What is the default quality for standard DVD discs?

[s3r19lk1ll3r]

So... Yeah, what is the default quality for standard DVD discs? Is it, like, 480p, or 480i? Thanks!

[redwudz]

You can see the DVD specifications, formats and structure to the upper left on this page under 'WHAT IS' DVD. For video bitrate, it's ~9800Kb/s maximum with a frame size of 720 X 480 for NTSC video. That would be interlaced. More commonly, the video bitrate would be around 5000Kb/s.

I suppose that would all mean 480i, though I don't see that term commonly used with DVD's and it doesn't much relate to quality, just framesize and whether it's interlaced or progressive.

[edDV]

Top "NTSC" DVD is 720x480 either "i" interlaced or with pulldown for 23.976p progressive movies.

[redwudz]

Top "NTSC" DVD is 720x480 either "i" interlaced or with pulldown for 23.976p progressive movies.

Thanks. I knew I was leaving something out.

[jagabo]

23.976 fps with pulldown flags is encoded as 480p. The flags tell the DVD player how to produce 480i if necessary (eg composite and s-video).

[edDV]

Yes when DVD started memory and processing was expensive, only 480i out was needed so the DVD disc structure was optimized for 480i playback with minimal processing. Extra processing was reserved for then future progressive DVD players which sold at a premium. The future is now so all DVD players support progressive.