rewritable
DVD-RW (rewritable) has the same storage capacity as a DVD-R but can have data erased and rewritten on it. The recording layer for DVD-RW, unlike DVD-R, is a phase-changing recording layer. The pits created in a phase-change recording layer can be erased and reused approximately 1,000 times.

The XVID file format is common online and is most closely associated with the open source "XviD Codec." To burn XVID files to a DVD that will be playable in a standard DVD Player, you will first have to convert the file.

Any Video Converter
Consider the program Any Video Converter if you frequently find yourself working with uncommon video formats. Not only can the program convert from XVID to DVD, but also a large variety of other file formats as well. The program does not, however, include an integrated burning utility, so you will have to use a second program to burn the converted files.

Sothink Free Video Converter
Sothink Media's Free Video Converter can convert XVID and a variety of other formats to DVD. The program also includes a variety of tools for light video editing. The user-friendly interface requires only that you select the files you wish to convert and an output format.

Instant CD & DVD Burner
Instant CD & DVD Converter by Album Galaxy streamlines the process of burning XVID files to DVD by writing them directly to a disc after conversion. The intuitive interface will only require that you select "Burn a DVD," then the files you want to add. This program is a good choice if you do not need to make any changes to the original XVID files.

Windows Media Audio (WMA) is a proprietary audio file type owned and developed by Microsoft. Because WMA files are audio files, they cannot be burned to a video disc; however, they can be burned to either a data DVD using any DVD-burning software, or to a DVD audio disc using one of the programs listed below.

Digital Media Converter
Digital Media Converter is a conversion program that can burn most media file types, including WMA, to DVD. The program does not burn data discs, but burns DVD audio discs that can be played in most DVD players. A free trial version of the converter is available to download, and the full version can be purchased for $39.95, as of October 2010.

VSO ConvertXtoDVD
VSO ConvertXtoDVD is another program that can burn DVD audio discs from WMA files. It takes just a few clicks to convert and burn WMA files with this program. The program is available to download as a free trial version and can be purchased in full for $49.99, as of October 2010.

Apollo Audio DVD Creator
Apollo Audio DVD Creator is a dedicated DVD audio-burning program. It does not burn data or video DVDs, so it has a simple and intuitive user interface for burning audio discs. It even allows users to create a menu for audio DVDs. The program is available as a download to try for free, and the full version can be purchased for $39.95, as of October 2010.

Real Media Variable Bitrate, or RMVB, files must be converted into the proper format before they can be burnt to a disc that a DVD player will recognize. There are several converters available to download online.

Boilsoft Video Converter
Recommended by the editors of CNET, Boilsoft Video Converter is a good choice if you frequently find yourself switching between formats. The program converts not only RMVB files but most other common video formats to DVD.

Easy RM RMVB to DVD Burner
Ether Software's Easy RM to RMVB Burner is ideal if you ultimately want to burn the original RMVB file to a disc. The straightforward interface requires only that you provide the location of the RMVB file, insert a disc and click start. The program will convert and burn all in one step.

Free Video Converter
Sothink's Free Video Converter is worth a try, especially if you are on a budget. The program is free to both download and use and can convert between a variety of formats. Upgrading to the more expensive Pro Version is not necessary for converting RMVB files.

The XviD codec stores high-quality digital video in a compressed file format. Videos compressed with XviD will play on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux computers, along with a variety of portable media players and cell phones.

Features
XviD, which is based on the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-4 Part 2) standard, can compress digital video at ratios of 200:1 or higher. The codec will compress both standard- and high-definition video and supports a maximum resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. It uses the AVI file container format to store compressed video files. XviD also supports MP3 and AC3 audio.

Benefits
XviD can compress a 4.7 gigabyte DVD movie to fit onto a single 650 megabyte recordable CD with minimal loss in picture quality. The codec offers better compression and faster encoding times when compared with other MPEG-based encoders, including MPEG-2 and DivX. The developers offer XviD for free under the General Public License.

History
XviD grew out of the OpenDivX project, which DivXNetworks founded in 2001 to produce an open-source, MPEG-4-based codec. DivXNetworks discontinued OpenDivX in late 2001 to focus instead on the commercial DivX codec. Several of OpenDivx's programmers went on to develop XviD, which they released in late 2001.

FLV videos need to be converted to a video DVD compatible format before they can be played using a DVD player. To convert an FLV file to a DVD compatible MP4 format, specific software is required.

4Media FLV to MP4 Converter
The commercial product by 4Media, "FLV to MP4 Converter" is capable of converting FLV files to MP4, as well as MOV (Quicktime), and can also extract audio from the FLV file and save it as an MP3, WAV, and many other audio formats.

OJOSOFT Total Converter
OJOSoft Total Converter is a speedy program for converting FLV to MP4, and many other formats. The program is designed for intuitive and simple use, and can adequately convert files for burning to Video DVD, as well as playback on iPhone/iPod and PSP devices.

Considerations
Windows Movie Maker can also prove to be a useful tool when authoring video DVDs. When it comes to burning the videos to a DVD, be sure the files are MP4, and be sure you are actually burning a Video DVD disk, instead of a Data DVD disk.

All-in-One DVD Converter Platinum is a shareware program that can create backup files from your DVD discs. The program is available to download for free with some limitations; the full version can be purchased for $39.95 (as of November 2010).

Supported File Types
DVD Converter Platinum can convert DVD discs, as well as DVD image files, to a wide variety of compressed and lossless video formats, including AVI, WMV and M4A. The program can also extract the audio from a DVD movie and save it as an MP3 or WAV file.

Compatibility
All-in-One DVD Converter Platinum is currently only compatible with computers running Microsoft Windows. The program is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000.

Ease of Use
DVD Converter Platinum has a variety of settings for advanced users, such as the ability to convert an entire DVD movie or just selected chapters. For less experienced users, the program's default settings allow conversion with just a few mouse clicks.