DVD-RAM for the rest of us

Volume 17, Number 5 • May 2000

DVD-RAM for the rest of us — These drives are affordable, multifaceted, and have very large capacity
by Péter Jacsó

CD/DVD COMMENTARIES column focuses on DVD-RAM drives. Relates that the new second-generation DVD-RAM drives are now available for as low as $260, and the double-sided DVD-RAM cartridges offer a capacity of 5.2GB. Notes that the DVD-RAM's use of "RAM" is still baffling as the acronym for "random access memory" has always been used exclusively for the volatile main memory of computers. However, says that the beauty of DVD-RAM drives is their ability to read CD-Audio, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, and DVD-ROM discs. Adds that they also can read DVD-Video discs provided there is a software or hardware decoder for MPEG-2 video format. Mentions a few brands that are available, along with prices for drives and cartridges. Advises to always know what is included in the package as, if it is not already included, a SCSI card can cost $60-$80, and formatting software an additional $50.