The DVD specification supports disks with capacities of from 4.7GB to 17GB and access rates of 600KBps to 1.3 MBps. One of the best features of DVD drives is that they are backward-compatible with CD-ROMs, meaning they can play old CD-ROMs, CD-I disks, and video CDs, as well as new DVD-ROMs. Newer DVD players can also read CD-R disks.

DVD uses MPEG-2 to compress video data.

For comparison and contrast, see DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM.

Also see DVD Formats Explained in the Did You Know . . . ? section of Webopedia.

DVD Overview 
Outlines the technologies behind the large capacity successor to the CD, its various formats and the compatibility issues. Includes graphics, diagrams and an integrated glossary. This page is from "The PC Technology Guide."

DVD resource index 
This site is an impressive index of Web-based resources and information related to DVD technology.

DVD technical notes
Provides a comprehensive array of technical notes about DVD technology. Sections include: general, physical, applications, files, standard density CD, and other Web resources.

DVD FAQ
This comprehensive FAQ all about DVDs is updated regularly.

DVD Forum
Home page of the DVD Forum, an ad-hoc association of hardware manufacturers, software firms, and other users of the DVD format. Includes links to news items, conferences, and founding companies.

O P E N L A W : OPEN DVD
A Web site from Harvard University that chronicles the development of DVD law.