DVD Terminology

Since they share some of the characteristics and tech- nology of CD players, many of the terms and opera- tional concepts used in a DVD player are similar to what you may be familiar with from CD players and changers, or older video disc formats such as Laser Disc. However, if this is your first DVD product, some of the terms used to describe the features of a DVD player may be unfamiliar. The following explanations should solve some of the mysteries of DVD, and help you to enjoy all the power and flexibility of the DVD format and the DVD 25.

Aspect Ratio: This is a description of the width of a video image in relation to its height. A conventional video screen is four units wide for every three units of height, making it almost square. Newer wide-aspect- ratio video displays are 16 units wide for every nine units of height, making them more like the screen in a movie theater. The program material on a DVD may be recorded in either format and, in addition, you may configure the DVD 25 to play back in either format, depending on the features recorded on a disc.

Chapter: DVD programs are divided into chapters and titles. Chapters are the subsections programmed into a single title on a disc. Chapters may be compared to the individual tracks on an audio CD. Press the Menu Button B to see a listing of the chapters on a disc.

Component Video: This form of video signal eliminates many of the artifacts of traditional composite video signals by splitting the signal into a separate luminance channel (the "Y" signal channel) and two color-difference signals (the Pr and Pb signal channels). With a component video connection, you will see greater picture resolution and eliminate many picture imperfections such as the moiré patterns often seen on check-patterned cloth. However, in order to benefit from component video you must have a video display with Y/Pr/Pb component video inputs. Do not connect the component video outputs of the DVD 25 to the standard composite or S-Video inputs of a TV or recorder.

Title: For a DVD, a title is defined as an entire movie or program. There may be as many chapters within a title as the producers decide to include. Most discs include only one title, but some may have more than one, to give you a “Double Feature” presentation or to include other special features. Press the Title Button

3to see a listing of the titles on a disc. When a disc has only one title, pressing the Title Button 3 may show a list of the chapters.

Multiple Angle: DVDs have the capability to show up to four different views of the same scene in a pro- gram. When a disc is encoded with multiple-angle information, pressing the Angle Button 4 will enable you to switch between these different views. Note that, at present, few discs take advantage of this capability and, when they do, the multiple-angle tech- nology may only be present for short periods of time within the disc. Producers will usually insert some sort of icon or graphic in the picture to alert you to the availability of multiple-angle scenes.

Reading: This is a message that you will see when you first press the Play Button 3G. It refers to the fact that the player must first examine the contents of the disc to see whether it is a CD or DVD, and then extract the information about the type of material on the disc, such as languages, aspect ratios, subtitles, number of titles and more. The slight delay while the contents of the disc are read is normal.

Resume: The operation of the Stop Button 5I on the DVD 25 works differently from what you are used to on CD players. On a traditional CD player, when you press the Stop button, the unit does just that: it stops playback. On a CD player, when you press the Start button again, the disc starts from the begin- ning. With the DVD 25, however, you have two options when playing DVD discs. Pressing the Stop Button 5I once will stop the playback, but it actually puts the unit in the Resume mode. This means that you can turn the machine off and, when you press the Play Button 3G the next time, the disc will resume or continue from the point on the disc where the Stop Button 5I was pressed. This is helpful if you are watching a movie and must interrupt your viewing session but wish to pick up where you left off. Pressing the Stop Button 5I twice will stop the machine in a traditional manner and, when the disc is played again, it will start from the beginning.

6 DVD TERMINOLOGY

DVD 25 specifications

The Harman-Kardon DVD 25 is a high-performance DVD player that seamlessly integrates advanced technology with exceptional audio and video playback capabilities. As a product from a brand synonymous with premium sound, the DVD 25 is designed to provide an immersive home entertainment experience.

One of the standout features of the Harman-Kardon DVD 25 is its exceptional video playback capabilities. It supports a wide range of disc formats, including DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, Video CD, and CD audio, making it versatile for various media types. The player employs advanced video processing technology, ensuring that images are rendered with precision and clarity. It is capable of upscaling standard DVDs to near-HD quality, thanks to its progressive scan output, which enhances the viewing experience by delivering sharper images with remarkable detail.

In terms of audio performance, the DVD 25 shines with its robust sound technologies. It features high-quality DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) that deliver clear and dynamic audio reproduction. The player supports popular surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS, allowing users to enjoy a cinematic audio experience at home. Harman-Kardon's commitment to audio excellence is evident in the DVD 25's ability to reproduce soundtracks with depth and clarity, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.

Connectivity is another area where the DVD 25 excels. It offers a variety of output options, including composite, S-Video, and component video outputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of television and projection systems. Additionally, it includes digital audio outputs for connecting to external audio receivers. This flexibility makes it easy for users to integrate the DVD player into their existing home theater setups.

User convenience is also a priority in the design of the Harman-Kardon DVD 25. The player features a well-organized remote control that allows for effortless navigation through the various settings and menus. Its straightforward interface and responsive controls make operating the player intuitive, even for those who may not be tech-savvy.

In conclusion, the Harman-Kardon DVD 25 stands out in the realm of home entertainment equipment. With its impressive video and audio playback capabilities, versatility in media formats, and user-friendly design, it is a solid choice for anyone looking to elevate their home cinema experience. Whether watching movies, enjoying concerts, or simply listening to music, the DVD 25 offers an unparalleled quality that aligns with Harman-Kardon's long-standing reputation for excellence in sound.