I've noticed that there are 4 different dvd capacities. 1. single side - single layer 2. single side - dual layers 3. double side - single layer 4. double side - dual layers
I've read some of the fine print on the dvd cover, and noticed that "dual layers may trigger a pause during playback". So my question is that single layer is better than dual layers? Is single layer going to produce a pause as well? I bought a couple of dvds w/ dual layers and noticed that there is a slice pause occur once in awhile during playback. Is it my dvd player that caused that or the dvd itself? Which capacity/format should I look for when buying a dvd movie? I also have another question. DTS or DD? which sound format is better? Most of my dvds have DD which have awesome sound already. I want to know if DTS has better sound or it's the same as DD with diff company? Thanks in advance!
AL,
Derek
Posted on
You don't have a choice on the format unless you buy Superbit or Criterion DVDs. The movie companies pretty much produce one version of every movie. The pause is caused by the DVD player tripping over the layer change. Some players do it flawlessly. Some don't. It's normal though because there IS an interuption of the date during the change. I would imagine a "good" player would buffer the data so the change goes unoticed.
DTS should sound better because they use less compression but testing by soundandvisionmagazine doesn't verify this. DTS takes up more space though. It's hard to verify because the mixes are different and you can't always tell if its the mix or the encoder you prefer. Hit Dolby's and DTS's web sites for more information.
Hope this helps.
AL
Posted on
Thank you, Derek. What would you recommend as a dvd player? Which dvd player would you invest your money on? Thanks again.
Al,
Derek
Posted on
Actually, I have a Phillips 724S. It was the cheapest Progressive scan DVD player I could find (at the time) with 2:3 pulldown. I paid $129 for it but see it all the time for $99. Phillips seem to review well. If not that, I would have bought a Panasonic. Go to www.hometheaterhifi.com. They have a VERY extensive DVD shoot-out.
DTS does have an inherently greater dynamic range of up to 144 dB (theoretically) where as DD is 96dB. This means greater differences between the quite and loud passages. Like greater contrast means bigger differences in black and white. This doesn't mean better sound but can mean more detail. If you have an HDTV the progessive will Derek's dvd player will look quite good and even on non HDTV though you won't be able to take advantage of the progressive scan in that case. If you have an HDTV and want even better pictur get the Denon DVD900. For $250 you will get a Faroudja chip progressive scan dvd player. It looks Awsome. In that case the cables you will need are the component video cable. If not progressive you can still use those cables if the tv has the connection for it and get an improved picture. The cables are critical. If your TV has component video connections then it will look better with a $79 dvd player and $69 CV cables than a $1000 dvd player using the cables in the box. Not a big deal but 3:2 pulldown Derek
