DVD FAQ

DVD has become increasingly popular in the video, computer and home entertainment industries. The format has many exciting features and benefits. It also has some drawbacks and. Check out our DVD information and let us help you decide if DVD is right for your next project

Below you will find answers to some common DVD related questions:

What is DVD?
What video format is used on a DVD?
What are the special features of DVD?
How many types of DVD are there?
What is the difference between DVD-Video and DVD-ROM?
What about writeable DVD?
Is DVD digital?
Does DVD look better than VHS?
How much data can a DVD hold?
What equipment do I need to watch a DVD?
Will an audio CD work in my DVD player?
Will a CD-ROM work in my DVD player?
Can I use a DVD-Video disc in my computer?
Can I use a DVD-ROM disc in my DVD-Video Player?
What do you need to create a DVD?
What about high-definition DVD?

Q. What is DVD?

A. DVD is an optical media format for distributing video and/or data. A DVD disc has the same appearance and dimensions as a CD.
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Q. What video format is used on a DVD?

A. Movies on DVD are encoded with MPEG-2 video streams and Dolby Digital (formerly AC-3) or PCM audio streams.
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Q. What are the special features of DVD?

A. There is usually 1 video track and up to 8 audio tracks. There is support for multiple camera angles, 16:9 aspect ratios and multiple languages and subtitles. DVD also supports branching of the video program based on viewer input. Some discs contain both video and data and can be used in a set-top player and a computer.
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Q. How many types of DVD are there?

A. There are at least 7 types: DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM.
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Q. What is the difference between DVD-Video and DVD-ROM?

A. DVD-Video contains video programs and is used primarily in a set-top DVD-Video player connected to your TV. DVD-ROM contains computer data and works much like a high-capacity CD-ROM.
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Q. What about writeable DVD?

A. DVD-R is a writeable DVD disc used for product development and testing. It is a good alternative for short-run or quick-turnaround projects.
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Q. Is DVD digital?

A. Yes and no. The data on the disc is digital in the sense that it is composed of 1s and 0s. However, the output of a DVD-Video player is an analog NTSC signal. DVD-Video players with digital outputs that connect directly to your digital HDTV set are just beginning to reach the market. That eliminates the digital to analog conversion and can result is a higher quality image.
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Q. Does DVD look better than VHS?

A. It certainly can. A well-produced DVD program will look much better than an average VHS cassette. The image quality is close to that of Beta SP. One of the real advantages of DVD comes from its durability and lack of degradation over time. A DVD will never develop the dropouts or tape creases that reduce picture quality.

Q. How much data can a DVD hold?

A. A single-sided, single-layer disc can hold 4.7 G of data, more than 2 hours of video. A double-sided, double-layer disc can hold more than 17 G of data.
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Q. What equipment do I need to watch a DVD?

A. To watch a DVD-Video disc on your television, you need a set-top DVD-Video player. This is a separate component, similar to a VCR, which attaches to your TV. Most new computers contain DVD drives and player software.
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Q. Will an audio CD work in my DVD player?

A. Most DVD-Video players will play audio CD discs. Just as with CD-ROM drives, computers with DVD drives can play audio CD discs.
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Q. Will a CD-ROM work in my DVD player?

A. CD-ROMs will not work in a set-top DVD-Video player. A CD-ROM can only be used in a computer. A computer with a DVD drive will read CD-ROM discs.
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Q. Can I use a DVD-Video disc in my computer?

A. Most likely. Most new computers contain DVD drives and the necessary player software.
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Q. Can I use a DVD-ROM disc in my DVD-Video Player?

A. No. A DVD-ROM disc is designed for use in a computer with a DVD drive.
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Q. What do you need to create a DVD?

A. Creation of a DVD program is done with a computer with an MPEG-2 encoder. The DVD-specific features are added with DVD authoring software. The mastering and pressing of the discs uses a manufacturing process similar to the creation of CDs.
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Q. What about high-definition DVD?

A. You may have heard a lot of talk about the new Blu-Ray and HD-DVD formats. These are two competing formats for delivering high-definition programs on optical discs. These discs would be identical to current DVDs in appearance and size. There was hope of finding a way to merge the formats and avoid having two competing formats in the marketplace. Unfortunately, it does not look like that is going to happen. There are no high-definition DVD players being manufactured and authoring tools are just beginning to become available. It will be at least a year before there is product in the marketplace. Until consumers decide which one they prefer, the industry is going to be forced to support both formats.
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