DVD, which once stood for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc, is the next generation of optical disc storage technology that is expected to rapidly replace the CD-ROM disk (as well as the audio compact disc) over the next few years. DVD holds 4.7 gigabytes of information on one of its two sides, or enough for a 133-minute movie. With two layers on each of its two sides, it will hold up to 17 gigabytes of video, audio, or other information.

DVD as an industry standard was announced in November 1995 and backed by major players in the CE, IT and movie industry. The first players appeared in Japan in November, 1996, followed by U.S. players in March, 1997. To produce DVD players, one needs to license a range of patents, owned by different companies. A number of these companies (Philips, Sony, Matsushita and Toshiba) have decided to license the necessary patents through one licensing agent. Philips has been selected to take up this administrative role. Matshusita, was the company mainly responsible for the development of DVD as it is today. Philips, one of the first companies to make CD players, was the first to make a DVD player. The invention of DVD cannot be attributed to one person or one company.

DVD-Video is the usual name for the DVD format designed for full-length movies and is a player that will work with your television set. DVD-ROM holds computer data and is read by a DVD-ROM drive hooked up to a computer, DVD-RAM is the writeable version. DVD-Audio is a player designed to replace your compact disc player.

DVD Video Technology Explained
DVD Video Technology Explained from your About Guide to Mac Support.

DVD-ROM, DVD Video, DVD-RAM - Info
Informational sites, feature articles, FAQ lists and industry standards sites for DVD-ROM, DVD video and DVD-RAM. , from your About Guide to Computer Peripherals.

Related Information
Compact Disk
James Russell invented the disc in 1965. Russell was granted a total of 22 patents for various elements of his system.

Optical Disc
David Paul Gregg first envisioned the optical or laser disc in 1958 and patented it in 1969.