The DVD story is a classic computer technology tale. All the key elements are there: vaporware, standards wars, compatibility problems, extremely high initial prices, and confusion at every turn. Even the technology's name stirs minor debate. Some claim it stands for Digital Versatile Disc, others say it means Digital Video Disc, and still others claim it's not an acronym at all.

In essence, DVD is simply the next evolutionary step from CD-ROM. DVD-ROMs look like CDs, but they hold far more information, anywhere from 4.7GB to 17GB, compared with a CD's 650MB. But DVD is more than just higher capacity, which is partly why things get so complicated. DVD is a critical element of PC/TV convergence, since it's a way to distribute movies with extended features such as user-selectable camera angles and multiple language support. Also, like CD's, there are writeable and rewriteable variations coming.

DVD is just starting to make a significant impact on the mark

In early 1998 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a long-awaited decision on future possibilities for television. This future is digital television, and within the digital future more than 30 possible standards exist. Some of these are referred to as HDTV (High Definition Television).

Accompanying the rollout of DVD is digital television (DTV). Not only are pre-recorded and recordable media receiving a boost in quality, but also are the television sets that they are displayed on.

Still, DVD video will blow away standard VHS-quality playback. Unlike VHS tapes, DVD discs don't degrade over time, so the 100th viewing looks as good as the first. Furthermore, unlike VHS tapes, DVD discs provide the nonlinear, near-instant viewing and previewing access that people enjoy with laser discs and compact discs. For strictly computer-based video playback, such as business presentations and games, DVD's MPEG-2 video is a dramatic improvement.

The first all-digital station, KITV in Hawaii, went on the air in January 1998. It broadcast digital programming along with its standard Channel 4 analog signal. Even though there were virtually no digital TV sets to receive the signal, the public relations value in being first put KITV "on the map" (including receiving a "broadcaster of the year" award) and it has put pressure on competitors in the market to also move to digital.

Additionally, the extra capacity of DVD means multiple-language tracks will be a standard feature of movie discs. At the touch of a button you can switch from the English version to a dubbed version in German or Italian, for example. Foreign-language instructional discs will take advantage of this feature as well.

Although the digital signal will experience less interference than the channel 2 analog signal, because of the much higher frequency it will take nearly one million watts of power to reach roughly the same coverage area. Electric bills for this level of power can run to $30,000 a month.

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