Sony DCR-DVD200 DVD Handycam Technology Handbook - Page 5

DVD: A BRIEF HISTORY DVD: A BRIEF HISTORY The DVD format was introduced in 1996. Today, DVD is accepted worldwide, in use for a broad range of applications -- and its next major impact will be felt in the home video recording market. The development of DVD started 12 years ago. Inspired by the success of the CD (Digital Audio Compact Disc) format for music and data recording, manufacturers began working toward the goal of a new disc format that would hold two or more hours of high-quality video recording. In 1994, two standards were proposed: "MMCD," from Sony and Philips, and "SD," from Toshiba and Pioneer. At the end of 1995, an agreement was reached on a common standard. At this point the DVD Consortium was formed and DVD was ready for marketing. Its first applications were for prerecorded movies and computer software (DVD-ROM). Recording standards soon followed; the DVD-R Book and DVD-RAM Book standards were defined in 1997. In 1999, the DVD-RW Book defined a 4.7 GB rewritable disc format using a short-wavelength red semiconductor laser. Currently, standardization efforts are underway to define a next-generation optical disc system using blue laser technology. 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 DVD-Video DVD-R/DVD-RAM/DVD+RW DVD-RW DVD+R Next-generation optical disc DVD Advantages 1 DVD is more compact Because DVD discs are more compact than videocassettes, they take up less space inside the camcorder and are easier to carry, shelve and archive. 3 DVD provides random access Videotapes must be wound and rewound on their reels, which takes time and creates wear. DVD discs never require rewinding -- and the search process is virtually instantaneous. 2 DVD is more durable Videocassette recording requires contact between videotape and recording head. In the DVD system, the optical laser pickup does not touch the disc itself, so there is far less wear during recording and playback. 4 DVD recordings can't be erased Videotapes can be erased within a VCR or by exposure to strong magnets. With DVD, there is no danger that contents may be accidentally erased. 5 DVD Handycam TECHNOLOGY HANDBOOK