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Yes. Windows Media Player can burn a data DVD containing files such as music, pictures, and videos. That does not mean it creates a DVD-Video disc with menus or one guaranteed to play in every living-room DVD player: playback depends on whether the device supports the files’ formats.
What kind of DVD does Windows Media Player burn?
Microsoft documents Windows Media Player as able to burn audio CDs, data CDs, and data DVDs. A data DVD stores files; it is not the same as authoring a DVD-Video movie disc. Microsoft’s documented process copies items from the Player Library to a disc and does not describe creating DVD-Video menus or guaranteeing compatibility with standalone DVD players.
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So, if you want to store or transfer files, a data DVD may suit your needs. If you want a movie disc for a living-room player, do not assume this workflow will produce one: the player must support the file types on the disc, and the instructions do not promise universal playback.
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- A CD or DVD recorder drive. A drive that only reads DVDs does not meet this requirement.
- A blank CD or DVD. For a data DVD, use a blank DVD.
These are the requirements listed in Microsoft’s Windows Media Player burning instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 4.7GB OR 120-MINUTE CAPACITY: Each DVD-R disc stores up to 4.7GB of data or 120 minutes of DVD-quality video.
- UP TO 16X WRITE SPEED: Supports recording speeds up to 16X for fast, efficient burning with compatible DVD-R hardware.
- WIDE DVD COMPATIBILITY: Read compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players for convenient recording and playback.
- AZO RECORDING DYE: Optimized recording dye provides reliable read/write performance for home movies, video clips, files, and backups.
- 50-PACK SPINDLE: Includes 50 branded-surface, write-once DVD-R discs and a Verbatim Limited Lifetime Warranty.
How to burn a data DVD in Windows Media Player
- Open Windows Media Player and go to Player Library.
- Select the Burn tab, then open Burn options.
- Choose Data CD or DVD.
- Insert a blank DVD into the recorder drive. If the computer has more than one drive, select the one you intend to use.
- Find the files in Player Library and drag them into the burn list.
- Select Start burn.
Will the burned DVD play in a DVD player?
Only if the player supports the file types stored on the disc. Microsoft says data DVDs can play on PCs and some DVD players, but compatibility depends on the device and the files’ formats. Check the target player’s supported formats before burning.
If your goal is a standard DVD-Video disc with menus and broad compatibility, Windows Media Player’s documented data-disc workflow does not establish that it can create one. Treat a data DVD as file storage, not as a guaranteed movie DVD.
Rank #2
- 4.7GB OR 120-MINUTE CAPACITY: Each DVD-R disc stores up to 4.7GB of data or 120 minutes of DVD-quality video.
- UP TO 16X WRITE SPEED: Supports recording speeds up to 16X for fast, efficient burning with compatible DVD-R hardware
- WIDE DVD COMPATIBILITY: Read compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players and supports DVD-R drives from leading manufacturers.
- ADVANCED AZO RECORDING DYE: Optimized recording dye provides reliable read/write performance, recording quality, and archival life.
- 100-PACK SPINDLE: Includes 100 branded-surface, write-once DVD-R discs and a Verbatim Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Data DVD or audio CD?
| Disc type | Best suited for | Playback compatibility | Capacity stated by Microsoft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data DVD | Storing music, pictures, and video files | PCs and some DVD players, provided they support the file types | About 4.7 GB, or roughly 54 hours of music |
| Audio CD | Music intended for ordinary CD playback | Can play in nearly any CD player, according to Microsoft | Up to 80 minutes |
Microsoft’s figures are approximate capacity descriptions; the number of files or playable hours you can fit depends on file sizes and encoding. The support page does not state a publication year for these figures.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 100 high-grade non-rewritable DVD+R discs with a one hundred year archival life and OEM drive certified
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- 4.7GB is ideal for storing digital images, music , video and more. Each DVD+R allows you to store up to 1550 photos or more than 120 minutes of 720p video
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- Verbatim has been a leader in data storage technology since 1969, and guarantees this product with a limited lifetime warranty and technical support
Rank #4
- 4.7GB OR 120-MINUTE CAPACITY: Each DVD-R disc stores up to 4.7GB of data or 120 minutes of DVD-quality video.
- UP TO 16X WRITE SPEED: Record a complete disc in approximately five minutes using compatible 16X DVD-R hardware.
- WIDE DVD COMPATIBILITY: Read compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players and supports DVD-R writers from leading manufacturers.
- ADVANCED AZO RECORDING DYE: Optimized recording dye delivers reliable read/write performance, recording quality, and archival life.
- 25-PACK SPINDLE: Includes 25 branded-surface, write-once DVD-R discs and a Verbatim Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Rank #3
- 4.7GB OR 120-MINUTE CAPACITY: Each DVD-R disc stores up to 4.7GB of data or 120 minutes of DVD-quality video.
- UP TO 16X WRITE SPEED: Supports recording speeds up to 16X for fast, efficient burning with compatible DVD-R hardware.
- WRITE-ONCE RECORDING: Provides reliable storage for photos, videos, documents, backups, and other important digital content.
- AZO AND HARDCOAT PROTECTION: AZO technology resists UV light, while the water-resistant HardCoat surface guards against scratches, fingerprints, dust, temperature, and humidity.
- 10-PACK MATTE SILVER DISCS: Includes 10 matte-silver DVD-R discs designed to last up to 100 years when stored properly and backed by a Verbatim Limited Lifetime Warranty.
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