WEB ENHANCED
`
`I Detailed description 0t every tacetot DVD
`I Over 150 intormation-packedcharts and Figures,
`including a quick reierence seefion
`omprehensive comparisons rel: DVD to other
`ia technologies
`- and understandable explanations 0t DVD
`and technologies
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`

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`DVD DEMYSrfIFIED
`DVD DEMYSTIFIED
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`2
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`

`-
`
`-
`
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`Heldman Information TeleCTJmmunications Millenium
`Hughes Data Communications
`Inglis Video Engineering, Second Edition
`Jurgen Automotive Electronics Handbook
`Jurgen Consumer Electronics Handbook
`ISDN, Third Edition
`Kessler
`Lee Mobile Cellular TeleCTJmmunications, Second Edition
`Lee Mobile Communications Engineering, Second Edition
`Lenk Lenks Video Handbook, Second Edition
`Lindberg Digital. Broadband Networks and Services
`Logsdon Mobile Communication Satellites
`Macario Cellular Radio, Second Edition
`Robin and Poulin Digital. Television Fundamental.s
`Roddy Satellite Communications, Second Edition
`Rohde et al. Communication Receivers, Second Edition
`Simon et al. Spread Spectrum Communications Handbook
`Whitaker DTV
`Winch Telecommunication Transmission Systems
`
`3
`
`

`

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`4
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`

`

`Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
`
`Tuyloi; Jim.
`DVD demystified : the guidebook for DVD-video and DVD-ROM I Jim
`Taylor.
`cm.
`p.
`Includes index.
`ISBN 0-07-064841-7 (softcover: set)
`I. Title.
`I. DVD technology
`TK7882.C56T39
`1997
`621.388'332-dc21
`
`97-27827
`CIP
`
`McGraw-Hill
`A Division ofTheMcGraw·HiU Companies 'iZ
`
`Copyright © 1998 by The McGraw-Hi!l Companies, Inc. Aii rights reserved. Printed
`in the United States of America. Except as permitted under the United States Copy(cid:173)
`right Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in
`any form or by any means, or stored in a data base or retrieval system, without the
`prior written permission of the publisher.
`567890 DOC/DOC 902109
`
`PIN 064846-8
`PART OF
`ISBN 0-07-064841-7 (PBK)
`
`The sponsoring editor for this book was Steve Chapman, and the production supervisor was
`Sherri Souffrance. It was set in Vendome by North Market Street Graphics.
`Printed and bound by R. R Donnelley & Sons Company.
`
`McGraw-Hill books are available at special quantity discounts to use as premiums
`and sales promotions, or for use in corporate training programs. For more informa(cid:173)
`tion, please write to the Director of Special Sales, McGraw-Hill, 11 West 19th Street,
`New York, NY 10011. Or contact your local bookstore.
`
`Information contained in this work has been obtained by The McGraw-Hill
`Companies, Inc. ("McGraw-Hill") from sources believed to be reliable. Howeveli
`neither McGraw-Hill nor its authors guarantees the accuracy or completeness of
`any information published herein and neither McGraw-Hill nor its authors
`shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages arising out of use of
`this information. This work is published with the understanding that McGraw(cid:173)
`Hill and its authors are supplying information but are not attempting to render
`engineering or other professional services. If such services aie required, the assis(cid:173)
`tance of an appropriate professional should be sought.
`
`~ This book is printed on recycled, acid-free paper containing a minimum of
`~ 50% recycled de-inked fiber.
`
`5
`
`

`

`To Mom and Dad, who cultivated my deep sense
`of curiosity and wonder and illuminated the path of
`science and technology-the most curious and
`wondrous of subjects.
`
`6
`
`

`

`CONTENTS ---
`
`Foreword
`
`Acknowledgments
`
`Chapter I
`
`Introduction
`
`What Is DVD?
`DVD-Video versus DVD-ROM
`Will DVD Succeed?
`What Does DVD Portend?
`Who Needs to Know About DVD?
`Music and Audio
`Music Performance Video
`Movies
`Training and Productivity
`Education
`Computer Software
`Computer Multimedia
`Video Games
`Information Publishing
`Marketing and Communications
`And More ...
`About This Book
`Units and Notation
`Other Conventions
`
`Chapter 2
`
`The World Before DVD
`
`A Brief History of Audio Technology
`A Brie~ History of Video Technology
`Captured light
`Dancing Electrons
`Metal Tape and Plastic Discs
`The Digital Face-Lift
`A Brief History of Data Storage Technology
`Innovations of CD
`
`vii
`
`xix
`
`2
`3
`4
`4
`6
`6
`6
`7
`7
`8
`9
`9
`10
`10
`10
`11
`12
`12
`14
`
`17
`
`18
`21
`23
`25
`27
`29
`32
`34
`
`7
`
`

`

`Early DVD Development
`Hollywood Weighs In
`Dissension in the Ranks
`The Referee Shows Up
`Reconciliation
`Recent DVD Development
`Turbulence
`Glib Promises
`Sliding Deadlines and Empty Announcements
`Real Progress and Real Product
`
`Chapter 3
`
`Technical Overview
`
`DVD Myths
`"DVD Is Revolutionary"
`"DVD Will Fail"
`"DVD Is Better Because It's Digital"
`"DVD-Video Is Poor Because It's Compressed"
`"DVD Compression Doesn't Work for
`Animation"
`"DVD Discs Are Too Fragile to Be Rented"
`"DVD Holds 4.7 to 18 GB"
`"DVD Lets You Watch Movies As They Were
`Meant to Be Seen"
`"DVD Crops Widescreen Movies"
`"DVD Will Replace Your VCR"
`"You Can Play DVD Movies on Your Computer"
`"DVD Is a Worldwide Standard"
`"DVD Can Hold 133 Minutes of Video"
`"Early Units Can't Play Dual-Layer or
`Double-Sided Discs"
`"DVD-Video Runs at 4.692 Mbps"
`"DVD Video Has a Burst Rate of 9.8 Mbps"
`Bells and Whistles
`Over Two Hours of High-Quality Digital Video
`Widescreen Movies
`Multiple Surround Audio Tracks and Foreign
`Languages
`Subtitles and Karaoke
`Seamless Branching
`Different Camera Angles
`
`Contents
`
`39
`39
`41
`42
`43
`46
`47
`48
`49
`51
`
`57
`
`58
`58
`58
`59
`60
`
`60
`61
`62
`
`62
`62
`63
`63
`63
`64
`
`64
`65
`65
`66
`67
`67
`
`68
`68
`69
`69
`
`8
`
`

`

`Contents
`
`l_~_I
`
`Parental Lock
`Menus
`Interactivity
`Customization
`Instant Access
`Special Effects Playback
`Durability
`Programmability
`Availability of Features
`Beyond DVD-Video Features
`Bits and Bytes and Bears
`Pits and Error Correction
`Layers
`Variations of DVD
`Pegs and Holes: Understanding Aspect Ratios
`How It's Done with DVD
`Widescreen TVs
`Aspect Ratios Revisited
`The Transfer Tango
`Summary
`Birds over the Phone: Understanding Video
`Compression
`Compressing Single Pictures
`Compressing Moving Pictures
`Birds Revisited: Understanding Audio Compression
`Perceptual Coding
`MPEG-1 Audio Coding
`MPEG-2 Audio Coding
`Dolby Digital Audio Coding
`Effects of Audio Encoding
`The Pin-Striped TV: Interlaced versus Progressive
`Scanning
`
`Chapter 4
`
`Technical Details
`
`DVD Specification
`DVD-ROM
`Physical Structure
`Data Format
`File Format
`Improvement over CD
`
`70
`70
`71
`71
`72
`72
`72
`72
`73
`73
`73
`74
`75
`77
`79
`84
`87
`91
`96
`97
`
`98
`102
`105
`109
`111
`112
`112
`114
`114
`
`115
`
`119
`
`120
`121
`121
`127
`132
`133
`
`9
`
`

`

`x
`
`Contents
`
`Standards
`DVD-Video
`Data Flow and Buffering
`File Format
`Navigation and Presentation Overview
`Data Structures
`Video Format
`Audio Format
`Subpicture
`Parental Management
`Seamless Playback
`Camera Angles
`Regional Management
`Copy Protection
`Authoring and ?remastering
`Production Issues
`Standards
`Packaging
`Recordable DVD
`DVD-R
`DVD-RAM
`
`Chapter 5
`
`What's Wrong with DVD
`
`Regional Management
`Copy Protection
`DVD-Video Baggage on Computers
`NTSC versus PAL
`Not Better Enough
`No Recording Yet
`No Audio Standard Yet
`Inefficient Audio
`No Reverse Gear
`Only Two Aspect Ratios
`Inadequate Interactivity
`Limited Graphics
`Too Small
`No Bar Codes
`No External Control
`Escalated Obsolescence
`No Computer Compatibility Standards
`Summary
`
`133
`134
`134
`136
`140
`142
`154
`163
`170
`171
`173
`173
`174
`175
`179
`181
`182
`184
`184
`184
`185
`
`187
`
`188
`189
`190
`191
`192
`192
`193
`194
`195
`195
`196
`197
`197
`198
`198
`198
`199
`200
`
`10
`
`

`

`Chapter 6
`
`DVD Comparison
`
`xi
`
`Laserdisc and CDV
`Advantages of DVD-Video over Laserdisc
`Advantages of Laserdisc over DVD-Video
`Compatibility of Laserdisc and DVD-Video
`Videotape
`Advantages of DVD-Video over Videotape
`Advantages of Videotape over DVD-Video
`Compatibility of VHS and DVD-Video
`Digital Videotape (DV and D-VHS)
`Advantages of DVD-Video over Digital
`Videotape
`Advantages of Digital Videotape over
`DVD-Video
`Compatibility of Digital Videotape and
`DVD-Video
`Audio CD
`Advantages of DVD-Video over Audio CD
`Advantages of Audio CD over DVD-Video
`Compatibility of Audio CD and DVD-Video
`CD-ROM
`Advantages of DVD-ROM over CD-ROM
`Advantages of CD-ROM over DVD-ROM
`Compatibility of CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
`Video CD and CD-i
`Advantages and Disadvantages of CD-i
`Advantages of DVD-Video over Video CD
`Advantages of Video CD over DVD-Video
`Compatibility of CD-i and DVD
`Compatibility of Video CD and DVD
`Other CD Formats
`Compatibility of CD-Rand DVD
`Compatibility of CD-RW and DVD-ROM
`Compatibility of Photo CD and DVD
`Compatibility of Enhanced CD (CD Extra)
`and DVD
`Compatibility of CD+G and DVD
`MovieCD
`MiniDisc (MD) and DCC
`Advantages of DVD-Video over MiniDisc
`Advantages of MiniDisc over DVD-Video
`
`201
`
`202
`204
`207
`208
`209
`209
`212
`213
`213
`
`214
`
`218
`
`219
`219
`220
`221
`222
`222
`223
`224
`225
`226
`226
`228
`229
`230
`230
`230
`231
`231
`231
`
`232
`232
`232
`233
`233
`235
`
`11
`
`

`

`~ .,
`
`'
`
`Contents
`
`Chapter 9
`
`DVD for Computers
`
`xiii
`
`DVD-Video Sets the Standard
`Multimedia: Out of the Frying Pan ...
`DVD by Any Other Name
`Pure DVD-Video
`Computer Bonus DVD-Video
`Computer-augmented DVD-Video
`Split DVD-Video/DVD-ROM
`Multimedia DVD-ROM
`Data Storage DVD-ROM
`DVD-ROM for Computers
`Features
`Compatibility
`Interface
`Disk Format and 1/0 Drivers
`DVD-Video for Computers
`The DVD-Video-enabled Computer
`Copyright Protection and CSS Licensing
`DVD-Video Drivers
`
`Chapter 1 O
`
`The Future of DVD
`
`The Predictio~ Gallery
`New Generations of DVD
`Recordable DVD
`DVD Players, Take 2
`Hybrid Systems
`HDVD
`DVD for Computer Multimedia
`The Death of CD-ROM
`Standards, Anyone 7
`Mr. Computer Goes to Hollywood
`The Changing Face of Home Entertainment
`DVD in the Classroom
`The Far Horizon
`
`Appendix A
`
`Quick Reference
`
`AppendixB
`
`Companies and Resources
`
`277
`
`278
`279
`279
`280
`281
`281
`281
`282
`282
`282
`283
`283
`284
`285
`286
`287
`290
`295
`
`299
`
`301
`304
`304
`305
`307
`308
`309
`310
`31 I
`31 I
`312
`314
`317
`
`319
`
`339
`
`12
`
`

`

`xii
`
`Contents
`
`Compatibility of MiniDisc and DVD-Video
`Magneto-optical Drives {MO)
`Advantages of DVD-ROM over MO
`Advantages of MO over DVD-ROM
`Compatibility of MO and DVD-ROM
`Digital Audio Tape {DAT)
`Advantages of DVD over DAT
`Advantages of DAT over DVD
`Compatibility of DAT and DVD
`
`Chapter 7
`
`DVD-Video at Home
`
`How to Hook Up a DVD Player
`Signal Spaghetti
`Connector Soup
`Audio Hookup
`Video Hookup
`Digital Hookup
`How to Get the Best Picture
`THX Certification
`Software Certification
`Hardware Certification
`To Buy or Not to Buy
`Extol the Virtues
`Beware of Bamboozling
`DVD Is to Videotape What CD Is to Cassette
`Tape
`Think of It as a CD Player That Plays Movies
`The Computer Connection
`On the Other Hand
`The DVD-Video Buying Decision Ouiz
`
`Chapter S
`
`DVD-Video in Business
`
`The Appeal of DVD
`The Appeal of DVD-Video
`The Appeal of DVD-ROM
`Sales and Marketing
`Training and Business Education
`Communications
`
`235
`235
`236
`237
`237
`237
`237
`239
`239
`
`241
`
`242
`242
`243
`244
`249
`251
`252
`252
`253
`254
`255
`255
`257
`
`258
`258
`258
`259
`259
`
`269
`
`270
`272
`273
`274
`275
`276
`
`13
`
`

`

`xiv
`
`Appendix C
`
`References and Information Sources
`
`Glossary
`
`Index
`
`Contents
`
`387
`
`393
`
`430
`
`14
`
`

`

`r .
`
`.
`.
`!):
`
`FOREWORD
`
`"What is DV[) anyway?" This seemingly simple question can cause anyone
`who is knowledgeable on the subject of DVD to cringe. The question is
`much like "What is digital audio?" or "How does television work?" in that
`there is simply no meaningful short answei: But unlike those example~
`there have been no comprehensive reference materials to recommend on
`DVD-until now.
`The book you are about to read is an extensive analysis of the historical,
`technical, and practical aspects of DVD Far more than the traditional list(cid:173)
`ing of technical traits and numbers, DVD Demystified also presents a wealth
`of thoughts and opinions on issues surrounding the format, including a
`chapter on the perceived limitations of DVD And in addition to the cov(cid:173)
`erage of how consumers will use DV:q there is a discussion on applica(cid:173)
`tions for DVD-Video and DVD-ROM in the industrial world You will also
`find comparisons with other disc and tape formats, and even a novel sec(cid:173)
`tion to help you decide whether to buy a DVD-Video player or not
`The authoi; Jim Tayloi; is particulatly qualified to demystify DVQ not
`only because of his extensive experience with video and multimedia
`technologies but because he does not represent the DVD format in any
`official capacity In fact, his background as a battle-scarred technology
`user provides a perspective sorely needed by other potential users and
`interested parties who want an unbiased review of this remarkable but
`bewildering new format.
`The group of companies that is now known as the DVD Forum had at
`one time proposed that the "V" in DVD should stand for "versatile", in
`apparent recognition of the many ways the format can be put to use.
`Although few people seemed to applaud the "Digital Versatile Disc" as a
`catchy name, it does begin to describe the essence of DVD as the first
`packaged media format to embrace and standardize virtually all uses of
`digital storage from its inception. To illustrate this, consider the following
`attributes of DVD
`DVD is powerful. As you will discovei; DVD has the potential to affect
`almost everyone in any industry It is an inexpensive, robust, and
`portable communications medium that can contain a huge amount of
`information unthinkable only a few years ago. A single two-sided disc
`
`xv
`
`15
`
`

`

`Foreword
`
`can contain fourteen times the amount of information of a CD-ROM disc
`while occupying exactly the same physical space. It is a publishing
`medium that can deliver dazzling quality videq audiq and multimedia
`content to many thousands of people at a cost unmatched by any other
`mechanism-online or otherwise. It is also an archive medium that can
`safely store vast amounts of data and images critical to the mission of
`any organization.
`DVD is complex DVD comprises many diverse technological elements.
`It represents the combined visions and creative efforts of many talented
`engineering, manufacturing, artistic, and business people from organi(cid:173)
`zations around the world. Multiple technologies, including laser optics,
`electronics, audio/video compression, data processing, and optional disc
`manufacturing have been combined to create the format. As a result,
`there are several different kinds of DVD discs, all with different capa(cid:173)
`bilities, capacities, and underlying technical mechanisms. There are
`video versions for different television standards around the world, read(cid:173)
`only and recordable versions for computer data, and even a forthcoming
`audio-only version.
`DVD is exciting Many people have predicted that DVD will be the "next
`big thing" for the consumer electronics and computer industries. It can
`enable innovativ<; nonlinear ways to present motion picture content. It
`can deliver many hours of stunning quality video images and thunder(cid:173)
`ing sound in home theater systems and, for those so inclined, even on
`computers. Its higher data rate can greatly expand the quality and realism
`of multimedia program delivery-all on a relatively cheaµ durable disc
`less than five inches in diameter.
`But powerful, complex, and exciting formats do not automatically suc(cid:173)
`ceed just because they are brilliant examples of technology. To take
`advantage of all that DVD has to offer; one should first understand what
`it is and how it works-this book will help you with that. But it is just as
`important to discover how DVD can be used to add genuine value in the
`real world. Recent history warns us loudly not to get carried away with
`the "gee-whiz" aspects of new technology, because it is valuable only if it
`can help solve real problems and make life more rewarding for those who
`will use it Cellular telephones, compact discs, pagers, videocassette
`recorders, and fax machines are just a few examples of technologies that
`succeeded because they met these basic requirements. On the other
`hand, it is just M easy to think of other technologies and formats that
`failed because they apparently did not have what it takes. Only time, cou(cid:173)
`pled with the creativity and hard work of those who believe in DVD's
`potential, will determine which category it will ultimately end up in
`
`i
`•I
`
`16
`
`

`

`But enough philosophy and on to the fun stuff If you work (or play)
`with DVD or just have a general interest in the format, you should acquire
`and read this book Along the way, I would encourage you to imagine cre(cid:173)
`ative and innovative ways that DVD might be enjoyed and put to use. But
`beware-once people find out that you know about DVQ be prepared to
`hear "what is DVD anyway?" a lot more frequently ...
`
`Andrew W Parsons
`
`17
`
`

`

`ABOUTTHEAUTHOR . . . . . .
`
`Jim Taylor is the Director of Information Technology at Videodiscovery,
`Inc. He is also a primary member of the Interactive Multimedia Associa(cid:173)
`tion's DVD Special Interest Group. The author of several articles on DVD
`and a contributor to the Optical Video Disc Association's DVD Guide(cid:173)
`book, he is often quoted as an industry expert on DVD issues. Jim Taylor
`is based in Seattle, Washington.
`
`xx
`
`L
`
`18
`
`

`

`1r
`-~
`~ r
`'
`
`.
`
`1111111 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS W"'i'I ~
`
`My heartfelt thanks to those who encouraged and supported me in writ(cid:173)
`ing this book
`Many wonderful people spent time reading and commenting on my
`drafts: Kilroy Hughes, Dana Parkei; Julia Tayloi; Jerry Pierce, Steve Tuyloi;
`Robert Lundemo Aas, Chad Fogg, Roger Dresslei; Tristan Savatie:t; Ralph
`LaBarge, Van Ling, Andy Parsons, and Leo Backman, This book is much
`richer because of them.
`Thanks also to Peter Biddle at Microsoft, John Cook at Apple, Dave
`Schnuelle at THX, Mike Schmit at CompuCore, Geoffrey Tully, and others
`who took time to explain many things.
`I'm grateful to the helpful members of the alt.video.dvd Internet news(cid:173)
`group for posting enlightening comments, for asking so many questions,
`and for putting up with my questions. I'm grateful as well to the IMA
`DVD SIG members who have shared their knowledge.
`I'm indebted to all the generous people who made the sample disc pos(cid:173)
`sible: Skip Griffin, Jamie Cave, and David Newcomb at NB Digital, Randy
`Berg and Mark Lang at Rainmakei; Sandy Benedetto and Linda Toleno at
`Pioneei; Kim Yost and Susan Griffin at THX, Gene Radzik at Dolby, Scott
`Epstein at SHORJ; Bryan Rusenko at Crest National, and Vini Bancalari at
`Elite Entertainment.
`My thanks to Joe Clark at Videodiscovery for his support and under(cid:173)
`standing. Thanks to Steve Chapman at McGraw-Hill for answering yes
`more often than no. Special thanks to Fleischman and Arthm; who have
`been solidly supportive.
`And last, thanks to Microsoft for my mantra.
`
`xix
`
`19
`
`

`

`~~-- ABOUT THE AUTHOR II.ml ._
`
`Jim Thylor is the Director of Information Technology at Videodiscovery,
`Inc. He is also a primary member of the Interactive Multimedia Associa(cid:173)
`tion's DVD Special Interest Group. The author of several articles on DVD
`and a contributor to the Optical Video Disc Association's DVD Guide(cid:173)
`book, he is often quoted as an industry expert on DVD issues. Jim Taylor
`is based in Seattle, Washington.
`
`-,,
`" .,
`;l
`
`L
`
`xx
`
`20
`
`

`

`~odiscovery;
`dia Associa(cid:173)
`tes on DVD
`>VD Guide-
`Jim Thylor
`
`CHAPTER
`
`Introduction
`
`21
`
`

`

`2
`
`Chapter One
`
`lntrod1
`
`What ls DVD?
`
`DVD is the future. Viewed through the prism of time, it's only one poten(cid:173)
`tial future out of myriad possibilities. But this particular possibility looks
`quite promising--chances are excellent that DVD will be in your future,
`supplying video, audiq and computer software. DVD embodies the grand
`unification theory of entertainment and business media: if it fulfills the
`hopes of its creators, DVD will replace audio CDs, videotapes, laserdiscs, CD(cid:173)
`ROMs, and even video game cartridges and many business publications.
`DVD stands for digital video disc, digital versatile disc, or nothing, depend(cid:173)
`ing on whom you ask Put simply, DVD is the next generation of compact
`disc technology. Improvements in technology allowed engineers to make
`the tightly packed microscopic pits that store data on an optical disc even
`more microscopic and even more tightly packed. A DVD is the same size
`as the familiar CD-12 centimeters (about 41/2 inches) wide-but it holds
`up to 25 times more and is up to 9 times faster.
`
`-------------------------
`
`In essence, DVD is a bigger, faster compact disc.
`
`NOTE
`
`But DVD is much more than CD on steroids. Its increased storage capac(cid:173)
`ity allows it to hold high-quality videq which up until now has been too
`massive to store in digital form. The result is a small, shiny disc that holds
`high-quality video as well as higher-than-CD-quality audio. A basic DVD
`can contain a movie over two hours long. A double-sided, double(cid:173)
`layer DVD holds eight or more hours of video. And if you leave off the
`video and drop the audio quality a bit, a DVD will hold an audio book
`over 50 hours long.
`DVD has many other tricks to woo both the weary couch potato and
`the multimedia junkie alike, such as a widescreen picture, six-channel sur(cid:173)
`round sound, multilingual audio tracks, selectable subtitles, multiple cam(cid:173)
`era angles, karaoke features, seamless branching, navigation menus, instant
`fast forward/rewind, and more.
`Just as audio CD has its computer counterpart in CD-ROM, DVD has
`DVD-ROM, which shatters the limitations of CD-ROM. DVD-ROM
`holds from 4.4 to 16 gigabytes of data-25 times as much as a 650-
`megabyte CD-ROM-and sends it to the computer at least four times
`faster than a double-speed CD-ROM drive.
`
`L
`
`22
`
`

`

`r ··="""'~
`
`t' ..
`
`1apter One
`
`tly one poten(cid:173)
`~sibility looks
`1 your futur~
`lies the grand
`it fulfills the
`laserdiscs, CD(cid:173)
`ublications.
`hing, depend(cid:173)
`m of compact
`neers to make
`tical disc even
`the same size
`-but it holds
`
`-----
`
`l storage capac(cid:173)
`v has been too
`disc that holds
`>. A basic DVD
`sided, double(cid:173)
`u leave off the
`an audio book
`
`1ch potato and
`ix-channel sur(cid:173)
`multiple cam(cid:173)
`menus, instant
`
`~OM, DVD has
`1'1. DVD-ROM
`LUCh as a 650-
`ast four times
`
`DVD is-or will be-inexpensive. The first generation of DVD-ROM
`drives are more expensive than CD-ROM drives but, as the technology
`improves and production quantities increase, the drives are expected to
`drop quickly to the same low price& The first generation of DVD-Video
`players are as expensive as high-end VCRs, but mass production of DVD(cid:173)
`ROM drives and plummeting costs of audio/video decoder chips will
`drive the price of players to the same level as VCRs and CD player& DVD
`discs are produced with most of the same equipment used for CDs, and
`because they're stamped instead of recorded they can be produced
`cheaper and faster than tapes.
`DVD has the potential to bring about a significant change in the world
`of video entertainment and multimedia. It's the first high-quality interac(cid:173)
`tive medium to be affordable to the mass market. Until now, the high(cid:173)
`impact visuals of television, videotap~ and movies have been linear and
`unchanging, while the fluid and responsive environment of computer
`multimedia has suffered from unimpressively tiny video windows with
`fuzzy, jerky motion. Many artists with the vision to do extraordinary
`things with an interactive environment have shunned CD-ROMs because
`their creative standards would be compromised. As a result, they've been
`constricted to the plodding straight and narrow of traditional linear video
`presentation designed to force-feed the masses. This doesn't mean that DVD
`should close the door on beginning-to-end storytelling, only that it can
`open a new door for different approaches. DVD is a fresh digital canvas onto
`which artists can expand their abilities and sketch their nonlinear visions
`in both time and space to be recreated on television screens and computer
`screens alike as a different experience for each participatory viewer.
`
`DVD-Video versus DVD-ROM
`
`This book will tell you practically everything you need to know about
`DVIl but if you take away only a few tidbits, one of them should be that
`DVD-Video is not the same as DVD-ROM. Just as CD audio and CD-ROM
`are different applications of the same technology, DVD is really two sepa(cid:173)
`rate things: (1) an audio/video storage medium, and (2) a computer data
`storage medium. You use a DVD player-like a VCR or a CD player-to
`play back video and audio from a DVD (often called DVD-Video). You use
`a DVD-ROM drive-like a CD-ROM drive-to read computer data from a
`DVD-ROM. As computers become true multimedia systems, this distinc(cid:173)
`tion will begin to disappear; but until then, it's important to understand
`the difference.
`
`23
`
`

`

`4J
`-------------------------
`
`NOTE DVD-Video is not the same as DVD-ROM
`
`Chapter One
`
`Technically, DVD is three or more separate things: DVD-ROM, DVD(cid:173)
`Videq DVD-Audiq and other possible specialized formats. The DVD(cid:173)
`Audio format was far from finalized when this book was written in early
`1997, but it conceivably could be different enough from DVD-Video that
`the discs might not be playable on existing DVD-Video players and DVD(cid:173)
`ROM-equipped computers.
`
`Will DVD Succeed?
`
`Many pundits predict that DVD will be a flog joining the neglected
`ranks of other consumer electronics innovations such as quadraphonic
`sound, the 8-track tape, the Timex-Sinclair computei; and the digital com(cid:173)
`pact cassette. Failure, of course, is in the eye of the pronouncei; but it's
`essentially impossible for DVD to fail. DVD on the computer side (DVD(cid:173)
`ROM) is as close to a sure seller as wine and cheese in France. DVD on the
`consumer entertainment side (DVD-Video and DVD-Audio) is much less
`of a sure thing, but should it fail, it will be the most spectacular bomb in
`the history of computer electronics. Dozens of companies are behind
`DVD-Videq more than have ever before backed a major new product
`launch. Toss in another hundred or so companies that have announced
`DVD-ROM products of one kind or anothei; and it's easy to see that DVD
`can go a long way on inertia alone.
`See the "DVD Myths" section of Chap. 3 for additional discussion of
`this point.
`
`&&£ JJi!!iU What Does DVD Portend?
`
`Motion video is one of the most deeply affecting creations of human(cid:173)
`kind. It combines the ethereal effects of sound and music, the realistic
`impact of photography, the engrossing drama of theatrical plays, and
`the variety of visual arts, and weaves them all together with the ageless
`
`Introducti
`
`l
`I
`
`,<.'
`
`l
`
`24
`
`

`

`Chapter One
`
`-----
`
`'D-ROM, DVD(cid:173)
`iats. The DVD(cid:173)
`written in early
`)VD-Video that
`ayers and DVD-
`
`~ the neglected
`s quadraphonic
`the digital com(cid:173)
`touncei; but it's
`uter side (DVD(cid:173)
`Lce. DVD on the
`lio) is much less
`acular bomb in
`iies are behind
`r new product
`ave announced
`o see that DVD
`
`'1 discussion of
`
`ms of human(cid:173)
`ic, the realistic
`·ical plays, and
`·ith the ageless
`
`5
`
`appeal of the storyteller. We are endlessly attempting to improve the
`richness of this medium, with which we replay and reshape our
`impressions and visions of the world. DVD is one small step in that
`quest, but a very critical one. It's a milestone in the ascendancy of
`things digital.
`DVD is one of the final nails in the coffin of analog technology. Our
`representation of the world is changing from analog forms such as
`vinyl records, film, and magnetic tape, to digital forms such CDs, com(cid:173)
`puter graphics, and now DVD The advantage of information in digital
`form is that it can be easily manipulated and processed by computer; it
`can be compressed for cheaper and faster storage or transmission; it
`can be stored and duplicated without generational loss; its circuitry
`does not drift with heat or age; noise and distortion can be separated
`from the signal; and it can be transmitted over any distance without
`degrading. As the Internet becomes the dominant paradigm for the
`way we receive, send, and work with information, DVD will play a vital
`role. It will take many, many years before the Internet is able to easily
`carry the immense amounts of data needed for television and movies,
`music, interactive multimedia, and even virtual worlds. Until then,
`DVD is positioned to be the primary vehicle for delivering these infor(cid:173)
`mation streams. And, there will always be a need to archive information
`so that it's still quickly accessible. DVD and its evolutionary successors
`fit the bill.
`Some people believe DVD heralds the convergence of computers and
`entertainment media. They feel that a technology such as DVD that
`works as well in the family room as in the office is another reason that
`the TV and the computer will merge into one. Perhaps. Oi; perhaps the
`computer will always be a separate entity with a separate purpose. How
`many people want to write in a word processor or work on a spread(cid:173)
`sheet while sitting on the couch in front of the TV with a cordless key(cid:173)
`board on their lap-especially if the kids want to watch Animaniacs or
`play Ultra Mario instead? Whatever the case, it is inevitable that con(cid:173)
`sumer electronics will gain more of the capabilities of computers and
`computers will integrate more of the features of televisions and stereo
`systems. The line is blurring, and DVD is rubbing a very big eraser
`across it.•
`
`•Perhaps in this age of digital art, it's more appropriate to say that DVD is rubbing a very
`large smudge tool across the line
`
`25
`
`

`

`6
`
`Chapter One
`._ Who Needs to Know About DVD?
`
`Introduct
`
`The number of people who will feel the effect of DVD is truly astonish(cid:173)
`ing. A large part of this astonished multitude requires a working knowl(cid:173)
`edge of DVQ including its capabilities, strengths, and limitations. This
`book provides most of this knowledge.
`A remarkably diverse range of fields will be affected by DVD
`
`Music and Audio
`
`Because audio CD is established and fulfills most needs of music listen(cid:173)
`ers, DVD will not have much of an effect in this area. As of early 1997, the
`DVD-Audio format is not specified, but the DVD-Video format already
`includes higher-than-CD-quality audio as well as surround sound audio.
`All DVD players will also play audio CDs.
`DVD will give a slight boost to karaoke, since it includes special
`karaoke audio modes to remove the vocals or add vocal backup tracks.
`And more importantly, DVD's subtitle feature breaks the language bar(cid:173)
`rier with up to 32 different sets of lyrics in any language, complete with
`bouncing balls or word-by-word (or symbol-by-symbol) highlighting.
`DVD is also a boon for audio books and other spoken-word programs
`Over 50 hours of stereo audio can be stored on one side of a single disc(cid:173)
`a disc which is cheaper to produce and more convenient than cassette
`tapes or multidisc CD sets.
`
`Music Performance Video
`
`In spite of the success of MI'V and the virtual prerequisite that a music
`group cut a video in order to be heard, music performance video has not
`done as well as expected in the videotape or laserdisc markets. Perhaps it's
`because