The size of a CD, the DVD takes advantage of 15 years of progress and is the newest and most advanced way to enjoy a movie. The improved picture and sound quality are enough to have quite an impact on consumers. But there's even more value to come. A DVD can be equipped with bonus video and information. 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.