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article last updated on 1.28.2003 | browser-friendly version
DVD Overview
The benefits of DVD
So you've heard a little bit about DVD and you're wondering what the fuss is all about. Perhaps we can help...
DVD (or sometimes known as
Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) is the new digital medium
for video, audio, and data. It looks very much like an audio CD
disc, about 4 3/4 inches (12.0 cm) in diameter. DVD actually comprises of a number
of formats: DVD-Video, DVD-Audio,
DVD-ROM, and a number of recordable
DVD formats.
Since DVD-Video is the most prevalent format, let's limit our
discussion to this format in this overview. (We will save the discussion
regarding the other formats in our DVD
Tutorial.)
The DVD-Video format is doing for movies what the Compact Disc (CD) did for music. The major advantages are:
Pure Digital Format
The video and audio information stored on a DVD-Video are pure digital for a crystal clear picture and CD-quality sound. It is the ideal format for movie viewing and collecting.
Improved Picture Quality and Color
The DVD format provides up to 480 horizontal lines of resolution. This is a significant improvement over 260 horizontal lines of resolution of standard VHS. The color is brilliant, rich, and saturated, accurately rendering skin tones. With the right equipment and set-up, you can enjoy a picture that approaches the quality of film.
State-of-the-Art Surround Sound
All DVD-Video discs include Dolby Digital surround
sound, consisting of up to six and seven channels of surround sound
(i.e., Dolby Digital 5.1-channel and 6.1-channel surround sound).
Additionally, some DVDs
contain an additional alternative surround sound format, called DTS
Digital Surround. Click
here to read more about the different surround
sound formats.
Multiple Language Dialogues and Soundtracks
Many DVD-Video movies are distributed with multiple language options (e.g., English, Spanish, French), each with its own dialogue. With up to eight (8) languages or soundtracks, DVD-Video offer a unique opportunity to expose children to other languages. Closed captioning and/or subtitles are also supported, with up to 32 separate closed caption and/or subtitle tracks encoded into the DVD-Video disc. This feature is activated by using the DVD-Video disc's menu or the DVD-Video player's menu.
Multiple
Angles Option
DVD-Video can support the director's use of simultaneous multiple camera angles to put a new spin on the plot. Though not many DVD titles offer this option, the "Tomorrow Never Dies: Special Edition" DVD-Video uses the multi-angle feature to cross reference the current scene with associated storyboard designs and layouts.
Parental Control
The DVD-Video format offers parents the
ability to lock out viewing of certain materials by their children.
Furthermore, different versions of the same movie with different MPAA
ratings (e.g., G, PG, PG-13, R) can be stored on the same DVD-Video
disc.
Bonus Materials
Many DVD-Video movie releases come with bonus materials (that are normally not included in the VHS version), such as: "the making-of" featurette, cast and crew interviews, theatrical trailers, TV spots, director's audio commentary, music videos, cast and crew biographies and filmographies.
Random Access To Scenes
Movies on DVD-Video are organized into chapters, similar to how songs are on tracks of an audio CD. You can jump to your favorite scenes directly using the "skip chapter" button on the DVD player, entering the chapter number, or using the DVD-Video disc's menu feature. And, there is no more rewinding of videotapes.
Durable Disc Format
The DVD format offers durability and longevity similar to that of audio CDs. With proper handling and care, the DVD disc should last a very long time. There is no wear and tear to worry about, since there is no contact between the laser pickup and the DVD disc. There is virtually no deterioration with repeated use, unlike VHS videotapes. With its durability and small size, DVD-Video is a great format to collect movies and other video titles.
Wide Selection of DVD Movies
There are over 15,000 titles available on DVD-Video as of April 2002. Many national and local video rental chains and independents are renting DVDs today. There are even on-line merchants that rent DVDs, such as NetFlix.com. DVDs are here to stay and has become the new medium of choice for home viewing and movie collecting.
DVD-Video Players Are Now Mainstream
The adoption rate for DVD-Video players surpasses that of any consumer electronics device to date and has long since passed the "early adopter" stage. With prices now well under $100 for a solid performing, brand name, entry-level stand-alone DVD-Video player, DVD-Video is now a mainstream format.
Are You Ready For DVD?
Are you ready to enjoy movies in the DVD-Video format? It's really only a question of time... Now is as good a time as any to take the plunge into DVD-Video. If you're ready, we can help you find the right DVD-Video player for your needs and budget...
What do you want to do next?
DVD Tutorial - Learn more about the wonders of DVD
DVD Player Buying Guide - Learn how to shop for a DVD player
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DVD Player Recommendations - See what DVD players we recommend
DVD Player Reviews - Read our DVD player reviews
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FAQs - Read our frequently asked questions and answers
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