DVD audio players are prohibited from outputing high-resolution PCM signals. Only analog output is allowed.
Most people are astounded when they hear this. But yes, it really is that bad. The recording industry has purposely crippled all of their next generation formats and interfaces.
Will hollywood follow suit?
The DVD format/quality is currently a bit too large to easily pirate. If they stay ahead of the curve with respect to fidelity (file size) then perhaps they can avoid the same fate as the record industry.
Currently, the difference between a downloaded mp3 and a store bought disc is negligable to many consumers. There is little incentive to purchase the real product. However, DVDs are significantly higher res than formats suitable for internet based piracy. DVDs also offer interactive menuing systems which are harder to compress into a piratable size.
If there are smart people in hollywood, they will realize that this is why DVD sales have skyrocketed while CD sales slumped. If they realize this, then perhaps they will move quickly on developing new, but backward compatible standards... and the DVD will be here to stay.
In our lifetime, we'll see standardization upon media which offers more resolution than visible at normal viewing distances. At that point, there will be a sense of finality, no more worrying if our media will be outdated. I think we're about 4 standards-generations away.
This is totally on the mark. For instance, while a few DVD players have appeared with a digital DVI picture output, most consumers are probably unaware that they (with the exception of the Bravo D1, which I recommend as a cheap way to get digital picture to your dvi projector or tv) require an HDCP (high definition coopy protection) enabled display device. Ditto the HD set top boxes that are appearing.
So while high-def DVDs should by all rights be poised to overtake Standard DVDs, the heavy hand of the MPAA will surely slow adoption.
Comments
Originally posted by dfiler
Yes, but also DVD-audio.
DVD audio players are prohibited from outputing high-resolution PCM signals. Only analog output is allowed.
Most people are astounded when they hear this. But yes, it really is that bad. The recording industry has purposely crippled all of their next generation formats and interfaces.
Will hollywood follow suit?
The DVD format/quality is currently a bit too large to easily pirate. If they stay ahead of the curve with respect to fidelity (file size) then perhaps they can avoid the same fate as the record industry.
Currently, the difference between a downloaded mp3 and a store bought disc is negligable to many consumers. There is little incentive to purchase the real product. However, DVDs are significantly higher res than formats suitable for internet based piracy. DVDs also offer interactive menuing systems which are harder to compress into a piratable size.
If there are smart people in hollywood, they will realize that this is why DVD sales have skyrocketed while CD sales slumped. If they realize this, then perhaps they will move quickly on developing new, but backward compatible standards... and the DVD will be here to stay.
In our lifetime, we'll see standardization upon media which offers more resolution than visible at normal viewing distances. At that point, there will be a sense of finality, no more worrying if our media will be outdated. I think we're about 4 standards-generations away.
This is totally on the mark. For instance, while a few DVD players have appeared with a digital DVI picture output, most consumers are probably unaware that they (with the exception of the Bravo D1, which I recommend as a cheap way to get digital picture to your dvi projector or tv) require an HDCP (high definition coopy protection) enabled display device. Ditto the HD set top boxes that are appearing.
So while high-def DVDs should by all rights be poised to overtake Standard DVDs, the heavy hand of the MPAA will surely slow adoption.