Resources

Video Resolutions

• DVD: 720×480 pixels
• HD-DVD: 1920×1080 pixels
• HD VMD: 1920×1080 pixels. More info found here.
• UHDV: Ultra high-definition video. The next generation of video beyond HDTV. Suppose to have 4,000 horizontal lines of resolution and will have 16 times more pixel count than HDTV.

Video Formats

• CD: Infrared laser.
• DVD: Red laser.
• HD-DVD & BD-ROM: Blue laser.

Audio Formats

SACD vs. DVD Audio. SACD has a stronger hold over DVD Audio only because it much easier to use, cheeper, and requires less equipment. However, DVD Audio is superior to SACD when properly set up. The reasons for the DVD Audio lack of momentum is:

1. DVD Audio came out way after DVD Video was in full force. It should have came out around the same time.
2. You usually need a TV/monitor to manipulate and use the menu.
3. Not many DVD Audio disks exist in the market.
4. No standard for bass management.
5. No standard for equipment hookup (connecting a DVD Audio player requires a ton of RCA cables).
6. DVD Audio disks don’t alway utilize the speaker layout properly. In some cases the sound shows up behind you when it really doesn’t need to be there.

HDMI

When buying displays, receivers, DVD players, etc. Make sure they support HDMI 1.3. You will want to buy devices that support xvYCC and Deep Color as they are part of the HDMI 1.3 spec. More info in Home Theater Magazine (Page 32).

In addition to HDMI 1.3, the following audio formats should be included in your shopping considerations:

• Dolby TrueHD - The latest and greatest in sound quality from Dolby Labs.
• DTS-HD - The DTS equivalent of Dolby TrueHD.

• Tom’s Guide - HDMI vs. Component - What’s The Difference?

Sound Proofing

• How to Soundproof an Apartment

References

• SA-CD - News and reviews dedicated to the SA-CD audio disk format.
• DVD Demystified - Learn about the DVD technology. Complete with a FAQ and other useful info.
• DVD Help - Learn how to make DVD, SVCDs, and Video CDs.
• DVD Tests - Learn about the compatibilty problems amongst DVDs.
• CELF - Consumer Electronics Linux Forum. Using open source architecture to promote technical advancements on the Linux platform.
• 100,000 Watts - U.S. Radio and TV directory. Get the full breakdown, state-by-state, of what broadcast signals your city might emitting. Great for checking on HDTV capabilities. The only downside is that it requires a membership.
• Digital Film Forum - Forum devoted to video calibration.