New Technology Reviews!.: Format

Updated: Canon rumours: what you need to know

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<img alt="Updated: Canon rumours: what you need to know" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/4a02463e15470-75.jpg.jpg" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/4a02463e15470-75.jpg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /> 
It seems like barely a day goes by without a new Canon rumour. 
Here on this continually updated Canon rumours page, you'll find the latest news and information on what camera is likely to be announced next. 
Got any hot tips? Let us know via our Twitter feed or via email. 
<h4 style="font-size: 1em;">
Canon 5D Mark III/Canon 6D rumours</h4>
The 5D Mark II is more than two years old and is in need of a refresh. The APS-C format EOS 7D puts some aspects of the full frame 5D Mark II in the shade, so it's likely that any successor will take the best from the 7D and implement it into a 5D Mark III or 6D body. 
See our full Canon EOS 5D Mark III / 6D rumours page for everything you need to know about any impending release. 
<h4 style="font-size: 1em;">
Canon EOS 1Ds Mark IV rumours</h4>
Update October 2011: It's here! Canon merged both the 1Ds and 1D lines to bring us the Canon EOS 1DX. Aimed at professionals, the camera will be available to buy from March next year. Read our first impressions of the new camera. 
It's one of the most hotly anticipated cameras, but it seems as if Canon is determined to keep us waiting for the 1Ds Mark IV. 
A flurry of rumours regarding the anticipated specifications of the camera has been circling for some time, but as yet nothing concrete has emerged. 
The 1Ds Mark III has proven difficult to buy in recent times, which led some to believe that a Mark IV release was imminent. 
See our full Canon EOS 1Ds Mark IV rumours page for everything you need to know, including specs, price and anticipated release date. 
<h4 style="font-size: 1em;">
Canon mirrorless rumours</h4>
Now that Nikon has finally revealed its version of a compact system camera, it seems likely that Canon will also join the party at any given moment. 
However, unlike in the weeks leading up to the Nikon release, we haven't seen much in the way of credible rumours. That said, when Canon recently upgraded the Powershot S95 to the S100, a G12 upgrade failed to materialise, perhaps suggesting that a compact system camera may fill the void. 
<img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/116916520660/u/49/f/9809/c/669/s/19867ec7/kg/253-264/a2.img" src="http://da.feedsportal.com/r/116916520660/u/49/f/9809/c/669/s/19867ec7/kg/253-264/a2.img" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /><img alt="" data-mce-src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~4/p1cdxWpeoGM" height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/techradar/allnews/~4/p1cdxWpeoGM" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="1" /> 
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Updated: Canon rumours: what you need to know

It seems like barely a day goes by without a new Canon rumour. Here on this continually updated Canon rumours page, you'll find the ...

New Amazon Kindle format to supercharge e-books

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<img alt="New Amazon Kindle format to supercharge e-books" class="aligncenter" height="211" mce_src="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2200/kindlefirebooks47075.jpg" src="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2200/kindlefirebooks47075.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="282" /></div>
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Amazon has detailed a new e-book format for use on the Kindle Fire, which is set to offer up a more interactive experience for things like comic books, children's novels and cookbooks.</div>
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New enhancements that make up the format include HTML5 support, fixed layouts, nested tables, callouts, sidebars and Scalable Vector Graphics.</div>
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In short, Amazon is hoping that its new e-book format will show off the potential of the Kindle Fire, and hide the fact the tablet's screen is not made from e-ink so is not as easy on the eye for reading like the Kindle e-book reader.</div>
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KF8 is going to rock ya</h4>
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Amazon is calling the file format KF8 (Kindle Format 8) and has revealed that it will be replacing Mobi 7.</div>
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In all there are over 150 new formatting capabilities and the good news is that a new version of Kindle Publisher Tools is just around the corner, so devs can start utilising the new format shortle.</div>
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Amazon is keen to point out that all versions of Kindle books will be available on the Kindle Fire, but using KF8 will add a little je ne sais quoi to books.</div>
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There is still no Kindle Fire UK release date – but we are hoping the device (or an iteration of it) will be released sometime in 2012.</div>
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New Amazon Kindle format to supercharge e-books

Amazon has detailed a new e-book format for use on the Kindle Fire, which is set to offer up a more interactive experience for things ...

I Can't Format a Deskstar 400

<a rel="thinbox" title="#jsArticleIntroImageCredit"></A> Resolve issues formatting your Deskstar 400 using Windows command line or specialized utilities.Large hard drives over 32 gigabytes cannot be formatted with the FAT32 file system using the native disk maintenance tools such as Disk Management in Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. If a Deskstar 400 gigabyte drive must be shared by operating systems other than Windows (such as for portable use), formatting a single FAT32 partition will maximize compatibility. Use specialized disk formatting utilities or the Windows command-line "Format" utility to configure a Deskstar 400 with the FAT32 file system. Open Easus Home Partition Manager. Right-click on the Deskstar 400 drive displayed in the Partition Manager window and click "Create" in the drop-down menu. Type a name for the new partition in the "Partition Labels" field, click the "Drive Letters" box and click on the drive letter you prefer to assign. Click the "Create As" drop-down box and click "Primary" if your <a href="">computer</A> has fewer than four partitions or "Logical" if your computer has more than four partitions. Click the "File System" drop-down box and click "FAT32." Leave the "Partition Size" box at the default size to allocate the entire drive. Click the "OK" button to partition and format the Deskstar 400 using the FAT32 file system. Click your desktop's "Start" button, type "Diskmgmt.msc" and press the "Enter" key. Right-click on the Deskstar 400 drive listed in the lower half of the Disk Management window, click "New Simple Volume" and click "Next" in the window that displays. Click "Next" to accept the default to partition the entire drive. Click the drive letter drop-down box, select a drive letter and click "Next." Click "Do not format this volume" in the "Format Partition" window, click "Next" and click "Finish." Click your desktop's "Start" button, type "cmd," right-click on the command-line icon in the left pane and click "Run as Administrator." Type "format /FS:FAT32 Z:" except replace the "Z" with the drive letter of the Deskstar 400. Press the "Enter" key. Click your desktop's "Start" button, type "Diskmgmt.msc" and tap the "Enter" key. Right-click on the Deskstar 400 drive listed in the lower half of the Disk Management window, click "New Simple Volume" and click "Next." Click "Next" to partition the entire drive. Click the drive letter drop-down box, click a drive letter to assign to the Deskstar 400 and click "Next." Click "Do not format this volume" in the "Format Partition" window, click "Next" and click "Finish." Open the "FAT32 Format" utility, click the "Drive" drop-down box and select the drive letter of the Deskstar 400. Enter a label for the drive in the "Volume label" box. Click "Start" and the Deskstar 400 will be formatted with the FAT32 file system. Click your desktop's "Start" button, type "Diskmgmt.msc" and press "Enter." Right-click on the Deskstar 400 drive listed in the lower half of the Disk Management window, click "New Simple Volume" and click "Next." Click the "Next" button to confirm that you wish to partition the entire drive. Click the drive letter drop-down box, click a drive letter to assign to the Deskstar 400 and click "Next." Select "Do not format this volume" in the "Format Partition" window. Click "Next" and click "Finish." Click the "Start" button, type "cmd," right-click on the command-line icon that appears and click "Run as Administrator." Type "cd \path_to_fat32format\" at the command prompt, replacing "path_to_fat32format" with the actual path to the Fat32format utility, and press "Enter." Type "fat32format Z:" except replace the "Z" with the drive letter of the Deskstar 400 drive. Press "Enter." Type "Y" at the command prompt to confirm that you wish to format the drive and press "Enter" to format the Deskstar 400.   <a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_7746600_cant-format-deskstar-400.html">Source.</A>

I Can't Format a Deskstar 400

Resolve issues formatting your Deskstar 400 using Windows command line or specialized utilities.Large hard drives over 32 gigabytes cannot ...

How to Convert From RM Format to MP3 Format for Free

<ADDRESS class="Note byline"> Files with the RM extension are audio recordings that have been compressed using the Real Audio codec. Real Audio is a proprietary codec that requires a program called RealPlayer for proper playback. If you have a RM file that you want to listen to, but you do not have nor do you want to install RealPlayer, the simplest alternative is to convert the file to the more common MP3 format. You can do this for free by using a Web-based converter or downloadable utility. Difficulty:Moderately Easy1 Download and install the Jodix Free RM to MP3 Converter. Launch the utility after installing it.2 Click the "Add Files" button in the upper-right corner of the window. Navigate to the location of the RM file that you want to convert, and double-click the file.3 4 Browse to the location where you would like the completed MP3 file to be saved and click the "Save" button to begin the conversion.1 Navigate to Zamzar website. Click the "Choose File" button, navigate to the location of the RM file that you would like to convert and double-click it.2 Click the drop-down menu under "Convert to" and select "MP3."3 Type your email address in the box under "Step 3."4 Click the "Convert" button, and then click "OK" in the pop-up window that appears.5 Check the email address that you provided in Step 3 for an email from Zamzar. The email should arrive within a few minutes of registering and contains a link to download the converted MP3 file. If you do not see an email from Zamzar, wait several minutes before checking again.1 Download and install the DPTOP RM Files Converter. Launch the utility after installing it.2 Click the "Add" button at the top of the window. Navigate to the location of the RM file that you would like to convert, and double-click it.3 Click the drop-down menu next to "Output Format" at the bottom of the window and select "MP3."4 Click the "Browse" button. Navigate to the location where you would like the converted MP3 file to be saved and click "OK."5 Click the "Convert" button to convert the RM file to an MP3 file.<a class="readNext jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/how_6712679_convert-wav-rm.html"></A><a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal" data-text="How to Convert From RM Format to MP3 Format for Free" data-url="http://www.ehow.com/how_7666547_convert-rm-format-mp3-format.html" data-via="ehow" href="http://twitter.com/share"></A></ADDRESS>

How to Convert From RM Format to MP3 Format for Free

Files with the RM extension are audio recordings that have been compressed using the Real Audio codec. Real Audio is a proprietary codec tha...

How to Convert Movies to DVD Format

How to Convert Movies to DVD Format

Download and install Xilisoft (see "Resources"). Click the green plus symbol at the top menu bar to add your video file. Select ...

Audible Format Conversion Tools

Audible Format Conversion Tools | eHow.com @media screen and (max-width: 1050px) {.ChannelBanner { padding:0 5px; }.ChannelBanner .leftArrow, .ChannelBanner .rightArrow { display:none; }}</style> <body id="Template3a" class="US"> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/blog/"></a> <a href="http://www.ehow.com/" title="eHow - How to Videos & Articles"><img alt="eHow - How to do just about everything" src="/ehow-logo.png" /></a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/"></a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-family/">Family</a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-food/">Food</a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-health/">Health</a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-home/">Home</a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-money/">Money</a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-style/">Style</a> <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how-to.html">More</a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/forums.aspx"></a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://feedback.ehow.com"></a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/members.html"></a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/groups.aspx"></a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/blog/" target="_blank"></a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/community.html"></a><a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/share.html"></a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-black-friday/"></a><a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-holidays/"></a><a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/ehow-beauty-guide/"></a><a class="jsNoFollow thinbox" rel="http://www.ehow.com/account/simple_login.aspx"></a><a class="jsNoFollow thinbox" rel="http://www.ehow.com/account/simple_register.aspx"></a><a class="jsFacebookConnect FacebookConnectButton"></a> <a href="http://www.ehow.com/">Home</a> » <a href="http://www.ehow.com/computers/">Computers</a> » <a href="http://www.ehow.com/list_7526993_audible-format-conversion-tools.html">Audible Format Conversion Tools</a> Top 5 To Try <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6685393_convert-media-player-videos-psp.html">How to Convert Windows Media Player Videos to PSP</a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2087451_call-audible-play-football.html">How to Call an Audible Play in Football</a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6402249_change-audible.html">How to Change an Audible</a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4743669_convert-movies-play-psp.html">How to Convert Movies to Play On PSP</a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6199236_convert-file-pes-format.html">How to Convert a File to Pes Format</a> Audible Format Conversion Tools By <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/members/ds_091df494-222a-4b25-9e8f-f1fa8c433a40.html">Lee Johnson</a>,eHow Contributorupdated: November 20, 2010<a class="Button3a button thinbox jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/account/simple_login.aspx">I want to do this!</a><a class="jsWhatsThis">What's This?</a> <a rel="thinbox" title="#jsArticleStepImageCredit1"><img alt="File conversion is an ever-present problem for digital music lovers" src="/audible-format-conversion-tools-11-120X120.jpg" title="File conversion is an ever-present problem for digital music lovers" /></a>Fotolia.com</a>">File conversion is an ever-present problem for digital music loversThe specific encoding of a particular audio file may render it inaccessible on portable music devices, CD players or even your chosen <a class="StrongLink" href="http://www.ehow.com/computers/">computer</a> audio player. Thankfully, there are many programs available online to help you convert audio files so you can enjoy them on the device of your choosing.Switch Plus Audio ConverterSwitch Plus Audio Converter can read files in 29 different audio formats, and save them as 17 different formats. These include MP3, M4A, AMR and OGG, and the program can also extract audio from video files. To convert files on the program, you find the desired source file, select the format you wish to convert it to, then adjust your settings. CNET commented that Switch "won us over with its simplicity and ease of use." The program is free to download, but the trial period is only 14 days, after which time you have to pay $34.99 (as of November 2010) to regain full functionality.FreeRIPFreeRIP is a program simply designed to rip audio from CDs, and generally convert them into MP3 format. It has expanded from this basic starting point, though, and the program now supports other file formats such as WMA, WAV and FLAC. The program is suitable to use as a general audio converter and is free. You can get a professional edition that is faster and optimized for multi-core processors, but it costs $29.75 as of November 2010.WAV to MP3 EncoderThis is a basic audio converter that is used to convert your WAV files to MP3 format. While it is limited in functionality, it is free, and accomplishes its admittedly very specific <a class="StrongLink" href="http://www.ehow.com/careers/">job</a> efficiently. The layout is basic, and it may be a better choice for inexperienced users.Koyote Free MP3 WMA ConverterThe Koyote audio converter is another free converter, and supports file formats such as OGG, AAC, FLAC and WAV, along with the obvious MP3 and WMA. It placed third in CNET's rundown of the best ripping and converting software.Digital Music PadDigital Music Pad is audio converter software that can read files from 28 different formats and save them into any of 19 formats. These include WMA, MP3, M4A and AAC. Through the conversion, the track, artist, album and genre details will be kept. You also can convert a mixed batch of files into one unifying format without having to go through them individually. Digital Music Pad can also be used to play back tracks and convert video. References <a href="http://www.nch.com.au/switch/kb/747.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NCH: What File Formats does Switch for Windows Support?</a> <a href="http://download.cnet.com/FreeRIP/3000-2140_4-10050140.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CNET: FreeRIP</a> <a href="http://download.cnet.com/WAV-to-MP3-Encoder/3000-2140_4-10060500.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CNET: WAV to MP3 Encoder 2.5</a> <a href="http://download.cnet.com/Koyote-Free-Mp3-Wma-Converter/3000-2140_4-10442362.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CNET: Koyote Free MP3 WMA Converter</a> <a href="http://www.e-soft.co.uk/AudioConverter.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eSoft: Digital Music Pad</a> Resources<a href="http://download.cnet.com/Switch-Plus-Audio-Converter/3000-2140_4-10327491.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CNET: Switch Plus Audio Converter 2.04</a><a href="http://www.freerip.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FreeRIP</a><a href="http://www.koyotesoft.com/indexEn.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Koyote Soft</a>Who Can HelpSponsored<a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://clk.atdmt.com/TLC/go/262430452/direct/01/" target="_blank">Identity Theft. 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Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.</a>Photo Creditmp3 player and cd image by Warren Millar from <a href="http://www.fotolia.com">Fotolia.com</a><a class="Button3a button thinbox jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/account/simple_login.aspx">I want to do this!</a><a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/print/list_7526993_audible-format-conversion-tools.html" title="Print"></a>print<a class="addthis_button_email" title="Email"></a>email<a class="jsNoFollow thinbox" rel="/account/simple_login.aspx" title="Add this article to your eHow favorites"></a>favorite<a onclick="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" title="Share"></a>share<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal" data-text="Audible Format Conversion Tools" data-url="http://www.ehow.com/list_7526993_audible-format-conversion-tools.html" data-via="ehow" href="http://twitter.com/share"></a><a class="IconFlag1 thinbox jsNoFollow" rel="/account/simple_login.aspx" title="Flag as inappropriate">Flag Article</a> <a class="IconRSS" href="http://www.ehow.com/articlerss.aspx?id=7526993">Subscribe</a>Post a Comment<img alt="" id="captchaImage" src="/pixel.gif" />Word Verification* <a class="SubmitButton Button3a jsNoFollow thinbox" rel="/account/simple_login.aspx" style="width:100px">Comment</a> <a class="jsNoFollow" rel="http://www.ehow.com/print/list_7526993_audible-format-conversion-tools.html" title="Print"></a>print<a class="addthis_button_email" title="Email"></a>email<a class="jsNoFollow thinbox" rel="/account/simple_login.aspx" title="Add this article to your eHow favorites"></a>favorite<a onclick="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" title="Share"></a>share<a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="horizontal" data-text="Audible Format Conversion Tools" data-url="http://www.ehow.com/list_7526993_audible-format-conversion-tools.html" data-via="ehow" href="http://twitter.com/share"></a>Related Ads Related Articles & Videos<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6685393_convert-media-player-videos-psp.html"><img alt="How to Convert Windows Media Player Videos to PSP" longdesc="http://i.ehow.com/images/ehow/cat/hobbies_games_toys/hobbies-games-toys1.jpg" src="/pixel.gif" />How to Convert Windows Media Player Videos to PSP</a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2087451_call-audible-play-football.html"><img alt="How to Call an Audible Play in Football" longdesc="http://i.ehow.com/images/ehow/cat/sports_fitness/sports-fitness1.jpg" src="/pixel.gif" />How to Call an Audible Play in Football</a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6402249_change-audible.html"><img alt="How to Change an Audible" longdesc="http://i.ehow.com/images/a06/3c/69/change-audible-60X60.jpg" src="/pixel.gif" />How to Change an Audible</a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4743669_convert-movies-play-psp.html"><img alt="How to Convert Movies to Play On PSP" longdesc="http://i.ehow.com/images/a04/go/fl/convert-movies-play-psp-60X60.jpg" src="/pixel.gif" />How to Convert Movies to Play On PSP</a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_6199236_convert-file-pes-format.html"><img alt="How to Convert a File to Pes Format" longdesc="http://i.ehow.com/images/a05/t5/u4/convert-file-pes-format-60X60.jpg" src="/pixel.gif" />How to Convert a File to Pes Format</a> Have you done this? 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Audible Format Conversion Tools

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All About DVD Part 1: DVD Format

Types of DVD and history of developmentIt's been a long time since DVD became common in our everyday life. However, most people don't seem to know what it is exactly. Answers to questions like "what sort of arcane symbols are printed on disk boxes", "how come DVD is different from CD if they look so similar", "what kinds of DVDs are there" and many others still remain mystery for many users. And instead of making conscious choice they just buy randomly without any knowledge of what exactly they are getting.We will examine DVD in details, along with its history and different types available on the market. DVD-Video will get most attention as it is the most common type of DVDs.What is DVD? Initially DVD standard was designed for video storage only. Thus its acronym was decrypted as Digital Video Disk. Later, when DVD started to become popular for storage of all types of data, another meaning for DVD acronym was introduced - Digital Versatile Disk, which is still used nowadays.Generally, DVD is the next generation of CD. First of all, DVD differs from CD by its significantly larger capacity. While CD disk can only contain between 650 and 800 megabytes, DVD is able to hold anywhere between 1 and 17 gigabytes, depending on disk type. This storage increase is achieved by reducing laser wavelength. But DVD capacity would never reach more than 4.7 gigabytes if it wasn't possible to make DVD disks double-layered or double-sided.One side of double-layered disk can contain two layers of data. To avoid interlapping, outer layer is made semi-transparent. During reading, laser collects data from bottom layer first, and then switches to the second layer. This allows doubling the capacity, up to 9GB. It is easy to recognize double-layered disks - they have silver shade of working surface, while single-layered disk appears gold. Most video releases are printed on double-layered disks.Apart from that, both sides of DVD can be used to store data. The possibility of making double-sided disks arise from the fact that the protective layer for DVD is only half of that for CD, that is, 0.6mm instead of 1.2mm. So, in order to keep compatibility with older format, single-sided DVD disks have additional plastic added to them to achieve 1.2mm thickness. Of course, it is not a problem to put additional layer instead of 0.6mm of plain plastic. This wasn't possible with CDs as they are thick enough already.DVD - the history of conflictIn 1997 several large manufacturers of electronic equipment established organization called DVD-Forum (earlier known as DVD Consortium) in order to develop single standard for new generation of disks, as CD technology was becoming less and less sufficient.Despite many debates and lots of technologies claiming to be the best, the final decision was made and DVD (with eight types of it) standard was established. It was soon followed by DVD-Video standard.However, when it came to standards for recordable and rewritable disks, several large companies started to push their own formats DVD+R and DVD+RW. These companies founded their own coalition called DVD+RW Alliance. The most interesting part was the fact that different branches of formats were not compatible with each other.Apart from that, Panasonic also contributed to the mess by developing DVD-RAM standard. This standard was faster and more reliable, but it was compatible only with DVD-RAM devices.The ones who suffered the most from this mess were common users, as they were forced to make a difficult choice of preferred technology.For that reason many people didn't rush for DVD and kept their data on good old CD-Rs and CD-RWs.The war of standards was ended by Sony, which made DVD drive capable of reading both DVD-RW and DVD+RW. This device instantly became popular even in spite of its double price compared with single-standard drives. Sony soon was followed by other manufacturers and the ability to read both types of disks soon became a standard for any DVD drives. This was the beginning of the DVD era for PC users.Unfortunately, there also were lots of disagreements during development of single standard for digital audio, DVD-Audio. Two technologies compete for the title of Audio CD heir: a partially compatible with Audio CD technology from Philips and Sony, and a standalone Toshiba's standard. Toshiba won, but Philips and Sony didn't give up and released their own format without DVD-Forum support. This format was called Super Audio CD (SACD). At the moment both formats are not selling particularly well and are not known in some countries at all.Types of DVDLet's move to DVD itself. DVD is the most common format nowadays. At the moment DVD comes in 8 flavors: DVD-1, DVD-2, DVD-3, DVD-4, DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10 and DVD-18. The difference is in the capacity, which is denoted by the number in the name (value is rounded).The most common formats are DVD-5 and DVD-9. These are single- and double layered single sided disks, respectively. DVD-5 holds 4.7 GB of data and DVD-9 is able to contain up to 8.5 GB. These disks are used for most software and video releases.DVD-10 is double sided single layered disk (9.4 GB) and DVD-18 is double sided double layered disk (17GB). This two types of DVD are much less common. All four formats mentioned above have same diameter of the disk - 12cm. Another type of disk to mention here is DVD-14, which is double sided disk with one side single- and the other one double-layered. This type of disk holds 12.32GB of data.DVD-1, DVD-2, DVD-3 and DVD-4 are miniDVD. Their diameter is 8cm but otherwise they are completely compatible with standard drives. As with full-size disks there are single sided single layered disk (DVD-1, 1.36 GB), single sided double layered disk (DVD-2, 2.48 GB), double sided single layered (DVD-3, 2.72 GB) and double sided double layered disk (DVD-4, 4.95 GB). All these disks, except DVD-1, are quite uncommon.Types of DVD dataEach DVD disk is able to hold various types of data. DVD can be used to watch movies (DVD-Video), store software (DVD-Data) and to listen to the music (DVD-Audio).DVD-Data DVD-DATA is used to store computer data on DVD. Basically it is the same CD-ROM, but with much bigger capacity, and it is used the same way as CD-ROM is. However DVD-DATA is more convenient as a storage medium due to its large capacity. Most modern programs doesn't fit on single CD, for example, computer games and Linux packages often need more than 10 CDs. In case with DVD one or two disks are usually more than enough. At the moment software is usually released on both CD and DVD, as not everyone has DVD drive yet. But it is clear that CD versions soon will disappear.DVD-VideoCurrently this is the most common type of DVD data, the one that DVD was initially designed for. Compared with VHS tapes DVD-Video is a giant leap into the future. There are heaps of features there that most people have no idea about.First of all, DVD-Video is interactive - any place on the disk is instantly accessible and it is possible to have more than one ending for the movie. And parents can limit viewing of naughty parts of movies for their children. Apart from that disks can have additional bonus materials, such as interviews, promotion trailers, slides, text info and even videogames. In addition to all this DVD-Video is capable to have multi angle view option, when camera angle can be changed during playback. However, this feature mostly used in porno movies and live concert records.Video data on DVD-Video disks is compressed by using MPEG-2 compression. This compression algorithm allows shrinking video stream approximately ten times, without loss of picture quality. As a result, each disk is able to hold up to 4 hours of video with 720x576 resolution at 24 frames per second (PAL) or 720x480 at 30 frames per second (NTSC). The streaming speed is usually between 3 and 10 MBit per second.Video can be recorded in different screen ratios. For example, it can have ratio of 4:3, which is a standard television ratio, or widescreen - 16:9. Widescreen image have two types: Letterbox and anamorphic. In the first case image is simply cropped at the top and at the bottom to achieve desired format. In anamorphic mode the image is initially recorded in stretched form and then shrinked to the desired size. This method is much more effective as whole frame is used for useful data, while in Letterbox large part of the frame is used to store black pixels only. As a result, anamorphic mode has better details and sharper picture.Audio data can be stored in various formats: LPCM, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX and DTS.LPCM (linear pulse code modulation) is uncompressed stereo or mono soundtrack. It is usually used in musical video clips and movies where sound clarity is important. Same format is used for generic Audio CDDolby Pro Logic is special type of soundtrack that can be split into 4 channels for surround sound. Nowadays this format is uncommon.Dolby Digital (AC-3) is fully digital sound compression format; it can be split into up to 6 independent channels. Unlike Dolby Pro Logic, each channel is recorded on separate physical track.Dolby Digital EX is more advanced version of Dolby Digital. Supports up to 8 independent channels.DTS (Digital Theater System) is another digital audio compression format, introduced by Steven Spielberg as an alternative to Dolby Digital. DTS provides more quality than Dolby Digital due to lower compression. That, of course, leads to bigger size of the soundtrack itself, which occupy more disk space. It also requires special receiver to be decoded. Because of these reasons DTS disks usually does not have any bonus materials but have LPCM soundtrack. This soundtrack is included to allow users without special receiver to listen to the sound (stereo only, though). Because of all these DTS disks are much less common compared to Dolby Digital. Usually DTS disks with improved video quality (and without bonus materials) are called SuperBit. Both DTS and Dolby Digital (EX) are also used in cinemas.Some of the largest drawbacks of DVD-Video are its various copy protection measures, which were added because of the pressure from film companies. At first these measures provided lots of nuisance for users, but eventually every DVD protection was hacked. This process was also assisted by equipment manufacturers who simply didn't support most annoying protection measures.One of the most annoying of such measures was "Regional Protection" . The world was divided into 8 zones, and each DVD player was supposed to have information about its zone. The same was made for DVDs, and thus DVDs from one zone could only be played on players from the same zone. User was allowed to change zone for the player few times only, and the last of selected zones was locked in the player forever.This trick was invented in order to be able to assign different price in each region, depending on income level. Besides, movie might be released in different times in different countries. For example, in Africa the movie might just hit cinemas and in USA it might already be available on DVD. So regional protection was supposed to stop people from buying DVDs in USA and selling them in Africa.Unfortunately, this protection didn't bring anything but troubles. Many travelers were not able to play disk purchased overseas. Buying disks over the internet or from EBay also became a problem. Apart from that, some movies were released in certain countries only.Many manufacturers considered these implications and started to provide means of switching off regional protection for their devices. Chinese manufacturers basically abandon this protection at all.But uncontrolled distribution of DVDs wasn't the only thing that movie makers were against. Illegal copying was much bigger problem for them, especially given the fact that digital information can be copied endlessly without any loss of quality. To prevent that from happening, manufacturers included special CSS (content scrambling system) technology in DVD-Video standard. CSS basically encrypt all disks content and the key for decryption is available only for DVD-Player or special viewing program. Simply copying the disk will make the copy completely useless.But manufacturers forgot to include support for Unix system and playback was available only for Windows and MacOS. This issue was solved by Jon Johansen, who wrote DeCSS program for Unix that easily bypassed CSS protection. Developers of CSS were enraged with that and sued Jon. They wanted to stop DeCSS from spreading and put Jon in prison, however, this case sparked lots of support movements around the world. Activists even printed DeCSS code on t-shirts. Finally, Jon was declared not guilty and his program laid a foundation for many DVD copy utilities all over the world.In general, DVD format was successful and, despite some issues with regional protection, has spread all over the world and almost replaced VHS tapes.SummaryDVD is not a new format anymore and there are actually new formats already that aim to replace it. Someone could ask why does he or she needs to be familiar with DVD if there is something new coming? The answer to this lies in the fact that DVD provides foundation for most new technologies, for example HD-DVD or Blue Ray. And if someone became familiar with underlying principles once, it won't be a problem to switch to something new later.Artem Chlegov is a editor and writer for DVDSoftwareGuide.com [http://www.dvdsoftwareguide.com] - a DVD software review website.

All About DVD Part 1: DVD Format

Types of DVD and history of development It's been a long time since DVD became common in our everyday life. However, most people don...

All About DVD Part 1: DVD Format

Types of DVD and history of developmentIt's been a long time since DVD became common in our everyday life. However, most people don't seem to know what it is exactly. Answers to questions like "what sort of arcane symbols are printed on disk boxes", "how come DVD is different from CD if they look so similar", "what kinds of DVDs are there" and many others still remain mystery for many users. And instead of making conscious choice they just buy randomly without any knowledge of what exactly they are getting.We will examine DVD in details, along with its history and different types available on the market. DVD-Video will get most attention as it is the most common type of DVDs.What is DVD? Initially DVD standard was designed for video storage only. Thus its acronym was decrypted as Digital Video Disk. Later, when DVD started to become popular for storage of all types of data, another meaning for DVD acronym was introduced - Digital Versatile Disk, which is still used nowadays.Generally, DVD is the next generation of CD. First of all, DVD differs from CD by its significantly larger capacity. While CD disk can only contain between 650 and 800 megabytes, DVD is able to hold anywhere between 1 and 17 gigabytes, depending on disk type. This storage increase is achieved by reducing laser wavelength. But DVD capacity would never reach more than 4.7 gigabytes if it wasn't possible to make DVD disks double-layered or double-sided.One side of double-layered disk can contain two layers of data. To avoid interlapping, outer layer is made semi-transparent. During reading, laser collects data from bottom layer first, and then switches to the second layer. This allows doubling the capacity, up to 9GB. It is easy to recognize double-layered disks - they have silver shade of working surface, while single-layered disk appears gold. Most video releases are printed on double-layered disks.Apart from that, both sides of DVD can be used to store data. The possibility of making double-sided disks arise from the fact that the protective layer for DVD is only half of that for CD, that is, 0.6mm instead of 1.2mm. So, in order to keep compatibility with older format, single-sided DVD disks have additional plastic added to them to achieve 1.2mm thickness. Of course, it is not a problem to put additional layer instead of 0.6mm of plain plastic. This wasn't possible with CDs as they are thick enough already.DVD - the history of conflictIn 1997 several large manufacturers of electronic equipment established organization called DVD-Forum (earlier known as DVD Consortium) in order to develop single standard for new generation of disks, as CD technology was becoming less and less sufficient.Despite many debates and lots of technologies claiming to be the best, the final decision was made and DVD (with eight types of it) standard was established. It was soon followed by DVD-Video standard.However, when it came to standards for recordable and rewritable disks, several large companies started to push their own formats DVD+R and DVD+RW. These companies founded their own coalition called DVD+RW Alliance. The most interesting part was the fact that different branches of formats were not compatible with each other.Apart from that, Panasonic also contributed to the mess by developing DVD-RAM standard. This standard was faster and more reliable, but it was compatible only with DVD-RAM devices.The ones who suffered the most from this mess were common users, as they were forced to make a difficult choice of preferred technology.For that reason many people didn't rush for DVD and kept their data on good old CD-Rs and CD-RWs.The war of standards was ended by Sony, which made DVD drive capable of reading both DVD-RW and DVD+RW. This device instantly became popular even in spite of its double price compared with single-standard drives. Sony soon was followed by other manufacturers and the ability to read both types of disks soon became a standard for any DVD drives. This was the beginning of the DVD era for PC users.Unfortunately, there also were lots of disagreements during development of single standard for digital audio, DVD-Audio. Two technologies compete for the title of Audio CD heir: a partially compatible with Audio CD technology from Philips and Sony, and a standalone Toshiba's standard. Toshiba won, but Philips and Sony didn't give up and released their own format without DVD-Forum support. This format was called Super Audio CD (SACD). At the moment both formats are not selling particularly well and are not known in some countries at all.Types of DVDLet's move to DVD itself. DVD is the most common format nowadays. At the moment DVD comes in 8 flavors: DVD-1, DVD-2, DVD-3, DVD-4, DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10 and DVD-18. The difference is in the capacity, which is denoted by the number in the name (value is rounded).The most common formats are DVD-5 and DVD-9. These are single- and double layered single sided disks, respectively. DVD-5 holds 4.7 GB of data and DVD-9 is able to contain up to 8.5 GB. These disks are used for most software and video releases.DVD-10 is double sided single layered disk (9.4 GB) and DVD-18 is double sided double layered disk (17GB). This two types of DVD are much less common. All four formats mentioned above have same diameter of the disk - 12cm. Another type of disk to mention here is DVD-14, which is double sided disk with one side single- and the other one double-layered. This type of disk holds 12.32GB of data.DVD-1, DVD-2, DVD-3 and DVD-4 are miniDVD. Their diameter is 8cm but otherwise they are completely compatible with standard drives. As with full-size disks there are single sided single layered disk (DVD-1, 1.36 GB), single sided double layered disk (DVD-2, 2.48 GB), double sided single layered (DVD-3, 2.72 GB) and double sided double layered disk (DVD-4, 4.95 GB). All these disks, except DVD-1, are quite uncommon.Types of DVD dataEach DVD disk is able to hold various types of data. DVD can be used to watch movies (DVD-Video), store software (DVD-Data) and to listen to the music (DVD-Audio).DVD-Data DVD-DATA is used to store computer data on DVD. Basically it is the same CD-ROM, but with much bigger capacity, and it is used the same way as CD-ROM is. However DVD-DATA is more convenient as a storage medium due to its large capacity. Most modern programs doesn't fit on single CD, for example, computer games and Linux packages often need more than 10 CDs. In case with DVD one or two disks are usually more than enough. At the moment software is usually released on both CD and DVD, as not everyone has DVD drive yet. But it is clear that CD versions soon will disappear.DVD-VideoCurrently this is the most common type of DVD data, the one that DVD was initially designed for. Compared with VHS tapes DVD-Video is a giant leap into the future. There are heaps of features there that most people have no idea about.First of all, DVD-Video is interactive - any place on the disk is instantly accessible and it is possible to have more than one ending for the movie. And parents can limit viewing of naughty parts of movies for their children. Apart from that disks can have additional bonus materials, such as interviews, promotion trailers, slides, text info and even videogames. In addition to all this DVD-Video is capable to have multi angle view option, when camera angle can be changed during playback. However, this feature mostly used in porno movies and live concert records.Video data on DVD-Video disks is compressed by using MPEG-2 compression. This compression algorithm allows shrinking video stream approximately ten times, without loss of picture quality. As a result, each disk is able to hold up to 4 hours of video with 720x576 resolution at 24 frames per second (PAL) or 720x480 at 30 frames per second (NTSC). The streaming speed is usually between 3 and 10 MBit per second.Video can be recorded in different screen ratios. For example, it can have ratio of 4:3, which is a standard television ratio, or widescreen - 16:9. Widescreen image have two types: Letterbox and anamorphic. In the first case image is simply cropped at the top and at the bottom to achieve desired format. In anamorphic mode the image is initially recorded in stretched form and then shrinked to the desired size. This method is much more effective as whole frame is used for useful data, while in Letterbox large part of the frame is used to store black pixels only. As a result, anamorphic mode has better details and sharper picture.Audio data can be stored in various formats: LPCM, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX and DTS.LPCM (linear pulse code modulation) is uncompressed stereo or mono soundtrack. It is usually used in musical video clips and movies where sound clarity is important. Same format is used for generic Audio CDDolby Pro Logic is special type of soundtrack that can be split into 4 channels for surround sound. Nowadays this format is uncommon.Dolby Digital (AC-3) is fully digital sound compression format; it can be split into up to 6 independent channels. Unlike Dolby Pro Logic, each channel is recorded on separate physical track.Dolby Digital EX is more advanced version of Dolby Digital. Supports up to 8 independent channels.DTS (Digital Theater System) is another digital audio compression format, introduced by Steven Spielberg as an alternative to Dolby Digital. DTS provides more quality than Dolby Digital due to lower compression. That, of course, leads to bigger size of the soundtrack itself, which occupy more disk space. It also requires special receiver to be decoded. Because of these reasons DTS disks usually does not have any bonus materials but have LPCM soundtrack. This soundtrack is included to allow users without special receiver to listen to the sound (stereo only, though). Because of all these DTS disks are much less common compared to Dolby Digital. Usually DTS disks with improved video quality (and without bonus materials) are called SuperBit. Both DTS and Dolby Digital (EX) are also used in cinemas.Some of the largest drawbacks of DVD-Video are its various copy protection measures, which were added because of the pressure from film companies. At first these measures provided lots of nuisance for users, but eventually every DVD protection was hacked. This process was also assisted by equipment manufacturers who simply didn't support most annoying protection measures.One of the most annoying of such measures was "Regional Protection" . The world was divided into 8 zones, and each DVD player was supposed to have information about its zone. The same was made for DVDs, and thus DVDs from one zone could only be played on players from the same zone. User was allowed to change zone for the player few times only, and the last of selected zones was locked in the player forever.This trick was invented in order to be able to assign different price in each region, depending on income level. Besides, movie might be released in different times in different countries. For example, in Africa the movie might just hit cinemas and in USA it might already be available on DVD. So regional protection was supposed to stop people from buying DVDs in USA and selling them in Africa.Unfortunately, this protection didn't bring anything but troubles. Many travelers were not able to play disk purchased overseas. Buying disks over the internet or from EBay also became a problem. Apart from that, some movies were released in certain countries only.Many manufacturers considered these implications and started to provide means of switching off regional protection for their devices. Chinese manufacturers basically abandon this protection at all.But uncontrolled distribution of DVDs wasn't the only thing that movie makers were against. Illegal copying was much bigger problem for them, especially given the fact that digital information can be copied endlessly without any loss of quality. To prevent that from happening, manufacturers included special CSS (content scrambling system) technology in DVD-Video standard. CSS basically encrypt all disks content and the key for decryption is available only for DVD-Player or special viewing program. Simply copying the disk will make the copy completely useless.But manufacturers forgot to include support for Unix system and playback was available only for Windows and MacOS. This issue was solved by Jon Johansen, who wrote DeCSS program for Unix that easily bypassed CSS protection. Developers of CSS were enraged with that and sued Jon. They wanted to stop DeCSS from spreading and put Jon in prison, however, this case sparked lots of support movements around the world. Activists even printed DeCSS code on t-shirts. Finally, Jon was declared not guilty and his program laid a foundation for many DVD copy utilities all over the world.In general, DVD format was successful and, despite some issues with regional protection, has spread all over the world and almost replaced VHS tapes.SummaryDVD is not a new format anymore and there are actually new formats already that aim to replace it. Someone could ask why does he or she needs to be familiar with DVD if there is something new coming? The answer to this lies in the fact that DVD provides foundation for most new technologies, for example HD-DVD or Blue Ray. And if someone became familiar with underlying principles once, it won't be a problem to switch to something new later.	 	 		 			 				 					 						Artem Chlegov is a editor and writer for DVDSoftwareGuide.com [http://www.dvdsoftwareguide.com] - a DVD software review website.

All About DVD Part 1: DVD Format

Types of DVD and history of development It's been a long time since DVD became common in our everyday life. However, most people don...