Designing a DVD menu

Authoring conventions
+R & -R: DVD+R is a digital optical disc storage format,
which can be read multiple times and be re-written. However,
the DVD+R format can be read multiple times, unless
the disc itself gets damaged. An optical disc storage in
the format of DVD+R usually holds on average 4.7GB
of internal disc storage. DVD+R is very similar to, but is
not identical or companionable to DVD-R. The main
difference between DVD +R and R is that R is that
both sets of formats are different manufacturers for the
disc. DVD-R is similar to +R in the sense that they both
can be read and re-written multiple times. Also, both
sets of formats have exactly the same Memory size
(4488MB). +R and R are backed/supported by
different sets of companies and manufacturers. For
example, +R is backed by companies such as Microsoft
and Sony. Whereas R is supported by Apple and Mitsubishi
alike.

+RW & -RW: The main difference between RW and R

formats is that, unlike both R formats, the RW range can be
read and written numerous times. These discs can be rewritten over 1000+ times, meaning that the data on them can
be altered at any one time by the user. +RW and RW are not
an issue in DVD players, as the vast majority of DVD players
will read all types of DVD formats. However, when it comes to
DVD recorders, the disc does need to be compatible with the
recording device.

Dual layer
DVD+R contains multiple layers to the structure of the disc.
This means that data can be burned onto the various layers on
the disc when using a DVD +R recorder. This is not the case
with DVD-R formats, as these type of discs (-R and RW) are
only single-layered. By adding multiple layers to a disc, the
data on the disc can be

Writing speed
The writing speed depends on many aspects of the disc and the
DVD recorder. Modern compact discs record at speeds of 52x
and higher. Other modern discs have the potential to run up to
around 16x. The actual internal capacity of DVD is around 4GB.
On the other hand, when compared to a high definition BluRay disc which has an actual capacity of about 23GB, this is
currently one of the highest capacity of a DVD (Blu- ray) disc
today.

Additional DVD Features

Subtitles
The vast majority of feature-length films will include some
types of subtitles, which can be utilised by the audience.
Subtitles are a live on-screen script of what is being said during
the film in a language of the audiences choosing to help them
translate spoken language in the film to their native spoken
language. They can be used at any one time during the film
and can also be set up on the DVD menu, before playing the
film. Subtitle language depends on the availability and type of
film. However, common subtitle languages include: Chinese
(Traditional and Mandarin), French, German and Spanish.
Same-language subtitling is slightly different.
This is because this type of subtitling is used
to aid people who are hard of hearing and/ or
deaf. In this case, the subtitles are in the
same language as the film and the same
language as the user. As it is just to aid the
audience in understanding the film because of a hearing
impediment.
Subtitles are common across all different types of films.
Whether it be same or different language subtitles, there is
usually an easy and simple way to switch subtitles on before
the film begins.

Different Languages

Voice-over translation for films in different languages (also

known as dubbing) is slightly different to subtitling, but is
used for a similar purpose. Dubbing consists of actors
performing voice-overs of the original actors in a film. This is
usually used for foreign audiences of a film. Voice over
narration helps the film flow more easily and can help the
audience understand the DVD a lot
better that reading subtitles. Also, the
disadvantage of subtitles is that the
audience sometimes have trouble
focusing on the film as they are too
busy reading the subtitles at the bottom
of the screen, and sections of dialogue
can be missed due to the slow reading time of an audience.
On the other hand, from a film developers point of viewdubbing can take a considerable amount of time to work on
and perfect. This is because it requires actors in any chosen
language to read over the script of the actors in the film and
voice over every line that is spoken. This can take a large
amount of time and if it is not done correctly, the finished
voice-overs can seem unprofessional to the audience.

Animations
Animations can be used in many different ways in relation to
DVDs and movies. As well as in the actual DVD film itself,
animations can be used previous to playing the DVD. For
example, animations can be used in the DVD menu as a
background animation or short film. This practise is quite
common with film developers as a short animation can help
interest and engross the audience before
the film begins. Alternatively, animations
are sometimes used on DVD menu buttons.
This is used to help make the DVD menu
even more interactive, entertaining and
also to help engage the audience in the
film.
Animated DVD menu buttons are
commonly used in films whose target audience are small

children and young people. The reason for this is that children
are more likely to be interested in something, the more they
interact with it.
As well as this, there is also short animated cut- scenes that
can sometimes be played when on a DVD menu. It can be
activated in most films by not moving from the DVD menu and
will automatically play in a certain time frame.

Digital Theatre Systems (DTS)

Digital Theatre Systems (or DTS) originated from North America
and are now known globally for their expertise in
manufacturing and distributing digital surround sound formats.
They specialize in designing and producing surround sound
formats which can be used in commercial theatres or for
personal use.
DTS also competes globally with Dolby Labs for its production
and distribution of audio encoding technologies, as both
companies have a long list of product ranges to compete with
each other.
As well as implementing audio encoding into films, DTS have
also used their technologies to help further video games that
have become famous on PlayStation2 such as: Grand Theft
Auto: Vice City and Terminator 3. DTS supplied video game
manufacturers with a 2- part audio channelling system named
DTS Connect. This is the name given for both of the audio
encoding systems that work in unison on computer platforms
alone.

Dolby
Dolby, founded in London in 1965, was set up as an
audio manufacturing company and quickly
developed into one of the biggest names when it
comes to home cinema and audio. It distributes many assets,
involving audio and cinema, worldwide and is globally known
for revolutionising the way audio and cinema is produced. Its
products are sold both for commercial and personal use.

In terms of commercial use, Dolby produces a range of audio

products that work co-operatively with films. Its products that
are tailored made to films can help make audio in the film
clearer and make the film visually more attractive. Dolby are
also responsible for making the DVD discs/ CDs themselves.
In addition, Dolby also develops and dictates the writing speeds
of certain discs as well as the R and RW formats of DVDs/ CDs.
Regional Codes
Regional codes are placed on DVDs so that the film can only be
played on specific DVD players in particular countries. It
controls which DVDs are able to play on various DVD players.
For example, the majority of Europe and parts of Africa is
classed as a region code 2. All continents have unique region
codes. For example, North Americas regional code is 1.
DVD discs have a specific region code and this must match the
region code of the country that it is played in. For example, if a
DVD disc is a region code 2, then the DVD
player must also be a region code 2. DVD
discs that are played on a DVD player that
does not matching region codes, will not
work and the disc will not be able to play.
Copyright Protection
Law governs copyright protection measures. Copyright laws are
there to stop original material being took by other people,
claiming it is theirs. These laws relate to the media industry
more than most, as the internet is used by billions of people
worldwide and can be a danger to people who have not
copyrighted material that is placed there.
In the film industry, all feature-length films are
copyrighted. This is to protect what the film stands for, the
company who made the film and the people that are involved
in the film.
All films and its content are automatically copyrighted by law,
when the film is released to the public.

Parental Controls
In the film industry, parental controls are developed for people
(parents) who want to control what their children watch and
listen to. More often than not, parents are aware of what age
group the film is suitable for, and if the film contains any
material that is not suitable children, before the film is even
played. This is because all relevant information is displayed on
the front and back of the DVD/ Film cover for people to be
informed of what the film contains. This is in terms of graphic
content, explicit language and any scenes in the film which
may not be suitable for young children top watch. Parental
controls can often be found in the DVD menu itself. The settings
typically contain adjustments that can be made to the film, to
filter out any explicit language and/or graphic content.
Sometimes, films do not include parental controls as some films
are purely made and targeted towards older age ranges (15-18
year olds). Parental controls on these types of films would be
meaningless, as films aimed towards older age ranges are not
supposed to be watched by younger audiences.