Put simply, the DVD spec allows for on-the-fly pan-and-scan instructions. Why all the handwringing and gnashing of teeth from the studios, when the answer has been available since the inception of DVD?
I've been hunting for information about this feature, and why it isn't used. The best I've found so far is a Q&A from the dvdfile:
http://www.dvdfile.com/news/views/re.../2000/5_16.htm
Here's a snippet:
quote: What you are referring to is actually a part of the DVD spec, and is usually referred to as "pan & scan on the fly." Since all DVD players can decode pan & scan coordinates if they are encoded in a piece of software, it is a bit surprising that no one has seriously played with these capabilities of the format yet. But, there are reasons for it...[/quote]
It goes on to discuss how cost and other factors conspired to keep studios from using this feature. But now, with studios trembling before the might of Blockbuster and Walmart, and others claiming that kids demand P&S videos, why isn't the P&S feature on DVDs utilized?
This would seem to be a no-brainer, since it solves everything. The original aspect ratio is preserved for all who care, and a fill-yer-tv form is available for those who prefer that.
Perhaps I totally misunderstand the pan-and-scan feature supported by DVD players, but it boggles my mind that there is this chaotic frenzy about OAR v. P&S, when the solution is at hand.
So what's the deal?
[Edited last by DaveF on October 11, 2001 at 07:59 PM]
I've been hunting for information about this feature, and why it isn't used. The best I've found so far is a Q&A from the dvdfile:
http://www.dvdfile.com/news/views/re.../2000/5_16.htm
Here's a snippet:
quote: What you are referring to is actually a part of the DVD spec, and is usually referred to as "pan & scan on the fly." Since all DVD players can decode pan & scan coordinates if they are encoded in a piece of software, it is a bit surprising that no one has seriously played with these capabilities of the format yet. But, there are reasons for it...[/quote]
It goes on to discuss how cost and other factors conspired to keep studios from using this feature. But now, with studios trembling before the might of Blockbuster and Walmart, and others claiming that kids demand P&S videos, why isn't the P&S feature on DVDs utilized?
This would seem to be a no-brainer, since it solves everything. The original aspect ratio is preserved for all who care, and a fill-yer-tv form is available for those who prefer that.
Perhaps I totally misunderstand the pan-and-scan feature supported by DVD players, but it boggles my mind that there is this chaotic frenzy about OAR v. P&S, when the solution is at hand.
So what's the deal?
[Edited last by DaveF on October 11, 2001 at 07:59 PM]