A read-only DVD disc used to permanently store data files. DVD-ROM discs are widely used to distribute large software applications that exceed the capacity of a CD-ROM disc. DVD-ROM discs are read in DVD-ROM and DVD-RAM drives in computers, but typically not in DVD drives connected to TVs and home theater systems. However, most DVD-ROM drives will play DVD movie discs.
In practice, the term "DVD" refers to all DVD formats. The phrase "insert the installation DVD" really means "insert the installation DVD-ROM." See
DVD,
DVD storage capacities,
DVD drives,
DVD-Video and
optical disc.