Michael asks…
How much longer will the DVD format last?
From the viewpoint of purchasing for a library, how much longer will dvd media continue in the face of formats like blue ray and internet downloadable media.
admin answers:
The will be around for at least another 10 years. This is not going to be a rapid transition. Within five years there will be no DVD players sold, only high definition, but regular DVDs will still be around.
The Blu-Ray site says:
**Will Blu-ray replace DVDs?
Yes, that’s the expectation. The Blu-ray format has received broad support from the major movie studios as a successor to today’s DVD format. In fact, seven of the eight major movie studios (Disney, Fox, Warner, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate and MGM) have released titles in the Blu-ray format. Many studios have also announced that they will begin releasing new feature films on Blu-ray Disc day-and-date with DVD, as well as a continuous slate of catalog titles every month. For more information about Blu-ray movies, check out our Blu-ray movies section which offers information about new and upcoming Blu-ray releases, as well as what movies are currently available in the Blu-ray format.
However, the two formats (Blu-ray and DVD) will most likely co-exist for quite some time until HDTVs become more widespread.
**Will Blu-ray be backwards compatible with DVD?
Yes, several leading consumer electronics companies (including Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Pioneer, Sharp and LG) have already demonstrated products that can read/write CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs using a BD/DVD/CD compatible optical head, so you don’t have to worry about your existing DVD collection becoming obsolete. In fact, most of the Blu-ray players coming out will support upscaling of DVDs to 1080p/1080i, so your existing DVD collection will look even better than before. While it’s up to each manufacturer to decide if they want to make their products backwards compatible with DVD, the format is far too popular to not be supported. The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) expects every Blu-ray Disc device to be backward compatible with DVDs.
DVDs offered enormous improvements over VHS, the least of which was improved picture quality. The only improvement Blu-Ray offers is picture quality (and audio, but its jump is not nearly as significant). You can still jump to any part of a movie, have instant access to commentaries and special features, and features like being able to watch video commentaries over the actual movie. Plus, as of now the full-functioning Blu-Ray players are prohibitively expensive for most people.
At least with the move from DVD to the Blu-Ray format your DVD collection is still quite usable since any of the new players still play them, unlike say the move from VHS to DVD.
Though, VHS decks stayed around for a while after just because of the ease of recording shows, but with PVRs now available (think Foxtel IQ, Tivo coming in 2008) they are being used less and less.
So, from the POV of a library, DVD is still a safe bet. You can still play DVDs in the current and near-future players.
Downloadable media still has a long way to go. While pay-pre-view is being used by Foxtel, it is not common.
Until we start to see more flexibility with downloads (issues because of piracy) and larger and cheaper storage (at least a few terrabites) disks will still rule.
Once things start changing, I imagine that ALIA will put out some announcements.
Betty asks…
What is the best DVD to iPod converter?
Hi all. Trying to find a good DVD to iPod converter. I don’t mind spending (a little) money, but I’m concerned about quality and reliability. I don’t want to buy anything that I’m not absolutely sure about.
If it were a free download, that would be great, but it’s not of utmost importance. I’m more concerned about finding a good product.
Any ideas? What DVD to iPod converter do you use? (At the moment, I use Videora, but I’m trying to find something legit)
admin answers:
Here~
Use WinX Free DVD to iPod Ripper. Fastest and easiest DVD ripper I ever use. It converts DVD movies to iPod in high quality like the original DVDs. Not all DVD rippers can give such good performance. At least all my friends try it on my recommendation and then love it. Lol
Check their official site for more functions and features: http://www.winxdvd.com/dvd-to-ipod/
It’s a freeware. No trial, no registration. Small file size, safe and fast to download and install.
PS: Not all free programs are trustable. But feel free to try this one (personal experience~), though you don’t mind spending money to buy one. Lol
Have fun~
John asks…
Can I use some kind of software to change my voice in a video?
My friend and I recently made a video and the character I was supposed to be has a super deep voice. Is there anything free I can download to change my voice in a video we already made? btw im editing with Windows Live Movie Maker so can it somehow work with that?
admin answers:
The answer is simple! Try using audacity, it can be found on many sites but I used snapfiles.com, its a good and safe download + its REALLY simple to use!
Joseph asks…
Question about which video editing software to use?
Im looking for a good, free, and easy to use video editing software that i can use to remix videos somewhat. Im planning on taking parts of MLP FIM episodes and adding them together into one video for my friend for his birthday
admin answers:
Take a look at the tutorials for Windows Movie Maker at http://www.windowsmoviemakers.net/Tutorials/ – it may be WMM is all you need. It really is foolproof except that it’s picky in what file formats it takes and the lack of native support for multiple video and audio tracks are a definite disadvantage (but there are workarounds).
The version 2 series were probably the most versatile, you can find them here – http://www.brothersoft.com/downloads/windows-movie-maker.html – but you’ll have problems installing the older versions on Windows 7.
Other free video editors are…
Wax – http://www.debugmode.com/wax/ – this is also a compositor – a bit like Adobe’s After Effects – – unlimited video and audio tracks
VideoLAN Movie Creator – http://videolan.org/vlmc/ – up to 64 audio and video tracks
TrakAxPC – www.trakax.com/software/pc/
VideoSpin – http://videospin.com/ – just 1 video track so you may as well use WMM
VideoPad – the free version – http://www.nchsoftware.com/videopad/
Lightworks – http://www.lightworksbeta.com/ – I like this one – unlimited tracks ?
Serif MoviePlus – http://serif.com/free-video-editing-software/ – unlimited tracks ?
Ezvid – ezvid.com/ – 32 video and audio tracks
Another is Zwei-Stein. This is a good editor but I found the interface to be absolutely horrible.
VirtualDub, RAD Video tools, AVITricks and Avidemux are also good tools you should look at. Although not full editors like the others they have some useful features.
Lightworks and Wax together are a very good video editing system for free.
All are safe, at least from the sites I’ve linked to.
If you want to spend some money then there are reviews of 14 video editors under $100 at http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
More costly are video editors like Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere. Both of which are very good. Premiere is probably more advanced but harder to learn everything it can do.
James asks…
where can i download psp games in internet for free?
i want to download syphn filter:logan’s shadow and silent hill on mai psp but i don’t know where. can anyone tell me a hot website to download a lot of games for the psp?
admin answers:
To download PSP games and movies from a very safe site check out http://www.squidoo.com/psp-download-guide You can even download games to your PSP that were from the SNES, NES, SEGA, etc. They will provide you with all the software you will need and will even give you extra, like software to turn your PSP into a universal remote.
To get custom firmware check out http://www.squidoo.com/psp-repair They will give you step by step instructions on how to downgrade your firm ware. They will also show you how to fix anything on your PSP.
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