Finalize (optical discs)

Finalizing an optical data storage (the term usually refers to a DVD-R) is the process that will be written to the additional data such as the DVD menu or the file system on an optical data storage in order to make this play on other systems other than the host system.

A once finalized ized, non-rewritable media can not be described. It is the final step in DVD authoring.

The term is alternatively used for completing a CD-R, in which, for example, the Table of Contents ( TOC ) is written in order to make the CD for the computer to read. As with the disc finalization, a finalized disc can not be described further.

Some recording formats such as DVD RW do not require finalization to be played can.

• Optical data storage medium