What are The Difference Between CD VS DVD?

CD VS DVD is closely related to our sweet memories of early age. But it still holds a great place in the audio world as music is not all about newer technologies.

The one thing that still didn’t get old is the debate between CD VS DVD. Some people go with the CD and others with the DVD. Because DVD is more capable storing data than CD’s and also other factor works.

Here I will discuss these two great audio devices that the people who are still in love with CD and DVD can have a sharp knowledge.

CD VS  DVD Comparison Table

Features	CD	DVD
Full form	Compact disk	Digital Versatile Disk
Size	700 MB	4.7 GB to 17 GB
Recording layer	At the top	Middle in the disk
Pits	Single layer	Double
Space between pits	0.834 micrometer	0.40 micrometer
Space between loops	1.6 micrometer	0.74 micrometer
Correction code	CIRC and EFMP	RS-PC and EFMplus
Channel bit length	300 nanometer	113 nanometer
Numeric aperture	0.45	0.6
Data transfer rate	1.4 to 1.6 Mb/Sec	11 Mb/Sec
Thickness	1.2 mm	0.6 mm

Key Differences Between CD and DVD

Are you in a hurry? Then check out these key differences between CD and DVD.

Storage Space

Both the CD VS DVD are optical discs or optical storage devices that are used for storing digital data. At first, CDs were invented with the idea of a 14-bit digital encoding system. Later than DVD with the same concept but had a large space.

The compact disk has a capacity of holding data 700 MB and the digital versatile disk holds 4700 MB of data. It is considered seven-time greater than the CD storage space.

Layer

In CDs, the layer of pits is one-sided whereas in DVDs the layer is double makes it more efficient.

There is a metallic layer use for recording. This layer is placed on the beneath labeling side in CDs. But in DVDs, the layer is placed in the center of the disk.

Space between spiral tracks and pits

There is a space of 1.6 micrometers between spiral tracks and 0.834 micrometers between the pits in CDs. The contrast space between spiral tracks is 0.74 micrometers and 0.4 micrometers between the pits in DVDs.

Error correction codes

The error correction codes are CIPC, EFMP for CDs, and RS-PC, EFMPlus for DVDs.

Laser wavelength

The laser wavelength for reading and burning in CD is 780 nanometer, on the other hand for DVD is 650 nanometer. Here the rate is a bit lower for DVDs.

Thickness

There is a difference in the thickness of CD and DVD. 1.2 mm thickness the CD contains and it’s against 0.6 mm thickness is for DVD.

Removal of the adhesive label

And the last thing is the removal of the adhesive label. It causes damage to the CD and imbalance in a spin for DVD.

Media Definition

CD-ROM Media

CD-ROM is a media format of CDs and these are used commercially only as they don’t save data after they are created. The full form s Compact Disc Read-Only Memory which means they are only capable of reading data.

CD-R Media

This format can both read and write data but only once. After reading and then writing for the first time those data become permanent and don’t read or write for the second time or further.

So, it becomes kind of like CD-ROM. The full form of CD-R is Compact Disc Recordable and for a single time, it can read.

CD-RW Media

Compact Disc Re-Writable or CD-RW is another kind of format that can be used several times. This format has the ability to erase and newly reading writing data for this it is used many times.

5 Best CD Player

Media Definition

DVD Media

This is as same as the CD-ROM if you have seen the CD format section then you can easily understand how this works. This format only can read data but as DVD has bigger storage it can read more data than the CDs.

DVD+R Media

DVD+R works the same as the CD-R. Here R means recordable that record once and make it permanent so no further reading or writing data.

DVD+RW Media

DVD formats are likely the CD formats the only difference is in the space they contain. This DVD+RW also can erase data and store new data so multiple times data’s are included and being used.

DVD+R DL Media

This DVD+R DL format works similar to DVD-R because it can not record data a second time. After recording for once the data become permanent.

There is a little difference that it can save data for 8.3 GB. DVD+R DV refers to dual-layer recordable format.

5 Best DVD Player

CD vs DVD Real Difference

Bigger Storage With The DVD

The building system and the material used in CDs and DVDs are the same. So, where is the real difference between them arose in many peoples mind?

The main difference is in the storage capacity. CD contains short storage comparing with the DVD. 

We can understand the storage capability of CD with its name. Compact discs were made to store the little amount of storing data capability. The idea of making a CD was the primary thought of people that could be made by using digital coding.

And the result is a successful disc shape device that was fully capable of giving entertainment. This kind of bring a change in the audio or video world technology. 

The great methodology brings down the cost a lot because the 14-bit code refers to the computer memory unit. So, an interesting alternative it becomes on behalf of the memory device. Also, it can detect errors efficiently.

On the other hand when people were struggling with the short storage of CD the invention of DVD brought out a revolutionary change. It has seven-time larger data storing capacity than the CD so the entertainment level also went to the next level.

Digital Versatile Disk or DVD

Digital Versatile Disk or DVD made with the versatile disc as it was named after and the versatile disc helps to store the videos and audios as the VCR and CD did. 

It contains a double layer of pits and as a result, storage becomes bigger and bigger space helps to get more videos and audios. Even the videos seem so good and the audio quality so define.

In a simple word, the DVD construction is like two CDs are attached. This can also detect the error.

In more details, CDs storing data capability is 700 MB and DVD has a capacity of approximately 4.7 GB or 4700 MB. So, you can know to understand how bigger the space in DVD. 

A huge capacity makes it even better than many other devices at that time. With 700 MB, you can expect audio of around 74 minutes. So, 4700 MB can give a more spacious time of audios or videos.

At that time when DVD came, the popularity of CDs was decreasing. Because everyone wanted to have more time watching or listening to audios. But one bigger thing is to remember that holding the hand of CDs the audio entertainment world become this larger as it was the primary step of using digital coding. 

Still, now the audioholic who truly loves music and the tradition have CDs and in love with them for years.

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Cost and Speed

From the previous discussion, anyone now can say which cost low CD VS DVD. As in CDs the layer of pits are single and even the storage is short so it cost lower than DVD.

But in the construction of DVD, there is a double layer and the storage capacity is massive than the CD. So, these things cost a little bit more.

However, with the little money CDs are more faster and efficient for storing small data. It also kind of profitable because sometimes its needs to store data thus small space is needed. And with the low-cost CDs are the best choice.

Absolutely save extra space and money. But DVDs are a bit slower than CDs and comparing to the cost it is not smoothly working as CDs. Whatever the cost or working efficiency peoples are buying CDs and DVDs according to their choice.

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Use 

• CD was in great demand for a long time. At first cassette and VHS tapes peoples used for enjoying entertainment and listening music. But the invention of CD low down the market for cassettes and other audio devices.

For computer or software, games CDs peoples chose only CDs as they could work efficiently. They can store data and many formats of CDs can read or write data numerous times.

Data contained in CD don’t crush even it is played several times. It also has another benefit that it can go to a certain area and no rewinding is needed.

This kind of usefulness makes CD so much popular at that time. Everyone had many CDs in their house.

• But when DVDs came the popularity decrease a little bit. Because DVDs were offering more space so more data can be stored at a time. So people were consuming DVDs.

DVDs were able to provide great movies and programs or software installed in them could work smoothly. But it cost high than CDs. So, once was a period of CDs when people keep a collection of music CDs in their home.

Even I was fond of CDs and loved to make a huge collection of music CDs so that I could show off in front of my friends. Many of you also did this thing for sure. CDs and DVDs hold a golden memory in many people’s minds.

Three Best CD Players

Marantz SA10S1 SA-10 Super Audio CD Player, Black

This CD player is an amazing device that features all the interesting features. First, the DSP tech gives every single detail to the audio. This is constructed in such a way that no compromise with the fully defined audio quality.

You can enjoy audio with high resolution as the original content. There is also a feature of HDAM that is another exclusive technology.

The dual master clock crystal ensures the perfect timing for sample frequencies. And nothing stops here the toroidal power transformer is a powerful power supply that handles the whole system like a boss. Provide the perfect power so the CD can work efficiently and smoothly.

This CD player may be the most powerful device and can handle high-resolution audio formats easily and perfect for any usage.

Pros

• Refined, informative sound
• Fluid dynamics and excellent stereo imaging
• Superb DAC section
• Excellent connectivity
• Terrific build and finish

Cons

• Limited Iphone compatibility

Denon DCD-600NE Compact CD Player in a Vibration-Resistant Design

This 2-channel CD player offers so beautiful audio that it is so popular among the people’s audio device collection. You can enjoy your favorite song or music with this player and never need to divert in another audio device.

The AL32 processing technology is responsible for the too close to original audio content. Moreover connecting with the PMA-600 NE added an extra spell of enhancing the music and makes it more life-like.

With the impressive technology, it has a cool design body of 4” that looks quite stylish. Overall this a great player that is fully capable of giving the most incredible sounds.

Pros

• Solidly built
• Delivers clean and impeccable sound
• Affordable
• Easy installation
• Solid transport
• Full uncolored sound

Cons

• Owner’s manual is on a disc, instead of an easy to reference paper manual.

Yamaha CD-S300BL Natural Sound CD Player

The robust CD players only can provide the natural sound and in that list this Yamaha CD-S300BL is present. This is CD-R/RW compatible and gives a detailed, crisp, and clean sound.

A remote comes with the device so that any kind of control can easily be done. And there are other high features is there that make it perfect for the audioholics.

From high-grade capacitor to high gain-bandwidth op-amp it offers every high-end feature that makes the best sounding system. Also, the balance dynamic range and frequency all make an incredible combo.

Pros

• High-performance digital-to-analog converter
• Sophisticated internal design
• Richly detailed sound with engaging warmth and musicality
• Pure Direct mode
• Faithful to the music
• Quiet transport
• Concise interface.

Cons

• Over priced
• No power button on the remote

Three Impressive DVD Players

Panasonic DVD Player DVD-S700 (Black) Upconvert DVDs to 1080p Detail

With 1080p full resolution who don’t want to enjoy the defined video! This DVD player just offers the same. It is such an impressive player that is really praise-worthy.

Fully capable of handling all the CD and DVD formats. For extra powerful sound, there is Dolby’s Digital surround sound system makes the audio and video sound detailed ever.

The design is also beautiful with a black finish. Placing it to the home and enjoying the favorite audio or video can be an outstanding experience.

Sony DVPSR510H DVD Player, with HDMI port

This is a good quality Sony DVD player for day-to-day use. One thing that is praiseworthy of DVD players that they support both CD and DV. As a result, there is no need of buying two different devices.

This is not different from that at all. All the format like DVD-R, DVD- RW or CD-R, etc it supports and the audio remain high quality with all of them.

There is also an HDMI port for connecting compatible devices. Next talking about the price in my opinion it is price-worthy. So, if you are in hurry then go for this beautiful player.

Pros

• Good for home and travel due to its small size.
• Does a great job for up to 1080p.
• Produces good sound
• Affordable
• Easy installation and hook up via HDMI port.
• No fuss or bother

Cons

• No front display buy no big deal
• Not for Blue ray discs

LG DP132 DVD Player With Flexible USB & DivX Playback

LG always offers incredible products and this LG DP132 is another great invention of them. This an amazing DVD player that can turn the music into the finest one that you may ever imagine.

And most impressively CDs also work in this players so if anyone wants that surely can enjoy the CD audio in this player.

It has a 9W power consumption capacity that is suitable for doing all the activities nicely. There is also a micro USB for connecting the device.

Also, the price is budget-friendly for those who have a tight budget. This offers every single thing that a high-end DVD player would ever offer.

Pros

• Region free support
• Compact size
• USB 2.0 port
• CD to MP3 conversion

Cons

• No HDMI support
• No upscaling

History of CD

CD or in full form compact discs discovered by Philip and Sony. At first, they even think of getting this much popularity of CD. As it was our day-to-day life most favorite audio medium and still now holds a great place.

It was like an idea of encoding digital data which then turns into a CD comes in a compact disc. Maybe for this kind of name, it is named Compact Disc.

Whatever the main technique it consumes is encoding. Here a 14-bit code indicates a byte which also helps to detect an error. This means double the usefulness it provides.

At the last, the magnetic disk replaced it and thus make it low cost as well increase the capability of storing more data.

History Of DVD

DVDs were invented later than CDs and can be said they are much more similar to CDs. Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic developed this thing in 1995.

Right before this was invented there was VCD or Video CDs were used to record videos or films. And then the Digital Versatile Disk came and took by all the people warmly.

As earlier I have said that CD and DVDs are almost the same. But the main difference is in the size and the manufacturing method. DVDs are absolutely capable of storing data that are seven-time bigger than the capability of CD.

Also discovering DVD was in a huge great advantage because it offered as an interesting alternative in the place of VCR as well CD. As a result, a wonderful video and picture quality was available on DVD.

Pictures become more clear and the quality upgraded to the next level. Though there is not much difference in the construction than a CD.

All the materials and techniques are the same except for one thing. There are double layers of pits but CDs only have one layer. That’s why it can store more data and gives a beautiful image.

Final Verdict

CD VS DVD is two fantastic memory holders that are connected with people’s minds and hearts. In 90’s they were the only entertainment-providing devices and ruled a huge time in everyone’s heart.

Even today many could not come out from the attachment of CD or DVDs. Because those who are truly audioholic love this traditional music or video gadgets as same as before.

So, if you are one of them and wanted to know about them probably now you have a clear image about CD VS DVD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions you might need to be answered.

Can CD players play both CD and DVD?

CD players can not play DVDs but CDs only. On but other hand DVD players can play both CD and DVD. Here the capacity becomes the issue as DVD takes more space than CD so CD players can not cope with that.

CD VS DVD which is best?

CD and DVD are the two most heart-touching gadgets that should not be compared. Because holding the hand of CD; DVD came. Both have the same construction only difference in the storage.

So, you can say both of them are the finest thing and are best in their ways.