Digital Cinematography: Production and Distribution
G. Reber (Publisher & Editor-In-Chief, Widescreen Review)
The introduction in the United States of the Digital Cinema (D-Theatre) system using programme materials prerecorded on tape with the help of the digital video recording equipment based on the D-VHS format developed by JVC in 1996, has begun. It is important to underline that the format stipulates the use of VHS form factor tapes; moreover, the backward compatibility with VHS tapes is provided. A D-VHS cassette of up to 50 GB storage capacity enables to record at the 28.2 Mbps up to 4 hours HD recording MPEG-2 compressed.
In 2001, the D-VHS copy protection system (JVC) was announced, and in January 2002, Artisan, Dreamworks, Fox и Universal announced studio support of the format.
Prerecorded D-VHS -software is now available that can be played back only on D-Theatre players. D-VHS licenses include the D-Theatre part as well.
Why support? First, the D-VHS standard enables to record and play back HD programming, and to create long--term archives. Prerecorded HD movies are available now! (www.DVHSMovieGuide.com). The standard plays an integral role in transition to (H)DTV, sets standards for future HD DVDs. It ensures picture quality that satisfies current/future HD adopters. Lastly, this digital standard is campatible with legacy VHS software.
The D-VHS production technology has a number of advantages:
transpotable, cost-effective medium for viewing HD dailies and other work;
blank tape cost: $15-$25;
full content security via D-Theater;
prersentation-quality screening of motion pictures;
