NOTE: You, the customer, are solely responsible for data security. WinBook strongly recommends that you perform a backup of all personal data contained on your system prior to performing this procedure. Warning: WinBook will NOT be held responsible for any data loss incurred during this process.

What is DVD?

DVD is a format based on the compact disc. It is 5 inches in diameter and can have two layers on each side. What this means is by changing the focus of the laser that is reading the disc slightly, a layer below the surface layer can be accessed. This increases the storage capacity, especially when you consider that DVD can be double sided as well.

What does DVD stand for?

DVD originally stood for Digital Video Disc but it is now more often called Digital Versatile Disc because it can be used to store computer data as well as video

Can I use regular CDs in my DVD drive?

Yes, you can use any traditional CD in the drive. It will still support data and music CDs just like a standard 20XCD-ROM drive.

How much data will fit on a DVD?

The DVD can hold 2.6GB of data or approximately 133 minutes of video can be stored on a single-sided single-layer disc as well as 8 soundtracks, including a 5.1 soundtrack such as Dolby Digital, and up to 32 sets of subtitles. Also, DVD gives the option of different camera angles to be stored on the disc so that the user can switch between them and also different ratings (such as PG etc.) and aspect ratios.

Do I need to install any software to use my DVD drive?

No, the software for viewing DVD movies was included on the desktop of your computer. You can reinstall that software from a CD-ROM that came with your computer and has the software on it.

How do I start a DVD movie?

To start a movie insert your DVD disc into your DVD drive and then click on the ATI icon on your System Tray located on the bottom right of your screen.  Click on ATI Programs and choose ATI DVD Player. This will start your viewer and bring up the DVDs menu. Follow the instructions that came with your movie to set it up and start it.

Can I watch my movies on a TV Screen?

You can watch movies through a television screen if you your computer has a video out jack. However, this does not give you sound through your television; the sound will still come out of your computer unless you have plugged in external speakers.

What are regions?

Since movies are sold all over the world movie makers agreed upon a system called regions to help protect their markets. Since movies sometimes don't hit the theaters in other parts of the world until after it has been released on video in the US they came up with this system.

There are 6 different regions that your DVD could be designed for, your player will be set to region 1 by default.
1: Canada, U.S., U.S. Territories
2: Japan, Europe, South Africa, Middle East (including Egypt)
3: Southeast Asia, East Asia (including Hong Kong)
4: Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, Caribbean
5: Former Soviet Union, Indian Subcontinent, Africa (also North Korea, Mongolia)
6: China

How many times can I change my region?

You will be able to change your region a total of five times. This is monitored by hardware so reformating your hard drive is not going to reset it. Once it has been changed five times you will no longer be able to change your region , it will be permanently left on the fifth one you set up.

Does my DVD drive support Divx?

No, this drive does not support Divx.

The Divx system allows consumers to buy special encrypted movie discs for about the price of a VHS rental. The purchase includes a two-day viewing period that begins, not when consumers leave the store, but only when they insert the disc into a Divx player and press play. That can be on the day the disc was purchased or weeks or months later. Discs may be paused, stopped and played multiple times during the viewing period. Divx-enhanced DVD players will play all basic DVD discs, but the lower-cost Divx discs cannot be played on DVD players without the Divx feature.

Does my DVD drive support wide-screen pictures?

Yes, this DVD drive will support both wide screen and boxed pictures.

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Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you as a service from the Technical Support Department of WinBook Computers. It is intended to assist you in the resolution of your technical problems or questions. If you feel uncomfortable implementing any of the information or suggestions contained herein then you should e-mail the WinBook Technical Support Department. WinBook will not be held responsible for any loss of information, data or programming as a result of the use of this TechNote.