… movies, documentaries, concerts, and sporting events readily available to the public on video cassettes. A second advantage to the Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) is the relatively low cost of purchase, movies and maintenance. While the cost of some hi-fi VCRs with many features can rise to nearly $500, a reasonable VCR of good quality can be purchased for under $200. Movies can be purchased for fifteen to twenty-five dollars each, and are available for rent for reasonable prices, usually less than three dollars each. Maintenance is usually minimal on the machines, costing no more than the price of a video head cleaner, which sells for around ten dollars.
While the VCR offers many advantages to consumers, there are some areas where it has proven to be less adept than the DVD. Perhaps no other area of interest to consumers is as important as the audio and video quality offered by the VCR and DVD. While the VCR offers an acceptable level of picture and sound quality, it can in no way match the digitally mastered audio and video offered by the DVD. With 500 lines of resolution, DVD has twice that of 250 line resolution videotapes, providing for an exceptional quality picture. Likewise, DVDs feature multi-channel audio tracks, for near perfect audio on every occasion. DVD is also instilled with digital video, allowing for such options as slow-motion playing and crystal clear pausing, options not available on the VCR.
A second advantage to DVD is the quantity of extra material available on a disc. Through a process known as MPEG 2 Video Compression, the DVD is able to store an exceptional amount of material on a single disc. In MPEG 2, similar aspects of each frame of a video are carried over to subsequent frames, making it necessary for only the differences between frames to be stored. The extra storage space provided by MPEG 2 is used to offer consumers an entire list of extras, including full length audio tracks, multiple language capability, commentary from stars and directors, or movie trailers.
A third advantage to DVD systems is the viewing security offered by the DVD player. Most DVDs come with a lockable by password rating feature, allowing parents to program the player to make certain DVD titles unplayable without the password. When activated, this option can allow parents to restrict their children’s viewing capabilities by making adult titles unplayable without a password. In using this option, parents are free to watch selections that they enjoy, while protecting their children from viewing unwanted material even when not under parental supervision. DVD players, while not as affordable as VCRs, can still be purchased for a reasonable price. Most DVD players range in price from $350 to $600, depending on the number and type of features included.
Movies in DVD form also prove to be reasonably priced. Most titles are available on DVD for slightly more than their VHS video counterparts. Maintenance for DVD players seems to be restricted to keeping the machine and discs free of stray dust and scratches. While DVD has many advantages to consumers looking for high quality video entertainment, there is at least one drawback. In addition to the slightly higher prices of DVDs, and DVD players, the DVD system presents a problem for those who enjoy viewing foreign films. DVD is governed by a regional coding system, which divides the world into six major regions.
DVD players and titles are encoded with one of six codes, which are based on the region in which they are sold. This regional coding system limits when and where certain DVDs can be played. In order for a DVD title to be viewable, its coding must match that of the DVD player. The following chart governs the regional encoding of DVD players and titles. Code Country/Region 1.
US and Canada 2. Europe and Japan 3. The Orient 4. Australia and New Zealand 5. Asia and Africa 6.
China Such encoding would make it impossible for a movie produced in France to be viewed on an American DVD player, or vice versa. While this may be a small problem for some, foreign movie buffs may be devastated by the problems it could cause. In addition, accessibility to DVDs can present a problem for some consumers. While DVD titles are offered for sale in many stores nationwide, DVD video rentals are still hard to come by. Unless a consumer is willing to purchase every movie they wish to view at home, the DVD may present a problem for consumers in rural areas without access to such rental agencies. DVD Vs.
VCR VCR DVD Player Videos DVDs Cost $200-$500 $350-$600 $15-$25 $20-$30 Accessibility Easy Moderate Easy Moderate/ Difficult Audio/Video Quality Good Best Good Best Maintenance Minimal Minimal Minimal Minimal CONCLUSION In conclusion, it is important for consumers to carefully examine their needs before making the choice between a VCR and a DVD. While the DVD obviously offers better quality picture and sound, as well as a host of other amenities, it is important to figure in the affordability and accessibility to materials offered by VCRs. Only after carefully considering both home entertainment systems and their effects on the individual entertainment needs of the consumer, should someone make the final decision between the two systems. Both DVD and VCR offer a host of advantages in home entertainment thought impossible just a few short years ago. With time, both of these systems are sure to find solutions to the few disadvantages held by each, and will prove to offer amenities that we are not even able to imagine. RECOMENDATIOSAfter careful research and diligent thought on the subject, it is recommended that those consumers looking for ease, accessibility, and affordability purchase a VCR for their home entertainment needs.
The VCR will provide adequate quality picture and sound, while providing an easy and affordable form of home entertainment. Those individuals more concerned with sound and picture quality, as well as the technological amenities offered by the DVD, should purchase a DVD player for their home entertainment needs. The DVD will provide the best audio and video quality available on the market today, while giving consumers a host of technological amenities to fulfill their home entertainment needs. REFERENCES? ‘Video Recording,’ Microsoft (R) Encarta (R) 97 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1996 Microsoft Corporation. ? web web web 1.
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