DVD Speak

Artifacts:
Flaws in video caused during conversion to DVD, often by trying to compress too much information on to the disc.

Aspect Ratio:
The ratio of width to height. Widescreen is 16:9, while the standard television aspect ratio is expressed 4:3.

Chapter:
Just like in a book, DVDs are split into chapters for easy referral and access.

Dolby Digital:
This proprietary technology is used to decode high-quality sounds from the DVD.

DVD:
Digital Versatile Disc, not Digital Video Disc.

Easter Eggs:
These are hidden features that many DVDs now contain and can usually be accessed via a hidden icon on a menu.

Frame Rate:
Number of frames per second displayed in motion.

5.1:
The five indicates the number of sound channels available - in this case there would be front left and right, rear left and right and centre. The number after the dot indicates sub-woofer support.

Layer:
This is where all the information appearing on your screen is stored. DVDs can be double sided (two layers) though reliability is questionable with cheaper DVD players.

Letterbox:
The use of upper and lower black mattes to keep films in their original aspect ratio.

Moire:
Circular lines that appear on television screens when they are filmed.

Parental Lock:
Allows users to block certain content

Pixel:
This is similar to PC monitors and measures the width by height of your display in pixels - screen size is usually irrelevant.

Region Code:
Six region codes determine where you can watch your DVD. If you purchased a DVD in Sydney, you won't be able to watch it in Paris.

ROM:
Read Only Memory cannot be written to.

RSDL:
Reverse Spiral Dual Layer. Format used to allow scanning of two layers of a DVD disc with a minimal delay between layers.

Surround Sound:
One of the most high-fidelity sound protocols available for the home user. It allows you to hear a car moving from behind you to in front of you. Also known as positional sound.