DVD-Audio - technical definition

A high-resolution audio format approved by the DVD Forum in 1999. DVD-Audio and SACD were the two next-generation digital audio formats for enhanced sound quality, but neither one caught on (see high-resolution audio).

Like CDs, DVD-Audio uses PCM encoding. It provides for 16, 20 and 24-bit samples at a variety of sampling rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, compared to 16 bit samples at 44.1 kHz for CDs. DVD-Audio (DVD-A) offers two channels at the highest sampling rates and six channels at lower rates. Channel rates can also vary; for example, the channels for the front speakers can be sampled higher than for the rear.

DVD-Audio supports other coding systems such as Dolby Digital, DTS and DSD and records them on alternate tracks.

The Video Zone
DVD-Audio discs may also contain video, graphics and text in the DVD-Video zone. The Video zone is located at the outer edge of the disc following the DVD-Audio zone that starts at the center of the platter. DVD-Audio players also play regular DVD movies.

The Flip Disc (DVD-A and CD)
A Flip Disc, which became available in 2004, is a DVD-Audio disc that contains the same titles in the CD-DA format on the other side for compatibility with regular CD players. See SACD, MLP and DVD.