The same disc can have both pan, scant and letterbox versions of the same movie and will leave the V-chip behind before it even gets here. Software factories are already in place to manufacture the new video disc. The only sticking point now is having enough movie titles to play on the machines. The DVD players should be in the stores by spring, but software availability is the concern. When the great movies are there, the masses will come.
Some studios are already on board.
Warner Brothers was a prime mover in the development of the format, and Sony, who has a stake in DVD's future, is ready as well. The format is set to work in the growing computer market, but the fear is computer users may be able to bypass protections made against copying and illegal release of the studio's intellectual properties. Some studios are waiting to see if the finished systems will protect against home video hackers. DVD backers expect that if they can sell the product to the remaining studios, the public will be an easy sell, as well. If so, VHS may find itself gathering dust right alongside those old 8-track tapes.