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The audio data on a DVD movie can be of the format PCM, MPEG audio, Dolby
Digital (AC-3) or DTS. In countries using the NTSC standard, DVD discs contain a
sound track in PCM or Dolby Digital (AC-3) format, and any NTSC DVD player must
support these two, while MPEG Audio and DTS are optional. In countries using the
PAL standard (most of Europe) the audio on DVD was initially standardized to be
PCM and MPEG Audio. In 1997 the DVD Forum added Dolby Digital (AC-3) to the
optional formats for PAL DVD discs and to the mandatory formats in PAL DVD
players.
DVD-Video has other features that were developed with commercial movies in
mind. A DVD movie may include subtitles or soundtracks in alternate languages or
contain alternate viewing angles. Multiple titles (in the Root Menu) and multiple
chapters (in the Title Menus) allow easy navigation, continuation of a partially
watched film and the addition of extra material such as documentary features, out
takes, and commentary. Security features are available to prevent piracy (Content
Scramble System – CSS) and control world-wide distribution (region coding
system).
DVD-VR and DVD+VR
These logical formats, defined by the DVD Forum and DVD+RW Alliance
respectively, are designed for on-disc DVD authoring and editing with consumer
DVD recorders. DVD+VR is designed to be compatible with most consumer DVD
players on the market today.
Technology Glossary A-14
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