DVD (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) has become the most popular optical disc storage format. Although looking identical to a standard CD, a DVD holds up to 6 times the amount of storage (8.5 GB dual-layer disc).

Currently DVDs are widely used for data storage, audio, video and games and are supported by industries of all sorts.

In order to play DVD discs you need a DVD player or DVD compatible drive. Most DVD players also play CDs.

The video resolution of a DVD movie is 720x480 pixels (720x756 for PAL).

Requirements

To play a DVD movie you need, as a minimum:
- A DVD player
- A TV

Suggested components:
- Home theatre surround system with 5.1 channels (1 centre, 2 front, 2 back and 1 subwoofer) (via optical digital cable or coaxial cable)

Region codes

DVD movies are encoded with region codes. These restrictions are made to allow for motion pictures studios to control DVD content, release dates and prices. Some DVD movies, however, are region free and can be played on any DVD player worldwide.

There are six regions worldwide. At Axel Music, we carry titles from four regions. Below to the left you can see the six region categories. To the right you can see where on the product page you find information about the region.

HD-DVD & DVD Combo

Many studios offer HD-DVD & DVD Combo titles. These titles are one disc, but one side is an HD-DVD while the other is a standard DVD. You may not have an HD-DVD player yet, but this will allow you to future-proof your DVD collection if you wish to upgrade to HD DVD later on. Be aware that the DVD side of the disc is still region encoded and will not play on your DVD or HD-DVD player unless it is compatible with that region.

DVD features

Dual layer

DVDs may come with two layers on the same side of the disc. While watching a DVD you may experience a short pause during playback, which happens when the laser changes layers.

Video

Most DVD releases are in 4:3 or 16:9 widescreen format and are encoded in MPEG-2.

Audio

The audio on DVDs range from mono to high quality surround sound in up to 7.1 channels. A widely used feature of DVDs is DVD-Audio, which delivers high-fidelity audio in much higher quality than regular CDs.

Special Features

DVDs come with extra features such as behind-the-scenes featurettes, audio commentaries, artwork, making-of featurettes, trailers and more.

FAQ

What do I need to watch a DVD?

All you need is a DVD player and a TV.

Can I play standard DVDs on my HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc player?

Yes, your HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc players are backwards compatible. Keep in mind though, that DVD movies have a lower resolution than HD-DVD and Blu-ray movies, which means that most HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc players will upscale the DVD to 720p or 1080i (interlaced) resolution, depending on your HDTV. Upscaling means that the HD-DVD or Blu-ray Disc player will create new lines of pixels by copying the surrounding pixels to match the resolution of your TV. DVD movies will not be presented in full HD resolution, but will still look good on an HDTV.

Article #1040

 

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