pit

pit definition - computer

An indentation in an optical medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD. The laser beam is either absorbed in the pit or reflects off the non-indented areas, which are called "lands." Using various algorithms, the reflections are converted into 0 and 1 bits.


_CDVSDVD.GIF


Pits and Lands

This microscopic view of a CD-ROM and DVD disc compares the track density and pits and lands, which account for 7.5 times as much data on the DVD. (Image courtesy of C-Cube Microsystems.)






Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2009 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.

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