DVD
DVD is the currently the most popular home video format. Higher-resolution formats include Sony's Blu-Ray technology and Toshiba's HD-DVD system. DVDs are able to store more than six times as much information as a standard compact disc. Primary usage of DVDs include movies, music, games, and storage of data.
Fast Facts
- Media type: Optical disc
- Capacity: 4.7 GB (single-sided single-layer), 8.54 GB (single-sided double-layer)
- Read mechanism: 650 nm laser, 1350 kB/s (1×)
- Write mechanism: 1350 kB/s (1×)
- Usage: Data storage, video, audio, games
- Introduced for sale in 1995
- Stands for "Digital Versatile Disc" or "Digital Video Disc"
History
Two high-density optical storage formats were created in 1993. These were the MultiMedia Compact Disc (MMCD) and the Super Density (SD) disc. The Technical Working Group (made up of several computer companies) was formed to boycott both formats unless the two converged into one single standard. The warring companies soon agreed to converge and the single DVD format was created. Major electronics and computer companies soon adopted the DVD format. Movies began to be converted to DVD to replace VHS tapes. VHS was discontinued in 2006.
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