DVD Players & DVD Recorders

DVD recorders and players are replacing the Video Cassette Recorder (VCR). They have superior picture recording quality, and (unlike VCRs) they do not deteriorate with time. Their recording capacity is much greater than cassettes. Furthermore, prices are reducing.

What is DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)?

A DVD is a disc (similar to a CD), containing pictures and sound.

Compared with videos, DVD players provide :-

• superior picture quality and sound (most noticeable on widescreen TV, and when connected to a home-cinema surround-sound system)
• much more versatility
• automatic selection of tracks (no rewinding/forwarding necessary)
• large memory capacity, typically 4.7Gb (ie. around 7 times more than the 700Mb on a CD). A disc will hold between 1 and 6 hr. recording (depending on the picture quality required).
• now widely available to buy or rent
• usually contain many extra features, eg. interviews, profiles of the cast, director's commentary on film sets and special effects, and amusing out-takes.

Standard audio CDs can be played on a DVD player.

DVD recorders

• launched in the UK in 2001
• enable recording of programmes and films (similar to VCRs).
• prices are falling - initial prices almost £1,000 (and £15 for a disc)
• for the ultimate in home cinema sound, a Dolby Digital 5.1 decoder is incorporated in more advanced models

• avoids need for a separate decoder, and
• requires only a Dolby Digital Amplifier or TV