Definition of DVD ROM Drive
DVD-ROM stands for read-only memory and refers to a drive that can read DVD discs. The advent of DVD-ROM drives has made it easier for computer users to access large amounts of data as well as providing a medium for watching video.
History
The DVD specification that was finalized for DVD movie players and DVD-ROM computer applications in 1995 had a compromise resulting in 6 percent less efficiency than originally conceived (the 4.7 gigabyte disc was originally 5 gigabytes).
Significance
DVD-ROM drives use a laser to read the DVD. This allows for more data to be written to the DVD.
Types
The differences between DVD-ROM drives come from the way it reads the disc. There can be different speeds in the reading of the disc. Some drives have a depression in the disc tray that enables it to take smaller discs (CD and DVD) directly.
Benefits
DVDs can hold many times the storage of a CD so computer applications that required four or five CDs could be consolidated into a single disc. Video and commercial movies could be played on the computer as well.
Size
The physical size of a DVD-ROM drive has decreased over time. But because the drive has to be physically bigger than the disc, the point has been reached where it can no longer be made any smaller.
Tags: DVD-ROM drives, computer applications, Definition Drive