Why can't I burn 4.7Gb on a 4.7Gb-disk??

[FUEL4FIRE]

I've looked thru these forums and couldn't find an answer, also used the (advanced) search, but came up with bothing!!

So I thought that I would post my question here, i felt this was the most appropriate forum...

My question is: When burning data to DVD, with Nero (version 6) and Easy CD & DVD-creator (version 6), I can only burn less then aprox. 4.37Gb to a 4.7Gb disk. Why is that??

I've tried to look thru all the programs; options, preferences, manuals, etc... the only thing I could find was settings in nero about regular CD sizes... couldn't change settings on DVD(ISO)...

I don't know it helps, but anyway, i'm using an HP DVD200i (DVD+r/w) and Memorex 4.7 Gb DVD-RW disks... tried with Nero (5.5x and 6) and Easy CD & DVD-creator (6)

Any help, advice and/or answer why is appreciated

thanks!!

[setarip]

"Why can't I burn 4.7Gb on a 4.7Gb-disk??"

A blank "DVD-5" can hold from 4.36-4.37 of data. The rest of the space is occupied by formatting overhead requirements...

[JediKnight]

If you're burning the DVD in the RW format, then you will get less space than the DVD-RW media has.
It works exactly the same for CD-RW (UDF format).

But, if you record in DVD-R format, you will be able to use the full 4.7GB of space (the same way works for CD-RW media).

[FUEL4FIRE]

Thanx for replying!!!

Setarip:
Weird, 'cuz Nero says that formatting stuff, and fil info is just 1Mb (reserved) or am I wrong... well, another thing, on a 700Mb CD-R I can fit aprox. 702Mb of data... shouldn't DVD+R/W, that is "4.7Gb", be able to store at least like 4.65 or something??

JediKnight:
I think I've already tried that (with Memorex 4.7Gb DVD+R), that's where I first really noticed this problem. This capacity issues really bugging me, 'cuz the data I want to burn is aprox. 70Mb to much than Nero want to allow. I'll try again, be back soon...


thanx..

[FUEL4FIRE]

Hi again...

Setarip:
According to Nero the filesystem overhead is 342Kb.

JediKnight:
It didn't work!...

Thanx anyway..

[legendofphil]

A 4.7Gb DVD is only 4,700,000,000 bytes or 4.377 GigaBytes.

[FUEL4FIRE]

legendofphil:
Thanx! That seems to be the reason.

But one other thing that comes to mind is: Why does everyone assume that Gb is "GigaByte" and how come I haven't read anywhere that it's "GigaBit"... well... thanx to all who have answered!!

[setarip]

FUEL4FIRE

"But, if you record in DVD-R format, you will be able to use the full 4.7GB of space (the same way works for CD-RW media)."

This is incorrect

"A 4.7Gb DVD is only 4,700,000,000 bytes or 4.377 GigaBytes."

For more information and clarification, go to:

http://www.disctronics.co.uk/downloads/sales_docs/disctronics_dvd_specs.pdf

[legendofphil]

It's not a GigaBit, its just 4.7 billion bytes.
Like your hard drive, a 20.1GB Hard drive is really 18.9GB of space.
4.7 GigaBits would be 601.6 MegaBytes.

8bits = 1byte.

Hope that clears things up.