Sony DCR-DVD100 - Manual (Page 5)

D V D H a n d y c a m T E C H N O L O G Y H A N D B O O K
D
VD:
A BRIEF HIST
OR
Y
5
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.
DVD Advantages
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 DVD-Video
1997 DVD-R/DVD-RAM/DVD+RW
1998
1999 DVD-RW
2000
2001
2002 DVD+R
Next-generation optical disc
1
3
2
4
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.
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.
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.
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.