Hi everyone, I've been looking at laptops lately (buying one within the next 4 weeks), and noticed most of them only have standard +/- DVD burners, very few have dual layer. My question is, I have a large (legitimate) DVD collection that I own, and I wanted to know, is it definite that if I want to burn one of them (not copy protected); it will fit on a standard DVD? Or are there a lot of movies that require dual layer disks? Or is dual-layer only important for data backup? All help appreciated. Mike.

I'm sorry for a double-post, but maybe this question is more specific, the laptop advertises "DVD +/- RW Burner". Is this dual-layer? Thanks again.

if the original is dual layer (over 4.7gb) you can put it on a single layer disc (4.7gb) by using DVD Shrink software which you can download free. Cant recall where from , use Google to find it. If a computer advertises it has a DVD Burner it is unlikely to be dual layer unless it says so. Dual layer burners cost more so the seller will poin out this added feature I reckon. burning dual layer is newer and has more problems. Dual layer discs cost much more.

i'd just use DVD Shrink like above to shrink. i've never really noticed any loss in quality. plus as cliffpage says dual layered disks are more expensive. there still trying to stop you copying dvd's you own which is ridiculous. i have a 5yr old brother and i copy all his dvd's so he can put them in the dvd player himself and if he does lose or scratch one i just make another copy. same with all my dvd's Athlon xp 2500+ @2.17 pc 3200 512mb ram radeon 9200se win xp home oem

I just backed up my collection of 600+ DVD's and only had 3 that were dual-layer. So you are not really in need of a dual-layer writer. A blank DL disc runs about $10 each where as a high quality blank DVD +/-R will run you about 50 cents. If you have a DVD movie that is DL and you want to back it up you have three choices, burn with a DL writer onto a DL disc = $10, compress the movie with DVDShrink and put on one +/-R disc = 50 cents or split the movie and put on two +/-R disc for $1. If you compress a movie more than 25% you will see some quality loss so spend a $1 and put it on two disc. I have two dual layer writers and I have yet to burn a dual layer disc. Patrick