Data Preparation, Formatting, Input Media

3. DVD-Rom

3.1Data Preparation

The first step in formatting is the collection and prepa- ration of the input materials. You can submit already formatted data as an image on tape or leave the for- matting of your data to us. Unformatted data on sto- rage media, as well as backup formats on tape or unformatted data transmitted via ISDN, first have to be converted into a DVD-ROM compatible format. Please note that these additional process steps take more time and are more expensive. In order to arrange the data in a required sequence, please provide a detailed listing of the file and directory structure of the final DVD-ROM.

If you submit a tape, please inform us whether there is a DVD image or a backup format on this tape. According to chapter 3.3. (image on tape) we are able to achieve shorter turnaround times for your orders and limit premastering costs as long as there is an already formatted DVD image on tape.

When sending hard disks or exchange discs please let us know the number of files and the data quantity. Pack your data carrier carefully to avoid damage during transportation. Moreover, we ask you to mark your input carriers. Please be sure to use adequate fibre pens which do not damage the surface of the disc, par- ticularly with DVD-R.

3.2Formatting

Sony DADC formats data according to the UDF-Bridge (UDF + ISO 9660) standard:

UDF-Bridge Format:

Is a new logical format for volume and file structure on DVD-ROM discs to support the interchange of informa- tion between a computer system and dedicated DVD drives or players.

UDF-Bridge also stands for a combination between the Universal Disc Format (ISO/IEC 13346) and the ISO 9660 standard.

Through the naming and file structure of UDF, the UDF file system is much more powerful than the file structure of ISO 9660.

However, the UDF-Bridge combines both the UDF and ISO 9660 formats. Therefore the file structure has to meet the ISO-9660 designation agreement.

ISO 9660:

The ISO 9660 (level 1) file structure is limited to the cha- racters ”A-Z”, ”0-9” and ”–” (underscore) with a maximum of 8 characters in length and 3 characters extension and a maximum of 8 directory levels (inclu- ding the root directory).

To avoid the restrictions of ISO 9660 level 1 and to use longer file names, level 2/3 can also be used. These levels restrict filenames to 30 characters and directory names to 31 characters.

Joliet extension:

To meet the demand for Windows 95 file names, there was an extension designed called Joliet format. This file system allows longer file and directory names than ISO 9660 level 1 as well as level 2/3, where file or directory Identifiers may be up to 64 characters.

Apple Macintosh formatting

Apple Mac data are acceppted for DVD-ROM format- ting. However, all data should be provided on a Mac formatted media.

3.3Input Media

DVD-ROM images on tape

Sony DADC will accept ANSI labelled DVD-ROM images either on DLT or SDX tape. We strongly recommend that any tape compression is turned off. The DVD Data Sector size can be 2048, 2054 or 2064 Bytes/Sector.

The DDP (level 2.00) is either to be placed at the front of the tape followed by the DVD Leading-data and the DVD Image or on a separate Floppy Disk.

The image is subjected to a logical incoming UDF- check and can be used for direct mastering.

3. DVD Rom

DVD Rom/DVD Video specifications

Sony DVD-ROM/DVD Video technology has played a significant role in the evolution of home entertainment and data storage. Since its introduction in the late 1990s, this versatile format has enabled users to enjoy high-quality video and audio, making it a standard for movie distribution and video playback.

One of the main features of Sony DVD-ROM is its substantial storage capacity. A single-layer DVD can hold approximately 4.7 GB of data, which is significantly more than a standard CD, while dual-layer DVDs can store up to 8.5 GB. This increased capacity allows for higher-quality video content, including full-length movies, with multiple audio tracks and subtitles included.

In terms of video quality, DVD Video supports a resolution of up to 720x480 pixels, providing a clear and vibrant viewing experience. The technology utilizes advanced compression techniques, such as MPEG-2, to efficiently encode video files while maintaining high fidelity. This level of quality, coupled with the ability to offer surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, makes DVD a preferred choice for cinema-quality home viewing.

Another significant characteristic of Sony DVD technology is its robustness and durability. Compared to other media formats, DVDs are less susceptible to scratches and degradation, ensuring a longer lifespan for physical media. They also employ error correction technologies that help maintain data integrity, providing a reliable storage medium for both movies and computer files.

One of the innovative features of Sony's DVD technology is the menu and navigation system. Users can easily access different scenes, bonus content, and settings through an interactive graphic interface. This enhances the overall viewing experience, offering flexibility to skip chapters or access special features without hassle.

Sony has also embraced the evolution of DVD technology with the introduction of DVD-Audio and DVD-RAM formats. DVD-Audio provides superior audio quality, supporting multi-channel sound and higher sampling rates, catering to audiophiles. Additionally, DVD-RAM offers rewritable disk capabilities, making it suitable for data storage solutions that require frequent modifications.

In conclusion, Sony DVD-ROM/DVD Video technology has established itself as a cornerstone in digital media. With impressive storage capacity, superior video and audio quality, robust durability, and user-friendly navigation, it continues to influence the landscape of home entertainment. As technology progresses, understanding these characteristics becomes essential for consumers and content creators alike, ensuring they can make informed choices in a shifting digital era.