What+is+an+ISO+Image++.ISO+File?

What is an ISO Image .ISO File?
SUMMARY: Explains what .ISO files are in relation to CDs and DVDs.

.ISO files are, in a sense, packed files containing entire CD or DVD images. Most burning software can take these files and burn them directly to a CD/DVD, making available the files within. These files are convenient when transferring CD or DVD information over the Internet, such as in the case of freeware operating systems. Microsoft has used ISO images to allow people to download trial copies of their operating systems and software, and many variants of Linux also use .ISO files to make full CDs available.

Transferring .ISO files is more convenient than distributing the individual files within as they not only contain file information but also the files' directory structure, boot data, and CD/DVD metadata such as the media's author, copyright, and other information. And, while other file packing formats exist such as .ZIP and .RAR, using an .ISO file is more convenient as the file recipient does not have to take an intermediary step of uncompressing the file before writing a CD or DVD.

Blu-ray discs, often called BD, are (as of 2007) one of the two main rival formats available to replace standard DVDs. While DVDs can normally store up to 4.7 gigabytes of information, Blu-ray discs can hold up to 50 gigabytes of storage. Plus, advances in technology may allow for Blu-ray discs to hold double, or even quadruple, the current amount of storage.

Extra storage on Blu-ray discs can be used to hold additional trailers, directors' cuts, and outtakes (normally called "DVDextras"). However, the main need for the extra storage is to handle high-definition video (such asHDTV) and surround-sound audio.

According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, the reason behind the name is that the readers use blue lasers instead of red lasers used for reading standard DVDs.

The main competitor to Blu-ray is HD DVD. Since different movie/TV production studios and hardware use one or both of the formats, consumers may want to wait to see which format "wins out" in the end.

Currently, licensing issues are preventing combination HD-DVDand Blu-ray players, so users either have to buy multiple players or pick one format and hope their content is, and continues to be, available in that format. This is reminiscent of the VHS/Betamax format wars of the 1970s-1980s.

HD (high density) DVDdiscs, are (as of 2007) one of the two main rival formats available to replace standard DVDs. While DVDs can normally store up to 4.7 gigabytes of information, HDDVD discs can hold up to 30 gigabytes of storage. Plus, advances in technology may allow for HDDVD discs to handle even more storage.

Extra storage on HDDVDdiscs can be used to hold additional trailers, directors' cuts, and outtakes (normally called "DVDextras"). However, the main need for the extra storage is to handle high-definition video (such asHDTV) and surround-sound audio.

The main competitor to HD-DVDis Blu-ray. Since different movie/TV production studios and hardware use one or both of the formats, consumers may want to wait to see which format "wins out" in the end. Currently, licensing issues are preventing combination HD-DVD and Blu-ray players, so users either have to buy multiple players or pick one format and hope their content is, and continues to be, available in that format. This is reminiscent of the VHS/Betamax format wars of the 1970s-1980s.