By CATHERINE LANGFORD
Digital Video Disc technology recently arrived on store shelves in the form of video players and discs that aim at enhancing the consumer video experience.
The new disc looks like a regular compact disc, but the DVD holds seven times as much information. The DVD comes complete with a choice of language dubbing and/or subtitles, parental control features, camera angles and playback features.
'One of the biggest sellers in this area is the ability to watch a movie in a different rating,' said Cameron Nichols, salesperson at Orem's Future Shop.
In other words, R-rated movies and even PG-rated movies can be viewed in an edited version.
DVDs also allow consumers to choose a screen size, meaning those with wide-screen television sets will not be forced to watch the letterbox format meant for smaller screens.
One drawback to DVD is that much of the flexibility in parental control, screen size and language choice depend on the disc's software and that depends on the company producing it.
'There isn't really a standard format for software yet,' said Cory Hahn, floor manager at the Orem Circuit City.
Future Shop sells several models of DVD players ranging in price from $497-$997. The most expensive players are able to play both DVDs and laser discs.
Wade Hyde, media relation manager, said Blockbuster Entertainment Inc. is testing the technology's popularity in 16 of its stores.
In each of the stores, kiosks with digital televisions, sound equipment and DVD players will be available beginning in mid-June. For those who invest in DVD players, Blockbuster will be renting DVDs in 100 stores, Hyde said.
Discs will cost an average of $24.95, Nichols said, not unlike the average cost of video cassettes, which should contribute to consumer popularity.