For more than two decades, DVDs have been a popular format for storing and distributing music videos, TV shows, and movies. Despite the advent of digital downloads and streaming platforms, DVDs are an affordable and reliable alternative. They provide a way of enjoying high-quality video content without paying for it. If you have newly discovered the world of DVDs or are eager to know more about them, there are some basics you need to know.
DVD formats
DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, and DVD-RW are some of the various DVD video formats available. DVD_ROM are read-only discs and can be used to play content. DVD+R and DVD-R discs can record content once and play it back. However, it cannot be recorded, erased, and re-recorded like DVD-RW and DVD+RW. These are rewriteable discs that can be recorded and erased multiple times. Selecting the suitable format of discs is essential based on one’s needs.
DVD video formats
Various DVD video formats exist, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, and DivX. While MPEG-1 is more commonly used for video CDs, MPEG-2 is a standard format for commercial DVDs. And if you want to decrease the size of your video files, DivX is a preferred format for compressing video files. Ensure that you are cross-checking the DVD format before you purchase it so that if do not later realize that the DVD video format is not compatible with your DVD player.
DVD video players
DVD video players are in varying sizes and shapes, some being standalone and portable, and others being computer drives. Standalone DVD players are the most common type and are commonly connected to a home theatre system or television. Portable DVD players have their in-built speaker and screen, and as the name suggests, are built for on-the-go usage, computer DVD drives are built into the computer and can be used to play various formats of DVD videos on the computer.
Alternatively, there are also Blu-ray players that can play both Blu-ray as well as DVDs. Blu-rays offer better quality audio and video on the disc.
Types of DVDs
DVDs are available in various types, including TV shows, music videos, movies, and educational content. DVD movie discs are a popular demanded product and are often sold as single discs with a single movie. On the other hand, DVD TV shows are sold as a set of the complete show collection or seasons. DVD music video discs can be a compilation of music from the same artist, genre, or even just a type of playlist. E.g., you could get DVD music video discs of a party playlist, top hip-hop of the 90s, rap list, and more.
DVD video converter
DVD video converters come in handy when you want to convert video content into different formats. This is especially useful when you want to watch that DVD content on an incompatible divide that does not support the file format. You can easily play the disc content on your smart devices by using video converters. You can also convert these files to AVI or MP4 format to edit or share the videos. You can also control the outcome of the video aspects, such as audio quality, resolution, and aspect ratio.
DVD region codes
Region codes are employed to restrict the playback of DVDs to specific geographical areas. In total, there are six different DVD region codes. Each DVD that comes with a specific region code cannot be played in a different region. Also, region-free DVDs can be purchased and played in different regions without problems. For example, if changes are made to region-specific DVDs to play them in other regions, it voids the discs’ warranty and might even be considered illegal in some places.
DVD video games
DVD video games are games that you can enjoy on a DVD player instead of having to play them on a video game console. However, you will require a particular DVD player that can be used alongside a game controller or a joystick. These players can be used with the TV or a home theatre system. You can play trivia games, adventures, treasure hunts, and more with the help of DVD player-compatible devices like remotes, game controllers, joysticks, and others.
