PICTURE QUALITY
DVD boasts broadcast-quality pictures, superior to Laser Disc and far surpassing VHS tape. In resolution, depth of colour and picture stability, it offers huge improvements over previous formats.
In addition, selected titles have been released in the "anamorphic" format - meaning the pictures were shot in widescreen, and then stored in such a way that their presentation is optimised on widescreen TVs (without affecting their presentation on conventional 4:3 TVs). Cecilia Bartoli's La Cenerentola and Live in Italy, plus Andrea Bocelli's Sacred Arias, all benefit from this "widescreen enhanced" format.

SOUND QUALITY
DVD features CD quality stereo. In fact, the standard DVD stereo specification (48kHz/16 bit, often referred to as LPCM Stereo) is even higher than CD. Most excitingly, there is now the opportunity to include up to 6-channel surround sound. Almost all Decca and Philips DVD release offer a surround sound option, as either 5.0 or 5.1 Dolby Digital surround soundtracks.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Enhancing the enjoyment of many programmes are optional, multi-language subtitles - incorporated in all our opera releases. Selected titles also offer bonus tracks, or additional documentary-style content. And, of course, DVD offers the traditional advantages of CD - instant access to individual tracks, plus reliability and durability, all on a convenient size disc.

FORMAT
The majority of our DVD's are in the NTSC format, but are "region-free" and designed for playback world-wide. In PAL regions (for example, Europe, Australasia and Africa) you should ensure that both your DVD player and TV are PAL / NTSC compatible (sometimes referred to as "dual standard"). As a general rule, medium and large-size TVs built in the last decade, plus all widescreen TVs, will be PAL / NTSC compatible. Older PAL-only TVs are unable to accept an NTSC signal and will display a vertically rolling, monochrome picture.
If in doubt, consult your dealer. The PAL / NTSC status of all our releases is clearly indicated in our release sections and on the product.