Query: What is a DVD?

[emet_sulk]

Type: Text
Sender ID: emet-sulk (Emet-Selch)
To: Public
Subject: Query: What is a DVD?
Warnings: None

As the title states, I would like to understand what exactly a 'dvd' is. I'm led to understand that it is similar to a vinyl record but attempts to clarify further (particularly on the material used and how it records data) were...futile.

If someone with a greater understanding of the technology could enlighten me, I would very much appreciate it.

Comments

text | un: astudyinviolet

[astudyinviolet]

What is a vinyl record?

[ Asks someone still using wax cylinders back home, and polyvinyl chloride has no commercial application yet. ]

[emet_sulk]

A round disc made of a type of polymer rimmed by tiny punctures, almost invisible to the naked eye. Do you have wax cylinders in your world or has your technology yet to progress that far?

[ Thankfully Emet-Selch has seen a great span of technological advancement. ]

[astudyinviolet]

[ Someday, there will be a technology that Sherlock knows about and not others. Someday... ]

Yes, we have wax cylinders. I've used them before.

[emet_sulk]

Then imagine a flat, round disc made of much the same material but somewhat sturdier. The principle is the same but the complexity is far greater. They can be used to record, say, a violin performance in reasonable clarity.

[astudyinviolet]

[ Thank God for the helpful description. He doesn't feel as lost now. ]

Those would be easier to store than the wax cylinders. And this "dvd" is a technology step beyond that?

[emet_sulk]

So it seems. The means by which they are made differ from what I am familiar with but the concept is near identical.

If I have the chance to, I will gladly demonstrate the technology to you if you like. But first I will need to recreate it.

[astudyinviolet]

Should I hear of anything, I will direct that information to you. I am curious to know what this technology is like as well.

[emet_sulk]

I believe you will quite like it, being a man of music as you are. Imagine having a plethora of songs on hand to which you can listen, without the need to call upon a player.

[astudyinviolet]

That would be convenient, but there will always be a place for a live performance.

[emet_sulk]

Naturally. There is no replicating the acoustics of an orchestra performing in some grand hall.

Time permitting, I will see if I can recreate a sample to demonstrate what the technology is like. It is looking to be a more complicated endeavour than I first thought.

[astudyinviolet]

May your endeavors bear fruit.