What is DVD Audio?
DVD Audio is a music format that is designed to offer improved
audio performance over CD. The new audio format can be used to
provide listeners with Advanced Resolution stereo and/or
multi-channel (up to a maximum of six channels) music. In order
to play back DVD Audio discs, players have to be specially
designed to support the format. So far, consumer electronics
manufacturers have announced a range of DVD Audio players,
including home decks, portable players and devies for cars.
DVD Audio has a sampling rate of up to 192kHz compared to a
maximum of 44.1kHz for CD. It also supports resolutions of up to
24 bits, compared to 16bits on CD.
The idea behind DVD Audio is that it alllows peoducesr to give
listeners a playback experience that is much more faithful to
the original master recording that has been possible previously.
DVD Audio discs have a much higher capacity than CDs. This extra
space can be used to provide audio at the highest possible
quality or for longer recordings, or to provide additional
material, such as infromation on the artist, photos and even
video, all of which can be displaye don a television screen.
Alternatively, DVD Audio discs currently on the market from the
likes of the Warner group of labels have the audio content in
both DVD Audio format and as Dolby Digital surround so that they
can be played back on regular DVD players.
DVD Audio discs are navigable in the same way as DVD Video when
polayed back on a player connected to a TV set. Users can select
the required track from an on-screen menu and with an internet
connection, can click on links to go to websites.
These dual format discs are a good way to kick-start the market
while DVD Audio players are still relativley rare. The market
will also be helped by combined DVD Video and Audio players.