1. DVD-R：
DVD-R的完整格式是可录制数字多功能光盘。它是直径为120毫米，厚度为1.3毫米的圆盘。它还具有两个每个0.6 mm的聚碳酸酯基材。大多数DVD播放器都支持它。它是由不同国际公司合作建立的DVD论坛批准的。 DVD-R由Pioneer创立。它于1997年发布。用于记录数据。 DVD-R只能写入一次。借助激光在其上写入数据。
2. DVD-RW：
DVD-RW的完整格式是可重写数字多功能光盘。它是直径为120毫米，厚度为1.3毫米的圆盘。它还具有两个每个0.6 mm的聚碳酸酯基材。它与DVD-R不同，因为它可以一次又一次地擦除和写入。数据以数字形式存储在此处。它是一个光存储设备。任何种类的数字数据(例如视频，音频，图像或多媒体程序)都可以存储在其中。它被广泛用于在个人计算机中安装操作系统。
DVD-R和DVD-RW之间的区别：
| DVD-R | DVD-RW |
|---|---|
| DVD-R stands for Digital Versatile Disc Recordable. | DVD-RW stands for Digital Versatile Disc Re-Writable. |
| It was released in 1997. | It was released in 1997. |
| It can store 4.7 GB on single layer single sided sided discs, 8.5 GB on dual layer discs and 9.4 GB on double sided discs. | It can store only 4.7 GB of data. |
| It can be written only once. | It can be written multiple times. |
| It can be used for storing large amount of data. | It is used for storing small amount of data. |
| It is better for long time storage. | While it is better for transferring files. |
| It is slower than DVD-WR. | It is faster. |
| Data loss may occur due to reflective properties of dye. | Dye is not used here hence data loss is not possible. |
| It is economical. | It is more costlier than DVD-R. |