DVD Audio – The New Standard?
DVD audio is the new kid on the block and promises higher audio quality and
extra features like multichannel output. Do the promises match the reality?
We'll take a look and find out.
DVD audio can be recorded at 16, 20 or 24 bits and the sampling rates can be
from 44.1kHz up to a whopping 192kHz. This greatly exceeds the capacities of
standard CDs which are 16-bit and 44.1kHz. DVD audio also has 5.1 surround sound
capabilities in addition to the standard stereo two channel output of CDs.
Does all this add up to better sound? There is no doubt that DVD audio has
higher fidelity, but whether or not this fidelity can be heard by the human ear
is in question. Some say that the average listener cannot tell the difference
between DVD and CD audio.
Whether or not the sound quality is improved, the multichannel capabilities of
DVD audio provide new possibilities for recorded sound. As the popularity of
home cinema systems with 5.1 and 7.1 audio hookups increases, we can be sure
that more and more commercial recordings will be released on DVD. The surround
sound capacities will add a new dimension to our listening experience.
DVD disks can hold much more data than regular CDs. This is why they are
commonly used for movies - there is plenty of space for both video and audio
data on a single sided DVD. Double sided DVD's offer even greater capacity. DVD
audio can take advantage of this capacity by recording music with higher
sampling rates and bit depth.
DVD players are now a standard consumer item in a rapidly replacing the video
player as the standard home entertainment unit. DVD players can typically handle
a wide variety of formats - everything from VCD, MP3, and digital graphic
formats such as JPEG and PNG. In order to take full advantage of DVD audio
capabilities, a DVD player should be equipped with 5.1 audio hookups.
Digital audio has come in many forms over the years. We have had MiniDisc, DAT,
CD, MP3, and now DVD. Whether DVD audio becomes the next standard or is simply a
step in the home entertainment evolution remains to be seen. In the meantime, we
can enjoy the increased fidelity and spatial placement that DVD audio provides.
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