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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...