DVDROM

DVD-ROM, short for Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory, is an optical disc format used for data storage on discs that are pre-pressed and sealed at manufacture. It is part of the DVD family developed in the mid-1990s by a consortium including Sony, Philips, Toshiba, and Panasonic. DVD-ROM discs are read-only; they cannot be recorded or modified by end users. Capacity varies with layer count and sides; commonly 4.7 GB for a single-layer disc and up to 8.5 GB for a dual-layer disc. Some double-sided variants offer higher total capacities. Data is stored in pits and lands and read by a red laser; error correction uses ECC to recover data in case of surface damage.

File systems used on DVD-ROMs typically include ISO 9660, Joliet, and Rock Ridge for cross-platform compatibility, with UDF used for more recent data discs or those with larger capacity.

Typical uses include software distribution, video and multimedia content, and data archiving. In the 1990s and 2000s, DVD-ROMs were a common distribution medium for software and movies; their use has declined with USB flash drives and streaming.

DVD-ROM discs are read-only; unlike recordable formats such as DVD-R or DVD+R, consumers cannot write to them. They are generally readable by PC DVD drives and by many DVD players, though video discs may be subject to region coding or other restrictions.

Durability depends on handling; discs are relatively robust but can be scratched. Proper storage away from heat and sunlight extends lifespan. While not as dominant as before, DVD-ROM remains in use for software distribution and archival copies.