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AC-3/Dolby Digital This is also known as Dolby Digital, it is the next step above Dolby Pro logic. Dolby Digital delivers six totally separate (discrete) channels of sound. Like Dolby Surround Pro Logic, it includes Left, Center and Right channels across the front of the room. Dolby Surround Pro Logic provides a single limited-bandwidth (100 Hz to 7,000 Hz) surround channel which is typically played back in the home through two channels of amplification and two speakers. In comparison, Dolby Digital provides separate (discrete) left surround and right surround channels, for more precise localization of sounds and a more convincing, realistic ambiance. And, with Dolby Digital, all five main channels are full range (3 Hz to 20,000 Hz). A sub woofer could be added to each channel, if desired. Visit Dolby.com for more information Anamorphic This is a type of display format (wide screen) optimized for playback on a TV with 16:9 aspect ration. Aspect Ratios Video can be stored on a DVD in 4:3 format (standard TV shape) or 16:9 (wide screen). The 16:9 format is "anamorphic," meaning the picture is squeezed horizontally to fit a 4:3 rectangle then un squeezed during playback. DVD players can output video in four different ways:
Component video Some of the USA DVD players, such as the Panasonic A310 and Toshiba SD3107 (& probably the SD3108 DVD Player) have component video output. These come in the form is 3 RCA or BNC connectors and should be colored green, blue and red. Component video is often regarded as being the next step beyond s-video which can be found on the majority of DVD players, the benefits include improved color accuracy and less color bleeding. Click here to see the back of the Sony DVPS7000 DVD player illustrating the three component video inputs. Composite Video All DVD players have this type of output, it is also used to connect your DVD player to your TV like the component video but gives a some what poorer picture quality. S-Video offers a better picture with Component video offers the best picture. Digital output The majority of all DVD players will have at least a coaxial or optical output for sending the Dolby Digital bitstream to a Dolby Digital decoder. This decoder may be a stand alone unit or built into a receiver, read out tips on connecting your dvd player for more information Dolby Digital/AC-3 See AC-3 for more information DVD The two most two definitions are digital versatile disc or digital video disc. The general consensus is that DVD stands for digital video disc. Horizontal resolution This is the number of lines which run across the width of a TV. You get the clearest picture with a larger number. The main breakdown is as follows:
DTS Digital Surround is an encode/decode system that delivers six channels (5.1) of master-quality, 20-bit audio. In the encoding process, the DTS algorithm encrypts six channels of 20-bit digital audio information in the space previously allotted for only two channels of 16-bit linear PCM. Then during playback, the DTS decoder reconstructs the original six channels of 20-bit digital audio. Each of these six channels is audibly superior to the 16-bit linear PCM audio found on conventional compact discs. Please note that DTS is not found on all DVD players, most manufactures such as Panasonic, Pioneer and RCA are now producing DTS machine. For more information on DTS please visit http://www.dtstech.com Languages Depending upon the DVD movie you can select up to 8 languages or 32 different sub titles. In theory most DVDs have been released in English, French and Spanish but we may see more languages in the future. Parental Locks This feature is particularly useful if you have children. It allows you to select the rating you would like to watch, according the the rating you select the dvd player will jump over any unsuitable scenes. Most parental control features are accessible with the remote control and use a four digit password. PCM - Pulse Code Modulation DVD players often have PCM and the AC/3 outputs combined together, the AC-3 send bitream from a DVD and the PCM sends the bitream from the CD. Regional Codes / DVD Zones Motion picture studios in the USA wanted to control the release of movies around the world. Movies are released on DVD at different times around the world, typically America and Canada first, Australia and Japan 6 months later, and Europe 12 months after US release. In some instances, DVD movies are available for purchase in America and Canada before they are released in European cinemas. Due to the high quality of DVD and the movie release system used by Hollywood, 5 regions were establish to prevent people from watching Region 1 movies before they were released on Regions 2-6. Click here for more information on regional codes (including a map showing the 6 DVD regions) If you have any further questions please call 1 888 DVD CITY in the USA or 404 842 9559 from overseas, our customer service reps are available from 10AM - 6PM EST which is 5 hours behind GMT. 
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