DualDisc: CD and DVD on one disc

     DualDisc

DualDisc is a two-sided disc product introduced by some segments of the music industry, which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. DualDisc looks like and is similar in size to a DVD or CD.

The DVD side of the DualDisc offers DVD video and DVD audio content that may include many of the features currently found in DVD discs including:

• Enhanced audio
• 5.1 surround sound
• Music videos
• Artists' interviews and behind-the-scene footage
• Documentary films and photo galleries
• Lyrics and other material produced by the recording artist or label.
  

The "CD" side contains a full-length music album in stereo, while the DVD side can contain an assortment of add-ons including a surround sound version of the same album in Dolby Digital, DTS, or the higher-fidelity DVD-Audio format; music videos; song lyrics; documentaries; digital-ready song files; and more, giving the music artist more freedom for including extra value-added bonus content.

DualDisc gives the consumer the ability to play one disc in a CD player or DVD player. But I can already play my CDs in my DVD player, you say. Yes you can, but not in true surround sound. And you can't enjoy a true surround mix through your CD player. Some standard CDs might contain video and Web links that you can access using your computer's CD-ROM drive, but for the most part it's an audio-only format. The DVD side of a DualDisc gives producers the chance to include value-added content about music artists. 

DualDisc isn't the first new disc format to come out in the past few years. The SACD and DVD-Audio formats offer high-resolution audio in surround sound, but you have to own an appropriate player to take advantage of the higher-quality surround sound audio. Like CD, SACD is an audio format, while DVD-Audio discs can contain video content, too. 

The high-fidelity surround sound or stereo mix on the DVD side of many current DualDisc releases is a DVD-Audio track. If you don't have a DVD-Audio player, fear not; there's usually a basic surround sound mix for your DVD player, as well.

Many music retail stores have DualDiscs in their regular CD section. That means no searching the store for a special DualDisc kiosk, as you may have to do with DVD-Audio and SACD. You just have to look for the DualDisc label on your CD of choice. 

General Information

The DualDisc was introduced to the U.S. market in November 2004. Physically it is identical to a DVDPlus which was introduced in Europe in 2001. In Europe and other countries both formats are protected by a patent. A DualDisc is a combination of a CD and a DVD. It consists of two layers. One layer is the CD part, which contains a traditional album. The other layer is the DVD layer which contains either music in a higher quality (DVD-Audio format) and/or contents like music videos, interviews, picture galleries etc.

The Dual Disc has a total thickness of 1.5 mm which makes it a bit thicker than a standard CD, while the CD layer thickness itself is a bit less. This can cause playing problems in CD-drives. These problems can be avoided by considering the following maximum amounts of data and limitations.

1. DVD-ROM 4.7 GB and CD-ROM 525 MB

2. DVD-ROM 4.7 GB and CD-Audio 60 min

3. DVD-Video 4.7 GB and CD-ROM 525 MB

4. DVD-Video 4.7 GB and CD-Audio 60 min

5. DVD-Audio 4.7 GB and CD-ROM 525 MB

6. DVD-Audio 4.7 GB and CD-Audio 60 min

The thickness of the CD-layer requires compromises to make sure that the disc thickness does not exceed 1.5 mm. The thickness of this layer is only 0.9 mm instead of 1.2 mm. This variance from the CD-specifications and the construction of the DualDisc require the following limitations:

- Before using a DualDisc in "Slot In" CD-drives the drive manual should be read to make sure that it is suitable. "Slot In" drives are usually used in car stereos, notebooks, etc.

Incompatibility of the CD-layer with certain DVD-ROM drives of some manufacturers could be possible.

Solution: Search for Firmware updates + Installation

Issues with DualDisc:


The issue:  the 1.5mm thickness of the DualDisc itself. The increase in thickness may cause a disc to jam in a small percentage of consumer equipment. Standard CDs are generally about 1.2mm thick, and can be as much as 1.5mm thick, allowing for some size variation in the mass-production of CDs. DualDiscs are almost exactly 1.5mm thick, and that is at the outer limits of the maximum thickness allowed. When DualDisc was first launched, there were a few reports about problems playing the discs, especially the "CD" side. This prompted manufacturers like Pioneer, Sony, Toshiba, Denon, and Onkyo to issue warning statements on their websites urging consumers not to play DualDiscs on their equipment until they have a chance to test the format. Doing so, they warned, might damage the disc and/or player. 

After testing the discs, many manufacturers have scaled back their initial statements, removing warnings that DualDiscs might damage equipment. Instead, they merely explain to consumers that the discs are not guaranteed to play back on all of their players.

Why would there be a problem playing back the disc in all players? A standard CD is 1.2mm thick. A standard DVD is also 1.2mm thick, but the DVD is actually two 0.6mm sides put together. Now, bonding a CD with a single layer DVD would make the new disc (0.6mm on the DVD side and 1.2mm on the CD side) 1.8mm thick. This is too thick to meet the CD standard and causes problems with slot-loading and caddy-based players. The "CD" side of DualDisc was cut down to 0.9mm to make a total disc thickness of 1.5mm which is closer to the standard but since the CD specifications are slightly different, DualDiscs cannot use the Compact Disc logo.

The audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the technical specifications to be called a  “Compact Disc Digital Audio”, set forth in the Redbook Audio Compact Disc specifications. Because the DualDisc does not adhere to the industry Redbook specifications, the audio side of a DualDisc may not play correctly in certain models of DVD players/recorders/drives or CD players/drives. As the DVD side of DualDisc complies with DVD standards, that side of the DualDisc can be played back with most existing DVD players.

The "CD" side cannot legally use the standard Compact Disc logo because it fails to meet Red Book CD specs - primarily by being thicker than standard CDs. They are 1.5mm thick, which is more than standard DVDs or CDs. That is why they fail to play on some disc players. The DVD Forum doesn’t care about the CD side as long as the DVD side meets their specs. To minimize potential issues with slot-loading and caddy-based multidisc players, a DualDisc needs to be less than 1.5mm thick. To accomplish this, the CD side is actually thinner than the Compact Disc Digital Audio standard (aka the Red Book standard); it's 0.9mm instead of 1.2mm. As a result, Philips' Intellectual Property & Standards Group did not grant DualDisc a license to use of the official Compact Disc logo. That's why some companies refer to the CD side as the "non-DVD" or "audio" side.

As with any CD that isn't Red Book compliant, there's no guarantee that a DualDisc will work in every CD player. Obviously, this is a concern, given that the format's primary selling point is its ubiquitous playback ability. Then there's the fact that adding yet another new disc format to the retail shelves will undoubtedly lead to some confusion among consumers. 

Because DualDiscs are a fraction thicker than regular CDs, DualDisc packaging includes a boilerplate warning that "not all DVD and CD players will play the audio side". That said, most people have had no problems with DualDiscs played on car stereo, home stereo or laptop computers. Single tray type DVD players should have no problem playing DualDiscs. Portable CD players (flip-tops) should also have no problem with DualDiscs. Some slot-in CD players such as those installed in cars might have a problem, however 97% of DualDisc customers have had no problems. Problems include trouble playing in DVD players (3%), computers (3%), troubles playing in cars (2%) and troubles playing in CD players (2%). So far very few problems have been reported by consumers, despite over 2 million DualDiscs already sold. Some well-known artists have even starting releasing DualDisc-only releases. The music industry hopes for the migration from CDs to DualDiscs to go smoothly in an aim to lure consumers back to purchasing music on physical media again.

When consumers were surveyed about DualDisc, around 3% to 6% of them were not happy with the format, mainly due to compatibility issues. The most common issue is the player refusing to play the disc for several load attempts. Another common issue is consumers forgetting to put the disc on its correct side.

DualDisc, the hot-selling new music product that combines a CD and a DVD on one disc, carries some warnings. On each DualDisc package comes the disclaimer that the audio side of the disc does not conform to CD specifications and may not play on all DVD and CD players.

Yet consumers appear to be ignoring the warnings and to date have reported relatively few problems to retailers and DualDisc manufacturers. Music industry officials say more than 2 million DualDiscs have already been purchased, and predict sales will accelerate in the wake of successful DualDisc-only releases. 

DualDisc - Major Record Labels Test Hybrid CD/DVD Format 
Mar 2004

DualDisc, the hybrid CD/DVD format, started with the release of thirteen titles into the test markets of Boston and Seattle. DualDiscs are double-sided, Compact Disc compatible digital audio at 44.1kHz 16-bit and DVD-Video, with the possibility of including high-resolution DVD-Audio content.

A consortium of five major record labels – BMG, EMI, Warner Music Group, Sony Music and Universal – all have titles amongst the initial batch of thirteen. The test features releases from a wide variety of artists, including AC/DC, Audioslave, David Bowie, and Good Charlotte.

Identical in size and looks to a Compact Disc or DVD disc, the DualDisc offers consumers the option of playing the disc in either a CD player and or DVD player. DualDiscs contain the traditional CD format on one side, while the other side features DVD-Audio technology, which includes Advanced Resolution™, multi-channel audio and the option of including video footage, still images and photos, lyrics, and Web links. The result is a product that provides the consumer with a new dimension to the recorded music experience.

DualDisc offers dramatically expanded capabilities beyond those of the traditional CD by combining CD audio and DVD video on a single two-sided disc. DualDisc is playable on existing CD and DVD hardware, personal computers and game consoles. The new product capitalizes on the popularity of DVD by including a DVD compatible portion that can contain exclusive video footage, unique films or other video content that will help to expand the relationship between artists and their fans. In addition, the DualDisc features surround sound capabilities and web-based interactivity, and can provide maximum portability by including digital music files right on the disc. By combining music, video, interactivity and portability in a single disc, DualDisc will provide music consumers with enhanced value. 

DualDisc officially launched Fall of 2004

DualDisc seems to really have the attention of the four major record labels as the next physical format they want to use to sell their music, having beaten out SACD and potentially incorporating many of the features of DVD-Audio onto the DVD side of the half-CD/half-DVD “dual disc.” 

For more information, visit http://www.dualdisc.com/.

The DualDisc, is a single CD/DVD-sized optical disc featuring a full-length CD on one side and a DVD on the other side. The CD is playable in a standard CD player, and the DVD - which features an enhanced version of the album and a wide array of bonus material (such as video clips, documentaries, lyrics, etc.) - is playable in a standard DVD player. 

The CD side is a music CD, typically containing a full album, and therefore plays in portable CD players. The DVD side is a single-layer DVD-5, and contains the full album in enhanced sound, in DVD-Video and even DVD-Audio format, so it delivers higher-quality surround-sound music.

DualDisc provides the two ubiquitous formats: CD and DVD-Video. 

The CD layer of DualDisc gives us the backward compatibility that DVD-Audio really did not. Plus, the DVD layer adds value for the consumer. 

What Is A DualDisc?

DualDisc has both a CD player side and a DVD side, allowing artists to create in new ways using audio, video and computer content - all on a single two-sided disc.

What Is On A DualDisc?

One side is the full-length CD audio album. The other side offers DVD content. This may include enhanced album audio, 5.1 surround sound, music videos, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, documentary films, photo galleries, lyrics, computer-ready digital song files, and Web links. It all depends on the artist.

Do I Need New Equipment?

No. However, to take full advantage of DualDiscs that feature surround sound music, you will  need a 5.1 channel surround sound system.

What Is Enhanced Audio And Surround Sound?

The DVD side of the DualDisc offers superior audio. Many DualDiscs include surround sound mixes that have been specially created during the recording process. When listened to on a 5.1 channel surround system, the result is a rich, three-dimensional musical experience.

Where Can I Play A DualDisc?

Use the DVD side if you have a DVD player in order to enjoy the entire album in enhanced audio and the additional DVD features. The DVD side plays wherever a DVD plays - including many gaming consoles and computers. In a PC, the DVD side acts like a DVD-ROM on DualDiscs that include computer extras and Web links. The CD side plays on all but a limited number of CD and DVD models.

How Can I Tell Which Side Is Which?

Each side is clearly marked for play on a CD or DVD player.

What If I Put A DualDisc In My Player Upside-Down?

If you place the DVD side in a CD player, it will not play - just turn it over and re-insert.

The test marketing of DualDisc earlier in Boston and Seattle was reportedly very successful, with 82% of consumers saying they were very satisfied with the product, and 90% saying they would recommend the product to a friend. 

While there is no standard for the specific contents of the two sides of a DualDisc, the industry is committed to providing this ubiquitous playability, with the CD album plus a higher-quality enhanced sound version on the DVD side. Plus, the DVD can contain additional formats as well as computer-readable bonus material.

The disc ships in a standard CD-size jewel case, but with the DualDisc logo. The back cover text clearly explains this is a CD plus DVD, prominently listing the tracks on the CD side, and then the contents of the DVD side: the entire album in 5.1 surround sound, a live performance video, artist photos, and computer-readable ROM content. The actual disc itself has no label, since both sides are used, so you need to read the tiny writing on the disc hub to distinguish the two sides.

The CD side has the music tracks in standard CD Audio format.

The DVD side then has the same album in several different formats, including both DVD-Video and DVD-Audio. The DVD-Video content plays by default in any DVD player, and includes the main album in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (with a simple display of a still image slide for each song), plus a live performance video track. This material is stored in a standard VIDEO_TS folder, and requires only 724 MB.

The disc also includes the album in even higher quality surround-sound DVD-Audio format, playable on devices that support the format. This is stored in an AUDIO_TS folder, in 2.3 GB, which still leaves some 1.7 GB of space available for more video and other bonus features.

If you want to listen to the music on other devices such as portable players, the songs are already "pre-ripped" for you, and stored as data files on the ROM portion of the disc, in both AAC (MPEG-4 audio) and WMA (Windows Media Audio) formats. These are not plain stereo MP3 files like you could rip from the CD, they are high-quality files encoded with Dolby Headphone technology, providing a surround-sound experience when listening with headphones to a portable player. And they only require around 45 MB for each format, or a tenth of the space of the original CD audio files.

For convenient access, the disc includes an AutoRun DVD launcher application (a Macromedia Director application for Windows) that includes a menu to access a DVD player interface (if a DirectShow player engine is installed on the machine), to import the portable music, and to access bonus features and web links. The bonus features are not stored on the disc, but can be downloaded through the Silverline Web portal at http://www.dvdlauncher.com/. You can register each disc (for free) to access these updated bonus features, which can include features such as artist and album information, photos, lyrics, and new release schedules.

This bonus content then can be updated over time. These can include bonus tracks or remixes, video updates from a tour bus or backstage at a concert, or even additional material that did not make it on to the released disc.

DualDiscs began to be available in October 2004. Each label has its own release schedule and pricing plans. 

Pricing: What about prices for DualDisc? How much does a DualDisc cost? The original promotion for DualDisc included an observation that they would only cost about $1 more than an equivalent CD of just the music. Many have a Suggested Retail Price of $18.98 and some are even more, but Amazon.com has some current DualDisc releases for $13.49. Non-DualDisc DVD-As also carry a $18.98 SRP though some are as high as $24.98 and down to $17.98. Standard CDs range all over the place but are generally quite a bit less than just $1 lower. Some older CD albums go for $9.99 or less. DualDiscs average retail prices vary from around $13.99 to $18.99. 

DualDiscs are being issued by a consortium of record labels and companies, including Sony BMG, Warner Bros. and Universal. In 2004, CD album sales, which make up 98 percent of all album sales, were up 2.3 percent compared with 2003. That was good news for the industry. But with downloadable music also making gains, and Internet music piracy still a problem, record execs are hoping DualDiscs further strengthen in-store music buying. Videos and related bonus footage aren't as easy to share online. Plus, by the end of 2005, 80 percent of U.S. households will have at least one DVD player, according to the nonprofit trade consortium Digital Entertainment Group.

So far, DualDisc sales have been promising. Jennifer Lopez's "Rebirth" was released in both DualDisc and CD-only formats; about 30 percent of her sales have been DualDiscs. Bruce Springsteen's "Devils & Dust" is the first album from a major artist to be released exclusively on DualDisc. Jessica Simpson's "In This Skin" DualDisc has 14 songs on the "CD" side and videos of her wedding, music videos and all 14 songs in surround sound on the DVD side.

 

DualDisc Consortium
    http://www.dualdisc.com/

5.1 Entertainment Group / Silverline Records
    http://www.5point1.net/


DualDisc Packaging

The DualDisc packaging is similar to a standard CD jewel case, but with significant improvements. The hinge area is shorter, allowing room on the opposite side for a small lever, which opens the cover when pressed.

When viewed from the front, the case has a slightly curved right side that is both aesthetically pleasing and an easy visual identifier, signifying this is something more than a CD. The dimensions are about the same as a CD Jewel case so it will fit in standard racks.

Inside, the spokes in the hub that grasps the center hole of a CD has been replaced with a hub with a three point clasp and a central small, round lever with “PUSH” molded into it. This releases the disc.

Most of the discs have a small label promoting DualDisc as “One disc. Two experiences” followed by a description of some of the contents. Many DualDiscs have a plastic slip cover with the letters "DualDisc" down the right side. This helps to identify a DualDisc in the store shelves since many are displayed right along with CDs.

DualDisc Contents

The contents vary quite a bit.  While the CD side is standard 44.1kHz 16-bit PCM on all of them, it appears that the Sony discs have only two-channel PCM on the DVD side. Here, in keeping with the DVD standard, the PCM audio sample rate is 48kHz, (there is no indication of the bit depth). Many of them have the DVD-Audio logo on the back. Many do not have a DVD-Audio logo, but do describe the content as “Advanced Resolution Surround Sound, Advanced Resolution Stereo, and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound”.

There is room inside the cover for a booklet similar to what is offered with some CDs.

Clearly the discs can contain a wide variety of material including high-resolution audio.