Editing DVD recorder (section)

==Technical information==
[[File:Detail of DVD-RW optics.png|thumb|DVD-RW optics]]
Originally, [[DVD]] recorders supported one of three standards: [[DVD-RAM]], [[DVD-RW]] (using [[DVD-VR]]), and [[DVD+RW]] (using [[DVD+VR]]), none of which are directly compatible. Most current [[DVD drive]]s support both the + and - standards, while few support the [[DVD-RAM]] standard, which is not directly compatible with standard DVD drives.

Recording speed is generally denoted in values of X (similar to [[CD-ROM]] usage), where 1X in DVD usage is equal to 1.321 MB/s, roughly equivalent to a 9X CD-ROM. In practice, this is largely confined to computer-based DVD recorders, since standalone units generally record in [[Real-time computing|real time]], that is, 1X speed.

Recorders use a [[laser]] (usually 650 [[Nanometre|nm]] red) to read and write DVDs. The reading laser is usually not stronger than 5 [[Watt|mW]], while the writing laser is considerably more powerful. The faster the writing speed is rated, the stronger the laser. DVD burner lasers often peak at about 100-400&nbsp;mW in continuous wave (some are pulsed).