CDDVDs

CDDVDs, also known as recordable DVDs, are optical discs that can be written to by a user. Unlike factory-pressed CDs and DVDs, which contain pre-recorded data, CDDVDs allow individuals to store their own digital information. The "CD" in CDDVD refers to the Compact Disc format, while "DVD" stands for Digital Versatile Disc. This naming convention can sometimes cause confusion, as CDDVDs are a type of DVD, not a hybrid of CD and DVD technologies.

The technology behind CDDVDs relies on a laser to alter a dye layer on the disc's surface. When data is written, the laser heats the dye, causing it to change its reflectivity. A laser on a compatible drive can then read these changes in reflectivity to retrieve the stored data. There are several types of CDDVDs, including CD-R and DVD-R, which allow data to be written once, and CD-RW and DVD-RW, which permit data to be erased and rewritten multiple times.

CDDVDs were widely used for data backup, software distribution, and storing multimedia content like photos and videos. While their popularity has waned with the rise of cloud storage and USB flash drives, they still offer a reliable and physical medium for archiving important files. The capacity of a CDDVD varies, with standard DVDs typically holding around 4.7 GB of data, and dual-layer DVDs holding twice that amount. Proper storage, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, is recommended to preserve the data stored on these discs.