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What
is DVD-ROM ?
DVD-ROM
stands for Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory. Like CD-ROM discs, DVD-ROM
discs are intended for computer use, and are molded with the information
pressed right into the disc. However, unlike CD-ROM with its 650 MB
capacity, DVD-ROM discs can hold up to 4.7 GB of information. Even higher
capacities are possible with additional information layers and double sided
DVD-ROM discs.
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What
are the main features of the DVD ?
-
Over
2 hours of very high-quality (better than laser disc) video on a single
disc.
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Over
8 hours on a double-sided dual layer disc.
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Support
for wide screen movies.
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Some
DVD movies allow you to select wide screen or standard screen.
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Up
to 8 tracks of digital audio for multiple language support.
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Up
to 32 subtitle/karaoke tracks.
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Up
to 9 different viewing angles (DVD disc must be encoded with the
different angles).
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Automatic
"seamless" branching of video for multiple story lines or
different ratings of one movie.
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Menus
and interactive features.
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Title,
Chapter, and track search.
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Durability.
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Compact
Size.
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Language
choices.
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Parental
lock.
-
Random
accessibility.
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Dolby
Digital AC-3 audio.
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How
does DVD-ROM differ from DVD-Video ?
DVD-Video,
like a pre-recorded VHS tape or laser disc, is intended to distribute major
motion pictures, and is designed to be played on TV set top players (but can
also be played on DVD-ROM drives). DVD-ROM is intended for computer
applications.
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Why
is an MPEG-2 card required to use a
DVD-ROM drive ?
Any
DVD-ROM title that contains MPEG-2 video sequences, or a DVD-Video movie,
requires a MPEG-2 decoder to decompress the video stream and pass the data
to the PC's display so the video can be viewed. MPEG-2 decoding is best done
in hardware, freeing the PC’s CPU to process other tasks and ensuring
optimum video playback. Software decoding of MPEG-2, while possible, puts
incredible strain on the PC’s CPU and often results in jerky video
playback.
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Can
DVD-ROM drives play/read standard
CD-ROM discs ?
Yes,
DVD-ROM drives are backward compatible with standard CD-ROM and CD audio
discs.
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What
about compatibility with CD-R discs ?
It’s
true that some DVD-ROM drives cannot read CD-R discs due to laser wavelength
requirements of CD-R media. However, DVD-ROM drives with twin laser/twin
lens systems, such as Sony’s DDU100E, can read CD-R discs.
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Can
DVD-Video discs be played on a DVD-ROM drive ?
Yes,
with an MPEG-2 card installed in the PC and appropriate audio playback
hardware (sound card & speakers), DVD-Video movies can be enjoyed on the
PC.
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Why
should I purchase a DVD-ROM drive instead of a CD-ROM drive ?
DVD-ROM
drives, being backward compatible with CD-ROM, protect your investment in
those discs while opening up the exciting world of DVD to your PC.
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What
is the capacity of DVD-ROM discs ?
Basic
capacity is 4.7 GB (single sided, single layer), however 8.5 GB is possible
(Double sided, single layer), as is 17 GB (Double sided, double layer).
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What
kind of DVD-ROM titles are available now ?
Interactive
multi-media games, interactive entertainment, and interactive educational
titles are currently available from many companies, as well as DVD-Video
movies from many major motion picture studios.
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Can
I get the Dolby® AC-3 digital surround sound from a DVD-ROM drive ?
Yes,
but a AC-3 compatible receiver and the appropriate 6 speakers (front
left/right, center, surround left/right, and subwoofer) would have to be
connected to the line-out of the PC’s sound card (DVD-ROM drive is
connected to the PC’s sound card).
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How
much can I expect to pay for a complete DVD-ROM kit ?
MSRP
of the new Sony DDU100E is attractive at $599, and included an internal
mounted DVD-ROM drive with ATAPI (EIDE) interface, a Sigma Designs Hollywood
MPEG-2 PCI card, 3 exciting DVD-ROM titles, and all cables/mounting hardware
to install the drive in a Windows 95 PC.
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What
sort of system do I need to run a DVD-ROM drive ?
Generally
speaking, a Pentium 
133 MHz or faster CPU, 16 MB of RAM, 2 MB free hard disk space, 16-bit
Soundblaster compatible sound card, amplified stereo speakers, VGA display
card, Microsoft Windows 95 with OSR-2.
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1
open PCI 2.1 slot on Mother board.
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1
open 5.25-inch drive bay in your PC.
-
A
busmastering E-IDE controller is strongly advised (standard on most
Pentium motherboards).
If
surround sound playback is desired, a Dolby AC-3 or ProLogic compatible
receiver and appropriate speakers are also required.
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Will
DVD-ROM drives be compatible with the upcoming DVD-R write once recordable
discs ?
Yes,
a recorded DVD-R disc should be readable/playable in DVD-ROM drives
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What
about compatibility with rewritable DVD ?
First
generation DVD-ROM drives will not be able to play rewritable DVD. However,
future generation DVD-ROM drives may have this capability<
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What
advantage does the proposed DVD+RW format have over DVD-RAM ?
DVD+RW
can store 3.0 GB, opposed to 2.6 GB with DVD-RAM; a 15% improvement in
capacity! DVD+RW uses Constant Angular Velocity (CAV) rotation mode for
higher performance. DVD+RW format makes compatibility of the discs with
future generation DVD-ROM drives more cost effective than DVD-RAM.
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Will
DVD+RW discs require a caddy-like cartridge ?
DVD+RW
discs can be handled like traditional CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs. However, when
recording, DVD+RW discs will require a caddy or cartridge to maintain the
integrity of the information.
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Are
larger capacities possible for DVD+RW ?
This
is currently under study. It may be possible to increase to 4.25 GB or even
4.7 GB
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Can
DVD-RAM/DVD+RW be recorded on both sides and is dual layer recording
possible ?
DVD-RAM
and DVD+RW discs can be single or double sided. Dual layer recording is not
specified at this time.
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