DVD-VR
Encyclopedia
The DVD-VR standard defines a logical format for video recording on DVD-R
, DVD-RW
, and DVD-RAM
style media, including the dual layer versions of these media. As opposed to media recorded with the DVD+VR
recording standard, the resulting media are not DVD-Video
compliant, and will not play back in some DVD-Video
players. Most DVD video recorders in the market that support DVD-R
, DVD-RW
, or DVD-RAM
media will allow recording to these media in DVD-VR mode, as well as in a DVD-Video
compliant mode. It is possible to use the DVD-VR format with DVD+R and DVD+RW media, but no examples are known other than some PC based recording utilities.
The standard was introduced in 1999 by the DVD Forum
, and licensing is managed by the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation http://www.dvdfllc.co.jp. For each of the supported media, the full recording standard consists of three parts being: Physical Specifications (Part 1), File System Specifications (Part 2), and the Video Recording Specifications (Part 3).
DVD-VR recorded media are not DVD-Video
compliant, and will not play back in all DVD player
s. Some more recent DVD players, and also the Sony Playstation 2, allow playback of discs that have been recorded with the DVD-VR format.
disc. Instead of modifying the DVD-Video
standard, a separate standard was created to allow for this.
Video is recorded as an MPEG program stream. Video resolution depends on the recording quality and the video format used. Multiple audio encodings are allowed including MPEG Audio, Dolby Digital
(AC-3) and Linear PCM.
Unlike standard DVD-Video recordings, the aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9) is contained in the .VRO file itself as part of the video stream. Thus DVD-VR supports mixed format presentations within a single .VRO file. Contrast DVD-Video where the aspect ratio is coded into the accompanying .IFO file and thus a single .VOB
file can be in a single aspect ratio only.
VRO is a container format for multiplexed audiovisual content. VRO file is an equivalent to a collection of DVD-Video VOB files. If one doesn't care about any edits (e.g., deleting of recorded videos), one can play the VRO directly as if it was a standard DVD-Video VOB file. Fragmented VRO files are not widely supported by software players and video editing software.
used on the media is UDF Revision 2.0
. DVD-VR uses the realtime file extensions for UDF. For DVD-R
media the VAT flavor is used, for DVD-RAM
the plain flavor is used, and the spared flavor is used for DVD-RW
media.
Packet writing
technology is used to allow random access to, and incremental updating of the optical media.
media before putting these in another recording system. DVD-R
media must be finalized before playback is possible in players. Also finalization may be required before a DVD-R
disc can be accessed in another recording system.
DVD-R
DVD-R is a DVD recordable format. A DVD-R typically has a storage capacity of 4.71 GB. Pioneer has also developed an 8.5 GB dual layer version, DVD-R DL, which appeared on the market in 2005....
, DVD-RW
DVD-RW
A DVD-RW disc is a rewritable optical disc with equal storage capacity to a DVD-R, typically 4.7 GB. The format was developed by Pioneer in November 1999 and has been approved by the DVD Forum. The smaller Mini DVD-RW holds 1.46 GB, with a diameter of 8 cm.The primary advantage of DVD-RW over...
, and DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM is a disc specification presented in 1996 by the DVD Forum, which specifies rewritable DVD-RAM media and the appropriate DVD writers. DVD-RAM media have been used in computers as well as camcorders and personal video recorders since 1998.-Design:DVD-RAM is one of three competing...
style media, including the dual layer versions of these media. As opposed to media recorded with the DVD+VR
DVD+VR
The DVD+VR standard defines a logical format for DVD-Video compliant recording on optical discs. It is intended to be used on DVD+R and DVD+RW media. Most DVD video recorders in the market that support these two types of media also use the DVD+VR format for recording video on them. It is possible...
recording standard, the resulting media are not DVD-Video
DVD-Video
DVD-Video is a consumer video format used to store digital video on DVD discs, and is currently the dominant consumer video format in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Discs using the DVD-Video specification require a DVD drive and a MPEG-2 decoder...
compliant, and will not play back in some DVD-Video
DVD-Video
DVD-Video is a consumer video format used to store digital video on DVD discs, and is currently the dominant consumer video format in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Discs using the DVD-Video specification require a DVD drive and a MPEG-2 decoder...
players. Most DVD video recorders in the market that support DVD-R
DVD-R
DVD-R is a DVD recordable format. A DVD-R typically has a storage capacity of 4.71 GB. Pioneer has also developed an 8.5 GB dual layer version, DVD-R DL, which appeared on the market in 2005....
, DVD-RW
DVD-RW
A DVD-RW disc is a rewritable optical disc with equal storage capacity to a DVD-R, typically 4.7 GB. The format was developed by Pioneer in November 1999 and has been approved by the DVD Forum. The smaller Mini DVD-RW holds 1.46 GB, with a diameter of 8 cm.The primary advantage of DVD-RW over...
, or DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM is a disc specification presented in 1996 by the DVD Forum, which specifies rewritable DVD-RAM media and the appropriate DVD writers. DVD-RAM media have been used in computers as well as camcorders and personal video recorders since 1998.-Design:DVD-RAM is one of three competing...
media will allow recording to these media in DVD-VR mode, as well as in a DVD-Video
DVD-Video
DVD-Video is a consumer video format used to store digital video on DVD discs, and is currently the dominant consumer video format in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Discs using the DVD-Video specification require a DVD drive and a MPEG-2 decoder...
compliant mode. It is possible to use the DVD-VR format with DVD+R and DVD+RW media, but no examples are known other than some PC based recording utilities.
The standard was introduced in 1999 by the DVD Forum
DVD Forum
The DVD Forum is an international organization composed of hardware, software, media and content companies that use and develop the DVD and formerly HD DVD formats...
, and licensing is managed by the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation http://www.dvdfllc.co.jp. For each of the supported media, the full recording standard consists of three parts being: Physical Specifications (Part 1), File System Specifications (Part 2), and the Video Recording Specifications (Part 3).
Feature overview
The DVD-VR specification allows implementing the following main features:- Video recording to DVD-RDVD-RDVD-R is a DVD recordable format. A DVD-R typically has a storage capacity of 4.71 GB. Pioneer has also developed an 8.5 GB dual layer version, DVD-R DL, which appeared on the market in 2005....
, DVD-RWDVD-RWA DVD-RW disc is a rewritable optical disc with equal storage capacity to a DVD-R, typically 4.7 GB. The format was developed by Pioneer in November 1999 and has been approved by the DVD Forum. The smaller Mini DVD-RW holds 1.46 GB, with a diameter of 8 cm.The primary advantage of DVD-RW over...
, and DVD-RAMDVD-RAMDVD-RAM is a disc specification presented in 1996 by the DVD Forum, which specifies rewritable DVD-RAM media and the appropriate DVD writers. DVD-RAM media have been used in computers as well as camcorders and personal video recorders since 1998.-Design:DVD-RAM is one of three competing...
. Newer versions of the standard have been extended to also allow recording to the dual layer counterparts of such media. - Up to 99 titles per disc.
- Multiple play lists defining different playback-paths of the recorded content.
- Adding chapters and bookmarks to a recording.
- Support Main/Sub language for recording bilingual broadcasting.
- Frame-accurate editing of recorded content: Title split, title delete, partial title delete.
- Fragmented recording: All unused space on the disc may be randomly added to new recordings. This is the opposite of the tape-model used by DVD+VR recorders.
- Video and data files (such as digital pictures, or MP3 files) may be mixed on a single disc.
- Multiple recording modes, up to 10.08 megabitMegabitThe megabit is a multiple of the unit bit for digital information or computer storage. The prefix mega is defined in the International System of Units as a multiplier of 106 , and therefore...
per second (DVD-VideoDVD-VideoDVD-Video is a consumer video format used to store digital video on DVD discs, and is currently the dominant consumer video format in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Discs using the DVD-Video specification require a DVD drive and a MPEG-2 decoder...
quality). - Title and disc protection.
- 16:9 and 4:3 material may be mixed within a single file with the display switching correctly (where supported).
DVD-VR recorded media are not DVD-Video
DVD-Video
DVD-Video is a consumer video format used to store digital video on DVD discs, and is currently the dominant consumer video format in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Discs using the DVD-Video specification require a DVD drive and a MPEG-2 decoder...
compliant, and will not play back in all DVD player
DVD player
A DVD player is a device that plays discs produced under both the DVD-Video and DVD-Audio technical standards, two different and incompatible standards. These devices were invented in 1997 and continue to thrive...
s. Some more recent DVD players, and also the Sony Playstation 2, allow playback of discs that have been recorded with the DVD-VR format.
Technical format overview
The DVD-VR standard defines a logical format for recording and editing of video on a DVDDVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
disc. Instead of modifying the DVD-Video
DVD-Video
DVD-Video is a consumer video format used to store digital video on DVD discs, and is currently the dominant consumer video format in Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Discs using the DVD-Video specification require a DVD drive and a MPEG-2 decoder...
standard, a separate standard was created to allow for this.
Video is recorded as an MPEG program stream. Video resolution depends on the recording quality and the video format used. Multiple audio encodings are allowed including MPEG Audio, Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital
Dolby Digital is the name for audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories. It was originally called Dolby Stereo Digital until 1994. Except for Dolby TrueHD, the audio compression is lossy. The first use of Dolby Digital was to provide digital sound in cinemas from 35mm film prints...
(AC-3) and Linear PCM.
VRO file format
A DVD-VR recorded disc contains a 'DVD_RTAV' directory in the root of the filesystem, in which a single 'VR_MOVIE.VRO' file exists, containing the raw audio and video data for all video recordings on the disc. The recording metadata along with navigation data to represent playlist,programs and so on are also stored in the 'VR_MANGR.IFO' file in the same directory. A backup copy of this file (VR_MANGR.BUP) typically is present as well.Unlike standard DVD-Video recordings, the aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9) is contained in the .VRO file itself as part of the video stream. Thus DVD-VR supports mixed format presentations within a single .VRO file. Contrast DVD-Video where the aspect ratio is coded into the accompanying .IFO file and thus a single .VOB
VOB
A VOB file is a container format in DVD-Video media. VOB can contain video, audio, subtitle, menu and navigation contents multiplexed together into a stream form. VOB is based on the MPEG program stream format, but with additional limitations and specifications in the private streams...
file can be in a single aspect ratio only.
VRO is a container format for multiplexed audiovisual content. VRO file is an equivalent to a collection of DVD-Video VOB files. If one doesn't care about any edits (e.g., deleting of recorded videos), one can play the VRO directly as if it was a standard DVD-Video VOB file. Fragmented VRO files are not widely supported by software players and video editing software.
File system
The file systemFile system
A file system is a means to organize data expected to be retained after a program terminates by providing procedures to store, retrieve and update data, as well as manage the available space on the device which contain it. A file system organizes data in an efficient manner and is tuned to the...
used on the media is UDF Revision 2.0
Universal Disk Format
Universal Disk Format is an implementation of the specification known as ISO/IEC 13346 and ECMA-167 and is an open vendor-neutral file system for computer data storage for a broad range of media. In practice, it has been most widely used for DVDs and newer optical disc formats, supplanting ISO 9660...
. DVD-VR uses the realtime file extensions for UDF. For DVD-R
DVD-R
DVD-R is a DVD recordable format. A DVD-R typically has a storage capacity of 4.71 GB. Pioneer has also developed an 8.5 GB dual layer version, DVD-R DL, which appeared on the market in 2005....
media the VAT flavor is used, for DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM
DVD-RAM is a disc specification presented in 1996 by the DVD Forum, which specifies rewritable DVD-RAM media and the appropriate DVD writers. DVD-RAM media have been used in computers as well as camcorders and personal video recorders since 1998.-Design:DVD-RAM is one of three competing...
the plain flavor is used, and the spared flavor is used for DVD-RW
DVD-RW
A DVD-RW disc is a rewritable optical disc with equal storage capacity to a DVD-R, typically 4.7 GB. The format was developed by Pioneer in November 1999 and has been approved by the DVD Forum. The smaller Mini DVD-RW holds 1.46 GB, with a diameter of 8 cm.The primary advantage of DVD-RW over...
media.
Packet writing
Packet writing
Packet writing or IPW , is an optical disc recording technology used to allow write-once and rewritable CD and DVD media to be used in a similar manner to a floppy disk from within the operating system, i.e., it allows users to create, modify, and delete files and directories on demand without the...
technology is used to allow random access to, and incremental updating of the optical media.
Finalization
In order to allow interchange between recorders, it may be necessary to finalize or protect DVD-RWDVD-RW
A DVD-RW disc is a rewritable optical disc with equal storage capacity to a DVD-R, typically 4.7 GB. The format was developed by Pioneer in November 1999 and has been approved by the DVD Forum. The smaller Mini DVD-RW holds 1.46 GB, with a diameter of 8 cm.The primary advantage of DVD-RW over...
media before putting these in another recording system. DVD-R
DVD-R
DVD-R is a DVD recordable format. A DVD-R typically has a storage capacity of 4.71 GB. Pioneer has also developed an 8.5 GB dual layer version, DVD-R DL, which appeared on the market in 2005....
media must be finalized before playback is possible in players. Also finalization may be required before a DVD-R
DVD-R
DVD-R is a DVD recordable format. A DVD-R typically has a storage capacity of 4.71 GB. Pioneer has also developed an 8.5 GB dual layer version, DVD-R DL, which appeared on the market in 2005....
disc can be accessed in another recording system.
See also
- DVD+VRDVD+VRThe DVD+VR standard defines a logical format for DVD-Video compliant recording on optical discs. It is intended to be used on DVD+R and DVD+RW media. Most DVD video recorders in the market that support these two types of media also use the DVD+VR format for recording video on them. It is possible...
- VR ModeVR modeVR mode or Video Recording mode is a feature on stand-alone consumer and computer DVD recorders that allows video recording and editing on a DVD rewritable disc.In VR mode, users can create and rename titles for the scenes...
- VOBVOBA VOB file is a container format in DVD-Video media. VOB can contain video, audio, subtitle, menu and navigation contents multiplexed together into a stream form. VOB is based on the MPEG program stream format, but with additional limitations and specifications in the private streams...
- DVD formatsDVD formats-Non-recordable formats:*DVD-ROM: These are pressed similarly to CDs. The reflective surface is silver or gold colored. They can be single-sided/single-layered, single-sided/double-layered, double-sided/single-layered, or double-sided/double-layered. As of 2004, new double-sided discs have become...
- Universal Disk FormatUniversal Disk FormatUniversal Disk Format is an implementation of the specification known as ISO/IEC 13346 and ECMA-167 and is an open vendor-neutral file system for computer data storage for a broad range of media. In practice, it has been most widely used for DVDs and newer optical disc formats, supplanting ISO 9660...
- DVD-RWDVD-RWA DVD-RW disc is a rewritable optical disc with equal storage capacity to a DVD-R, typically 4.7 GB. The format was developed by Pioneer in November 1999 and has been approved by the DVD Forum. The smaller Mini DVD-RW holds 1.46 GB, with a diameter of 8 cm.The primary advantage of DVD-RW over...
, DVD-RDVD-RDVD-R is a DVD recordable format. A DVD-R typically has a storage capacity of 4.71 GB. Pioneer has also developed an 8.5 GB dual layer version, DVD-R DL, which appeared on the market in 2005....
, DVD-RAMDVD-RAMDVD-RAM is a disc specification presented in 1996 by the DVD Forum, which specifies rewritable DVD-RAM media and the appropriate DVD writers. DVD-RAM media have been used in computers as well as camcorders and personal video recorders since 1998.-Design:DVD-RAM is one of three competing...
, and DVD-R9 - DVD-AR