Information on Dual Disc

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

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

• 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 audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the technical specifications called an “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 Sony DVD players/recorders/drives or CD players/drives.

As the DVD side of the DualDisc complies with DVD standard, the DVD side of the DualDisc can be played back with existing Sony DVD players.

Following are some general Dual Disc FAQs:

1. What is DualDisc?

DualDisc is a new two sided disc product introduced by the music industry which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. DualDisc is similar in size to a DVD and CD. The DVD side of the DualDisc offers DVD video or DVD audio content which may include many of the features currently found in DVD discs including enhanced audio; 5.1 surround sound, music videos, artists’ interviews, behind-the-scene footage, documentary films, photo galleries, lyrics and other material produced by the recording artist or label. The audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the technical specifications is called a "Compact Disc Digital Audio".

2. Will the DVD side of the DualDisc play on Sony DVD players or DVD-optioned PCs?

The DVD video content on the DVD side of the DualDisc will play on, and be compatible with Sony DVD players and DVD drives, except MegaStorage DVD Changers. However, Sony DVD players and drives do not support DVD Audio format and contents found on the DVD side of a DualDisc conforming to the DVD Audio format will not play on these Sony devices. Sony DVD players and DVD drives should play all other DVD audio content offered on the DVD side.

* MegaStorage DVD Changers are not launched in Asia Pacific region

3. Will the audio side of the DualDisc play on Sony DVD players or DVDoptioned PCs?

Not always. Since the audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications found in the industry "Redbook", the data constituting the audio portion of the disc may not be read by the DVD player or DVD drive. Even though the audio side does not meet the Compact Disc Digital Audio specification, some Sony DVD players and DVD drives may read and interpret the audio side of the disc while others may not.

4. Will the audio side of the DualDisc play on a Sony CD player or CD-optioned PC?

Not always. Since the audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications found in the industry "Redbook", the data constituting the audio portion of the disc may not be read by the CD player or CD drives. Even though the audio side does not meet the Compact Disc Digital Audio specification, some Sony CD players and CD drives may read and interpret the audio layer while others may not.

5. Will Sony modify my DVD/CD or CD player or drives to play DualDiscs?

No. The DVD and CD players and drives manufactured by Sony were designed to meet the Compact Disc Digital Audio and DVD Forum specifications. Since the audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the Compact Disc Digital Audio specification, Sony is not in a position to modify its players or drives to allow them to play back this new type of disc.

6. Will DualDiscs play in my Sony MegaStorage CD or Megastorage DVD Changers?

No. DualDiscs may become jammed in the slots or racks of the holders of these products. We recommend that you do not attempt to play DualDiscs in these units.

* MegaStorage DVD Changers are not launched in Asia Pacific region

7. Will DualDiscs play in my slot-type CD or DVD players?

Subject to the answer to Question 2 above, the DVD side of a DualDisc will be able to play in a Sony slot-loading DVD player. However, the DVD side of a DualDisc may be scratched or abraded when used in a Sony slot-loading CD player. Compact Discs have a hard or non-recorded surface on top (normally where you would see the artwork or the label of the record company on the Compact Disc). Some CD slot-loading players are designed to load a Compact Disc by means of a mechanical device that pulls the disc into the player. Because DualDiscs contain a content layer, such as the DVD layer, on the "top side", the loading mechanism may scratch or abrade a portion of that surface. These scratches or abrasions may affect the subsequent playability of such scratched or abraded side of the Disc. We recommend that you do not attempt to play DualDiscs in slot-loading CD players. Whether or not it is scratched or abraded, the audio side of a DualDisc may not play in slot type CD or DVD players because it does not conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications.

8. Will DualDiscs play in car CD players and car DVD players?

Subject to the answer to Question 2 above, the DVD side of a DualDisc will be able to play in Sony car DVD players. However, the DVD side of a DualDisc may be scratched or abraded when used in a slot loading car CD player. Compact Discs have a hard or non-recorded surface on top (normally where you would see the artwork or the label of the record company on the Compact Disc). Car CD slotloading players are designed to load a Compact Disc by means of a mechanical device that pulls the disc into the player. Because DualDiscs contain a content layer, such as the DVD layer, on the "top side", the loading mechanism may scratch or abrade a portion of that surface. These scratches or abrasions may affect the subsequent playability of the such scratched or abraded side of the Disc. As a result, we recommend that you do not attempt to play DualDiscs in slot-loading car CD players. Whether or not it is scratched or abraded, the audio side of a DualDisc may not play in Sony car CD or DVD players because it does not conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications.

9. What to do if DualDisc media becomes jammed or some other damage occurs with your Sony DVD/CD Player or Changer from using DualDisc media.

For assistance, please contact the local Sony VAIO Helpdesk. For more information on contacting the local Sony VAIO Helpdesk, please refer to either the Customer Service Guide or Warranty Card that comes with the computer. Alternatively, click here for the contact details.