DVP-NS52P - FAQ's   

Each DVD/Blu-ray disc player manufacturer is submitted to legal obligations, and technical and procedural implementations to be authorized to manufacture and sell DVD/Blu-ray players. Among these, each player shall be designated for only one region and shall implement regional code playback controls in accordance with the regional code instructions contained on the prerecorded disc. Players may play back such data only if the data are coded for playback in the same geographic region for which the player is itself designated, including coding of such data that provides for playback in multiple regions where one of such regions is the single designated region for the player on which the disk is to be played back. Furthermore, the player shall be designed such that the regional code playback function cannot be defeated or circumvented (...).

• Digital audio/video storage; high-quality audio/video recording; picture quality does not deteriorate.
• Instant search to a desired point via an on-screen menu or a chapter menu― no need to rewind or fast-forward.
• Same size as a CD; compact and takes little storage space.

Write-Once DVD formats

• DVD-R (Recordable)

Max. number of times a disc can be recorded: 1.

Data capacity (*1) : 4.7 GB.

DVD-R was officially approved by the DVD Forum as a Write-Once format, it allows recording only once, like CD-R.

Since DVD-R format was originally created to make a master disc or sample verification disc in developing DVD-ROM and DVD VIDEO, it has similar high compatibility characteristics.

The data capacity for DVD-R Ver.2.0 (approved February 2000 as an authoring format, and May 2000 as a general format) or later versions is specified as 4.7 GB, which is the same as the rewritable DVD formats.

(*1) 1 GB (Gigabyte) represents 1,000,000,000 bytes in all instances.

• DVD+R (+Recordable)

Max. number of times a disc can be recorded: 1

Data capacity (*1) : 4.7 GB

Based on the DVD+RW format, the DVD+RW Alliance formulated DVD+R in January, 2002 as a Write-Once format for the long-term storage of important data, since it does not allow for overwriting (such as accidental erasure).

Its disc face is more reflective than DVD+RW, resulting in higher playback compatibility with existing devices.

(*1) 1 GB (Gigabyte) represents 1,000,000,000 bytes in all instances.


Rewritable DVD formats

• DVD-RW (Re-recordable)

Max. number of times a disc can be recorded: 1,000 (approx.)

Data capacity (*1) : 4.7 GB (single-sided) / 9.4 GB (double-sided)

DVD-RW is the rewritable version of Write-Once DVD-Rs and is approved by the DVD Forum. DVD-RW has a similar physical format to read-only DVDs and features two recording formats: DVD Video recording and DVD Video (or VR mode and Video mode).

The DVD Video Recording format was included in the initial Ver.1.0 specifications, and in March 2000, the DVD Video format that allows for playback on DVD players was included in Ver.1.1.

Furthermore, CPRM-compatible DVD-RW Ver.1.1 can record TV programs that contain CPRM signals. (*2) A DVD-RW can be rewritten approximately 1,000 times.

(*1) 1 GB (Gigabyte) represents 1,000,000,000 bytes in all instances.

(*2) will not play on other DVD players, or DVD recorders not conforming to CPRM.

• DVD+RW (+Re-Writable)

Max. number of times a disc can be recorded: 1,000 (approx).

Data capacity (*1) : 4.7 GB

DVD+RW was made public by the DVD+RW Alliance (formed by eight manufactures (*2) that promoted CD-RW/-R media and drives in October 1999, and it is a rewritable DVD format.

The DVD+RW format aims for playback compatibility with the existing DVD-ROM drives and DVD players, and random read/write accessibility for data storage on PCs. Rewrite is allowed about 1,000 times.

(*1) 1 GB (Gigabyte) represents 1,000,000,000 bytes in all instances.(*2) Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Mitsubishi Chemical, Philips, Ricoh, THOMSON Multimedia, YAMAHA and Sony.

• DVD-RAM (Rewritable)

Max. number of times a disc can be recorded: 100,000 (approx).

Data capacity (*1): 4.7 GB (single-sided) / 9.4 GB (double-sided)

DVD-RAM is a format approved by the DVD Forum. When Ver.1.0 was released in July 1997, it was a single-sided disc of 2.6 GB, mounted in a protective cartridge. Later in september 1999, Ver.2.0 was released with the capacity of 4.7 GB for single-sided discs, and 9.4 GB for double-sided discs.

DVD-RAM's compatibility with existing DVD-ROM drives and DVD players is low, while its PC data storage feature is enhanced (e.g., number of times you can rewrite, etc.).

(*1) 1 GB (Gigabyte) represents 1,000,000,000 bytes in all instances.


Read-only DVD formats

• DVD-ROM (read-only memory)

Max. number of times a disc can be recorded: none.

Data capacity (*1) : 4.7 GB (single layer) / 9.4 GB (double layer)

DVD-ROM is a read-only DVD, and is the equivalent of a CD-ROM among CDs. DVD-ROM discs are widely used for distribution of PC software or video contents such as movies.

(*1) 1 GB (Gigabyte) represents 1,000,000,000 bytes in all instances.

Region code system is used to protect copyrights. If you try to play any other region DVD than the one determined on the player, you will not be able to play it back. Please make sure that your hardware device is compatible with the disc formats of your local region.

DVD region codes

Region code	Area
1	Canada, the United States and U.S. territories
2	Japan, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East (including Egypt) and Greenland.
3	Southeast Asia, and East Asia (including Hong Kong).
4	Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean.
5	Eastern Europe, Russia, the Indian Subcontinent, Africa, North Korea, and Mongolia.

If you try to play any other region DVD than the one determined on the player, you will not be able to play it back. Please make sure that your hardware device is compatible with the disc formats of your local region.

DVD region codes

Region code	Area
1	Canada, the United States and U.S. territories
2	Japan, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East (including Egypt) and Greenland.
3	Southeast Asia, and East Asia (including Hong Kong).
4	Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean.
5	Eastern Europe, Russia, the Indian Subcontinent, Africa, North Korea, and Mongolia.

IMPORTANT:

• The DVD player must accomplish with the voltage specification of your local region. Please refer to your device manual.
• As there are three main type of video standard in the world, namely PAL, NTSC and SECAM. A NTSC DVD disc cannot play on a PAL DVD player unless the Player is compatible with both PAL and NTSC system. The television been used should also a PAL and NTSC compatible, otherwise the picture will appear black and white or picture is unstable and not able to see.

• DVD Video format (Video mode)

DVD Video format (Video mode) was formulated as the first playback (read-only) application within the DVD family.

Since its purpose was to store an entire movie on one disc retaining quality audio/video, the format was adopted for commercial DVDs and playback devices such as DVD players. MPEG-2 is used for video compression, and Liner PCM, Dolby Digital and others schemes are adopted for audio, reproducing high quality pictures (about 500 TV lines of horizontal definition) and dynamic sound fields.

In addition, interactive functions such as multi-language, multi-story, and multi-angles are also possible.

This playback application for DVD players is now adopted as the recording application for DVD-RWs/-Rs for general DVD recorders.

Since it was originally for DVD players, the main feature of DVD Video format is its high-compatibility with the conventional DVD players.

However, a DVD Video disc during the editing stage (not in its final form) is not formatted enough to play on other DVD players. The disc needs to be finalized to format its data according to the DVD Video specifications.

• DVD Video Recording format (VR mode)

DVD Video Recording format (VR mode) was established by the DVD Forum for recording moving pictures in real time.

The format is used for DVD-RWs/DVD-Rs/DVD-RAMs, and together with random recording of UDF Ver.2.00 (explained in Physical Format), it offers discretional division and arrangement of recorded data. These capabilities made various edits on recorded contents possible, enabling not only the edits on the recorded data itself (original data), but also the virtual edits called Playlists that enable a variety of edits without altering the original data. Furthermore, the format records both language tracks of bilingual broadcasts, retains different aspect ratios within a single title, and records Copy-Once copy-controlled contents―features suitable for recording TV programs.

• DVD+RW Video format (+VR mode)

DVD+RW Video format (+VR mode) was formulated for recording moving pictures on DVD+RWs, and is also called +VR format.

The format's main feature is real-time recording, the ability to add recordings, and the overwrite function, while ensuring playback compatibility with conventional DVD players and DVD drives on PCs. The format specifies that finalizing (such as lead-out marking at the data end on the disc) be automatic.

These features allow flexibility for users― the disc is playable on other players immediately after ejecting from the recorder, and you can add recordings by re-inserting the disc into the recorder. Moreover, the recorded contents are allowed simple edits on the same disc.

DVD-RW Ver.1.1 discs are capable of Video mode recording, in addition to the VR mode recording initially allowed in Ver.1.0. Also, CPRM-compatible DVD-RW Ver.1.1 discs can record Copy-Once TV programs.

DVD-RW Ver.1.2 includes 4x-speed DVD-RW discs (Rev.2.0 - approved by the DVD Forum, Nov. 2003) and 6x-speed DVD-RW discs (Rev.3.0, - approved sept. 2004).

To use these discs, the playback/recording device you are using must be compatible with each of these formats.

If used on a non-conforming device, inconveniences such as disc or drive breakage may occur due to the drive software failure in some models.

For the drive's compatibility, see the instructions supplied with the drive or PC, or contact the manufacturer, or check the manufacturer's homepage.

No, you cannot. You need to select one of the recording modes for each disc.

Yes you can, if you format the disc in VR mode. Likewise, you can record in Video mode if you format a VR mode disc in Video mode. However, note that all the disc contents, such as movies, will be erased when formatting.

No, it will not have region code.

You can dub images that are not copy-guarded. Follow the copyright law when copying.

With Video mode recording or +VR mode recording, you will have to choose one of the tracks. With VR mode recording, you can record both tracks.

You can record Copy-Once programs using the following CPRM-compatible discs:

• DVD-RW Ver.1.1/1.2
• DVD-R for General Ver.2.0/2.1
• DVD-RAM for General Ver.2.1

Only VR mode allows recording Copy-Once signals, and you will a need CPRM-compatible recording/playback device for recording and playback of these discs.

You can also record the digital signals in the common broadcasting format (525i/NTSC) if you input the signals from a digital tuner (terrestrial or BS) to the recording device in analog.

CPRM-compatible disc specifications allow for Copy-Once program recording, while non-compatible discs do not. To record a CPRM program, you will also need a CPRM-compatible recording device.

Recording will not be allowed if copying is prohibited. To record the Copy-Once programs of digital broadcasts, go to the Can a DVD record digital broadcasts (terrestrial and BS)? in TV program Recording section.

If you record a program containing Copy-Once copy control signals onto a hard disc drive (HDD), the contents cannot be dubbed to a DVD, but can be moved to compatible DVD media. The HDD content is moved to a DVD, and the original recording in the HDD will be erased.

1x- speed indicates a recording/transfer speed of up to 11.08 Mbps. In this case, it will take about an hour to record on an entire 1x-speed disc.

The following discs are currently available:

Disc Type/Speed Indications on the Package		Transfer Speed (response)
		1x	2x	2.4x	4x	8x	16x
DVD-R	1x-4x	o	o	-	o	-	-
	1x-8x	o	o	-	o	o	-
	1x-16x	o	o	-	o	o	o
	DL 2x-4x	-	o	-	o	-	-
DVD-RW	1x-2x	o	o	-	-	-	-
	2x-4x*	-	o	-	o	-	-
	2x-6x*	-	o	-	o	o	-
DVD+R	1x-2.4x	o	-	o	-	-	-
	1x-4x	o	-	o	o	-	-
	1x-8x	o	-	o	o	o	-
	1x-16x	o	-	o	o	o	o
	DL 2.4x	-	-	o	-	-	-
DVD+RW	1x-2.4x	o	-	o	-	-	-
	1x-4x	o	-	o	o	-	-
	3.3x-8x	-	-	-	o	o	-

* Recordable only on devices conforming to DVD-RW Ver.1.2.

The compatible disc and the recording speed will be different depending on the model.

For recordable discs, see the High-Speed Recording Compatibility Table.

For PC data discs, see the instructions supplied with the VAIO hardware, VAIO proprietary external drive or other DVD drive.

DVD-R DL and DVD+R DL are recordable only on conforming devices.

High-speed recording itself does not deteriorate the picture. However, please note that the picture settings you made on the recording device (e.g., recording mode selection such as HQ or HSP) directly affect the picture quality.

Please note that they are different.

For DVD discs/drives, x-speed indicates the normal speed (maximum 11.08 Mbps transfer speed) times whatever number is given for that disc/drive (click here (go to 4.2) for the DVD disc/drive speed indications).

The dubbing speed of DVD recorders indicates the ratio of the required dubbing time to the contents playback time. Here are some examples of DVD recorder speed indications:

1. If you record on a 4.7 GB DVD at the disc's maximum of 11.08 Mbps speed (1x-transfer speed), you can record one hour of content.
2. If you record on a 4.7 GB DVD in SLP mode (6h mode― enables six-hours of content to be recorded), the average transfer speed will be about six-times that of 1x-transfer speed (11.08 Mbps). (Result: 6x-transfer speed.)
3. If you record on a hard disc drive (HDD) in SLP mode (6h mode) and dub the contents to a DVD at 4x-speed, the transfer speed at the time of the dubbing will be 24 times faster than the initial recording transfer speed:6x- transfer speed x 4x-transfer speed = 24x-transfer speed.For example, if you record one hour of content onto the HDD of Sony RDR-HX10 in SLP mode (6h mode), and dub the contents from the HDD to a 4x-speed DVD-R, theoretically, the high-speed dubbing can be completed in about 2.5 minutes. This is an example of maximum 24x-high-speed dubbing.

Whether a high-speed disc is usable, depends on the combination of disc and device. Check the speed of the device, each disc is compatible with.

You cannot adapt a non-conforming device to high-speed recording. There is no way to make it compatible.

NOTE:If you use a high-speed disc on a device that handles only 1x-speed discs, a malfunction may occur.

Double Layer is a newly added format to the existing DVD+R disc format. It specifies two recordable layers on a disc's one side, totaling 8.5 GB of capacity.

Although a compatible device is necessary for recording on a DVD+R DL, an average DVD player will suffice for playback. However, some devices may not play DVD+R DLs, as this is a new format.

Optical disc specifications commonly describe two layers as dual layer. But the DVD+RW Alliance calls the DVD+R two layer discs Double Layer.

Like video tapes that have different types with different recording time, DVD+R is considered to have two different medias with two different recording times and capacities.

It depends on the timing of standardization by the DVD Forum, which formulates DVD-R/-RW specifications.

DVD+R DL (double layer) format was established with the DVD-player compatibility in mind. However, since this is a new format, some DVD players may not play DVD+R DLs.

When you are still going through the easy setup process, the disk tray cannot be opened. Please finish the Easy setup or press the RETURN button (NOTE: when you are not finishing the Easy Setup process, you will have to configure each setting manually or start the easy setup later on)