DVD Burning

Writing (or "burning") DVDs requires a different approach than burning CDs. DVDs offer much higher capacities, and the standard CD writing tools will not suffice.

This HOWTO covers a narrow scope for now: writing data onto DVDs using the command line.

Required packages

1. You still need the standard CD writing tools known as Template:Package AUR (which can be replaced by Template:Package Official, if desired).
2. You also need the new DVD writing tools known as dvd+rw-tools, found in the [extra] repository.

Note: Do not install the package known as Template:Package Official. It conflicts with Template:Package AUR, and dvd+rw-tools is the superior DVD writing package.

Tip: If you wish to use a graphical front-end, install Template:Package Official or Template:Package Official and you need to read no further.

Procedure

This HOWTO will use the command Template:Codeline from the dvd+rw-tools package. If you've ever written CDs from the command line before, you'll know the process of first creating an iso9660 file (Template:Codeline), and then burning it to CD (Template:Codeline). Template:Codeline merges these steps, so you don't need extra storage space for the ISO file anymore. Another advantage is that multisession writing has been simplified.

Overview

Essentially, writing a new DVD follows this procedure:

$ growisofs -Z /dev/cdrw -r -J /path/to/files

where Template:Filename is your DVD writer device.

To continue a DVD (write an additional session) you use:

$ growisofs -M /dev/cdrw -r -J /path/to/files

To burn an ISO image to disc use:

$ growisofs -Z /dev/cdrw=/path/to/iso

To create a video dvd use the following (NOTE: rather than using /dev/srN directly, consider /dev/dvdN or even just plain /dev/dvd):

$ growisofs -Z /dev/sr0 -dvd-video /path/to/video

Template:Codeline

start at the beginning of the DVD using the following device

Template:Codeline

start after the last session on the disc using the following device

Template:Codeline

Rock Ridge support with sane permission settings (recommended, extended UNIX info)

Template:Codeline

Joliet support (recommended, extended info for Windows NT and Windows 95)

Note: Template:Codeline will choose different permissions than the real ones; to use the exact permissions use Template:Codeline instead. See the man page of Template:Codeline for more information.

Tip: If you want to copy an existing DVD, one way that works is to make an ISO using Template:Codeline:

$ readcd -v dev=/dev/cdrw -f image.iso

as per CD Burning Tips, then use the Template:Codeline example above to burn the ISO to a new blank disc.

Example

Although the above might suffice for you, some users require extra settings to successfully write DVDs.

A simple DVD writing template:

$ growisofs -Z /dev/cdrw -v -l -dry-run -iso-level 3 -R -J -speed=2 -joliet-long -graft-points /files/=/path/to/files/

Template:Codeline

as seen above, this starts a new DVD; to continue a multisession DVD, use Template:Codeline

Template:Codeline

increase verbosity level (more output)

Template:Codeline

breaks DOS compatibility but allows for longer filenames

Template:Codeline

simulate writing (remove this flag if you are sure that everything is set up correctly)

Template:Codeline

defines how strict you want to adhere to the iso9660 standard (Template:Codeline is very strict while Template:Codeline is very loose)

Template:Codeline

see above

Template:Codeline

see above

Template:Codeline

start burning at 2X speed

Template:Codeline

allows longer Joliet file names

The final part needs more explanation:

-graft-points /files/=/path/to/files/

This specifies that files will be stored in the subdirectory Template:Filename rather than the DVD root. See the Template:Codeline manual for details.

Note: Template:Codeline is basically just a front-end to Template:Codeline. That means that any option for Template:Codeline also works with Template:Codeline. See the Template:Codeline man page for details.

Re-writable DVDs

The process for burning re-writable discs is almost the same as for normal DVDs. However, keep in mind that virgin DVD+RW media needs to be initially formatted ("blanked") prior to usage. Blanking can be done using the program Template:Codeline like this:

$ dvd+rw-format /dev/cdrw

where Template:Filename is your DVD writer device.

Troubleshooting

Permission denied

If you encounter the a permission error, ensure you are a member of the group "optical":

# usermod -aG optical username

after which you will have to logoff and -on.

Note: Template:Codeline will not run via sudo.