DVD RAM Explained

If you have never heard of DVD RAM, you probably have no use for it and can skip ahead to the next two recordable formats. DVD RAM is only available in rewritable formats. Discs can be rewritten up to 100,000 times. If you are looking to burn a disc that cannot be altered later on, DVD RAM is not for you.

DVD RAM discs are easily identified by the pre-embossed sector headers that form a visible pattern on the data side of the disc. Originally, DVD RAM media was encased in sealed cartridges designed to protect the discs from scratches and fingerprints. Today, the cartridges are optional (or removable) as not all drives that support the DVD RAM format require them. Of all rewritable types of DVD media, DVD RAM is the least compatible with set-top DVD players and older DVD-ROM drives.

DVD RAM differs from other DVD recording technologies in that it's the only one designed to act as random access memory, the "RAM" part of DVD RAM. This random access system gives DVD RAM an advantage over other DVD recordable formats by allowing it to quickly find and retrieve data anywhere on the disc. DVD RAM drives make good removable storage systems, as drag-and-drop recording is usually driver supported from within the operating system.

DVD RAM includes a good defect-management system. Physical errors on the disc are handled automatically and provide an error-free environment necessary for long-term use.

From: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/WeekendWarrior
/DVD_media_techtv_040402.html