CD vs DVD: Microscopic Differences

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the microscopic differences between CDs and DVDs, focusing on their physical structures and the technologies used in their production and functionality. Participants explore various aspects including the laser wavelengths, the size of pits and bumps, and the materials used in writable formats.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that DVDs use shorter wavelength lasers, resulting in closer spots and more tracks within the same diameter compared to CDs.
  • Others mention that the primary difference between pressed CDs and DVDs is the size of the bumps and pits on the discs.
  • There is a distinction made between CDRs and DVDRs based on the photosensitive dye used, which reacts differently when written to by lasers.
  • Participants discuss the differences between CDRWs and DVDRWs, highlighting the active alloy used and how it affects reflectivity based on the laser's power mode.
  • One participant questions the physical differences between various DVD formats, such as DVD+R and DVD-R, as well as between rewritable formats like DVD+RW, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM.
  • Another participant explains that DVD+RW and DVD-RAM utilize a high frequency wobbled groove technique for better data integrity, while DVD-RW employs a lower frequency wobble.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specifics of the differences between CD and DVD technologies, as well as the distinctions among various DVD formats. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the significance of these differences.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific definitions of terms like "bumps" and "pits," and there are unresolved questions about the implications of the differences in laser technology and materials used in writable formats.

skywolf
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what is the difference between a Cd and a dvd?
i mean microscopically
are the holes smaller? different procces altogether?
 
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As far as I know, the only difference is that DVD's use shorter wavelength lasers, and so the spots are closer together and there are more tracks available in the same diameter.
 
The only difference between a pressed CD and DVD is the size of the bumps/pits, depending on which side you look.

If you are comparing a CDR to a DVDR then the major difference is the photosenstive dye used. When the high power mode laser is writing to the disk the dye reacts and turns dark. When the low power mode laser is reading the light reflects back where it isn't dark and and doesn't reflect back where it is.

Finally the difference between a CDRW and DVDRW is the active alloy used. In high power mode the laser basically melts the alloy in a specific region and when the cyrstalline stucture cools off it loses its reflectivity. In a lower power mode the crystalline stucture can be reformed to become reflective again.
 
I stand corrected. Thanks, ddude. :biggrin:
 
Are there significant physical differences between DVD+R and DVD-R?

Or between DVD+RW, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM?
 
DVD+RW and DVD-RAM use a high frequency wobbled grove technique while the DVD-RW uses a lower frequency wobble. In a nutshell the high frequency wobble allows for better data integrity. The +RW and -RAM also have better error correction built in.
 

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