DVD
From SPARK
A DVD or (Digital Video Disc) is one way to store a video. (DVDs can also store data and audio, but it is rare to store only audio on a DVD.) It is one of the most popular ways to store a movie. DVDs look just like CDs but are encoded in a different format and at a much higher density.
Viewing a movie on a DVD requires a special player appropriately called a DVD player. While most DVD players can play music CDs, a CD player cannot play a DVD.
Many movies which were produced on VHS tape are also being produced on DVD. In fact, some of the newer movies are only available on DVD. We can foresee the day when VHS tapes will become obsolete in the developing countries. While movies on VHS tapes will still be available, it will probably become difficult to purchase VHS players.
Because DVD players are small and light and digital projectors are also small and light, the combination is a great option for showing videos in remote villages. The package of projector and player is small and light for carrying. The power demand is also less.
Considerations
| Strengths | Limitations | |
|---|---|---|
| Becoming more affordable | Requires higher level of training | |
| For groups or individuals | Production more expensive | |
| Increasing storage capability | Requires specific software | |
| Portable players available | Some careful handling required |
Thinking of Making Your Own DVDs?
Are you thinking of making your own DVDs (either on a DVD recorder or on a computer)? Then are you planning on playing the recorded DVDs on your DVD player? If so, you should be aware that there are two formats for recording, DVD minus (DVD-R) and DVD plus (DVD+R). Fortunately most DVD players will play both types of DVD. However, occasionally you might have a problem. Sometimes the fix is simply to buy a different brand, but perhaps it will be necessary to stay away from re-writeable DVDs (DVD-RW or DVD+RW).
Re-writeable DVDs are not as compatible as are the read only DVDs (DVD-R or DVD+R). Several industry leaders suggest that you do not use re-writable DVDs or do so only after careful checking to see if they work OK in your player. For more information see article about DVDs in http://www.cdfreaks.com/article/110
