Codefree DVD Players
What is a codefree DVD player?
To prevent the latest movies from reaching countries where a particular
film has not reached the theaters yet, Hollywood film studios imposed an
encoding technique. This regional coding is a digital flag on the disc
that tells the DVD player where a particular DVD comes from. This is
supposed to prevent the disc from being used by an incompatible player in
another country.
A normal DVD player can only play discs designated for the player's own
particular region. However, a codefree DVD player is a capable of playing
DVD discs from anywhere around the world. So while a normal, non-codefree
DVD player can only play DVD's from one region, a codefree DVD player can
play DVD discs from all 6 regions.
What are the 6 DVD regions?
DVD regions are made up of six different areas around the world. We
specialize in modified DVD players that allow you to play any and all discs
from around the world, thus circumventing the restrictions that the studios
seek to impose on us. While being able to play discs that you have purchased
on a modified codefree DVD player does not allow the movie studios to
maximize their profits, it is not illegal to do so.
- Region 1: USA
- Region 2: Europe and Japan
- Region 3: Asian Pacific
- Region 4: Australia, New Zealand and Latin America
- Region 5: Africa, Russia and Eastern Europe
- Region 6: China and Hong Kong
I currently have a DVD player. How do I know if mine is codefree?
If you purchased your DVD player at any large
electronics chain store like The Good Guys or Circuit City, then you
have not purchased a codefree DVD player. If you're still unsure, simply
attempt to view an overseas DVD to see whether it will play or not.
Can I modify my own DVD player to be codefree?
It is possible, but unless you're an engineer,
it's not recommended. Far too many people attempt to do this and end
up damaging their DVD players. Also, by attempting to modify it yourself,
you void any manufacturer's warranty.
What warranties come with your DVD players?
Almost all our DVD players come
with a 60-day warranty provided by ourselves. In the event that your
DVD player is defective within 60 days of the date of purchase, we'll
repair it for you. Please inquire before purchasing in regards to the
warranty.
Are DVD discs PAL or NTSC?
DVD discs are still either PAL or NTSC standard.
Also, similar to multisystem VCRs, DVD players will not convert
video standards. When you're playing an NTSC-standard DVD, it will output
an NTSC signal. When you're playing a PAL-standard DVD, it will output
a PAL signal.
There are two ways to watch both PAL and
NTSC DVDs. You can either view your DVDs on a multisystem TV, or purchase
a Tenlab video converter to convert your DVD player's output signal.
A multisystem TV has the ability to receive and display both PAL and
NTSC video signals. A Tenlab video converter would receive a video signal
and convert the signal into the desired video standard. So if you wanted
to watch a PAL DVD disc and you had only an NTSC television, the Tenlab
converter could convert the signal from PAL to NTSC, which would then
be viewable on your television.
Since DVDs are digital are they still PAL or NTSC?
It's a common misconception that simply because
a video format is digital it is no longer PAL or NTSC. All digital video
formats (DVD, Mini-DV, DVCAM, etc.) are still based on the PAL, SECAM,
NTSC video systems.
Can I play CDs in your DVD players?
Some of our DVD players do have the ability
to play CDs. Consult the specifications on each model to find one suitable
for you.
Can your codefree DVD players play CD-Rs or CD-RWs?
A CD-R and CD-RW is basically a recordable
CD. However, whether or not a DVD player capable of playing a regular
CD can play a CD-R depends on the quality of the CD-R. Some CD-Rs recorded
on higher quality CD burners can play perfectly. However, if you used
a lower quality CD burner to make your CD-Rs and CD-RWs, then there's
a chance they won't play. Also, a CD-RW (as opposed to a CD-R) have
lower light reflection, so CD-RWs are even less likely to play. There's
basically no guarantee that a CD-R or CD-RW will be playable.
What is Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE)?
Recently, the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA) has developed
a new system called Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE) which will be included
on almost all new region 1 DVD releases. This new technology was created to
prevent some codefree DVD players from playing DVD discs purchased in North
America. Currently, there is no word on whether or not this technology will
be included on other regions.
Fortunately, this does not affect our own codefree DVD players due to our
modification technique. As such, you will still be able to view DVD's encoded
with RCE.
HD DVD Players: An Introduction
To the common man, entertainment has become almost cathartic, an effective means for unwinding and a great stress-buster. To cater to this growing requirement, the entertainment industry has grown in leaps and bounds in the past few decades. Progress in home entertainment has been unprecedented. The convenience of gaining accessing to one’s choice of entertainment from the comfort of one’s home is priceless. This is the main reason why the television and home video market have progressed so fast.
If we take a look at the way the home video technology has progressed over the years, we will be amazed at the extent to which it has changed in such a short period. The VHS (Video Home System) technology brought motion pictures into our living rooms and bedrooms. It was followed by the CDs, VCDs, and SVCDs that were more expensive, but provided excellent quality and utility. This was followed by the DVDs and DVD players that took the market by storm and became the most preferred mode for recording and viewing of movies. Most recently however, the latest technology that has joined the race is HD DVD (High Definition Digital Video Disc), that has much higher storage capacity and enhanced quality attributes.
Correspondingly, there has been a similar evolution in the digital data storage and handling industry. This journey started with the floppy, followed by the CDs, the laser discs, the DVDs, and then the HD DVDs. Data storage and handling are a field by itself and has grown at a phenomenal rate.
VHS
The first step towards home theater was the Video Home System (VHS), introduced in September 1976. It was developed by JVC along with some licensing agreements with Sony. The VHS is a recording and playing standard for the Video Cassette Recorders, well known all over the world as the VCRs. The VHS could record and play back all the analog television signals in existence at the time it was devised. By today’s standards, it is one of the poorest quality video formats. The video recording cassette being big, its recording camera was also big and cumbersome. This led to problems of handling and transportation.
The VHS-C is the Video Home System-Compact, which is the same in quality as compared to the standard VHS, that is, half inch size and 240 lines of resolution. But as the name suggests, it is more compact and allows for the video camera to be lighter, smaller, and more convenient. The VHS-C has to be placed in a regular VHS sized case to enable it to be played on the VHS player. The 8mm VHS tapes are smaller in size and are very convenient to use in recording cameras, but are not compatible with the regular VCRs and cannot be played directly on the VCRs.
CD and VCD
The Compact Disc (CD) is an optical disc that is read by a laser. It is a polycarbonate disc designed to store data, music and video formats. These were played on CD players and were of the CD-R and CD-RW type in particular. It was designed by Philips and Sony in 1988. In 1993, Matsushita, Philips, Sony, and JVC introduced a CD format that could hold a full- motion video. It was called the Video CD (VCD) or the compact disc digital video and had a standard digital format for storing video on a compact disc. These VCDs could be played on VCD players and computers. A video CD can hold VHS-quality video of 74 minutes and has a CD-quality sound using MPEG-1 compression. The VCDs were very popular in the Asian countries due to their affordability factor, but did not get much popularity in the U.S. or Europe.
The low cost of media resulted in rampant unauthorized copying of movies and was hence not widely supported by the United States entertainment fraternity. The Super Video CD introduced later using the MPEG-2 compression was of better quality, but its playing time got diminished to 35 minutes. A DVDV or double VCD had also been designed, in which, a regular CD was ‘Over-burned’ to incorporate 100 minutes of video.
DVD and HD DVD
The DVDs came into the market in 1997 and were an instant success. This was mainly because of the reason, that even their cheapest version was capable of giving a better picture and sound quality than a VHS, and could process information much more effectively than CDs. With a DVD played back on a DVD player, a consumer could have a much better home entertainment experience. DVD players have been designed to play multi region DVDs, and can playback any TV standard like NTSC, PAL or SECAM. The DVD players are compatible with a wide range of media such as CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, MP3, DivX, and many more.
Riding on the success of the DVD market, the HD DVD or High Definition DVD was introduced in 2005 and was an adaptation of the existing basic structure of the DVD. The HD DVD has a greater storage capacity and can provide better audio and video quality as compared to a DVD. All this is achievable at a marginal cost increase, mainly because the HD DVD can be manufactured using the existing manufacturing facilities for DVDs. This affordability factor is a great contributor to the success of HD DVDs. The HD DVDs are available in ROM, readable and re-writable formats. The HD DVD players are designed using all the features provided in the DVD players. The HD DVDs are integrated with a state-of-the-art content protection technology which is unique to this medium.
The storage capacity is 15 GB for single layer, 30BG for dual layer, and 45GB for a triple layer HD DVD. Also it uses highly sophisticated compression techniques using MPEG-4 for increased capacity. A 15 GB HD DVD can store a full movie and incorporate additional features, with space to spare. Whereas as 30 GB HD DVD can store three movies of 150 minutes each and provide the high definition quality of playback. These features make HD DVDs a favored medium for storage and viewing of movies. With the widespread support from the entertainment industry leaders and the high quality service provided by HD DVDs, they are certainly poised for a highly successful stint.
The Ultimate HD DVD Home Entertainment Setup
The arrival of motion pictures was a landmark in the history of entertainment. Going to the movies was an experience incomparable with any other; a large big screen, loud, clear sound effects, and the entire atmosphere transported people to a different world altogether. But as the days passed by, people started to find it difficult to enjoy every other movie in the theater due to various constraints. They had to dedicate time specially to go to a theater, and to get a break exclusively for movies amidst a tight schedule. This was something that a lot of people were not able to do. So, there was a universal thought that the ideal entertainment would be the one which can be enjoyed at home. This paved the way for the home entertainment saga.
The home entertainment market was created when the VHS was invented; it brought entertainment to people’s living rooms and bedrooms. The VHS progressed to VCDs and DVDs which became the latest in the home entertainment. The cinema theaters, meanwhile, still had their hold on audiences due to certain unique characteristics such as a big screen, digital sound effects, high amplified sounds, and the entire theater experience. There has been a constant effort to bridge this gap between the theater movie experience and that of the home entertainment system. There have been great technological advancements in this field, and the present home theater systems have brought theater quality of entertainment into people’s home with the invention of high definition technology.
High Definition Technology
The HD or High Definition technology comprises of HD Televisions, HD DVD players, and HD DVDs, which when combined with accessories like high quality amplifiers and speaker systems, provide for an exceptional quality of home theater system. The HD technology is relatively new, but has become very popular among consumers. HD equipment may seem to be expensive to the average consumer at first, but with time, as is true with all other types of technologies, these prices will come down as the usage becomes widespread and more advanced technologies emerge.
High definition televisions have already been around in the markets for some time. HD DVD players were rolled-out in Japan in March 2006 by the Japanese electronics giant, Toshiba Corp. This was followed by their inauguration in the U.S. a few days later, and they are scheduled to hit the UK market by the end of April. There is a lot of excitement regarding this technology, and people are expecting to see a revolution in home theater quality.
HD DVD Players and DVDs
The HD DVD or High Definition DVD was introduced in 2005 and was an adaptation of the existing basic structure of the DVD. The HD DVD has a greater storage capacity and can provide better audio and video quality as compared to a DVD. The HD DVDs are integrated with a state-of-the-art content protection technology which is unique to this medium. The storage capacity is 15 GB for a single layer, 30GB for a dual layer, and 45GB for a triple layer HD DVD. It uses the highly sophisticated compression techniques of MPEG-4 for increased capacity. At the core of the DVD format is a blue laser, having a shorter wavelength (405nm) that allows discs to store data at higher densities that are needed for high-definition movies and television. Toshiba has brought into the market two models of HD DVD players, the HD-XA1 and HD-A1, in the United States, priced at $799 and $499 respectively. The new machines are expected to breathe new life into the home video market and change the way people perceive home theater.
HD TV
The large screen plasma TVs and the LCD TVs have already been in the markets for some time and are widely acclaimed to have achieved high levels of quality. These are TVs that have a wide, flat screen that minimizes visual distortions dramatically. A large variety of screen sizes are available in display sizes ranging from 20” to 65”. They come with very high resolutions varying from 1024x768 pixels, 1280x768 pixels, 1366x768 pixels, and 1024x1024 pixels. The HD TVs are equipped to provide higher levels of brightness and contrast ratios. Brightness can vary from 450cd/m2 to 1,200cd/m2, while contrast ratios are 400:1 to as high as and 10,000:1. All these attributes provide for a greater picture resolution and result in very clear and well defined visual quality.
The audio quality is as important in the audio-visual medium as the picture quality. There are a lot of options available in the market that can constantly cater to high quality listening experience. There are three main systems used in the surround sound system; Virtual Surround, Dolby Digital, and the DTS system. For televisions that are not HD compatible, provisions can be made to make them HD-compliant by minor modifications.
The major brands selling HD TVs in the market are Sharp, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Pioneer, Philips, Toshiba, and several others. HD TVs are available in a wide price range of $2000 to $5000, depending on the technology, brand, and features available.
Amplifiers or Home Theater Receivers
The amplifiers or home theater receivers are the hub of a home entertainment system and provide high quality digital-to-analog conversions. They decode and process any type of program material or surround mode of audio. They are capable of passing HD signals by converting all S-video and composite video inputs to the component video. Certain receivers also provide features like digital video recorders that enable viewers to watch and record programs in HD picture quality. The price range of digital amplifiers can vary from $300 to $750.
The Dolby system and the DTS (Digital Theater System) are currently very popular in both the home theater and the movie recordings. The first Dolby digital format (AC-1) was used in 1984, followed by the AC-2 improvement that was used for cinema. The latest, Dolby Digital (AC3) arrived in the cinemas in the year 1992. With the advancements made in the digital technologies, Dolby was later introduced in home theatre systems.
At present there are Dolby 5.1, 6.1 and the latest Dolby 7.1. These names are based on the number of channels provided. These also come with a great variety of speaker systems that include home theater subwoofers, speaker kits, in ceiling, in wall, book shelf speakers, center channel speakers, and floor standing speakers. They are available in a price range of $350 to $1500.
The overall effect of a home theater system is greatly influenced by the type and placement of speakers and the acoustic quality of the room in use. The right equipment combined with the right type of room make for the ultimate home entertainment theater.
HD DVD Players in the UK
The home entertainment industry has seen tremendous growth and widespread acceptance among people all over the world. There is a constant demand for better technology and greater advancement in the existing media, keeping the prices in control. Easy-to-use features, affordability, and good play-back quality have been the criteria for a successful home entertainment system. The VHS followed by CDs and VCDs, SVCDs, MP3, DVDs, and now finally the HD DVD and Blu-ray technology are all part of the successful journey of home entertainment.
A Brief Overview
The initiation of home video era in UK started with the VHS (Video Home System). This was the first affordable and highly popular home entertainment medium in the 80s. The VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) was used to playback these video cassettes, which consisted of a half inch magnetic tape with 240 lines resolution. The quality of audio and video were not very good, but VHS were the preferred mode of movie watching and recording. There was a limited storage capacity and the life of a video cassette got diminished with use, as did the quality.
The next big invention was the polycarbonate optical disc in the form of compact discs in 1993. These were capable of storing data, audio and video formats. They had better storage capacity and were very compact and handy. The VCDs or Video Compact Disc were developed for use in recording and viewing movies. A video CD can hold VHS-quality video of 74 minutes and has a CD-quality sound using MPEG-1 compression. This format did not become very popular in UK or even in the U.S. This was mainly due to its unauthorized copying and rampant misuse due to its low cost and simple technology. The UK and U.S. entertainment industry did not support and promote the VCD medium due to the same reason. However, the VCDs were very successful in the Asian countries owing to their affordability.
The breakthrough in home entertainment came in the form of the DVD technology introduced in the year 1997. DVD or the Digital Video Disc is a 0.6mm layer coated dual medium fused back-to back as a 120mm diameter disc. The DVD has data capacity of 4.6GB and can store two hours of 525-line resolution standard definition video. The DVD is read using a 650nm red laser and has a numerical aperture of 0.6 in its optical pick-up head. The later versions of DVD players were multi region enabled to allow playing of all region DVDs. The DVD players have been designed to playback any TV standard like NTSC, PAL, or SECAM. The recent models of DVD players are compatible with a variety of playing media such as CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, MP3, DivX and WMA, among others.
The TV standard used in UK is PAL, however in certain places NTSC is also used. The region code for UK is 2, therefore DVDs and DVD players made and sold in the United Kingdom are marked as region 2. With the arrival of region free DVD players in the market, there is no limitation for viewing DVDs from any region in United Kingdom. The movies made in the U.S. are released a year later in Europe, and the DVDs are also released accordingly.
HD DVD Technology and the UK scenario
The latest and most advanced technology is the HD DVD (High Definition Digital Video Disc) which is a high capacity rewritable optical disk. The HD-DVD technology is supported by Toshiba, NEC, and Intel. Microsoft also supports HD DVD and incorporates the HD DVD exclusively in its Xbox 360 gaming consoles. The HD DVD has a single layer data storage capacity of 15GB and a double layer storage capacity of 30GB.
The surface layer of an HD DVD is 0.6mm thick, which is the same as that of standard DVDs. This common disc structure with DVDs allows for full backwards compatibility of HD DVD drives which will be able to play both DVDs and CDs. This also ensures that the basic technology and manufacturing equipment for HD DVDs are almost the same, except a few minor modifications. This factor has brought down the manufacturing costs tremendously and provided for greater affordability of the media. This technology also promises the ability to create discs with HD DVD on one side, and (standard) DVD-9 on the reverse. This makes it possible for consumers to watch a movie, regardless of the system they own.
The unique ‘iHD’ system enables the synchronization of audio and graphic information from an online source, with the contents of the disc. This implies that soundtracks, graphics, and sub-titles can be added to a movie while it is playing, using a Internet connection. The managed copy feature can copy a movie on a computer’s hard drive and can be played on a local network later. The HD DVD format is being supported and promoted by Paramount Home Entertainment, HBO, and New Line Cinema.
The HD DVDs and HD DVD players are yet to be launched in the United Kingdom, and the inauguration is slated for end of April 2006. The stores and retailers are geared up to meet the demand of the new technology and are undertaking pre-orders for the HD DVD players, which will be available in April, depending on their launch. The retailers and electronics stores have also made provisions for stocking and selling of the new movie titles in HD DVDs.
The television medium in UK is opening its doors to the HD technology and has equipped the electronics stores with HD televisions and many film and program makers have even started filming in HD format. The HD DVDs and players will be available online as well as in all leading retail outlets. Some of the online purchase stores are Amazon, Apple, Ebuyer, Insight, W-Store, and PC World, among others. The retail outlets include ASDA, Blackwells, Comet, Dixons, Evesham, Eason, Micro Anvika, Ryman, Tesco, and several others.
Toshiba has introduced two of its HD DVD players, the HD A1 and HD XA1 in the U.S. The HD A1 is priced at $500 (£285) and the HD XA1 is priced at $800 (£457). Other brands are also available, the Samsung DVD HD 850 priced at around £100, and several others. The voltage requirement of 220-230 volts and 50-60 Hz is met by these HD DVD players and are PAL-NTSC compatible for usage in the United Kingdom.
The HD DVD players are going to change the face of home entertainment in UK, and are being anticipated eagerly by the consumers and the retailers alike.
Technical and Quality Attributes of HD DVD
The HD DVD (High Definition Digital Video Disc) is poised to be the most successful primary visual medium for the present era of high definition entertainment. After DVDs, the HD DVD was selected by the DVD forum in 2003, to be the next-generation technology for high capacity, high definition optical media. The HD DVD was developed from the AOD (Advanced Optical Disc) technology from Toshiba and NEC. The HD DVD is promoted by Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo, Microsoft, HP, and Intel. Three Major studios including Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios, and Warner Bros. are non-exclusively supporting the HD DVD technology.
The HD DVD is a digital optic data storage media format that uses a 120mm diameter disc. A single layer HD DVD has a storage capacity for 15GB data, as compared to a 4.7GB of a standard DVD. A dual layer HD DVD can store 30GB data, while a triple layer HD DVD has a 45GB capacity. The HD DVD is complemented with the HDTV or high definition television. A high definition television is a system that scans pictures with more than double the lines of resolution as compared to a standard format television. Therefore, equipped with 1,080 lines of resolution, in contrast with 480 lines for regular television and DVD players, it provides a very superior quality, high definition picture. Most of the HDTVs are wide screen to eliminate the letterbox effect and better viewing.
Structure
The HD DVD optical disc has two 120mm diameter substrates bonded back-to back, each having surface layer thickness of 0.6mm. Its optical pick-up head’s numerical aperture is 0.65 and its information is read using the blue-violet laser of 405nm wavelength. The use of a shorter wavelength in an HD DVD enables a small spot size of the laser to be maintained. This allows for lesser diffraction and data to be read from a high density on the surface of the disc. The higher density of data storage on an HD DVD results in higher capacity for data storage.
Quality Attributes
The HD DVD provides a high quality audio output and high definition picture quality as compared to any other existing media. This has a much higher capacity for data storage within a single disc; 15GB for single layer, 30GB for dual layer, and 45GB for triple layer format. Owing to the use of latest compression technologies, a 15GB disc has adequate space for a whole two hour movie in HD quality plus bonus content such as extra scenes, director’s comment, a documentary about the movie, and space to spare. A 30GB disc can store eight hours of HD images (1,125 lines) or 48 hours of SD images. The HD DVDs are rewritable in format and are therefore able to write, erase and re-write data, enhancing its utility many times over.
The commercially available HD DVDs are equipped with an in-built copy restriction technology developed by AACS LA (Advanced Access Content System License Administrator). A “Audio Watermark Protection” has also been devised for the HD DVDS. These water marks are made by altering the audio waveform in such a manner, that they convey a digital code. These audio codes are not recognizable by the human ear, but can easily be neutralized by audio editing software or an HD DVD player. This means that the DVD players are equipped with a sensor that can pick up inaudible water-marks in the sound track of the movie being played back.
The HD DVD player will be able to discern whether the disc is an original or a copy. If a copy is detected, the player will refuse to play the disc. Another technique is that of a water mark for home entertainment that differs from that of the cinema mark, which the player can identify to check whether the DVD is legitimate or an illegal copy.
The data processing in the HD DVDs is carried out with almost negligible noise. The noise problems caused by playing of other high density media are avoided in the HD DVD players by use of the latest in signal processing, and use of PRML (Partial Response Maximum Likelihood).
The excellent quality of data compressing in the HD DVDs helps achieve high quality digital image replay. The regular DVDs use MPEG-2 format for data compression, which allows for almost one third of the data compression possible through the HD DVD. Use of MPEG-4 AVC and VC-1 which are based on Microsoft’s Window media, allow for greater compression efficiency and high quality replay.
The HD DVDs provide a data transfer rate of 36 Mbps, much higher than the 24 Mbps, which is the maximum for digital TV broadcasts. This simplifies recording and play back of high definition images for hours of viewing.
The HD DVD disc is very sturdy and does not need any protective cartridge. This can simplify its use in slimmer drives and with just a single lens optical head. The HD DVDs are priced based on their features and brands. A Toshiba HD A1 DVD player costs $500, and an HD XA1 DVD player costs $800, while the Samsung players range from $140 to $250.
Technical Advantage
The HD DVD discs and the original DVD discs are very similar in structure and format. They are both built using 120mm diameter substrates of 0.6mm thickness, bonded together back-to-back. Although they are read using different optical diodes, the dual laser sources can be incorporated within a single machine. The similarity of structure was deliberately retained keeping in mind the convenience of using a single play back medium for the old DVDs and the newer HD DVDs. This has been extremely advantageous for the disc and player manufacturers, since incorporation of the new HD DVD needs only minor modifications on the existing DVD technology.
There will be backwards compatibility available for all HD DVD players, allowing the consumers to purchase a single player for playing both the HD DVD and the DVD discs. The DVD manufacturing companies can continue to use their current production facilities with incorporation of minor alterations for changing over to HD DVD production. The single-lens optical head has a structure that allows for incorporation of the dual red and blue laser diodes within a single, compact HD DVD player.
The HD DVD standards, being similar to DVD standards, have simplified an early and cost-effective disc and hardware production. This will assure a high quality product at affordable prices and with widespread availability.
High Definition DVD Players in Spain
DVD players available in Spain usually display video broadcasts in the analog mode. The most famous format around the world using analog display is the PAL format. It works on a frequency of 50HZ and at a speed of 625 lines and 50 fields per 25 frames a second. With the arrival of high definition DVD players, many people in Spain are going for these latest versions instead of the standard analog DVD players.
Initially, the PAL format of broadcasting was quite popular in Spain, because of two main advantages. PAL gave a much better picture than other formats like NTSC or SECAM. This was because it had a large number of scan lines. Another major advantage why DVD players in Spain had the PAL format was that they played standard DVD discs and they promised color consistency. Manufacturers of DVD players used latest technologies available to play DVDs with utmost picture clarity and perfect sound output. High definition DVD players are the answer for the needs of getting the best output from discs.
High definition DVD players are rapidly becoming very famous in Spain, because in the analog DVD players, you can find slight flicker in the output image displayed on the screen. This is because the number of frames being displayed per second is quite less, which is around 25 frames per second. This drawback is overcome in high definition DVD players where the quality of the picture is at its best and when they play high definition DVDs, the output is enhanced to a greater extent.
There are many manufacturers and companies that mass produce HD-DVD players in Spain. One major company that assembles flat panel televisions and high definition DVD players in Spain is Sharp Electronics. Apart from Spain, it also has its factories in China and the U.S. Since a lot of these players are manufactured or assembled here, the price of these DVD players is usually quite considerable.
DVD players usually have a region tag attached to them, depending on their region. Since Spain falls in region two, the DVD players that are manufactured and purchased here tend to play DVDs pertaining to region two. In order to play DVDs that are available all around the world, you need to be specific about it while selecting a high definition DVD player. Just like standard DVD players available in Spain, HD-DVD players are also available with region free or code free options. High definition DVD players provide you a much better picture quality and crystal clear sound, but do not ensure that they play DVDs from all nations. It is the choice of the customers to specify their requirements when buying.
One can also check the Internet to collect information regarding various high definition DVD players available in Spain. A variety of information like the make of the players, features available, models, price range, and guarantee and warranty options can be found through these sites. Some of the brands that offer HD-DVD players in Spain are Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony. Each company has several models of high definition DVD players in its list and depending on the features and options requested by the customer, they are variedly priced.
Panasonic has a huge range of DVD players with around 20 models currently on hand. They are priced from a little over $70 to over $350. Panasonic HD-DVD players are available in intense colors like black and silver, and they usually come up with progressive scan facility. Another famous DVD player manufacturer available in Spain is Philips, which is quite a renowned name all over the country. With over five different models, Philips players are quite famous in the country. Starting from $75, the models go over $350, depending on the features.
With over a dozen models in its list, Pioneer also finds a place in the leading DVD player companies in Spain. They offer the most cost effective as well as the most expensive high definition DVD players in Spain. You can pick one for just about $60 or can even go for one priced over $900. Sharp Electronics assembles its DVD players in Spain. The assembled models are marketed effectively all over Spain and are priced considerably around $250. Sony DVD players are considered one of the most cost effective DVD players available in Spain. They are available for around $80 for the basic models.
Whenever you go in for the high-definition DVD players, you can make a note of the various specifications mentioned about the product. It is important to look out for the region free option and other specifications like digital audio out-coaxial. This is the general form of output for any high definition DVD player. You can look for multi color TFT monitor, which is widely available and quite famous in the electronic market of Spain. The players also come up with functions like multi-subtitle languages function, multi-audio languages function, and also multi-angle function. Like any other standard DVD player in Spain, high definition players also have the basic features like parental control and remote control facility.
High definition DVDs are new generation discs that store data and make the experience of watching movies at home a thoroughly enjoyable one. Another such technological advancement which is prominent in the entertainment industry is blu-ray. Blu-ray discs, just like high definition discs, are capable of displaying the best quality picture and clear digital sound. These new video disc formats need special features in DVD players to broadcast the video signals. Hence in Spain, you have to look out for DVD players that are compatible to both these high definition formats. This is to ensure that the DVD players you choose are consumer friendly and are worth the investment you make in them. HD-DVD players usually play all kinds of discs like audio CDs and MP3s and also discs that have optical standards.
If you already have a DVD player and want it to play high definition discs, you can use a high-definition multi-media interface, which is a digital interface standard. Many movie making companies are now interested to release their movies in high definition format or in blu-ray format, and hence analog televisions and standard DVD players find it difficult to play various movies that are released in either of these two formats. With high definition DVD players, you can play the existing discs as well as the new generation digital discs at almost the same efficiency. Hollywood studios, Microsoft, Intel, and many other companies have encouraged the next generation high-definition format, which has become the order of the day.
High Definition DVD Players in Italy
High definition DVD players or HD-DVD players, as they are also called, are the new generation DVD players that currently rule the market. High definition DVD players, as the name suggests, offer a much better resolution and a much sharper picture than the standard DVD players. The technology that is used to process pictures and sound in these players is based on a high quality chip. This enables the image that is delivered to be flawless. High definition DVD players implement scale-up processing and they make use of a unique algorithm called the de-interlacing algorithm. The demand for high definition players is increasing at a feverish pace and one can find scores of electronics stores packed with them.
Several companies produce good quality DVD players in Italy. Samsung, Toshiba, and Buffalo are some of the famous manufacturers of high resolution DVD players and they have exclusive showrooms in Italy. They not only play high resolution DVDs, but also CDs and MP3s. The demand for HD-DVD players in Italy is growing rapidly because the players come up with many features like parent controls and on-screen functions on the menu incorporated within them. To make the viewing experience of the people a memorable one, the high resolution DVD players available in Italy deliver crystal clear sound, thanks to the Dolby Digital sound system they use.
While checking the stores in Italy for high definition DVD players, ensure that they have necessary accessories like digital virtual interface jacks attached to them. These new age players have user-friendly features like instant replay and skip facility, progressive scan system, and digital photo viewer capability.
One look at the various electronics stores in Italy brings forward a variety of qualities that high definition DVD players have. There are plenty of high definition wireless media players available in Italy that have various features like progressive scan and parent control system. They cost only around $200, which is quite a bargain. The HD-DVD players from Buffalo are quite famous all over Italy and are priced around $160. Sony also comes up with its DVD players in Italy with a plethora of features like HDMI exit and the players have an upper scale function of 720p/1080i. They are priced a little over $170. Another famous brand in Italy that provides high definition DVD players is Samsung. Samsung players provide almost the same video output as Sony HD-DVD players, and are priced unbelievably around $100. One can check out the details of various DVD players by visiting their outlets or through the Internet.
You can also check the Internet for various HD-DVD players available in Italy. One can collect as much information about them as needed from various sites and place an order on the net. Usually a predetermined amount of delivery charges will be levied on the customers on every purchase of high resolution DVD players made through the Internet. High definition DVD players give consumers a higher quality picture and sound. This is achieved by using advanced model chips for processing. HD-DVD players work better with high definition DVDs that store up to two hours of 720p or 1080i on their discs.
VCR players that play VHS tapes display images that are 250-line interfaced. The next generation video players after VCRs were standard DVD players. They usually display a 480-line interfaced image on the screen. In the case of high definition DVD players, we find 480-line image which implements progressive scan method. This entitles the viewers to see a crystal clear picture and increases the clarity of the video as well as the audio signal. Newer and expensive models of high definition DVD players focus on enhancing the resolution and sharpness of the broadcast. For this purpose, electronic companies and manufacturers of DVD players are experimenting with a variety of technologies like lasers, complex compression techniques, and very large scale integrated circuits.
If you decide to buy a high definition DVD player in Italy, you should ensure that all the accessories that enable you to watch high definition discs on your television sets are provided with the DVD player. This is because some of the sets are not compatible and they do not play HD-DVD format discs. You need to have a digital virtual interface jack to play HD-DVD discs.
There are many electronics stores in Italy that stocks numerous models of DVD players including the advanced and expensive high definition DVD players. You can also verify the features and choose to purchase players that can play DVDs and MP3 discs apart from high definition discs. These DVD players incorporate many other functions and are capable of doing things like recording, other than just playing discs. Slim line designs and portable wide screen models are some of the famous versions that are available from this range of DVD players.
High definition DVD players can play discs that are in both MP3 format as well as JPEG format. You can also have the output in two different formats like Dolby digital and DTS digital. Few HD-DVD players have recording facilities and they record in DVD-read and DVD read/write modes. The current generation HD-DVD players are designed to play almost all kinds of discs.
High definition DVD players present the output in digital format from the data or information stored in digital format, and this makes the conversion process quite simple and smooth. If high definition discs are played in HD-DVD players, then great clarity and superb sound can be achieved. To play standard discs with the same kind of clarity, you need to have a high definition multimedia interface present in your player. This helps you get the best possible image or picture.
In other standard DVD players available in Italy that plays standard DVDs, the information or data are stored in analog format on these discs. Players have to convert data present in the analog format to the digital format and hence the picture quality is not optimum. When it comes to high definition DVD players, the data are read from discs that store them in the digital format and hence the output is clear and perfect. DVD players available in Italy not only play DVDs, but also SVCD, VCD, DIVX, CD-R, and CD-RW.
You can select high definition DVD players depending on the models, options, features, and cost. You can also check out various accessories that can be attached to HD-DVD players and their costs vary according to the company or brand you choose.
High Definition DVD Players in Greece
The consumer electronics market in Greece is witnessing a boom, as in other parts of Europe. Part of this boom can be attributed to the success of DVD players in the market. The Athens Olympics saw the entry of big multinational consumer electronics giants enter Greece in a big way to promote their products. This, coupled with the increasing popularity of particularly home theater systems has contributed to the healthy growth trend.
High definition DVD players are available throughout Greece. One can find the leading brands being sold in Greece. Samsung, Philips, Sony, Aiwa, you name it and you can find the brand having a significant presence in the Greek market. The Greeks have been traditionally known to love entertainment, from time immemorial. If it were not for the ancient Greeks, we would not have known things like the Olympics. The ancient Greek passion for works of art and entertainment has carried on to the present generation and the Greek continue to love their movies and art. The Greek movie industry is decades old with movies being a popular form of entertainment in Greece since the early 1900s.
With an embedded movie culture, it is not surprising that the Greece love to watch movies on DVDs. Most of the latest DVD releases are available in Greece. There is also a large collection of Greek DVDs available.
As in the case with other European markets, the Greek market is flooded with Chinese high definition DVD players. These players have caught the imagination of people, who are looking for relatively cheap options, when it comes to home theater systems. The important thing to be mentioned is that the quality of the high definition DVD players is pretty good.
Leading retailers in Greek stock up latest models of high definition DVD players from leading brands like Philips, Sony, Samsung, Thompson, Aiwa, to mention only a few. As statistics show, these major brands sell most of the high definition DVD players. The reasons are easy to understand, for cheaper brands do not offer the kind of guarantee or after sales service support, which these bigger brands offer. It is to be noted that even the smaller players, the ones which are popularly termed ‘no-name’ DVD players, also perform well and are considered value for money proposition in Greece. With the increasing penetration of the Internet, many Greeks prefer to purchase their high definition DVD players from leading online merchants also. This also allows them to find out the latest from other parts of the world too, apart from exposing them to increased choice.
The standard electrical standard is 230 volts. Clearly, most of the high definition DVD players available in the Greek market follow this specification. It is always better that you check your DVD players specification, if you want to play it in Greece, after having bought it from somewhere else.
A walk down the streets of Athens would reveal that there are several stores which stack up the latest high definition DVD players in Greece. There are supermarkets, hypermarkets, and departmental stores which deal with DVD players. The variety available is huge. One can get a DVD player in a wide price range. You can for instance get a standard high definition DVD player for around 100 Euros or look out for the really higher end models which would cost you upwards of 300 Euros. DVDs that record are increasingly the popular option of consumers in Greece.
There are virtually hundreds of shops selling Greek DVDs in Athens. From old classics to the latest flicks, one can find them all over the city. You can even get the latest Hollywood flicks in Greece quite easily. The release date is usually along with the rest of Europe or sometimes simultaneous with the worldwide release of the DVD titles. Greece follows the PAL format, just like most other European countries. One can also find NTSC standard discs being sold widely in Greece. One can also come across DVD audios carrying traditional Greek music. Tourists to Greece almost always purchase some DVD or the other related to the history of this ancient country. If you are one, check out for the format. Though with region free DVD players in vogue, you need not worry about the aspect of video signal formats, for they can play any DVD.
Although the high definition DVD market is on the rise in Greece, on the flip side is the rampant video piracy in the country. Figures show that around 50% of discs are pirated. The time period during the 2004 Athens Olympics saw the police adopt tough measures to end the menace. The problem is attributed to the lax laws of the Greek government regarding copyright offences. Around 90% of music discs are burned using CD-Rs. The piracy rate is well above that of the average rate prevailing in Europe. Pirated games which could be played on high definition DVD players have flooded the market. Most of them are imported from Asia. CD-R burning is also on the rise. This is also one of the main problems confronting the Motion Picture Association of Greece. Illegal duplication of DVDs in large numbers has affected the industry as a whole.
The Greeks are usually passionate about their movies and this explains the increase in the home theater systems sales. Home theater systems made their debut in Greece, along with other European countries. Since then, they are perhaps the most popular source of entertainment. People love to watch the latest flicks on their slick high definition DVD players. Gaming consoles and play stations are also very popular, especially among the younger lot in Greece.
The Greek tradition in Cinema dates back a long time. Greeks started making movies almost simultaneously along with Hollywood. The First World War saw a lull in filmmaking in Greece, which gradually picked up, later on. The onslaught of Hollywood blockbusters and ironically the introduction of high definition DVD players and the easy availability of latest DVD titles, have now contributed to the declining rate of film production in Greece. Greek production houses like Finos Films, in fact no longer exist.
Future Trends of High Definition DVD Players
The future of high definition DVD players holds infinite possibilities. Technology, generally speaking, is moving forward at a rapid pace and most of it has to do with enhanced electronics. The high definition DVD player market is booming and continues to come up with additional features.
Consumers too are becoming more demanding. The trend of watching movies at home is picking up worldwide. This is a factor driving the home theater sales up. Home theater systems are continually evolving with one constant factor; the manufacturers are never content with what they have achieved. This augurs well for the future of high definition DVD players.
The rapid pace of technology has seen us graduate from the VHS to laser disc, and then finally to the DVD. DVDs are convenient and affordable, offering quality output. It is remarkable how these small pieces of plastic have revolutionized the home theater market. One thing to be noted here is that even with your latest high definition DVD player, you watch movies which have been encoded on standard DVDs, which leaves scope for further improvement. What we mean to say is the next logical step would be the development of high definition DVDs or HDs as they are termed.
HD DVDs
Industry analysts already see the market being ripe for the introduction of these HD DVDs, which could become the standard for home video. Another thing that the high definition DVD players have done is to drive the high definition TV market. After all, that is where you are going to view your favorite flicks. The displays as they are known are already there. You have a plasma, rear projection, LCD, front projection, and what not. What is needed is the HD, with the content encoded in it for lighting up the eager pixels of these high definition television sets.
HD content is already available in the form of the D-VHS. But it is based on an awkward tape format, which requires expensive hardware and software. Moreover, the entire system is under-supported. What we want is an HD video disc, with all the convenience of a DVD, plus higher quality image output. Technical geeks are already working on the concept and it won’t be long for us to watch the latest blockbusters on our high definition DVD players with HDs.
The Battle
In fact, many attempts have already been made to come out with the ultimate home theater HD. Microsoft is attempting it with its Windows Media 9, which allows for the compression of an HD movie into a regular DVD. A small handful of movies were released in this format. Terminator 2, for instance, was the famous among them. Since the hardware requirements are expensive and not mass produced, we are still waiting for the real HD disc.
Sony is also on track with its Blu-ray, an HD format, which uses a new form of high density and capacity storage disc. Similarly, Toshiba and NEC have been doing ground breaking work on HD DVDs. Several other leading players are also attempting the same. Industry experts feel that commercially available HD would be a real possibility by the end of 2006.
The trends are the similar in most parts of the world. In Asia, you have China, probably the largest producer of DVD players in the world, coming out with things like Enhanced Video Discs (EVD) and High Clearness Video Discs (HVD).
Not to be left behind, neighboring country Taiwan has also come up with something known as Forward Versatile Discs (FVD). But these products are most likely to play local content like Chinese movies, at least in the near future. Not deterred by criticism, the Chinese and the Taiwanese have already come out with products like ‘Shinco EVD-8830’ and ‘Skyworth HVD – 3050,’ which are region free DVD players, apart from being capable of playing HDs.
Another thing with these Chinese products is that like most of the Chinese products, they too come cheap. You can get them for prices as low as $300. For those of you who are on the look out for an HD player in the immediate future, you can go in for these players. Even if you are not able to get HDs to play on them, no problem, as these players would play your DVDs anyway.
Future of Movies
Future trends in high definition DVD player markets clearly show towards digital video overtaking film. This is a real possibility with advancing DVD technology. In fact, it could be said that the process has already been started. George Lucas shot his new Star Wars film, Episode 2, with a high definition digital video camera. Rapid progress is being made in the fields of video resolution and digital projection capabilities to make the ‘digital dream’ a real possibility, in the not so far away future. So folks, be ready, you will eventually watch blockbusters at a local theater near you, through digital video projections.
The film industry as such has been impacted by the increasing presence of the digital video. Digital video is already enabling even amateurs to make films. You can, for instance, shoot using a DV camcorder and then do what is called a film transfer. As you see the trends are already tangible. The most conspicuous among them are the recordable DVD which is slowly becoming as common as the VHS.
With home theater systems constantly evolving, your DVD sound and picture quality can already rival or even exceed your local movie theater’s standards. The DVD revolution has already made a significant impact on the cable and satellite television industry. In order to match up with the superior quality of digital video, they too are bracing up with digital modes of telecasting your favorite soap operas.
With increased competition from home theater systems, television channels have to upgrade constantly their technology to woo back viewers, who have been drawn away by digital video. Movies are also exhibiting the same trend, with people preferring to watch them from the comfort of their homes. Movie makers and studios are realizing this and are trying to push the limits of technology, to come out with more and more innovations to lure back lost audiences.
The future of high definition DVD players, therefore, points to additional features apart from greater audio and video output. The future, if one may say so, is already halfway here in the case of DVD players.
High Definition DVD Players in France
High definition DVD players are increasingly becoming popular all over the world. It is no different in France. The French have always been known for their love of good things in life. They form one of the largest buyers of high definition DVD players. High definition DVD titles are common these days with big studios planning releases of blockbusters every other day. High definition DVD sales have been on the increase in France, as in other parts of the world.
The French are known to love their movies. French movies are popular not only in France, but also in other French speaking countries in Europe as well as in Africa. Intense competition among players has resulted in slashing of high definition DVD players’ cost. DVDs as such are already available at relatively cheap rates. With more and more people opting to watch movies from the comforts of their homes, high definition DVD player sales have gone through the roof. The home theater technology hit France around the same time, as it had the rest of the world. The French embraced the new technology with open arms. Now, there must be seldom a home in France, without at least a basic home theater system in place.
With many high definition DVD players hitting the market in France, the sales are expected to further increase. This is in total contrast to the returns in other retail segments in France in recent times. The sluggish growth in other segments has been attributed to the strength of the Euro and the decrease in demand for other products. This in itself shows the French love for movies and now for high definition DVD players.
The demand for DVD players has been on the rise not only in France, but also in other parts of Europe too. The European markets are totally estimated to yield around $10 billion in revenue to the DVD industry, according to research analysts. It is predicted that the market will grow to around $17 billion by the end of 2009.
One factor which is driving the sales of high definition DVD players in France is the flooding of the market by Chinese manufacturers. France has seen a deluge of Chinese products, from digital cameras to computers to home theater systems, you name it and every conceivable Chinese electronic item is available in France. Even DVD players from leading brands like Sony, Philips, or JVC are actually made in China, apart from the number of other smaller players. China is reported to export around five million units of DVD players to France alone, every year.
DVD player sales constitute around 15% of the consumer electronics sales in France. Every year around ten million DVD players are sold in France out of which a significant percentage is that of high definition models. Most of the sales are cornered by globally renowned brands, while some part of the sales go to the ‘no name appliances’.
One good thing with France is that you can buy your high definition DVD player or for that matter any kind of DVD player, literally anywhere. Yes, you can buy them in hypermarkets, departmental stores, supermarkets, electronic dealers, you name it and they stock it full, with hundreds of models on display.
There are large specialist stores like Boulanger, Darty, and FNAC, which are leading names when it comes to dealing with DVD players. These specialists make up for around 40 % of the total sales of DVD players in France. Hypermarkets, supermarkets, and departmental stores gobble the rest of the percentage up.
While it is true that the Chinese made DVD players have made their mark in France, the French are known to prefer Japanese brands too, when it comes to higher end models of high definition DVD players. These higher end models typically cost around 1,500 Euros.
The leading brands of high definition DVD players in France include Schneider, Samsung, Thompson, Sony, and Philips. One can get a read-only player for an average price of around 80 Euros. One can get quality high definition DVD players for a price range of around $300 or more. One can also find French brands like Crealy doing brisk business in high definition DVD players.
Most of the leading brands offer excellent after sales service and this is one reason for the spectacular growth of high definition DVD players in France. Quality control standards are very high these days and it is common to find leading players give a guarantee on their high definition DVD players, which could be up to even five years. France follows the 230 volts electricity standards like most other parts of Europe and therefore it’s always better to check your DVD player’s specifications, before you plug it in.
Even low end high definition DVD players are finding takers, because generally even these models are manufactured with good components and people are buying these products with little expectations of after sales support.
Another habit with French is that many of them use their computers to watch DVDs. Another related product, which is witnessing a boom in the French market, is the DVD recorder. They are being bought left, right, and center by the French. It is expected that they will gradually take over from read only players, over a period of time.
In fact, most of the home theater systems available in France are already fitted with recorders and their market is increasing. Recordable DVD players are available for around a price ranging from 200 – 500 Euros, depending on whether they come with a hard drive or not.
One can easily find stores stocked with a huge variety of high definition DVD players. In France. One can in fact find an entire range of DVD players, recorders, and combo units. Certain terminology may differ though, for instance models which record from tapes are known as ‘DVD/magnetoscopes’ in France. Stores like FNAC and Virgin mega stores stock up the latest collections in large numbers.
Even though recordable DVD players are increasingly selling more, France has strict rules in place to avoid people making backup copies of their discs. Just as in the case of high definition DVD players, you can find DVDs almost everywhere in France. There is one problem though with French videos and DVDs. They sometimes don’t play in other countries, thanks to the video format. The French use the SECAM format, when compared to North American countries that use NTSC and Australia which uses PAL. France comes under the zone 2, as far as DVD regional coding goes. A code free DVD player would be able to play it though in other countries.
If you are a tourist looking for DVDs in France, you can check out the videos which say ‘Avez-vous cette film en NTSC.’ They could play in your country. The French are passionate about their movies. You must have surely heard of the French new wave directors, if you were an ardent student of world cinema. French film studios like Gaumont film studios are famous the world over. Almost all of us must have heard of the ‘Cannes film festival,’ yet another testimony to the refined taste of the French when it comes to cinema. DVDs are therefore a popular option for the French, giving them the ultimate home movie watching experience.
Most of the Hollywood DVD releases take place either simultaneously along with other countries or a week or two after the movie’s American release. The release again depends on various factors like the studio and who is having the DVD rights. The French appreciate both their films and foreign films. DVDs of movies of other languages like English sell like hot cakes in France, mostly with French subtitles. Such DVDs would bear the inscription VO denoting ‘version originale.’ The dubbed versions carry the inscription VF ‘version Françoise.’
Explanation of the Two Major Formats: Blu-ray Disc or Advanced Optical Disc
The pace at which DVD technology is progressing is simply mind boggling. Every day one hears of added features and enhanced quality. It all started with the humble compact disc or CD or optical disc, which began this trend of rapid advancement. The optical disc or the CD gradually became the preferred medium for storing data, software, music, and video. The term optical disc was coined because the technology is based on light. A laser beam is directed on the disk as it spins.
The gradual evolution of the optical disc technology saw the arrival of the DVDs. DVDs changed the entire entertainment experience. People could watch the latest blockbusters from the comfort of their homes with their latest high definition DVD players, with unmatched picture quality and audio output. DVDs are everywhere, so too are DVD players. You have the high definition DVD players with all sorts of features. The future lies with emerging technologies like Blu-ray and advanced optical discs.
Blu-ray Discs
Blu-ray, popularly known as BD or blue-ray discs, is a next-generation optical disc that has been developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). The group consists of leading consumer electronics giants, PC and media manufacturers, like Philips, Samsung, Sony, Sharp, HP, Hitachi and Panasonic, to name a few. The format enables recording, rewriting and playback of high definition video (HD). One major advantage that the technology has over conventional DVDs is that it allows for more storage capacity. It can hold up to 25GB on a single layered disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. The technology also incorporates advanced video and audio codes for the ultimate high definition viewing experience. The name Blu-ray is used because the format uses a blue-violet laser, instead of a red laser as in the case of traditional DVDs.
Another major advantage with Blu-ray format lies in the fact that the entire technology is backwards compatible. You can now play your old CDs and DVDs through a BD/DVD/CD compatible unit. The blue-violet laser has a shorter wavelength than a red laser, which enables it to focus on a disc area with greater precision. The data is also packed on the surface of a disc more tightly. This explains the disc’s capability to store more data, even though it is of the same size as a traditional CD.
The technology is supported by some of the world’s leading manufacturers. In fact, many major movie studios have already announced titles with Blu-ray in them. Warner, Disney, Sony, MGM, and Paramount are among the leading studios who have embraced the format. Some of the famous titles include movies such as Desperado, Fantastic Four, Hero, Kill Bill, and Lethal Weapon. Sony has in fact come out with a mass produced model, which has already hit the market. Several other leading brands have also announced their intentions to launch models with the Blu-ray format.
The Blu-ray movie codes are different from that of DVD region codes. So you have North America, South America, Japan, and East Asia excluding China forming the Region 1, followed by Europe and Africa forming the Region 2. China, India, and Russia make up Region 3.
One major disadvantage with Blu-ray format is that many standard DVD players are unable to read the discs. This problem is being rectified in the form of backward compatible players though. The growth of Blu-ray discs is expected to drive the growth of the home theater segments to further unprecedented heights.
Advanced Optical Discs
Yet another technology, or format to be precise, which is giving the Blu-ray format a good run for its money, is the Advanced Optical Disc (AOD) format. It has been created by Toshiba in collaboration with NEC. Even though it is considered the main rival to the Blu-ray format, ironically, it is being supported by the DVD forum that includes nine members, who are ‘Blu-ray disc founders.’ While a single layered disc using this technology holds around 15 GB of data, a double layered disc would hold 30 GB of data. One can compress 20 GB of data in the recordable version.
This format too uses the blue laser, the difference being the higher compression of the video stream. One major advantage of the AOD format over the Blu-ray format is the fact that the AOD format will cost you less. Although not a great deal is known about the format as yet, if one were to go by the Toshiba-NEC team, then the players would be smaller than the ones using Blu-ray format.
Capable of playing high definition DVD, some models using the AOD format from Toshiba have already hit the markets. They are roughly priced around $500-$800. Details available on the progression of the technology are sketchy, however, during this point in time.
Industry Trends
Industry analysts believe that the Blu-ray format would hold sway over the masses in the near future. There are other related technologies which are also trying to break in, like the Holographic Versatile Disc (HVD) technology. This technology is still at a research stage and claims to have greatly increased storage capacity than both Blu-ray and HD DVD formats.
Researchers are also working on many other technologies. Some of them are claiming to be working on a technology with a storage capacity that is, believe it or not, 100 times that of a DVD. The technology involves making disks with a three-dimensional structure rather than the traditional two dimensional DVDs. With data storage and protection assuming importance, research on various lines is being carried out. Most of these research activities have the potential to revolutionize the home theater market.
With convergence of various features being the trend nowadays, there are several models of DVD players already available in the market, which have gaming options apart from playing DVDs. The increasing popularity of home theater systems is driving the research in this field.
Movie makers too are increasingly dependent on digital formats for both film making and projection. Digital video and audio outputs are considered far more superior to the existing traditional methods, and offer viewers an enhanced movie experience.
A Comparative Analysis of HD DVD Players
The HD DVD players are the latest innovation in the home video entertainment market. The journey of video home entertainment technology has been varied and rapid. The phenomenal expansion and advancement of this field can be attributed to the ever-growing demand of consumers for a compact, efficient, and high quality entertainment medium, which is reasonably priced and widely available.
VHS
The arrival of the VHS (Video Home System) in 1976 marked the emergence of this field in the world. The video cassette became a house-hold name and was the preferred medium for home entertainment in the 70s, 80s, and in the early 90s. The VHS was capable of storing both audio and video formats of data. It provides a 240 line resolution quality. The VHS tape was capable of playing all the analog TV signals of its time. The signals in use at the time were NTSC, PAL, PAL-M, SECAM, and MESECAM. The VCRs were able to handle only signals specific to the country they were sold in. Based on the tape speeds, the maximum play time for a 430m tape is about 3.5 hours for NTSC and five hours for PAL at SP (standard) quality. This is one of the poorest quality video formats. Due to the size of the video cassette, correspondingly the VHS recording camera was also big and cumbersome. There was a limitation on the size of the data that could be stored.
The VHS-C or VHS-Compact was designed with a 8mm tape size. Although it had the same half inch magnetic tape and 240 line resolution, it allowed for the video camera to be lighter, smaller and more convenient. This 8mm tape is however not compatible with the standard VCRs and cannot be played directly on them.
To improve on the VHS system, the S-VHS was designed as an improved analog standard, followed by the D-VHS that records digital quality video onto a VHS cassette. The W-VHS was designed to produce a high definition video. Even with all these advances, the quality of video and audio had much to ask for.
VCD
In keeping with the consumers’ demand of higher quality home entertainment systems, the Compact Disc (CD) was formulated in 1988 by Sony and Philips. The VCD (Video Compact Disc) format was launched in 1993 by Masushita, Sony, Philips, and JVC. Using the MPEG-1 compression technology, it was capable of holding a 74 minute video of VHS quality and a CD-quality sound. Then the better quality SVCD (Super Video Compact Disc) was introduced, that used the MPEG-2 compression format, but its playing time was diminished to 35 minutes. The VCDs were not a great success in the U.S. and European countries due to their susceptibility to easy copying and illegal distribution. This format did not have the support of the Hollywood entertainment industry for the same reason. These VCDs were also limited in their compatibility with the type of players they could be played back on. Also, the lengthy movies needed to be recorded using two or three VCDs for a single movie.
DVD and HD DVD
All the previous technologies were able to bring about some progress in home entertainment, but the quality of audio and video achievable were far from the real movie experience. Also, the data storage capacity was far from adequate. This void was filled by the arrival of DVD (Digital Video Disc) in the year 1997. This technology was an instant success as it was capable of providing a much higher quality picture and audio quality than a VHS and could process information much faster than a VCD. The distribution of DVDs at varied intervals in various countries could be achieved using region coding on DVDs and DVD players. The later versions of DVD players were multi region enabled to allow playing of all region DVDs. The DVD players have been designed to playback any TV standard like NTSC, PAL, or SECAM. The recent models of DVD players are compatible with a variety of playing media such as CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, MP3, DivX, and WMA, among others.
The HD DVD (High Definition DVD) was formulated in 2003 as a high capacity and enhanced functionality optical disc. Although the DVD and HD DVD are similar in structure, size, and shape, there are many technical differences between the two. The DVD has a data capacity for 4.6GB and can store two hours of 525-line resolution standard definition video. In comparison, the HD DVD has a data storage capacity for 15GB in a single layer disc, which is capable of storing a two hour movie in superior HD format with space for bonus information and also some space to spare. The 30 GB dual layer HD DVD is capable to storing an eight hour, 1,125 lines HD image, or 48 hours of SD image. The proposed triple layer HD DVD would have a 45 GB storage capacity.
The DVD is read using a 650nm red laser, whereas the HD DVD is read using a 405nm blue laser. The smaller wavelength allows for data to be read from a higher density of disc surface and creates lesser diffraction. This ability to store data at a higher density gives the HD DVD its higher storage capacity. The optical pick-up head has a numerical aperture of 0.65 in case of HD DVD as compared with the 0.6 of DVD. This similarity allows for backward compatibility for both the technologies. The compression techniques are similar for the two; MPEG-2, Video Codec1 for DVDs and MPEG-4 AVC and VC 1 for HD DVDs. However, the MPEG-2 can only provide a third of the compression possible with MPEG-4. The quality of playback is also more superior with the MPEG-4 compression technique.
A unique feature in HD DVDS is its built-in copy restriction or content protection technology, which was developed by AACS LA (Advanced Access Content System License Administrator). It incorporates a “Audio Water-mark Protection” system that has a waveform altered in such a manner that it acts as a code which is recognizable by a DVD player. This helps the player to differentiate between an original disc and a copy. The copy will be discarded by the player upon detection. None of the previously available media had any such content protection features.
The HD DVD players are priced slightly higher than the DVD players, with the Toshiba HD DVD players ranging form $500 to $800. While the Samsung HD DVD players are priced around $140 to $250 varying with the features provided. As the technology becomes widespread and more readily available, the prices will automatically drop with the increase in consumer demand.
In a nut shell, the HD DVD discs and players are the most successful audio-visual technology ever to be produced. With its compatibility with the current DVD technology and affordability and unsurpassed quality, it will certainly be the market leader in the home entertainment sector.
HD DVD Players and the "Backwards Playback" Feature
HD DVD players are becoming the most sought-after pieces of gizmos, thanks to the thriving home theater market. HD DVD players offer sharper picture quality and enhanced audio output, when compared to traditional DVD players. One thing that was common between both HD DVD players and traditional DVD players was that both of them used to play the same kind of DVDs, although with differing outputs.
Now the situation has changed with advanced DVD technologies. You now have exclusive HD DVDs which offer you superior video and audio output. They also differ from the traditional DVDs in the sense that they are able to store more data on their surfaces. They are all set to revolutionize the home theater market.
Almost all major studios in Hollywood like Universal, MGM and Warner, to name only a few, have announced new titles on this high capacity HD DVD. The HD DVD format is being pioneered by Toshiba and NEC, who are credited with inventing the advanced optical disc technology. The new format enables storage of large amount of data, up to 15 GB on a single layered disc and 30 GB on a double layered disc. The format uses the now often heard term, blue laser. The inventors of this format claim that it will cost substantially less than its closest rival, Blu-ray discs.
The high definition DVD player manufacturers are also bracing for the onslaught of this new type of DVD, by offering players which have backward compatibility, which enables you to still play your good old DVDs apart from the latest HD DVDs. Some models from Toshiba have already hit the market. These models are capable of playing both traditional as well as HD DVDs.
The Current Scenario
The principal rival to the advanced optical disc format is the Blu-ray format. Blu-ray discs are being aggressively promoted by leading consumer electronic giants like Sony, Samsung, Philips, Sharp, and Hp to mention a few. These Blu-ray discs, like the advanced optical discs, are capable of storing a large amount of data. In fact they can store more than what the advanced optical discs can store. A single layered Blu-ray disc can store up to 25 GB of data, while a double layered disc can store 50 GB. They also offer excellent video quality with unmatched audio output. This technology also uses the blue-violet laser technology, just like the HD DVD technology being promoted by Toshiba and NEC.
A major advantage with Blu-ray format lies in the fact that the entire technology is ‘backwards compatible.’ That is, you can now play your old CDs and traditional DVDs on them. All you need to check for is a BD/DVD/CD compatible unit. So, you need not worry about buying a player with Blu-ray technology and not being able to use it. The Blu-ray movie codes are different though from that of DVD region codes. So while the Americas and East Asia will have one code, you will have different codes for countries like China, Russia, and India and others.
Most of the modern day high definition DVD players would be able play both advanced optical discs and Blu-ray discs. While most of them will play these discs in high resolution, some may play them in low resolution. It is therefore important that you check for the specifications of your DVD players to find out whether they can play HD DVDs in them.
Both types though have certain similarities, like being able to play on most of the high definition DVD players or your old DVD players. One major difference between the two types of discs lies in the coating. While the coating on Blu-ray discs enable them to store more data, it is not so for HD DVDs. It is a generally accepted fact that Blu-ray discs have more data on each layer than HD DVDs.
One reason for the aggressive promotion of HD DVDs is because they cost less, when compared to Blu-ray discs. The cheaper cost is due to the entire manufacturing process, which is a whole lot cheaper.
Compatibility
The battle between the two camps promoting HD DVDs and Blu-ray discs is picking up, with major players taking sides. Intel and Microsoft are also promoting the HD DVD format, apart from Toshiba and NEC, while Blu-ray discs find favor with Sony, Samsung, Philips, Sharp, and most of the Hollywood studios. One thing is for sure though, the future of the home theater segment lies in the hands of these formats.
If you are already in the market for an HD DVD player, you can always go in for one without worrying whether they will be able to play your traditional DVDs on them, because most of them will. On the flipside, your new movie on an HD DVD won’t play on your old DVD. Since the size of the HD DVDs is similar to that of conventional CDs, manufacturers are able to make newer players, which can handle both. The thing which dictates the compatibility factor is the laser. Once a player has a laser pickup that reads either of the formats, then everything becomes easy, you can now happily play your old DVDs apart from the latest HD DVDs.
The latest HD DVD models from Toshiba are able to read DVDs, HD DVDs, and CDs. If you are thinking of upgrading to an HD DVD player, then it is preferable that you also go in for an HDTV, which most of the homes even in advanced countries like the U.S. don’t have. The use of HD DVDs is all set to gain widespread popularity in near future, and purchasing an HD DVD player is not a bad option, even if you were not able to purchase several HD DVDs.
You still can watch other DVDs on them. An HD DVD can store both regular and high definition content on the same disc. There are some discs which have a combination of formats; they have DVD formats on one side and HD DVD format on the other. Thus, they enable you to play them on virtually any DVD player.
The concept of twin or combination discs is being embraced quickly among libraries and video rental stores, since not everyone has an HD DVD player. With the Blu-ray format breathing down its neck, most people are waiting for one clear winner to emerge before making their purchase decision for a high definition video playback system.
The trend is almost similar in most parts of the world. There are some manufacturers who are trying to capture the market with other technologies like the Holographic Versatile Disc (HVD), mostly from China. Chinese models which play this format are already available in the market. They are compatible with DVDs, HD DVDs, CDs, and HVDs. Most of the European countries like France, Spain, UK, Greece, and Germany are bracing for the newer technologies too, with their own DVD players. With increased competition between the formats, we are surely heading for a period of exciting prospects.
WHAT ARE REGION FREE (aka CODEFREE) DVD Players?
After a hard day at work, one of the favorite preoccupations of our times is to insert a DVD in the player, get hold of a drink and a few munchies, and let the stress built through the day melt away in front of the latest flick or an old, sentimental hit. DVDs are an affordable medium that capture good picture and sound quality and can be enjoyed from the comfort of one's home, so DVD players are a significant entertainment asset in the present times.
Movies today are released worldwide and the money raked in from the theaters in each country is considerable, so Hollywood studios have done their best to see that the DVD of a movie does not reach a country before the movie itself has hit the theaters. To this end, they have imposed a coding technique, a digital flag on the disc that informs the DVD player about its place of origin, and to which region it belongs.
DVD regions consist of six different areas around the world: The first region is the entire USA, the second combines Europe and Japan, the entire Asian Pacific is the third region, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America together form the fourth, the fifth is Africa, Russia and Eastern Europe put together and lastly there is the sixth, formed by China and Hong Kong. A disc belonging to one region is designed not to play in another: the player and disc need to be from the same region in order to be compatible.
In addition DVD movies are made in one of two video standards, PAL or NTSC. These are also not compatible with each other.
But there are certain DVD players, which are designed to overcome this incompatibility, and can play DVDs from all the six regions. These are called codefree DVD players, as against normal DVD players, which can play discs solely from their own region. These specialized DVD players allow you to play any and all discs from around the world, thus circumventing the restrictions that the studios seek to impose on audiences. While being able to play discs purchased from any part of the world in any other part on a modified codefree DVD player does not allow the movie studios to maximize their profits, it is not against the law.
DVD players bought on the market from large chain stores do not have the codefree feature, as this is a specialized modification. Run a disc from another region on your DVD player, and if it does not run it, it is not codefree. Any household attempts to make this modification on a normal DVD player may fail due to a lack of adequate engineering knowledge, and by tampering with a normal player your warranty on that particular set becomes void.
On the other hand, Coby International Region-free DVD Player is a ready-made codefree DVD player, and it plays discs from all the six regions smoothly and both PAL and NTSC.
As well, it has the ability to convert a PAL disc to NTSC and an NTSC disc to PAL, or, you can turn off the conversion and if you have a PAL-NTSC TV you'll see all movies in their original image quality.
It comes with a lifetime warranty from MIND LOGIC that this model will play every DVD movie from every country on earth on any working TV no matter what country, region or standard it is. It can be plugged in to any voltage wall outlet from 100-240 volts worldwide without needing a transformer. In addition, it comes with the standard USA Factory Warranty from Coby which is extendable from three to five years for a nominal additional charge.
This codefree DVD player includes a built-in video converter which allows you to play DVD discs from anywhere in the world on your standard American television regardless of the specific region of the DVD disc or its video standard (PAL or NTSC). Since the video converter is able to convert PAL format to NTSC and vice-versa, you need not necessarily have a multi-system TV to watch DVDs in both types of formats. When no such conversion is required, the converter can be turned off, and the device becomes only a codefree DVD player with no quality loss that is sometimes results from conversion.
A source of concern for DVD lovers is the recent Regional Coding Enhancement (RCE) developed by the Motion Picture Association of American (MPAA), which will be included on almost all new region-one DVD releases. This new technology was created to prevent some codefree DVD players from playing DVD discs purchased in North America. Currently, there is no word on whether or not this technology will be included on other regions. Fortunately, this does not affect our range of codefree DVD players due to our modification technique. As such, you will still be able to view DVDs encoded with RCE on the Coby International Region-free DVD Player and all codefree DVD players offered by MIND LOGIC.
It also features Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround sound through coaxial or optical digital-audio output, for use with compatible receiver/speakers, it plays DVD/MP3/CD/CD-R/CD-RW discs, is capable of multiple subtitles/viewing angles and includes all normal features like slow/fast motion play, zoom operation, parental lock control, and convenient on-screen display. In addition, it is compact and lightweight, and very easy to travel with.
In short, it has all the combined advantages of a normal DVD player with a video converter as well as a codefree DVD player, making it possible for you to watch any DVD in any video format from any region in the world. Ideal to carry with you on vacations as well as play movies or music CDs from all parts of the world in the confines of your home, the Coby International Region-free DVD Player is definitely your one-stop home entertainment package.
Pictures on TV
If you’re into things electronic, you don’t have to be very old to begin your stories with ‘ I remember when …. ’. This is a field in which something which was in regular use only a few years ago might draw comments like ‘That went out with the horse and cart!’
Let’s take a look at sharing photographs. Not long ago, you’d pass them around. Or, you might offer to show your slides. But, by the time the slides are sorted, the projector and screen set up, and, providing the bulb was working, or you had a spare one handy, your guests had made their excuses and left … or, in some cases, fled!
The arrival of the Kodak Photo CD in the 90s would seem to solve some of these problems. You could show your pictures on your TV set; you bought a box into which you inserted a CD, on to which Kodak would scan your pictures, and sat back to enjoy the show.
I never bought a box, but I did make use of the Kodak Photo CD service. Because, the disc could be read in a computer, and the pictures viewed or converted to just about any format you liked, and manipulated, copied, saved or sent to your friends.
So, Kodak didn’t sell many boxes, and those they did sell are probably gathering dust in many a garage along with the Betamax video machine and Amstrad PCW.
Of course, after a short time, Kodak discontinued the disc scanning service too, but, by then, it didn’t matter. Most people had a scanner and CD burner, and those who didn’t could easily have their photo CDs made at most minilabs, or even some supermarkets.
But, here’s a thing … and I found this out by accident, although it was buried in the small print of the instruction manual. You don’t need a computer to view your pictures. Most DVD players will accept most photo CDs! You can show a selection of your pictures to your friends by simply slotting your photo CD into your player. And that, I think, is where we came in!
Hablamos Español 
Parliamo Italiano 
Nagsasalita ng Tagalog
