For the recording of sound of truly outstanding quality, DVD-Video's range extends from 16-bit/48kHz stereo sound--that is, sound superior to CD and equal to DAT--through 20-bit and 24-bit/48kHz, to 16-bit, 20-bit, and 24-bit/96kHz super audio.

Data which are other than 16-bit/48kHz are converted to 16-bit/48kHz when they are played back on a regular DVD player. To reproduce the original audio data, it is necessary either to connect a D/A converter to the DVD player or to use a player capable of high-bit/high-sampling playback.

The DVD players to be released in Japan and the United States will be equipped with Dolby AC-3 and linear PCM playback functions as standard. Models for Europe will be equipped with linear PCM and MPEG audio playback functions as standard. To accommodate other audio systems, manufacturers may offer various options.

When MPEG2-compressed image data having average transfer bit rate of 5Mbit/sec. are accompanied by 24-bit/96kHz stereo sound, that is, the highest quality sound available with DVD-Video, about 65 minutes of images and sound can be stored.

Furthermore, it is possible to make a disc similar to a CD-EXTRA, that is, one which consists mainly of music, by using still pictures with music when no video clip is available.

* The above are rough estimates assuming a 1-layer single-side 4.7GB disc, image bit transfer rate of 5Mbit/sec. and sound recorded in 2-channel stereo.