Are double layer DVDs as good as single layer DVDs ?
 

Are double layer DVDs as good as single layer?

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You'll really have to specify the intended use.

For DVD-Video use, using DVD+R DL or DVD-ROM (pressed discs), then yes, absolutely. The burned discs will play fine in DVD players -- especially if the DVD+R DL is book typed to DVD-ROM. However, you would not want to use DVD-R DL blanks for DVD-Video, because the way the layer break is set.

For archival data use, pressed DVD-ROM (DVD9) is fine. Recordable/burned DL DVDs, however, should give archivists pause. The secondary layer is more difficult to read -- something like 60% reflectivity -- which could degrade beyond readability within the expected whole-disc life span. The 60% is so narrow that even a 5% loss of reflection could render the disc unreadable. And given how lasers must punch through a semi-transparent dye layer, and refractive quality changes to the bottom layer (layer closest to the laser lens) could prevent proper reading of the upper layer.

So again .... under what conditions are you wanting to burn these DVDs?

... Assuming the conversation is even about recordables.

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