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DVDs can be single sided, double sided, single layer, double layer or a combination of these.
Here are some common disc formats.
| Disc Format |
Explanation |
| D5 (DVD-5) |
Single sided/single layered. 4.7GB worth of space.
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| D9 (DVD-9) |
Single sided/dual layered.
Each layer can be treated separately with 4.7GB each (about 9.4GB in total).
The disc can also be made as a RSDL (Reverse Spiral Dual Layer) DVD meaning that the two layers can be used as one, but the space will only be around 8.5GB.
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| D10 (DVD-10) |
Double sided/single layered. 9.4 GB of data (4.7 GB per side).
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- There are two physical attributes to differentiate between D5 and D9. D9 disc has gold color and two stampers name, one in inner & the other in outer ring. As D9 discs requires two stampers, it is more expensive than D5.
- D9's picture quality is 540 lines & D5 is 480 lines. Hence, D9 has a better picture quality.
- D5's capaciy is lower, causing no DTS or lesser features.
- One of the drawbacks for D9 disc is that the DVD player will trigger a slight pause during the layer transition (as D9 has dual layers). On some discs it is quite obvious, and on other discs it has been quite seamless. The layer pause is inevitable and occur on all DVD players; some players are better than others in handling the layer transition.
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DTS is a soundtrack feature which offers high quality audio.
It can only be accessed utilizing a DTS decoder and DTS compliant DVD player (i.e. require a DTS capable amplifier/DVD player to play the soundtrack).
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DTS Version refers to the DVD which offers at least 1 DTS audiotrack.
Standard Edition refers to the DVD which doesn't offer any DTS audiotracks.
Ony the normal audiotracks such as Dolby Digital Surround 5.1/2.0 are available.
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Close-Captioned refers to the subtitles that can be turned on/off.
The subtitles will not be permanently fixed on the screen.
You can view with or without the subtitles.
On the other hand, Olose-Captioned refers to the subtitles that cannot be turned on/off.
The subtitles will be displayed permanently on the screen and cannot be turned off.
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In addition to regional codes that can be used to prevent playback in different areas, DVD uses different formats for NTSC or PAL playback.
- Almost no US or Canada DVD players can play PAL DVDs.
- Most European and Asian DVD players can play both NTSC and PAL DVDs, as the TV system is usually multistandard.
- Some DVD players are NTSC and PAL compatible - it will automatically convert the signals to plays NTSC discs on a PAL TV & plays PAL discs on an NTSC TV.
- Computers equiped with DVD-ROM can play both NTSC and PAL DVDs.
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Regional coding limits what countries a DVD can be played
For All-Region DVD, it does not have lockout codes that disallow you playing movies that are bought elsewhere except from your region.
You will be able to play All-Region DVD irregardless of your geographical location.
| Region |
Explanation |
| Region 0 / All-Region |
No regional code - Will play in all countries. |
| Region 1 |
Canada, U.S., U.S. Territories |
| Region 2 |
Japan, Europe, South Africa, Middle East (including Egypt) |
| Region 3 |
Southeast Asia, East Asia (including Hong Kong) |
| Region 4 |
Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, Caribbean |
| Region 5 |
Former Soviet Union, Indian Subcontinent, Africa (also North Korea, Mongolia) |
| Region 6 |
China |
| Region 7 |
Reserved |
| Region 8 |
Special international venues (airplanes, cruise ships, etc.) |
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Yes, we ship the DVDs in their original keepcase / special boxset packaging and in brand new sealed condition.
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The chapter insert is not usually available. However, if it comes together with the DVD, it will be included.
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