Section 1 of 10 - Prev - Next All sections - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10
Archive-name: rec-video/dvd-faq
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: Oct 4, 1990
URL: http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html
Maintainer: Jim Taylor
DVD FAQ
DVD Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)
This is the February 9, 2000 revision of the official Internet DVD FAQ for
the rec.video.dvd Usenet newsgroups.
(See below for what's new.) Please send corrections, additions, and new
questions to Jim Taylor .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contents
* [0] Where can I get the DVD FAQ?
* [0.1] Has the DVD FAQ been translated into other languages?
* [0.2] This FAQ is too long and technical. Is there a simpler
version?
* [0.3] Is this FAQ any good? How do I know it's accurate?
* [1] General DVD
* [1.1] What is DVD?
* [1.2] What are the features of DVD-Video?
* [1.3] What's the quality of DVD-Video?
* [1.4] What are the disadvantages of DVD?
* [1.5] What DVD players and drives are available?
* [1.5.1] Which player should I buy?
* [1.6] What DVD titles are available?
* [1.7] How much do players and drives cost?
* [1.8] How much do discs cost?
* [1.9] How quickly will DVD become established?
* [1.10] What are "regional codes," "country codes," or "zone
locks"?
* [1.11] What are the copy protection issues?
* [1.12] What about DVD-Audio or Music DVD?
* [1.13] Which studios are supporting DVD?
* [1.14] Can DVD record from VCR/TV/etc?
* [1.15] What happens if I scratch the disc? Aren't discs too
fragile to be rented?
* [1.16] VHS is good enough, why should I care about DVD?
* [1.17] Is the packaging different from CD?
* [1.18] What's a dual-layer disc? Will it work in all players?
* [1.19] Is DVD-Video a worldwide standard? Does it work with NTSC,
PAL and SECAM?
* [1.20] What about animation on DVD? Doesn't it compress poorly?
* [1.21] Why do some discs require side flipping? Can't DVDs hold
four hours per side?
* [1.22] Why is the picture squished, making things look too
skinny?
* [1.23] Do all videos use Dolby Digital (AC-3)? Do they all have
5.1 channels?
* [1.24] Can DVDs have laser rot?
* [1.25] Which titles are pan & scan only? Why?
* [1.26] How do I make the subtitles on my Pioneer player go away?
* [1.27] What is a layer change? Where is it on specific discs?
* [1.28] The disc says Dolby Digital. Why do I get 2-channel
surround audio?
* [1.29] Why doesn't the repeat A-B feature work on some discs?
* [1.30] What's the difference between first, second, and third
generation DVD?
* [1.31] What's a hybrid DVD?
* [1.32] What's the deal with DTS and DVD?
* [1.33] Why is the picture black and white?
* [1.34] Why are both sides fullscreen when one side is supposed to
be widescreen?
* [1.35] Why are the audio and video out of sync?
* [1.36] Why does the picture alternate between light and dark?
* [1.37] How do I find "Easter eggs" and other hidden features?
* [1.38] How do I get rid of the black bars at the top and bottom?
* [1.39] How should I clean and care for DVDs?
* [1.40] What's a progressive DVD player?
* [1.41] Why doesn't disc X work on player Y?
* [1.42] How do the parental control and multi-ratings features
work?
* [1.43] Which discs include multiple camera angles?
* [2] DVD's relationship to other products
* [2.1] Will DVD replace VCRs?
* [2.2] Will DVD replace CD-ROM?
* [2.3] Can CD-R writers create DVDs?
* [2.4] Is CD compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.1] Is CD audio (CD-DA) compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.2] Is CD-ROM compatible with DVD-ROM?
* [2.4.3] Is CD-R compatible with DVD-ROM?
* [2.4.4] Is CD-RW compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.5] Is Video CD compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.6] Is Super Video CD compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.7] Is Photo CD compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.8] Is CD-i compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.9] Is Enhanced CD compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.10] Is CD+G compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.11] Is CDV compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.12] Is MP3 compatible with DVD?
* [2.4.13] Is HDCD compatible with DVD?
* [2.5] Is laserdisc compatible with DVD?
* [2.6] Will DVD replace laserdisc?
* [2.7] How does DVD compare to laserdisc?
* [2.8] Can I modify or upgrade my laserdisc player to play DVD?
* [2.9] Does DVD support HDTV (DTV)? Will HDTV make DVD obsolete?
* [2.10] What was Divx?
* [2.11] How can I record from DVD to videotape?
* [2.12] Will high-definition DVD or 720p DVD make current players
and discs obsolete?
* [3] DVD technical details
* [3.1] What are the outputs of a DVD player?
* [3.2] How do I hook up a DVD player?
+ [3.2.1] Will I have problems connecting my VCR between my TV
and my DVD player?
* [3.3] What are the sizes and capacities of DVD?
+ [3.3.1] When will double-sided, dual-layer discs (DVD-18) be
available?
* [3.4] What are the video details?
* [3.5] What's widescreen? How do the aspect ratios work?
* [3.6] What are the audio details?
+ [3.6.1] DVD-Audio details
+ [3.6.2] Audio details of DVD-Video
* [3.7] How do the interactive features work?
* [3.8] What is the difference between interlaced and progressive
video?
* [3.9] What is edge enhancement?
* [3.10] Does DVD work with barcodes?
* [4] DVD and computers
* [4.1] Can I play DVD movies on my computer?
* [4.2] What are the features and speeds of DVD-ROM drives?
* [4.3] What about recordable DVD: DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, and
DVD+RW?
* [4.4] Why can't I take a screenshot of DVD video? Why do I get a
pink or black square?
* [4.5] Why can't I play movies copied to my hard drive?
* [4.6] Why do I have problems playing DVDs on my computer?
* [4.7] Can I stream DVD over a network or the Internet?
* [4.8] What is DeCSS?
* [4.9] How do I play DVD video in HTML, PowerPoint, Director, VB,
etc.?
* [4.10] What are .IFO, .VOB, and .AOB files? How can I play them?
* [5] DVD production
* [5.1] How much does it cost to produce a DVD? Isn't it more
expensive than videotape, laserdisc, and CD-ROM?
* [5.2] What DVD-ROM formatting tools are available?
* [5.3] What MPEG-2 encoding tools are available?
* [5.4] What DVD-Video production tools are available?
* [5.5] Who can produce a DVD for me?
* [5.6] What testing/verification services and tools are available?
* [5.7] Can I put DVD-Video content on a CD-R or CD-RW?
* [5.8] How do I copy my home videos to DVD?
* [5.9] How do I get a job making DVDs?
* [6] Miscellaneous
* [6.1] Who invented DVD and who owns it? Whom to contact for
specifications and licensing?
* [6.2] Who is making or supporting DVD products?
* [6.3] Where can I buy (or rent) DVDs and players?
* [6.4] Where can I get more information about DVD?
* [7] Leftovers
* [7.1] Unanswered questions
* [7.2] Notation and units
* [7.3] Acknowledgments
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recent changes:
* 00-02-09: Removed flipper and layer-switch lists. Link to DVD Review's
Film Vault instead. (1.21, 1.27)
* 00-02-08: Note about Macrovision problems on TV/VCR combos. (3.2.1)
* 00-02-08: New question: [4.10] What are .IFO, .VOB, and .AOB files?
How can I play them?
* 00-02-07: DVD-R split into two versions, brining the number of DVD
recordable formats to five. (4.3)
* 00-02-07: Pioneer DVD-Audio players support SACD, which means there
may never be a "standards battle". (1.12)
* 00-02-01: New question: [1.43] Which discs include multiple camera
angles?
* 00-02-01: Link to Michael D's Guide to Region 4 DVDs. (6.4)
* 00-01-28: New question: [4.9] How do I play DVD video in HTML,
PowerPoint, Director, VB, etc.?
* 00-01-27: Rambling lists of PC decoders are now more-legible bulleted
lists. (4.1)
* 00-01-26: List of multi-rating and multi-version discs. (1.42)
* 00-01-26: Link to Dan Ramer's anamorphic article at DVD File. (3.5)
* 00-01-25: DVD hardware playback coming to Linux. (4.1)
* 00-01-25: Emphasis that letterbox and fullscreen images are usually
the same size. (1.38)
* 00-01-25: DeCSS stuff moved to its own new section: [4.8] What is
DeCSS?
* 00-01-25: Revised description of CSS. (1.11)
* 00-01-25: Note that region codes could be considered an illegal
restraint of trade. (1.10)
* 00-01-25: Pointer to excellent CD-i FAQ. (2.4.8)
* 00-01-25: Pointers to information on DVD mastering and replication.
(5.0)
* 00-01-25: New question: [3.10] Does DVD work with barcodes?
* 00-01-24: The DeCSS saga continues: Norwegian hacker raided.
Preliminary injunctions granted in NY and CA suits. (4.8)
* 00-01-24: A bunch of questions to help you pick a player. (1.5.1)
* 00-01-17: DeCSS source code available on a T-shirt. (4.8)
* 00-01-15: More on DVD video recorders. Rewritten DVD+RW section (pun
intended). (4.3)
* 00-01-15: More DeCSS lawsuits. (4.8)
* 00-01-15: More links to software players. (4.1)
* 00-01-15: More manufacturers and more Web site links. (6.2)
* 00-01-14: New question: [0.3] Is this FAQ any good? How do I know it's
accurate? (Moved section 1.1.1 to 0.2)
* 00-01-14: Link to DVD Utils Web site. (6.4)
* 00-01-13: New question: [2.12] Will high-definition DVD or 720p DVD
make current players and discs obsolete?. Related reworking of HDTV
section (2.9).
* 00-01-09: Minor revisions to video resolution info. Moved analog
signal figures from laserdisc section to video section. (3.4)
* 00-01-09: TVGuardian option for parental control. (1.42)
* 00-01-08: Many additions and URLs of DVD companies. (6.2)
* 00-01-05: New address for Russian translation. (0.1)
* 00-01-05: Difference between PAL and SECAM DVD players. (1.19)
* 99-12-29: DVD CCA restraining order denied. (4.8)
* 99-12-29: DVD CCA created to license CSS. (6.1)
* 99-12-27: More YUV-RGB converter sources. (3.1)
* 99-12-27: New question: [1.5.1] Which player should I buy?
* 99-12-19: More infrared remotes for DVD playback on PCs. (4.1)
* 99-12-19: Minor rewrites of video encoding section. (3.4)
* 99-12-19: More info on making MiniDVDs. (5.7)
* 99-12-18: A few more compatibility problems. (1.4.1)
* 99-12-18: Link to Home Theater Forum, an excellent DVD discussion
site, and DVD Infomatrix, a great source of info on DVD PCs. (6.4)
* 99-12-12: Some naughty discs and players don't use 4:3 letterbox flags
properly. (3.5)
* 99-12-12: Watch out for progressive-scan TVs that don't allow aspect
ratio changes. (1.40)
* 99-12-12: Updated info on DVD-Audio (delayed until mid 2000). (1.12)
* 99-12-12: Minor updates to DTS info. (1.32)
* 99-12-12: No need for regular alignment of laser in player. (1.39)
* 99-12-12: Not even Philips 170 can play DVD-V content from CD-R/RW.
(5.7)
* 99-12-11: Italian translation available at
http://digilander.iol.it/pierugo1/traduzione_faq_dvd.html.
* 99-12-11: New questions:
[1.42] How do the parental control and multi-ratings features work?
[3.9] What is edge enhancement?
[4.7] Can I stream DVD over a network or the Internet?
* 99-12-11: New troubleshooting step for PCs (overlay surface). (4.6)
* 99-12-11: Mentioned DVD-R replication for short runs. (5)
* 99-12-11: Layer change times for The Mummy, 12 Monkeys, Deer Hunter,
Apollo 13 (DTS), Legionnaire, A Simple Plan, Stargate SE, The Stand.
(1.27) Thanks Bob, Josh, Kristen, Shawn, Adam, Dream Master.
* 99-12-10: Numerous updates on writable DVD. (4.3)
* 99-11-19: First commercial DVD-18. (3.3.1) (A bit of gloating about my
accurate prediction.)
* 99-11-19: New question: [2.11] How can I record from DVD to videotape?
* 99-11-19: Software DVD player for Mac. (4.1)
* 99-11-19: Link to Aaron's rebuttal of Bernie's "Letterschlock FAQ."
(1.38)
* 99-11-15: New IEC prefixes for binary multiples. (7.2)
* 99-11-11: Visible Light authoring packages. (5.4)
* 99-11-09: New question: [6.3] Where can I buy (or rent) DVDs and
players?
* 99-11-08: CSS (copy protection) cracked. (4.8)
* 99-11-08: A few new DVD players can play MP3 CDs. (2.4.12)
* 99-11-03: New question: [1.1.1] This FAQ is too long and technical. Is
there a simpler version?
* 99-10-05: A few DVD players can read SVCD. Philips DVD170 is
upgradable. (2.4.6)
* 99-10-04: More about why so many DVDs are widescreen (is my bias
showing? :-), including links to sites with more info (1.38).
Additions to widescreen links at the end of 3.5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[0] Where can I get the DVD FAQ?
* The most current version is on the Web at
.
* A text version is posted periodically as "rec.video.dvd Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ)" to rec.video.dvd.tech, rec.video.dvd.misc,
rec.answers, news.answers, and other relevant newsgroups.
* Mirror copy locations include:
o U.S. (Digital Bits):
o U.S. (DVD Resource):
o DVD City (optimized by
Adero for faster access in Australia France, Germany, Hong Kong,
Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain)
o Ireland (DVDDirect):
o Germany (Area DVD):
o UK (DVD Guide):
o Sweden (DVD Registret):
o Norway (DVDnett.no):
o South Africa (DVDSA):
o Netherlands (DVD-Info Point):
o Austria (dvd.at);
o Australia (aus.dvd):
* A text archive of the version last posted to newsgroups is at
and other FAQ mirrors, as
well as . You can have a
text version of the FAQ emailed to you by sending email to
dvdfaq@dvdresource.com.
[0.1] Has the DVD FAQ been translated into other languages?
Various translations of the DVD FAQ are available:
* French . Merci beaucoup
to Zahir Abela.
* Italian .
Molti ringraziamenti to Pierugo Mazzaccheri.
* Japanese . Otsukaresama to
Yoshida Toshinori.
* Norwegian . Tusen takk to Paul H.
Brekke and Lasse Hatletvedt.
* Russian . Blagodara to
Alexander Lokshin.
* Spanish .
Muchisimas gracias to Modesto Garrido.
If you'd like to translate the DVD FAQ into another language (Klingon,
anyone?), please contact Jim.
[0.2] This FAQ is too long and technical. Is there a simpler version?
Try Earl's Famous DVD Technology Exposition Web Page Extravaganza Supreme
Deluxe (http://lonestar.texas.net/~bdub/earl/dvd.htm).
[0.3] Is this FAQ any good? How do I know it's accurate?
Here are a few user comments on the DVD FAQ. It's the most accurate source
of DVD information in this galaxy. If you find something you think is in
error, please let Jim know.
Pointers to other DVD sites are scattered throughout the FAQ and in section
6.4.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] General DVD
[1.1] What is DVD?
DVD, which once stood for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc, is
the next generation of optical disc storage technology. It's essentially a
bigger, faster CD that can hold video as well as audio and computer data.
DVD aims to encompass home entertainment, computers, and business
information with a single digital format, eventually replacing audio CD,
videotape, laserdisc, CD-ROM, and perhaps even video game cartridges. DVD
has widespread support from all major electronics companies, all major
computer hardware companies, and all major movie and music studios. With
this unprecedented support, DVD has become the most successful consumer
electronics product of all time in less than three years of its
introduction.
It's important to understand the difference between DVD-Video and DVD-ROM.
DVD-Video (often simply called DVD) holds video programs and is played in a
DVD player hooked up to a TV. DVD-ROM holds computer data and is read by a
DVD-ROM drive hooked up to a computer. The difference is similar to that
between Audio CD and CD-ROM. DVD-ROM also includes recordable variations
(DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW; see 4.3). Most people expect DVD-ROM to be
initially much more successful than DVD-Video. Most new computers with
DVD-ROM drives can also play DVD-Videos (see 4.1).
There's also the DVD-Audio format that was finalized in late 1999 but won't
be available outside of Japan until late 2000 at the earliest (see 1.23 and
3.6.1).
[1.2] What are the features of DVD-Video?
* Over 2 hours of high-quality digital video (over 8 on a double-sided,
dual-layer disc).
* Support for widescreen movies on standard or widescreen TVs (4:3 and
16:9 aspect ratios).
* Up to 8 tracks of digital audio (for multiple languages, DVS, etc.),
each with as many as 8 channels.
* Up to 32 subtitle/karaoke tracks.
* Automatic "seamless" branching of video (for multiple story lines or
ratings on one disc).
* Up to 9 camera angles (different viewpoints can be selected during
playback).
* Menus and simple interactive features (for games, quizzes, etc.).
* Multilingual identifying text for title name, album name, song name,
cast, crew, etc.
* Instant rewind and fast forward (no "be kind, rewind" stickers and
threats on rental discs)
* Instant search to title, chapter, music track, and timecode.
* Durable (no wear from playing, only from physical damage).
* Not susceptible to magnetic fields. Resistant to heat.
* Compact size (easy to handle, store, and ship; players can be
portable; replication is cheaper).
* Noncomedogenic.
Note: Most discs do not contain all features (multiple audio/subtitle
tracks, seamless branching, parental control, etc.), as each feature must
be specially authored. Some discs may not allow searching or skipping.
Most players support a standard set of features:
* Language choice (for automatic selection of video scenes, audio
tracks, subtitle tracks, and menus).*
* Special effects playback: freeze, step, slow, fast, and scan (no
reverse play or reverse step).
* Parental lock (for denying playback of discs or scenes with
objectionable material).*
* Programmability (playback of selected sections in a desired sequence).
* Random play and repeat play.
* Digital audio output (PCM stereo and Dolby Digital).
* Compatibility with audio CDs.
* Must be supported by additional content on the disc.
Some players include additional features:
* Component (YUV or RGB) video output for higher-quality picture.
* Progressive-scan component (YUV or RGB) output for highest-quality
analog picture.
* Six-channel analog output from internal audio decoder.
* Recognition and output of DTS Digital Surround audio tracks.
* Compatibility with Video CDs.
* Compatibility with laserdiscs and CDVs.
* Ability to play Divx discs.
* Reverse single frame stepping.
* RF output (for TVs with no direct video input).
* Multilingual on-screen display.
* Digital zoom (2x or 4x enlargement of a section of the picture). This
is a player feature, not a DVD disc feature.
[1.3] What's the quality of DVD-Video?
DVD has the capability to produce near-studio-quality video and
better-than-CD-quality audio. DVD is vastly superior to videotape and
generally better than laserdisc (see 2.8.). However, quality depends on
many production factors. As compression experience and technology improves
we will see increasing quality, but as production costs decrease we will
also see more shoddily produced discs. A few low-budget DVDs will even use
MPEG-1 encoding (which is no better than VHS) instead of higher-quality
MPEG-2.
DVD video is usually encoded from digital studio master tapes to MPEG-2
format. The encoding process uses lossy compression that removes redundant
information (such as areas of the picture that don't change) and
information that's not readily perceptible by the human eye. The resulting
video, especially when it is complex or changing quickly, may sometimes
contain visual flaws, depending on the processing quality and amount of
compression. At average rates of 3.5 Mbps (million bits/second),
compression artifacts may be occasionally noticeable. Higher data rates can
result in higher quality, with almost no perceptible difference from the
master at rates above 6 Mbps. As MPEG compression technology improves,
better quality is being achieved at lower rates.
Video from DVD sometimes contains visible artifacts such as color banding,
blurriness, blockiness, fuzzy dots, shimmering, missing detail, and even
effects such as a face that "floats" behind the rest of the moving picture.
It's important to understand that the term "artifact" refers to anything
that was not originally present in the picture. Artifacts are sometimes
caused by poor MPEG encoding, but artifacts are more often caused by a
poorly adjusted TV, bad cables, electrical interference, sloppy digital
noise reduction, improper picture enhancement, poor film-to-video transfer,
film grain, player faults, disc read errors, etc. Most DVDs exhibit few
visible MPEG compression artifacts on a properly configured system.. If you
think otherwise, you are misinterpreting what you see.
Some early DVD demos were not very good, but this is simply an indication
of how bad DVD can be if not properly processed and correctly reproduced.
Many demo discs were rushed through the encoding process in order to be
distributed as quickly as possible. Contrary to common opinion, and as
stupid as it may seem, these demos were not carefully "tweaked" to show DVD
at its best. In-store demos should be viewed with a grain of salt, since
most salespeople are incapable of properly adjusting a television set. Most
TVs have the sharpness set too high for the clarity of DVD. This
exaggerates high-frequency video and causes distortion, just as the treble
control set too high for a CD causes it to sound harsh. Many DVD players
output video with a black-level setup of 0 IRE (Japanese standard) rather
than 7.5 IRE (US standard). On TVs that are not properly adjusted this can
cause some blotchiness in dark scenes. DVD video has exceptional color
fidelity, so muddy or washed-out colors are almost always a problem in the
display (or the original source), not in the DVD player or disc.
DVD audio quality is superb. DVD includes the option of PCM (pulse code
modulation) digital audio with sampling sizes and rates higher than audio
CD. Alternatively, audio for most movies is stored as discrete,
multi-channel surround sound using Dolby Digital or DTS audio compression
similar to the digital surround sound formats used in theaters. As with
video, audio quality depends on how well the processing and encoding was
done. In spite of compression, Dolby Digital and DTS can be close to or
better than CD quality.
The final assessment of DVD quality is in the hands of consumers. Most
viewers consistently rate it better than laserdisc, but no one can
guarantee the quality of DVD, just as no one should dismiss it based on
demos or hearsay. In the end it's a matter of individual perception and the
level of quality delivered by the playback system.
[1.4] What are the disadvantages of DVD?
* It will take years for movies, TV shows, other video programming, and
computer software to become widely available.
* Vagueness of spec and inadequate testing of players and discs has
resulted in incompatibilities. Some movie discs don't function fully
(or don't play at all) on some players.
* It can't record (yet). (See 1.14 and 4.3)
* It has built-in copy protection and regional lockout. (See 1.11 and
1.10)
* It uses digital compression. Poorly compressed audio or video may be
blocky, fuzzy, harsh, or vague. (See 1.3)
* The audio downmix process for stereo/Dolby Surround can reduce dynamic
range. (See 3.6)
* It doesn't fully support HDTV. (See 2.9)
* Some DVD players and drives may not be able to read CD-Rs. (See 2.4.3)
* Current DVD players and drives can't read DVD-RAM discs. (See 4.3)
* Current players can't play in reverse at normal speed.
* Variations and options such as DVD-Audio, DTS audio tracks, and Divx
are not supported by all players.
[1.5] What DVD players and drives are available?
Some manufacturers originally announced that DVD players would be available
as early as the middle of 1996. These predictions were woefully optimistic.
Delivery was initially held up for "political" reasons of copy protection
demanded by movie studios, but was later delayed by lack of titles. The
first players appeared in Japan in November, 1996, followed by U.S. players
in March, 1997. Players slowly trickled in to other regions. Now, over two
years after the initial launch, over a hundred models of DVD players are
available from dozens of electronics companies. Prices for the first
players were $1000 and up. By the middle of 1999, players were available
for under $200 at discount retailers.
See section 6.2 for a list of companies that provide DVD players.
Fujitsu supposedly released the first DVD-ROM-equipped computer on Nov. 6
in Japan. Toshiba released a DVD-ROM-equipped computer and a DVD-ROM drive
in Japan in early 1997 (moved back from December which was moved back from
November). DVD-ROM drives from Toshiba, Pioneer, Panasonic, Hitachi, and
Sony began appearing in sample quantities as early as January 1997, but
none were to be available before May. The first upgrade kits (combination
DVD-ROM drive and decoder hardware) became available from Creative Labs,
Hi-Val, and Diamond Multimedia in April and May of 1997.
Today, every major PC manufacturer has models that include DVD-ROM drives.
The price difference from the same system with a CD-ROM drive ranges from
$30 to $200 (laptops have more expensive drives). Upgrade kits for older
computers are available for $100 to $700 from Creative Labs, DynaTek, E4
(Elecede), Hi-Val, Leadtek, Margi Systems (for laptops), Media Forte,
Pacific Digital, Sigma Designs, Sony, STB Systems, Toshiba, Utobia, and
others. For more information about DVDs on computers, including writable
DVD drives, see section 4.
Note: If you buy a player or drive from outside your country (e.g., a
Japanese player for use in the US) you may not be able to play
region-locked discs on it. (See 1.10.)
More information:
* UK DVD FAQ and uk.media.dvd FAQ.
* aus.dvd (Australia/New Zealand/region 4 player info)
* WebShopper report on DVD-ROM drives (Sep 16, 1998)
[1.5.1] Which player should I buy?
There are many good players available. Video and audio performance in all
modern DVD players is excellent. Personal preferences, your budget, and
your existing home theater setup all play a large role in what player is
best for you. Unless you have a high-end home theater setup, a player that
costs under $400 should be completely adequate. Make a list of things that
are important to you (such as ability to play CD-Rs, ability to play Video
CDs, 96 kHz/24-bit audio decoding, DTS Digital Out, internal 6-channel
Dolby Digital decoder) to help you come up with a set of players. Then try
out a few of the players in your price range, focusing on ease of use
(remote control design, user interface, front-panel controls). Since there
is not a big variation in picture quality and sound quality within a given
price range, convenience features play a big part. The remote control,
which you'll use all the time, can drive you crazy if it doesn't suit your
style.
In certain cases, you might want to buy a DVD PC instead of a standard DVD
player, especially if you want progressive video. See 1.40 and 4.1.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself.
- Do I want selectable sound tracks and subtitles, multiangle viewing,
aspect ratio control, parental/multirating features, fast and slow
playback, great digital video, multichannel digital audio, compatibility
with Dolby Pro Logic receivers, on-screen menus, dual-layer playback, and
ability to play audio CDs? If so, this is the wrong question to ask
yourself, since all DVD players have all of these features.
- Do I appreciate special deals? If so, look for free DVD coupons and free
DVD rentals that are available with many players.
- Do I want DTS audio? If so, look for a player with the "DTS Digital Out"
logo. (See 3.6.2.)
- Do I want to play Video CDs? If so, check the specs for Video CD
compatibility. (See 2.4.5.)
- Do I need a headphone jack?
- Do I want player setup menus in languages other than English? If so, look
for multilanguage setup feature. (Note: the multilanguage menus on certain
discs are supported by all players.)
- Do I want to play homemade CD-R audio discs? If so look for the "dual
laser" feature. (See 2.4.3.)
- Do I want to replace my CD player? If so, you might want a changer that
can hold 3, 5, or even hundreds of discs.
- Do I want to control all my entertainment devices with one remote
control? If so, look for a player with a programmable universal remote, or
make sure your existing universal remote is compatible with the DVD player.
Section 1 of 10 - Prev - Next All sections - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10
