Borgman, D. (1999). A discussion of digital versatile discs. Center for Youth Studies: S. Hamilton, MA: Center for Youth Studies.

OVERVIEW

Are DVD’s really here to stay? After all, Beta didn’t succeed...nor Super VHS...nor did Laserdiscs really...and DIVX went down in June 1999. But DVDs seem to be making it.

Laserdisks (12" record or CD), DIVX, and DVDs (4 3/4" like music CDs) all work off digital or number codes (rather than analog or waves) burned and read by laser, but with different compression systems. DVDs have worked out a small and clear technology.

As of July 1999, there are only 4,000 DVD movie titles available—compared to 68,000 VHS (Video Home Systems) tapes. But DVD is setting a faster sales pace. There were 1 million DVD households in 1998; there will be 3 million by the end of 1999. DVD Express has a Web site at (www.dvdexpress.com).

The advantages of DVD follow:

• the smallness of the disc...its portability, etc.
• its image is clearer than VHS and even the movies themselves.
• the sound is better than VHS and the movies.
• each disc has a larger capacity than VHS or Laserdisc with room for special features, additional sound track, director’s commentary, and other film information.

DVDs are for those who want the latest and best at home, for those who want to study a film more closely, and for those who want portability (either with a small DVD player or a laptop with internal or external drives).

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you understand the basic explanation of this latest technology? What questions do you have about how it works or why it should replace what we have at present?
2. What do you see as the benefits of this technology? What dangers does it pose in terms of consumerism, sexual addiction, etc.?
3. Do you see technology as primarily good, evil, or neutral? Explain.
4. How might you use this new technology in a helpful way? How will you avoid its dangers?
5. What responsibility to you have to introduce or interpret this technology to young people?

IMPLICATIONS

• As with other technical developments, we need to understand this technology as part of popular culture, as a technique, as an industry, and as a communicator of art and entertainment.
• From a human perspective, it is important that we view this technology in terms of the common good (or detriment) of all people on earth.

Dean Borgman cCYS