Industry Guide : DVD and HDTV

DVD and HDTV

DVD and HDTV are the emerging formats for the delivery of interactive entertainment and information. The DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) platform is the number 1 system for home entertainment and HDTV (High Definition Television) is the television technology that is replacing existing free-to-air analog television in Australia and other countries. It’s relevance to the Multimedia industry is that the utilization of digital formats and creative programs that these require.

Definitions:

DVD is - A technology that uses five inch discs similar to CD-ROMs but which can hold much more data. A DVD disc can deliver multi-channel sound and TV images three times sharper than videotape. Unlike CDs, DVDs can hold data on both sides and can provide either one or two layers of data on each side. A single-sided single layer DVD holds 4.7 gigabytes of data while a double-sided double-layer DVD holds 17 gigabytes. (www.tedhaynes.com/haynes1/atol.html ) DVD is the most interactive and media-rich of the mainstream new media formats. Virtually all PCs have the ability to play DVDs, so there is a huge potential audience for products created in these formats.

HDTV is - A technical form of TV that will allow for higher-definition broadcast pictures and/or additional program channels.


DVD resources

The DVD Forum ( http://www.dvdforum.org/ ) The DVD Forum is an international association of hardware manufacturers, software firms, content providers and other users of Digital Versatile Discs.

DVD news @ ZDNet (http://zdnn.search.com/search?ref=xlink&q=DVD) This provides some current (and past) news on the DVD format.


DVD format war looms
(http://www.ids.org.my/2004research/ICT_development/2004/2004_news/20040420_1.html ) Interesting Article on the new formats blu-ray and hd dvd emerging for DVD.

See also: http://www.blu-ray.com
http://www.dvdsite.org/
http://www.hddvd.org/hddvd/

Hiding Seams and Telling Stories: The Evolving Art of DVD Interactivity
(http://www.avvideo.com/2003/04_apr/features/dcd_evolving_art.htm )
Article on the intersection of motion picture art and graphic design.

InterActual (http://www.interactual.com/ ) The InterActual platform allows DVD producers to blend DVD video, menus, and interactive content together to present on-disc and on-line bonus features. InterActual also provides marketing and consulting solutions to DVD producers.


Enigma Interactive (http://www.enigma-interactive.co.uk ) Enigma are a leading UK based new media developer, specialising in the design and production of innovative Internet, Multimedia CD-Rom/DVD and bespoke software for commercial clients and publishing partners.

DVD Association (http://www.dvda.org/ ) The DVDA is a non-profit organization funded through membership dues and corporate sponsorships. Its membership is open to all those connected in any way with the creation of DVD titles. The bulk of members are developers that specialize in the creation of multimedia programs for training, education, presentations and entertainment using the DVD platform. Its members represent some of the most experienced producers of professional applications in the industry.


Easy CDs & DVDs by Tom Bunzel (http://www.dymocks.com.au/ContentDynamic/Full_Details.asp?ISBN=0789729725 ) This is a step-by-step 4-colour guide for the beginner on adding data, audio and digital video to CDs and DVDs. It uses screenshots with explanations, and supplements each task with hints and tips to explain the process more fully.


The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creating Your Own CDs and DVDs (2nd ed) - by
Terry Ogletree ;Todd Brakke (http://www.dymocks.com.au/ContentDynamic/Full_Details.asp?ISBN=0028644840 ) In this text, readers will learn the basics of recording on to CD, from backing-up data files to transferring their favourite music tracks from cassettes and vinyl. Customised CDs containing photographic, audio and video data are also explained. The book covers all the major pitfalls to watch out for too, including media quality, copyright issues and buffer under-run errors. The major software burning programs are also covered, including Adaptec's "Easy CD Creator", "NTI" and "Nero CD". The guide has been updated to include recordable and re-writeable DVD.

Sam's Teach Yourself DVD Authoring in 24 Hours – by Jeff Senstack (http://www.dymocks.com.au/ContentDynamic/Full_Details.asp?ISBN=0672325136 )A quick, clear introduction to editing and authoring high-quality DVDs using the latest products and technologies.

HDTV resources

Digital Broadcasting Australia (http://www.dba.org.au/ ) Digital Broadcasting Australia (DBA) has been formed to help make the transition from analog to digital television as seamless as possible for the consumer. In particular, DBA provides its members and consumers with information about digital TV commencement dates and coverage, the functionality and availability of equipment, retailer locations and the range of digital television programs and enhancements to be broadcast. This Link has anything and everything you could possibly want to know about Digital TV in Australia.

Digital Television in Australia (http://www.digitaltv.com.au/ ) The information provided on this site is a bit outdated but it’s clear and concise explanations about digital television are worth a look.

Australian Broadcasting Authority: Digital TV (http://www.aba.gov.au/tv/digitaltv/index.htm ) Government site on Digital television and regulations.

Schematic (http://www.schematic.com/ ) One of the leading companies on interactivity development in dvd and digital tv.