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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: What is DVD?1.1: What does DVD stand for?
1.2: What does it do?
1.3: What does it look like?
Chapter 2: Buying DVD
2.1: Is it safe to buy DVD now?
2.2: How much is DVD?
2.3: Where can I buy DVD?
2.4: Is there any software avaliable?
Chapter 3: Benefits of DVD
3.1: How much can it hold?
3.2: Video Quality
3.3: Audio Quality
3.3.1: Dolby Digital 5.1
3.3.2: DTS
3.4: Extras on DVD
Chapter 1: What is DVD?
1.1: What does DVD stand for?DVD used to stand for Digital Video Disc. However, now it's changing to Digital Versatile Disc. The reason for this is, because back when DVD was first introduced, it was mainly intended for video (movies, etc), however, as soon as the uses of DVD were discovered, DVD opened a door to a whole bunch of possibilites. Currently, they manufacture DVD movies, DVD computer software, and are implementing DVD Audio.
1.2: What does it do?
DVD is used for many different things. The DVD itself really doesn't do anything.
It's simply a disc. However, when used in certain machines, there are many
uses for it. Currently, the most abundant is for movies (DVD Video). There is very
little computer software implemented with it, however, there are some DVD Video
Discs that include a computer section, where only one with a DVD-ROM drive in their
computer will be able to see. They are implementing DVD Audio which is a new form
of music that will be played in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.
1.3: What does it look like?
DVDs are identical to CDs. The only thing that will distiguish them are
on only certain DVDs. Some DVDs with RSDL have a golden
bottem. The cases, for DVD Video, come in similar shapes as CDs. A small number
come in jewel cases, while most of them come in either Amaray/Keep Cases, or Snap
cases. Amaray/Keep cases are about the size of a small book and are made with
plastic, whereas Snap cases are usually cardboard and have a tab which you open.
Chapter 2: Buying DVD
Is it safe to buy DVD now?DVD is currently in its 1.xx version. Therefore, it is safe to buy DVD now. However, don't get me wrong, there still are few glitches, but they only show in certain players at certain occasions, it varies. Most people have no problems, where as some have a few kinks here and there.
How much is DVD?
DVD video discs are anywhere between $1.99 - $100. It depends on the
type of movie you are buying and how many there are. In titles like
Deep Impact, there is only
one disc, but DVDs like "From the Earth to the Moon" are 4, and
costs around $100. Generally, list prices are around $19.99 - $29.99.
DTS encoded DVDs are about $5 more.
However, that's DVD video discs. The DVD players range anywhere between $150 - $15,000+! Generally, an average DVD movie watcher, who likes surround sound and has the right equipment, will generally pay about $300 - $500. Those who like surround sound and don't have a Dolby Digital receiver, will have to buy a DVD player with a decoder built in. These usually cost around $600 - $900. Those who are absolute DVD materialistic people can spend all they want!
Where can I buy DVD?
DVD Video can be bought usually from electronics stores, like Best Buy and
Circuit City. Some computer stores might sell them, like CompUSA. I find that
the best place to buy them are from the online stores, check the
Stores Page for some. Online, with pricematching,
DVDs listed at $29.99 are about $14.99. But lookout, make sure you don't
get ripped off. Practice your online awareness skills! A place where they
do not sell DVD movies are at the home theater stores, where they
only sell the equipment.
Speaking of equipment. DVD players are sold at Electronics stores, again, like Best Buy and Circuit City, computer stores, again like CompUSA, online, and home theater stores. With purchasing DVD players online, be extra careful. It's one thing to lose $30, but you can lose $800! Make sure you ask around first.